Adflo pre-use checklist

Ownership information, not safety advice. Does not replace training or a workplace RPE assessment.

3M's own user instructions require this pre-use inspection "before each entry into a contaminated area." This page renders that procedure as a checklist you can work through and print — it doesn't replace the full user instructions supplied with your system, and it doesn't replace training or a workplace RPE assessment.

Pre-use checklist

1. 01

   Visually inspect the whole assembly

   Check the motor/blower, filter cover, filter/cartridge, breathing tube, battery pack, belt, and headgear for damage.

   If it fails: Replace any missing or damaged parts only with genuine 3M Adflo PAPR replacement parts before proceeding — do not use the unit with damaged or missing parts.

2. 02

   Confirm the battery pack is charged and securely latched

   Confirm the battery pack is charged enough for the expected work period, and that it's securely latched to the motor/blower (you should hear two audible clicks when fitting it).

   If it fails: Charge the battery pack fully and re-seat it until it latches with two audible clicks. If a fully-charged, properly-latched pack still fails this check, or its runtime stays short in normal use, see the short-battery-life page.

3. 03

   Examine the breathing tube

   Check the entire tube for tears, holes, or cracks, and bend it to confirm it's still flexible. Confirm the rubber O-ring on the PAPR end of the tube is present, with no gaps or cracks.

   If it fails: Replace the breathing tube if any damage is noted or suspected.

4. 04

   Inspect the prefilter, spark arrestor, and particle (HE) filter

   Confirm the prefilter and spark arrestor are intact, clean, and squarely fitted into the filter cover; check the particle filter and its gasket for particles, tears, cuts, distortion, or indentations. Never attempt to clean the particle filter.

   If it fails: Replace the particle filter if any damage is noted or suspected, and ensure the filter cover is securely latched to the motor/blower before use.

5. 05

   If fitted, check the gas cartridge or nuisance odour pad

   If used, confirm the nuisance odour pad assembly or chemical (gas) cartridge is securely attached to the PAPR and filter cover.

   If it fails: Reseat or replace the cartridge/pad. It must always be used together with the particle filter, prefilter, and spark arrestor — never alone or in combination with another cartridge/pad.

6. 06

   Run the airflow check with the flow indicator

   Turn the PAPR on and let it run for 2 minutes to stabilise. Fit 3M's Adflo airflow indicator to the end of the breathing tube, hold it vertically at eye level, and confirm the bottom of the floating ball rests at or above the minimum flow mark.

   If it fails: If the ball fails to reach the minimum flow mark, do not enter the contaminated area.

7. 07

   Check the low-airflow alarm activates and clears correctly

   With the PAPR on, remove the airflow indicator and tightly cover the end of the breathing tube (or outflow port) with your palm to make a seal. The motor should audibly speed up; after roughly 15–30 seconds the unit should sound an alarm and the centre red LED should light. Release your hand — the alarm and LED should stop and the motor should return to its normal speed.

   If it fails: If the PAPR doesn't behave as described in all of the above procedures, do not use it.

Sources

Updated 2026-07-13

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