What is the 3M™ Half Mask 6500 QL Silicone and why choose it
The 3M™ Half Mask 6500 QL Silicone is a reusable half-face respirator designed for tough and dirty work environments. Made with a durable silicone face seal and available with the 3M Quick Latch (QL) drop-down mechanism, it allows users to move in and out of contaminated areas without fully removing the respirator or head protection. Its 3M bayonet connection system accepts a wide range of twin lightweight gas, vapour and particulate filters, providing flexible protection for multiple industrial applications.
Main features
- Quick Latch drop-down mechanism (QL versions): enables easy on/off when entering or leaving contaminated areas without removing hard hats or face shields.
- Silicone face seal: soft but firm seal that offers comfort, stability and durability in demanding environments.
- 3M bayonet connection: compatible with a broad range of 3M™ gas, vapour and particulate filters in twin configuration.
- Overmoulded, low-profile design: fewer parts and crevices to simplify cleaning and maintenance and provide a wide field of view.
- Valve cover design: directs exhaled breath and moisture downward and allows an easy positive pressure seal check.
- Two suspension options: available with standard head harness or Quick Latch head harness, both designed for stable, comfortable fit.
- Three sizes: small (6501/6501QL), medium (6502/6502QL) and large (6503/6503QL) to help achieve an effective fit for different face sizes.
Technical specifications
Models and sizes
- Small: 6501 / 6501QL
- Medium: 6502 / 6502QL
- Large: 6503 / 6503QL
Materials
- Face seal: Silicone rubber
- Overmould: Nylon
- Inhalation valve: Polyisoprene
- Exhalation valve: Nylon / Silicone
- Straps: Polyester fibre / Polyurethane elastic
- Head cradle: Polyethylene
- Buckles: Polypropylene
Compatible filters
Gas and vapour filters (6000 Series)
- 6051 (A1) – Organic vapours (boiling point > 65°C)
- 6055 (A2) – Organic vapours (boiling point > 65°C)
- 6054 (K1) – Ammonia and derivatives
- 6057 (ABE1) – Combination organic vapours (b.pt > 65°C), inorganic and acid gases
- 6059 (ABEK1) – Combination organic vapours (b.pt > 65°C), inorganic and acid gases and ammonia
- 6075 (A1 + Formaldehyde) – Organic vapours (b.pt > 65°C) and formaldehyde
- 6096 (A1HgP3 R) – Organic vapours (b.pt > 65°C), mercury vapour, chlorine and particulates
The 6000 Series filters fit directly onto the respirator, except for 6098 and 6099 which cannot be used with half masks (not applicable to this model).
Particulate filters
- 5911 (P1), 5925 (P2), 5935 (P3) – Particulates (fine dusts and mists)
- 2125 (P2 R), 2135 (P3 R) – Particulates (fine dusts and mists)
- 2128 (P2 R), 2138 (P3 R) – Particulates, ozone and nuisance levels of organic vapours and acid gases
- 6035 (P3 R) – Particulates (fine dusts and mists)
- 6038 (P3 R) – Particulates, hydrogen fluoride at 30 ppm, nuisance levels of organic vapours and acid gases
Filter combinations
- 2000 Series particulate filters fit directly onto the respirator.
- 5000 Series particulate filters can be used on their own with platform 603 and 501 retainers.
- 6035 and 6038 encapsulated P3 filters fit directly onto the respirator.
- 5000 Series particulate filters can be combined with 6000 Series gas and vapour filters using 501 retainers, excluding 6035, 6038, 6096, 6098 and 6099.
- 6096 incorporates particulate filter media integrated with the gas and vapour cartridge.
- 6038 is an encapsulated particulate filter with a layer of carbon for low capacity gas protection.
