Respiratory Protective Equipment

The use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) must be the last resort, except for rescue work and the emergency services. The organisation should ensure so far as reasonably practicable that the environment you are going to enter is safe to work in without the use of RPE. The use of RPE may be identified at the risk assessment stage, and therefore it should be suitable for the task. Once the nature of the hazard has been identified then several options can be chosen, which include disposal respirator; a half mask with appropriate filter or breathing apparatus. Whichever RPE is chosen it must be suitable and sufficient for the task.

Within this handout, only escape breathing apparatus will be discussed.

Escape breathing apparatus sets are only to be used for self-rescue. Typical sets would include the Dräger positive pressure or constant flow. Positive pressure sets relies upon the wearer establishing a seal and breathing once the face mask is in place, as this will allow the air to flow upon first breath operation. Positive pressure means that the pressure is greater inside the face mask than outside pressure, therefore if a leakage occurs air will flow outwards. Breathing air is only supplied to the wear upon breathing. As soon as the wear stops breathing air will cease to flow. These sets are designed to supply 10 minutes of air to allow for self-rescue. These figures are based on a person breathing 40LPM. In the difficult situation of evacuating from a hazardous area this duration can be reduced due to the fact that individuals place differing demands on the set; work load, increased respiration, temperature, fitness levels.

Sets using a face mask are not suitable for individuals with beards, glasses unless fitted into face mask.

Pre-user checks

• Remove cylinder assembly and face mask from bag
• Inspect condition of bag, stitching, webbing etc
• Disconnect fasmask and inspect visor, head harness, inner nasal mask
• Ensure cylinder contents are within the green zone or reading 200 bar
• Reprime system (Cylinder clip) upon reconnection and replace in bag
• Sets must be inspected every time prior to entry and if not used every 30 days

Escape breathing apparatus constant flow with hood have their duration pre-set by the manufactures. This allows for exact calculation of set duration. A major downside to this set is the wearer could require more air than the set is capable of supplying and the face visor fogs, therefore restricting vision. These sets are however suitable for individuals with beards.

Pre-user checks

• Check the hood and hose line for splits, cracks or any sign of perishing.
• Inspect before use and if not used, i.e. in storage inspect every 30 days
• Further information read manufacturer’s instructions