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safe4sure home > articles > Confined Space Escape Breathing Apparatus

 

When preparing to enter a confined space, a large emphasis should be placed on ensuring that there is an escape plan formulated. A suitably qualified person should carry out specific risk assessments and ensure that safe working practises are adhered to. There are several factors to take into account for the risk assessment as is laid out in the Confined Space Regulations. In this document we concentrate on the selection and use of escape breathing apparatus.

 

There are several different  variations in escape sets and care should be taken to select the unit which is correct for the type of space being entered, the type of person using the set and the length of escape route.

 

We can use Compressed Air Escape sets, Chemical Oxygen Rescuers (K02) or filtering escape devices. The variations are price, testing intervals and personal preference. The risk assessment should identify the best type of equipment to use.

 

Typical filtering devices include the Mini SCAPE from MSA. Typically it will give a 5 minute service time and can fit into any lab coat pocket or piece of work clothing. In emergency situations it can be donned very quickly and is immediately operational.

A typical Compressed Air Escape Device is the S-Cap-Air from MSA. This is a steel cylinder, constant flow set that allows the user around 15 minutes to escape. Compressed air is delivered into a hood that seals around the neck and there is a face piece inside for extra security. The price of the compressed air set is in between the filter device and the K02 devices, and is widely recognised as the standard piece of euipment for confined space escape.

 

There are 3 different types of Chemical air self rescuers (K02) to consider. They all come with a mouthpiece, nose clip and stainless steel contaner. The SSR30/100 is rated at 20 minutes of oxgen, the SavOx is rated at 30 minutes of oxygen and the SSR90 is rated at 60 minutes of oxygen. The sevice intervals are greater and the training required is minimal.

 

With any type of personal protective equipment (PPE) it is the responsibility of the employer to train the persons using the equipment. Consequently it is the user's responsibility to ensure they are trained and able to use the supplied equipment correctly. it is a collective responsibility to ensure the kit is fit for purpose and used in the correct way. this is set down in the PPE Regs.

 

Correct use of escape equipment is detailed in the information sent out by the manufacturer and this information should be understood and adhered to. Service intervals must be maintained and a clear understanding of pre-user checks should be part of the training process. If there is any doubt over the type of equipment to be used and the condition of safety equipment, advice should be sought. if you are unsure or don't have the equipment, entry into confined spaces should be avoided.

 

A thorough risk assessment, carried out be trained personnel should be done prior to entry and any additional PPE should be used. Self Contained Breathing Apparatus can also be used in confined spaces. Escape breathing apparatus should not be used as a working breathing apparatus set.

 

For more information on this subject or for advice on equipment selection, training or maintenance, please contact Safe4sure.

 

Safe4Sure Ltd. Unit 2, High Carr Network Centre, Millennium Way, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 7XE Reg: 5445773