Standards and approvals
- 6500 Series Half Masks: EN140:1998
- 6000 Series Gas and Vapour filters: EN14387:2004 + A1:2008
- 2000 and 5000 Series and 6035, 6038 particulate filters: EN143:2000 / A1:2006
- 6500 Series Respirators with 6000/5000/2000 Series filters meet the Basic Safety Requirements of European Community Directive 89/686/EEC and are CE-marked (assessment by Notified Body 0086).
Intended use and performance limits
- With 6000 Series gas and vapour filters: use in concentrations of specified gases or vapours up to 10 × TLV or 1000 ppm (5000 ppm for 6055), whichever is lower.
- With 6075 filter: protection against organic vapour (as above) and 10 ppm formaldehyde only.
- 6000 Series gas and vapour filters must not be used for gases or vapours with poor warning properties (smell or taste).
- With particulate filters:
- 5911: up to 4 × TLV for particulates.
- 5925, 2125, 2128: up to 12 × TLV for particulates.
- 5935, 2135, 2138, 6035, 6038: up to 50 × TLV for particulates.
- 2128 and 2138: protect against ozone up to 10 × TLV and provide relief from acid gases and organic vapours at levels below TLV.
- 6038: protection against 30 ppm hydrogen fluoride and relief from acid gases and organic vapours at levels below TLV.
Use limitations
- Does not supply oxygen; do not use in oxygen-deficient atmospheres (3M definition: less than 19.5% oxygen by volume).
- Do not use against contaminants with poor warning properties, unknown contaminants, or atmospheres that are immediately dangerous to life and health.
- Do not use where chemicals generate high heats of reaction with chemical filters.
- Do not modify or alter the device.
- May not provide an adequate seal on users with certain facial characteristics (e.g. beards or large sideburns); leakage may occur.
- Do not use with unknown concentrations of contaminants or for escape purposes.
- Leave the work area immediately and check respirator and/or filters if damage is apparent, breathing becomes difficult, dizziness or distress occurs, or if you taste/smell the contaminant or experience irritation.
- Store the respirator in a sealed container away from contaminated areas when not in use.
- Use strictly in accordance with respirator and filter user instruction leaflet.
Cleaning and maintenance
Cleaning
- Disassemble by removing filters, head straps and other parts.
- Clean and sanitise the mask (excluding filters) using 3M™ 105 Face Seal Cleaner or by immersing in a warm cleaning solution and scrubbing with a soft brush. Parts may also be cleaned in a domestic washer.
- Disinfect by soaking in a solution of quaternary ammonium disinfectant or sodium hypochlorite (30 ml household bleach in 7.5 L of water) or other disinfectant.
- Rinse in fresh warm water and air-dry in a non-contaminated atmosphere.
- Water temperature should not exceed 50°C.
- Do not use cleaning agents that contain lanolin or other oils.
- Do not autoclave.
Routine inspection
- Inspect the half mask before each use to ensure correct operation.
- Check the face mask for cracks, tears and dirt; examine inhalation valves for distortion, cracking or tearing.
- Verify that head straps are intact and elastic.
- Inspect all plastic parts and gaskets for cracking or fatigue; replace where necessary.
- Remove the exhalation valve cover and valve, check for dirt, distortion, cracking or tearing; replace where necessary and secure the valve cover before use.
Spare parts and accessories
- 6581 – Head Harness Assembly
- 6582QL – Quick Latch Head Harness Assembly
- 6583 – Exhalation Valve
- 6593 – Inhalation Valve
- 501 – Retainer for 5000 Series Filters
- 603 – Particulate Filter Platform
- 105 – Face Seal Cleaner
- 106 – Half Mask Carry Case
Applications and use cases
The 3M™ Half Mask 6500 QL Silicone can be combined with different filters to suit a wide variety of industrial tasks. Filter selection must follow applicable regulations and exposure assessments.
