Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus (EEBA) are making come back – at least I am finding more and more facilities that never had them now implementing them for many reasons. Some companies now believe they are required because of PSM/RMP, some 3rd party PHA facilitators must be getting kick-backs as a lot are recommending them in their PHA’s, and I have even seen OSHA negotiate their use in citation negotiations. SAFTENG members should refer to my other article about these devices as even OSHA’s plan violated the manufacturer’s use and limitations.
These devices MUST be implemented under a MOC, added to the respiratory Protection program, and TRAINED ON BEFORE they are made available – and DON’T FORGET about your contractors and their ability to safely use these devices to escape a release. Cylinders require hydrostatic testing and most manufacturers require an annual flow test.
But which size unit do we need; a 10-minute or will a 5-minute unit suit our needs?
Based on orderly egress on a FLAT surface (i.e. NOT on stairs or ladders)…
at 4 mph (average persons walking speed is 3 mph)
- a 5-minute ELSA respirator allows an individual to travel approximately 1,760 feet or 587 yards
- a 10-minute respirator allows approximately 3,520 feet or 1,173 yards
In other words, if we have to transverse stairs or ladders, then we will need the 10-minute bottle; especially if we have a limited means of egress such as only two ladders. Workers may have to wait just to use the ladder to get down (or up) to a level where they can move horizontally in order to escape the hazard.
And remember, we do not climb ladders at 4 mph, so we have to factor this delay into our sizing assessment.
Source: HS6373G-EN_3M Scott ELSA_Brochure_4p.pdf