Several of the EEBA manufacturers do not offer this advice upfront, but some manufacturers put this info in their owner’s manuals. I am no lawyer, so I have no idea why a manufacturer would NOT provide this information for an Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus (EEBA). But having these devices in the workplace, if you use one of these brands, the facility’s RP must cover this information, just like it covers the Emergency Use Only SCBAs. Here is the breakdown of these inspections/tests:
Maintenance Schedule
| FREQUENCY | SERVICE |
| Weekly | ensure the cylinder is full |
| Monthly | function testing |
| Yearly | component testing |
| Every 5 years | hydro test aluminum cylinders |
Weekly Procedures
- Ensure the indicator needle is in the green region “FULL” on the gauge
Monthly Procedures
Function Tests
- Check the function of the apparatus by cracking the cylinder valve open for a few seconds.
- You should hear a rush of air going into the hood.
- Close the valve tightly.
- Inspect the unit for any signs of degradation. Remove the unit from service if it fails to meet the function tests.
Yearly Procedures
Component Tests
Equipment
- Escape Unit
- Test Kit P/N 4055044
- 1/2″ wrench
NOTE The SCBA Test Kit, P/N 4052350 and medium pressure adapter, P/N 4054919 may be used in place of the Escape UnitTest Kit, P/N 4055044 to perform the component tests.
All repairs or replacement of parts must be performed by a Draeger Safety approved technician or an authorized service center.
High-Pressure Test
- Remove the regulator/hose assembly from the cylinder valve and attach the high-pressure gauge to the cylinder valve.
- Open cylinder valve and note the pressure reading on the gauge.
- The readings on the cylinder gauge and the test gauge should be the same.
- Close the cylinder valve and release the pressure in the system with the relief valve control located on the test pressure gauge.
- Remove the cylinder from service if discrepancies in the cylinder pressure occur
Medium Pressure Test
- Disconnect the regulator from the compressed air cylinder.
- Disconnect the regulator barb from the regulator. (Use a 1/2″ wrench).
- Replace the regulator barb with the medium pressure test pigtail.
- Connect medium pressure gauge to safety-type plug-in coupling on the test pigtail.
- Connect the regulator to the compressed air cylinder.
- Open the cylinder valve.
- Read the medium pressure on the test gauge. The pressure should be between 85-120 psi. If the medium pressure is not within range, replace the regulator.
- Close the cylinder valve.
- Open the purge valve on test pressure gauge, relieve pressure and close the valve.
- Disconnect the test pressure gauge and test pigtail.
- Reassemble the apparatus line (regulator barb) to the regulator.
Source: https://www.norco-inc.com/ASSETS/DOCUMENTS/ITEMS/EN/DRA-4055438-Installation%20Instructions.pdf