Technical BulletinJune, 2020Revision 4Cleaning and Disinfecting 3M™ Powered Air Purifying Respiratorsfollowing Potential Exposure to Coronaviruses3M™ Jupiter PAPR Assemblies, 3M™ Adflo™ PAPR Assemblies, and 3M™ Scott™ Duraflow, Proflow and Tornado PAPR AssembliesDescriptionDuring coronavirus outbreaks, some healthcare organizations may assign powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) to workers providing care for patients with suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus. This document contains considerations related to cleaning and disinfecting 3M PAPRs after potential exposure to coronaviruses.The 2008 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publication Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities 1 (updated May 2019) includes information on disinfecting equipment and surfaces potentially contaminated by coronaviruses. The U.S. CDC investigated many chemicals and cited several chemical germicides as being effective for coronaviruses, when used as indicated in the product user instructions. Of the chemicals listed by the CDC as being effective for destroying coronavirus, only sodium hypochlorite (at free chlorine concentration of 5,000 ppm) can be used with the 3M PAPRs listed above per the 3M product User Instructions and the guidelines included in this document.More recently, the CDC has published Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings 2 indicating that EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectants are appropriate for SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare settings. Refer to List N on the EPA Website for EPA-registered disinfectants that can be considered for use against Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19. Locations in Canada may also want to refer to the Health Canada List of Hard Surface Disinfectants for COVID-19.4NOTE:3M relies on the expertise of the CDC and EPA with respect to microbiological efficacy and has not evaluated the effectiveness of these agents with regards to inactivating viruses on 3M equipment.Of the chemicals listed by the CDC as being appropriate for coronaviruses and those included on the EPA’s registered list for use against SARS-CoV-2, only certain chemicals can be used with the 3M PAPR assemblies listed above per the 3M product User Instructions and the guidelines included in this document. Note that other disinfection products or solutions which may be recommended as effective for coronavirus have not been tested with 3M products. Using methods other than the disinfectants recommended below may degrade materials and shorten the lives of PAPR assemblies.Possible disinfection methods:3M™ Jupiter PAPR, 3M™ Adflo PAPR, 3M™ Scott™ Duraflow, Proflow and Tornado PAPRs• Sodium hypochlorite solution (at a free chlorine concentration of 5,000 ppm) with a 1 minute contact time3M™ Jupiter PAPR only• ECOLAB® KLERCIDE™ 70/30 IPA (EPA Reg. No. 1677-249)
23M Personal Safety DivisionFollow the user instructions and/or EPA label for your selected disinfectant. 3M strongly recommends that a water rinse/wipe down occur after disinfection to thoroughly remove disinfection solution and reduce the possibility of user irritation and premature degradation of equipment.Your facility should review this information thoroughly prior to selecting this disinfecting product for your equipment and specific application. Follow the hygiene and infection control practices established by your employer for the targeted organisms, including coronaviruses.NOTE: 3M relies on the expertise of the CDC and EPA with respect to microbiological efficacy and has not evaluated the effectiveness of these agents with regards to inactivating viruses on 3M equipment.Please always refer to the latest information from trusted sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the European Centres for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) regarding selection, use, maintenance and cleaning of personal protective equipment.Note that components of PAPR respiratory systems may become damaged over time with prolonged or extended use of disinfecting products. As discussed in the product User Instructions, users must inspect the components of their PAPR respiratory systems following each disinfecting cycle and prior to re-use. If you discover any signs of damage, remove the component from service and either discard and replace or repair as appropriate, following the guidance in the product User Instructions.Cleaning, and disinfecting of Jupiter, Adflo, Duraflow, Proflow and Tornado PAPR AssembliesIt is important to always read and follow the specific PAPR User Instructions. The following general guidelines can be utilized as an additional reference for cleaning, sanitizing, and/or disinfecting your Jupiter, Duraflow, Adflo, Proflow or Tornado PAPR assembly.General1) Cleaning is recommended after each use. Nitrile or vinyl gloves should be worn during cleaning as well as other personalprotective equipment (PPE) as indicated.2) With any disinfecting agent, follow the User Instructions in regards to usability, application and contact time.3) Ensure all components are thoroughly rinsed with fresh, warm water and thoroughly dried before use or storage.Initial Steps and Inspection1) It is important to follow the User Instruction inspection procedures supplied with the Jupiter, Duraflow, Adflo, Proflowor Tornado PAPR units and headcover or hood to identify any damage, excessive wear, or deterioration of componentsand replace them as necessary.2) Detach the belt from the motor/blower and the headcover/hood from the breathing tube. Remove belt clips (if possible)from the belt.3) Discard the breathing tube cover, if one is used.4) Remove the filter from the PAPR blower assembly if a filter change is needed – see the filter change section below.CleaningIf cleaning to remove gross soil before disinfection, clean all parts of the PAPR assembly with a clean soft cloth dampened with warm water containing a mild pH neutral (pH 6-8) detergent (refer to specific product User Instructions for water temperature guidance).