Typical applications by gas and vapour filter
- 6051 / 6055 – Organic vapours (b.pt > 65°C)
- Use of conventional paints (non-isocyanate, subject to usage conditions)
- Vehicle manufacture
- Aircraft manufacture and refurbishment
- Boat building
- Ink and dye manufacture and use
- Adhesive manufacture and use
- Paint and varnish manufacture
- Resin manufacture and use
- 6054 – Ammonia and derivatives
- Manufacture and maintenance of refrigeration equipment
- Spraying and handling agrochemicals
- 6057 – Organic vapours, inorganic and acid gases
- All applications of 6051, plus electrolytic processes
- Acid cleaning
- Metal pickling
- Metal etching
- 6059 – Organic vapours, inorganic and acid gases, ammonia
- Applications covered by 6057 and 6054 where combined protection is required
- 6075 – Organic vapours and formaldehyde
- Hospitals and laboratories
- 6096 – Organic vapours, mercury vapour, chlorine and particulates
- Use of mercury and chlorine
- Tasks involving particulates in addition to the above gases
Typical applications by particulate filter
- 5911, 5925, 5935, 2125, 2135, 6035 – Particulates (fine dusts and mists)
- Pharmaceutical and powdered chemicals
- Construction and quarrying
- Ceramics and refractory materials
- Foundries
- Agriculture
- Woodworking
- Food industry
- 2128, 2138 – Particulates, ozone and nuisance organic vapours and acid gases
- Welding
- Paper industry
- Brewing
- Chemical processing
- Typical smog
- Inks and dyes
- 6038 – Particulates, hydrogen fluoride (30 ppm), nuisance organic vapours and acid gases
- As 6035, plus aluminium smelting and mining
FAQ
1. What sizes are available for the 3M™ Half Mask 6500 QL Silicone?
The 6500 Series is available in three sizes: small (6501/6501QL), medium (6502/6502QL) and large (6503/6503QL).
2. Can I keep my hard hat and face shield on when lowering the mask?
Yes. The Quick Latch mechanism on QL models allows the half mask to be dropped down when leaving contaminated areas without removing the head cradle, hard hat or face shield.
3. Which filters can be used with this half mask?
The mask uses the 3M bayonet connection and is compatible with 3M 6000 Series gas and vapour filters, 2000 and 5000 Series particulate filters, and encapsulated 6035 and 6038 P3 filters, subject to the combination rules described above.
4. How often should the mask be cleaned?
Cleaning is recommended after each use. The mask (excluding filters) should be disassembled, cleaned, disinfected, rinsed and air-dried following the procedure in the Cleaning and Storage section.
5. Can the respirator be used in oxygen-deficient atmospheres?
No. The half mask does not supply oxygen and must not be used in atmospheres with less than 19.5% oxygen by volume.
6. Is the 3M™ Half Mask 6500 QL Silicone approved to European standards?
Yes. The 6500 Series half masks meet EN140:1998. Compatible filters meet EN14387:2004 + A1:2008 for gas and vapour filters and EN143:2000 / A1:2006 for particulate filters, and the assemblies are CE-marked under Directive 89/686/EEC.
7. What should I do if I smell or taste the contaminant while wearing the mask?
You must leave the work area immediately, check the integrity of the respirator and replace the respirator and/or filters. Do not re-enter the contaminated area until a proper fit and function are confirmed.
8. Can this respirator be used for escape purposes?
No. The 3M™ Half Mask 6500 QL Silicone is not designed for escape; it is intended for routine use where conditions and contaminants are known and controlled.
9. How do I check that the mask fits correctly?
Perform a positive and/or negative pressure fit check every time the respirator is donned, as described in the Fit Check section (covering the exhalation valve or filter surfaces and checking for leakage or mask movement).
10. Are spare parts available?
Yes. Spare head harness assemblies, Quick Latch head harness, exhalation and inhalation valves, filter retainers, particulate filter platforms, face seal cleaner and a half mask carry case are available as listed in the Spare Parts section.
14. Transport information
Consultar ficha técnica del fabricante.
8. Individual protection measures
Consultar ficha técnica del fabricante.
*Contenido generado por IA
