SafeWork NSW Issues Emergency Self Rescue Respirator Warning
Photo: SafeWork NSW
SafeWork NSW has issued a notice warning of the potentially life threatening risk of using an unsafe emergency escape breathing device in the event of an emergency.
Users have been warned to remove the HFZY30 EEBD self-rescue respirator from their road transport vehicles and workplaces, following testing which revealed the device was lacking in several areas and did not meet Australian Standards.
In the notice SafeWork stated that “Testing by the Mine Safety Technology Centre of the HFZY30 EEBD has established that the device does not provide sufficient breathable air to be safe and users are at risk of asphyxiation from carbon dioxide after wearing the device for more than a few minutes”.
The main problems with the device include exceeding the accepted breathing resistance limit in less than 4 minutes of operation, exceeding the average carbon dioxide limit of 1.5 per cent and exceeding the maximum carbon dioxide limit of 3 per cent.
The units were also difficult to remove from their vacuum seal in an emergency.
If you have this model, SafeWork suggests replacing it with an AS/NZS 1716 compliant device. A list can be found at NSW Resources Regulator.
Find out more https://www.fullyloaded.com.au/product-news/1710/safework-issues-emergency-self-rescue-respirator-warning