M40 Gas Mask

Features of M40 Gas Mask:

• This mask has several unique features that are essential for first responders.
• Most M40 gas masks use silicone as the seal and they are both comfortable and give in excellent fit-test results.
• There is an option available where butyl coated nylon rubber hood is used as a second skin to cover the head and neck and protects the respirator by giving it additional protection against chemical agents, extending its life by decreasing the decontamination.
• This device comes with an integral drinking device that permits the user to replenish fluids without removing the mask.
• The respirator has a dual eyepiece which interfaces easily with the respirator and also can be folded for storage purpose.
• This mask consists of two voicemitters or integral speaking diaphragms, one will be placed on either of the sides and one in the front. An adaptor will be placed over the voicemitter in the front to amplify the user's voice.
• The mask allows the adjustment of filtering cannister on either side
• This mask is tested by NIOSH against most common warfare agents including numerous industrial chemicals and meets the efficiency standards of P100 particulate.
• The dual ocular lenses are known to offer a wider field of vision which increases the comfort and safety of wearer so that the responders have a clear vision of the field.
• Though this mask provides reliable protection, it comes as a lightweight mask, hence it will not cause any discomfort as such.

How to Inspect and Clean an M40 Gas Mask?

The M40 and M50 gas mask accessories contain a spectacle kit, clear and grey eyepiece outserts and butyl rubber second skin that is fitted in a storage bag which can be carried using the strap.

Step 1: Remove all the Accessories:

You need to first remove the mask from the carrier and place off all accessories to the side such as extra filter, attachments and hoses, decontamination equipment and identification cards.

Step 2- Remove Canister and Inspect:

Remove the canister from the mask and inspect for any dents of serious damage. Next, shake the cannister to hear any loose filtering components movement sounds, if yes then replace the cannister. You also need to check the service life of cannister and if it is over a year since you opened it then, get it changed. The canister can be wiped from inside but do not wet it from inside.

Step 3- Inspect the Hood:

Remove the hood gently by stretching around the facepiece and inspect it when dry for any holes or damage. Next, you need to inspect it by soaking it in water and recheck for any cracks or damages. Also, the elastic of the hood around face and neck should not have lost its elasticity, check it for that and replace it if it has.

Step 4- Inspect the Outserts:

Remove the outserts by gently grabbing on to the corner of the lens and pulling it outwards. Inspect for any cuts in the rubber or if the retaining ring has bent someplace and replace if damaged. You can wash it by rubbing the surfaces of it underwater.

Step 5- Inspect the Drinking Tube:

Remove the drinking tube by pulling it out of the holder and inspect for any wear, holes, and cuts. Wash the tube with an antiseptic wipe or a lint-free cloth by rubbing alcohol. The drinking tube consists of a drinking straw and a metal coupler than needs to be cleaned by rinsing with water.

Step 6- Inspect the Exhale Valve:

Remove the exhale valve by gently pulling it from its bottom to remove from the assembly and carefully stretching the top two holes over the two posts in the assembly. Though this could be removed it is not needed as it is the hardest component and chances of it getting damaged are very less. It can be fully cleaned attached to the facepiece itself.

Step 7- Remove the second skin of the M40 gas mask and inspect it:

Remove the second skin of the mask by pulling it around the edges out from the eye lenses. Inspect it for any damage and replace it if necessary. You can wash it by rubbing all surfaces, especially around the openings where maximum dust can get deposited.

Step 8- Remove and Inspect the Outlet Valve:

Remove the outlet valve by pulling it directly and inspect it for any damage, if not just wash it by rubbing underwater and replace it back.

Step 9- Remove Secondary Voicemitter:

The secondary voice transmitter can be removed by turning the retaining ring counterclockwise. After you do that, inspect the threads inside the facepiece and repeat this for the main transmitter removal and also the inlet valve removal. If you see the threads have been damaged, then the facepiece needs to be replaced.

Step 10- Remove Gasket and Diaphragm from Facepiece:

Remove the gasket by pressing it out from the inside of the facepiece and inspect it for cuts and abrasion. Replace any part, if damaged. You can remove the dirt by cleaning it under-water.

The diaphragm can be rinsed under water from both the sides and blow out air through your mouth to remove water from it before allowing it to dry.

Step 11- Remove the Main Speech module along with the Gasket, Diaphragm, and Retaining Ring:

Remove the main speech module like before and inspect it. Repeat the same process as explained above with the diaphragm, gasket and retaining ring.

Step 12- Inspect the Head-harness:

Remove the head-harness by pulling the end strap through the top portion of the attachment lug and back through the lug's bottom portion.

Wash the head-harness by rubbing it underwater and gently stretching it to remove any trapped particles. Inspect it for any damage and check its elasticity as well.

Step 13- Inspect the Nose-cup:

The next step is to remove the nose-cup and inspect it for any damage and if not, clean it by rubbing its surface underwater.

Step 14- Inspect the Valve, Seat and Deflector Assemble:

You need to remove the valve by pushing the valve seat from the outside towards the inside of the facepiece to remove it. Wash the assembly by rubbing it underwater.

Step 15- Inspect the Facepiece:

Inspect the facepiece for any damage, holes, and cuts and also inspect the head harness attachment for any damage.

Step 16- Clean the Mask:

Hold the mask under-water and use fingers to rub and clean all the mask's inner and outer surfaces along with the lenses, face seal and inlet air deflector attachments.

Once the cleaning of the mask is done, and it has dried, put all the parts by following the same procedure backward and your mask would be successfully inspected and cleaned.