Respiratory Devices for Self-rescue

Because respiratory devices for escape have to be applied without any delay, it is recommended to train employees in their correct use on a regular basis. For this purpose, manufacturers offer suitable training devices. In the case of an emergency event, rapid deployment may be more important than the retention capability of the device. In such an event, the respirators for escape have to be selected on the basis of the expected concentration of dangerous gases. 

In analogy to respiratory devices for working situations, the respirators for escape are divided into filtering and seU-contained devices (see Fig. 6.46). 

Respiratory hoods for escape, equipped with a combined filter, offer additional protection for the head and shoulders. However, a disadvantage is that, because of the inferior sealing behavioi more external air is inhaled, which means that such escape hoods ought to be used only at lower concentrations of contaminants in the air. The large size of these hoods does not allow them to be carried permanently (see Fig. 6.48 b). 

Respiratory hoods for escape in case of a fire, equipped with a filter to remove carbon monoxide, provide a protective time period of about 15 min. 

It should be especially noted that filtering respirators for escape are not to be used in the case of oxygen deficiency  

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European standard EN 13794 describes the technical requirements for self-contained respiratory devices for self-rescue [6-85]. The breathing air reserve of about 200-300 L in the case of compressed air systems allows these respiratory devices to be used for only 5 to 10 min. Their weight is below 5 kg, and therefore, depending on national regulations, special medical examinations may not be necessary. 

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