1. Bullard PA20 Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) Training Material

2. PA20 Principle of Operation1
A PA20 Powered Air Purifying Respirator System consists of four components (Figure 1):
Hood (1)
Breathing Tube (2)
Blower Unit (3)
High Efficiency Particulate (HEPA) Filter (Internal, Not Shown) 2 3
Figure 1

3. Proper Use & Warnings
Know the work environment and the potential hazards that could exist.
Leave area immediately if: Breathing becomes difficult Dizziness or other distress occurs Unit becomes damaged Battery alarm sounds
This apparatus must not be worn with the blower unit switched off. If the blower is switched off, a rapid build-up of carbon dioxide and depletion of oxygen may occur, which could result in death or serious injury.
Never alter or modify this respirator. Use only NIOSH approved PA20 components and replacement parts for this respirator.

4. Assembly
Attach Breathing Tube to Blower Unit, ensuring gray seal is in place (Figure 2).
Ensure that filter assembly is installed into blower unit housing.
Hoods have a sewn-in breathing tube connector on the back. The breathing tube has a special connector on the hood end with bayonet type pins.
Insert the bayonet connector of the breathing tube into the hood connector and turn clockwise until it locks into place (Figure 3).
Remove tissue from hood lens.
Figure 2
Figure 3

5. Donning / Doffing
Donning / doffing should take place in a clean and hazard-free environment.
To Don:
Place the blower unit with the breathing tube facing up against the back and buckle belt around the user’s waist. Adjust the belt for a proper fit prior to buckling.
Turn on the blower unit
Place the hood on the head and adjust the
suspension for a comfortable and secure fit.
To Doff:
Remove hood from head.
Turn off the blower unit.
Unbuckle belt and place on flat surface.
Remove used hood and dispose. When
finished, leave PAPR in dirty utility room to be
picked up by Distribution.

6. Low Voltage Audible Alarm
The alarm may indicate:
Low Battery Voltage
Clogged or Damaged Filter
Blower Malfunction
Breathing Tube or Hood Malfunction
If the alarm sounds, exit the work area immediately and return PAPR to dirty utility to be picked up by Distribution.

7. If you have any questions, please contact the Environmental Health and Safety office at (If after hours, page the on-call Safety Officer pager # 33137)