This User Notice is to inform you that MSA received field reports from end users regarding the exhalation valve stem in the G1 Facepiece; and that as a result of MSA’s findings related to these reports, you must take the actions outlined in the attached User Notice.

The Exhalation Valve Stem in the G1 Facepiece

The G1 Facepiece exhalation valve features a two-piece design comprised of a valve seat and a valve stem.  The valve stem is manufactured with a notch in one end that creates a secure connection with the valve seat when the notched end is inserted.  Reference Figure 1 on Page 1 in the attached User Notice.

Field Reports

MSA received a limited number of field reports from end users indicating that the valve stem separated from the valve seat.  The notched end of the exhalation valve stem MUST be inserted into the valve seat, or the valve stem may separate from the valve seat. 

If the valve stem separates from the valve seat, the valve seat may become “unseated” in the G1 Facepiece’s inhalation assembly.  This may result in ambient environmental air entering the G1 Facepiece during normal use. 

MSA is advising all G1 Facepiece customers to perform the inspection procedure described in the attached User Notice upon receiving this notification to ensure that the notched end of the valve stem is inserted into the valve seat.

NOTE: Perform a negative pressure check on the G1 Facepiece prior to each use, as required by the instruction manual.  If the valve stem has separated from the valve seat and is no longer appropriately seated in the inhalation assembly of the G1 Facepiece, the negative pressure test will not be successful.

Identifying and Addressing Affected G1 Exhalation Valves

Reference Attachment 1 on Page 5 of the attached User Notice for the part numbers associated with G1 Facepieces.  For each G1 Facepiece in your possession, use the G1 Facepiece – Exhalation Valve Replacement Procedure (the Procedure), referenced as Attachment 2 on Pages 6 and 7 of this User Notice, to complete steps 1 through 3 outlined below:

1. Access the exhalation valve by following steps 1 through 6 in the Procedure.  See Attachment 2 on Pages 6 and 7 of this User Notice.
2. Remove the exhalation valve per step 7 in the Procedure, but do not discard it.  See Attachment 2 on Pages 6 and 7 of this User Notice.
3. Examine the exhalation valve.  Examination details can be found on pages 2 and 3 of the attached User Notice.

MSA Customer Service Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding this User Notice, please contact MSA Customer Service as follows:

• U.S., Canada, or U.S. Territories – 1-866-672-0005 or email:  ProductSafetyNotices@MSAsafety.com.
• Outside the U.S., Canada, and U.S. Territories – 724-776-8626 or email:  LAMZonecs@MSAnet.com.

We apologize for any inconveniences that this may cause; however, your safety and continued satisfaction with our products is important to us.

Best regards,

Nathan Andrulonis
Manager of Product Safety

User Notice:  G1 Facepiece Exhalation Valve Stem