TS EN 13794 Respiratory Protective Devices - Self Sufficient Closed Circuit Breathing Apparatus - For Escape

The BS EN 13794 standard has been developed by the British Standards Institute (BSI) to explain the properties, test methods and marking criteria of self-contained closed-circuit breathing equipment used for respiratory protective devices. This standard was published in our country by the Turkish Standards Institute (TSE) under the following heading: TS EN 13794 Respiratory protective devices - Self-contained closed-circuit breathing apparatus - For escape - Rules, experiments, marking.

This standard describes the criteria for chemical oxygen type (such as potassium superoxide or sodium chlorate) and pressurized oxygen type, self-sufficient closed-circuit breathing equipment (so-called oxygen escape equipment) for escape.

In general terms, filter respiratory protection devices are sufficient when:

• If the oxygen content in the air is at least 17 percent by volume (at least 19 percent by volume with carbon monoxide filters)
• The type of hazardous substance is known and if there is a suitable filter material
• If the hazardous substance concentration is within the permitted limits for the use of filter devices

In contrast, respiratory protection devices with filters seem insufficient for:

• If there is a risk that the hazardous situation will differ (for example, containers, tanks and tunnels that are not well ventilated)
• If the warning properties of dangerous substances (such as odor or taste) are low
• If the concentrations of dangerous substances present immediate danger in terms of health and living conditions
• If the hazardous material is such that it cannot be held by the filter material

Tests for respiratory devices according to the scope of TS EN 13794 standard are important in order to obtain the expected efficiency from these devices.

Within the scope of breathing apparatus compatibility tests carried out by our organization EUROLAB, testing services in accordance with TS EN 13794 standard are also provided.