1. Frontline Fire Fighter Segment
I have seen the facepieces come in after they fail mask fit test. I haveseen them
come in my office for simple repairs. I have seen too many fire fighters ask for the
Speaking Diaphragm tool so they can take their mask apart. I figureit’s about
time we go over the proper way to clean your facepiece. This is the way you
should clean your facepiece after a working fire, before your mask fit test and
before you come see me to have it repaired because it leaks. You can quick clean
your mask once a week like we discussed on Frontline back in May but this
procedureis for those really dirty masks…you know who you are. Let’s get to it.
1. Locate grey Air Klic wheresecond stage regulator clicks into facepiece.
Press down and hold spring loaded “peace sign” shaped lock assembly in the
middle of the Air Klic with the finger of one hand while turning the Air Klic
counter-clock wisewith your other hand until Air Klic is detached fromthe
facepiece.
2. Remove Nozzle Cover with your city ID on it fromthe frontof mask by
simply lifting it off.
3. Located below spring loaded “peace sign” ratchet systemwill be the
exhalation valveassembly. Gently pry one of the exhalation valve’s two lower
legs aside to release it fromthe nozzle.
4. Slide the second lower leg aside and the exhalation valve’s spring will
extend.
5. Gently pull on the spring to remove the exhalation valve fromthe nozzle. If
the diaphragm is stuck, look inside the face pieces nosecup, below the speaking
diaphragm and you will see the exhalation valve’s white glide flag. Push the white
glide flag out towards the frontof the face piece with a skinny objectlike a pencil
point, loosening its hold on the nozzle.

2. 6. Spray 50:50 diluted Simple Green or Spray Nine diluted to a 4:1 mixture on
the facepiece’s lens, head net, skirt, Air Klic, nozzlecover, exhalation valve
assembly and nozzle area inside and out. Use your hand, spongeor old
toothbrush to loosen all debris from your facepiece. Pay special attention to the
inside folds of the skirtand nose cup and to the exhalation valve’s diaphragm and
its seating surfacein the nozzle.
7. Use your fingernail or other softobject to scrapethe exhalation valve’s
seating surfacein the nozzle to make sureyou remove all debris.
8. Rinse the dirty cleaner off the entire facepiece and disassembled parts and
repeat if necessary.
9. Once the facepiece is clean, apply a shortburstof full strength Spray Nine
to the nosecup section only of the facepiece to sanitize it. Leave the Spray Nine
on for at least 45 seconds beforethoroughly rinsing it off.
10. Rinse the facepiece again thoroughly and completely, hot water works best.
Make sureyou rinse the facepiece thoroughly, paying special attention to the
folds of the skirt, the exhalation valveand its seating surface.
12. Gently shakethe facepiece to removeexcess water and dry with a soft
cloth. Do not use harsh paper towels on the lens as they may scratch.
13. Reassemble exhalation valveby placing the glide flag into its slot in the
frontof the face piece and slide it in.
14. Rotate the exhalation valve slightly clockwiseto align the feet with their
catches in the nozzle.
15. Place the top, closestto the “peace sign” ratchet system, in first. Slide the
foot into the catch hole.
16. Use your thumb to gently push one of the remaining two feet into its catch
followed by the last foot. A click may be heard as they lock in place. The
exhalation valveshould be firmly seated in the nozzle. Gently pushing or tapping
on the top of the valve resulting in no movement can verify proper installation.

3. 17. Place the nozzlecover over the recently installed exhalation valvemaking
surethe two tabs on the top and bottom of the nozzle, line up with the receivers
in the nozzlecover. The nozzlecover will rattle around until properly seated.
18. Place Air Klic into the threaded hole in the nozzleand turn clock-wiseuntil
firmly seated. When the Air Klic is properly seated, the nozzlecover will not
rattle.
19. Take a deep breath and don the facepiece. Cover the Air Klic with one hand
and exhale through exhalation valveblowing out any residual water. Keep your
hand over the Air Klic, to maintain a seal, and inhale. Hold negative pressureon
facepiece for a few seconds, verifying a successfulreassembly. If you havea leak
and cannot hold negative pressureon the facepiece, double check reassembly
instructions paying special attention to the speaking diaphragm and exhalation
valve. If you still have a problem, tag the facepiece for repair or see Air Room
Technician for assistance.
Thank you for properly cleaning your masks and remember they are your
atmospherein a working fire. A dirty or leaking mask will resultin poor air
management which could result in air loss and less time inside the structure.