Escape Respiratory Protection
A respirator is a piece of personal protective equipment that guards the user against hazards in the air. There are many types of respirators and each type protects its user from a specific airborne hazard. Escape respirators allow a person who works in a normally safe environment enough time to escape if a respiratory hazard suddenly occurs. This course will discuss the different types of hazardous atmospheres that require escape respirators, how to select, inspect, and put on a self-contained self-rescuer, also called an SCSR, as well as how to use an SCSR.
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Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Explain what an escape respirator is
- List the three main types of escape respirators
- Explain typical hazardous atmospheres that call for escape respirators
- Explain what a self-contained self-rescuer is
- Explain how to select an appropriate escape respirator
- List the items to look for when inspecting an escape respirator
- Explain how to properly take care of an escape respirator
- List in order the steps to properly don an escape respirator
- List factors to consider when using an escape respirator
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video, MobileReady, Responsive |
| Based on: | 30 CFR Part 46.5.c.1 |
Key Questions
What is a respirator?
A respirator is a piece of personal protective equipment that guards the wearer against hazards in the air.
What does an escape respirator do?
An escape respirator allows a person who works in a normally safe environment enough time to escape if a respiratory hazard suddenly occurs
What are the two most dangerous types of atmospheres that can cause respiratory hazards at a worksite?
The two types of atmospheres that can cause respiratory hazards are oxygen- deficient atmospheres and atmospheres that are immediately dangerous to life or health, also known as IDLH atmospheres.
What are some considerations to take into account when selecting the appropriate escape respirator?
Some factors to consider when selecting the appropriate escape respirator include the amount of time necessary to escape from the hazardous atmosphere to safety,the likelihood that the atmosphere will be IDLH, oxygen-deficient, or otherwise hazardous, and the hazardous atmosphere’s potential to irritate the eyes.
What should I look for when inspecting my SCSR?
When inspecting your SCSR, you should look for signs of irregular wear or damage before every shift, punctures, burns, or deformities.
Should I practice putting on my SCSR?
Yes, practicing putting on your SCSR so that if an emergency does arise, you will know what to do and will be able to act quickly.
Sample Video Transcript
It is important to know how to don or put on your SCSR. If you learn how to don your SCSR before an emergency, you will not have to struggle with it or waste time during an actual emergency. Before you don an SCSR, you should become familiar with the following characteristics common to most SCSRs. SCSRs are designed to hang from a strap that wraps loosely around your neck and rests on your stomach. They are secured by a second strap that wraps around your waist. SCSRs include an air tube that leads from the SCSR to a mouthpiece. When using the SCSR, you will bite down on this mouthpiece to hold it securely in place while you move toward safety. SCSRs include nose clips that close your nostrils to prevent flow of air through your nasal passages. And SCSRs include goggles to protect your eyes.
Additional Resources
- Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) – www.msha.gov
- Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) – www.osha.gov
- OSHA CBRN Escape Respirators https://www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib082903a.html
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – www.cdc.gov/niosh/
- NIOSH publications – http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/updates/escaperespir.html
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