FITTING INSTRUCTIONS
Before initial donning, if using 6500QL (Quick latch) product, ensure that the quick latch is closed and the upper straps are seated in
the latch guides.
1. Adjust head cradle size as needed to fit comfortably on head.
2. Place the respirator over the nose and mouth, fitting it comfortably on the bridge of the nose, then pull the head harness over the crown of
the head. Figure 1.
3. Take a bottom strap in each hand, place the straps at the back of the neck and hook the straps together. See Fig. 2.
4. Tighten the top head harness first by pulling on the ends of the straps to achieve a comfortable and secure fit. Tighten the bottom straps
in a similar manner. (Strap tension may be decreased by pushing out on the back side of the buckles)
IMPORTANT NOTICE: After initial donning of the 6500QL Quick Latch Half Mask, once straps are adjusted to proper length,
subsequent donning can be done with quick latch initially in open or closed position. To don with the quick latch in the open
position, follow steps as above for fitting the head harness, then raise mask to the in-use position according to the procedure
described in the "Using Quick Latch Drop-Down Suspension" section of these User Instructions.
5. Perform a positive and/or negative pressure face fit check.
These fitting instructions MUST be followed each time respirator is worn.
FIT CHECK
• Positive Pressure User Seal Check (for all approved configurations)
(all Filters except 3M™ 6035 /6038/ 2000 Series Filters).
1. Place the palm of your hand over the exhalation valve and exhale gently. See Fig. 3.
If the facepiece bulges slightly and no air leaks are detected between the face and the facepiece, a proper seal has been obtained.
If faceseal air leakage is detected, reposition the respirator on your face and/or readjust the tension of the straps to eliminate the leakage and
recheck seal.
• Negative Pressure User Seal Check with 6035 / 6038 Filters
Also 2000 Series filters.
Press your thumbs into the central indentation of the filters (2000 Series), or press filter cover and filter body together (6035/6038), inhale gently
and hold your breath for ten seconds
If the face piece collapses slightly a proper fit has been achieved. See Fig. 4.
If faceseal air leakage is detected, reposition the respirator on your face and/or readjust the tension of the straps to eliminate the leakage and
recheck seal.
If you CANNOT achieve a proper fit DO NOT enter the hazardous area.
It is recommended that wearers should be fit tested in accordance with AS/NZS 1715. For information regarding fit testing procedures, please
contact 3M.
USING QUICK LATCH DROP-DOWN SUSPENSION
IMPORTANT NOTICE: 6500QL Quick Latch Half Mask should only be moved to drop-down position in non-contaminated environments.
The Quick Latch enables wearers to don and doff the half mask quickly without moving the head harness from its position on the crown of the
head.
Follow these steps to lower the half mask from the in-use position on the face to the drop-down position below the chin.
1. Grasp the bottom of the quick latch, at chin level, with the thumb and first two fingers. (Fig. 5).
2. Pull up and open the quick latch, as the half mask loosens from the face and begins to slide to the drop-down position. Half Mask will rest
below the chin (Fig. 6).
Follow these steps to raise the half mask from the drop-down position below the chin to the in-use position on the face.
1. Grasp the front of the half mask with the thumb at the bottom of the half mask and the first two fingers at the top of the opened quick latch.
2. Place the half mask over the mouth and nose.
3. Push the quick latch down and click into the lower, closed position.
DOFFING
Do not remove the face piece, or filters until you have vacated the contaminated area.
1. Release the tension on the head straps.
2. Carefully lift face piece off the face and remove the respirator by lifting up and away from the face.
Replacement Parts Instructions
3M™ Rugged Comfort Half Mask 6500 and 6500QL consist of identical parts, with the exception of the Head Harness Assembly & Valve Cover
components.
3M™ Head Harness Assembly & Valve Cover Replacement
1. To remove the Quicklatch suspension head harness assembly & valve cover, first open the quick latch. For both quicklatch and standard
assemblies, place thumb beneath valve cover and fingers at the top. Pull the valve cover bottom away from facepiece with the thumb and then
up to release the valve cover (Fig 7).
2. Replace Head Harness Assembly & Valve Cover by positioning the peg on the facepiece into the notch at the top of the valve cover. Press
the bottom of the valve cover into the facepiece. When properly engaged, an audible snap should be heard.
Exhalation Valve Replacement
1. Remove 3M™ Head Harness Assembly & Valve Cover 6581(Std)/6582 (QL) by pulling away from faceseal (Fig. 7).
2. Remove 3M™ Exhalation Valve 6583 from valve seat by grasping the valve and pulling each valve stem out from the valve seat (Fig. 8).
3. Inspect valve seat making certain it is clean and in good condition.
4. Replace 3M™ Exhalation Valve 6583 by inserting stems into the two holes until they are visible from inside the facepiece and then pulling the
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