EN 13794 Respiratory Protective Devices - Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for Escape - Requirements, Testing, Marking

The European standard “EN 13794 Respiratory protective equipment - Self-contained closed-circuit breathing apparatus for escape - Requirements, testing, marking” describes the minimum requirements for self-contained closed-circuit breathing apparatus for escape, of the chemical oxygen ( potassium dioxide, sodium chlorate) type and compressed oxygen type. This standard does not apply to work and rescue equipment and diving equipment. Laboratory and practical performance tests are included for the assessment of compliance with the requirements.

A particular respiratory protective device can only be approved if the individual components meet the requirements of a test specification, which may be a full standard or part of a standard, and if practical performance tests have been successfully carried out on the full apparatus at the locations specified in the appropriate standard. If for any reason a full apparatus is not tested, simulation of the apparatus is permitted as long as the respiratory characteristics and mass distribution are similar to those of the full apparatus.

For the purposes of this standard, the terms and definitions given in the standard "EN 132 Respiratory protective devices - Definitions of terms and pictograms" and the standard "EN 134 Respiratory protective devices - Nomenclature of components" apply. In addition, the quick-start system refers to the mechanism that activates oxygen production / flow when opening the storage container or by pulling on the facepiece.

An oxygen escape apparatus is designed and constructed in such a way that exhaled breathing gas is directed through the facepiece into a circuit containing a cartridge and a breathing bag for rebreathing. The cartridge contains chemicals which absorb exhaled carbon dioxide and (in the case of a potassium dioxide apparatus) moisture and also produce oxygen. In the case of a sodium chlorate apparatus, a chemical oxygen source (sodium chlorate candle) produces the oxygen required. In the case of a compressed oxygen apparatus, oxygen is fed into the circuit at a suitable point through a constant flow device or a lung-directed demand valve or a suitable combination of both. The breathing gas flow may be of the pendulum or loop type and excess gas is exhausted through a relief valve.

Oxygen escape apparatus are classified according to their oxygen sources and nominal working hours in types and classes. The types of oxygen escape apparatus are as follows:

• Type C: Sodium chlorate apparatus
• Type D: Compressed oxygen apparatus
• Type K: Potassium dioxide apparatus

Oxygen escape devices are classified according to their nominal operating time, which is defined by performing a breathing apparatus test with a volume of 35 l/min (20 cycles/min, 1,75 l/stroke) according to this standard. The nominal operating time is defined in 30-minute increments up to a period of 5 minutes and in 10-minute steps thereafter.

The design requirements in this standard are arranged as follows:

• All test samples must meet all requirements.
• The device must have a reliable construction and be as compact as possible.
• The device must be designed so that it does not interfere with work activities when performed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
• The device must be designed so that there are no protruding parts or sharp edges that could snag on protrusions in narrow passages.
• The surface of any part of the device that is likely to come into contact with the user must be free of sharp edges and burrs.
• The device must be designed and constructed to prevent entry into the outside atmosphere within the limits specified in this standard.
• The device should be designed so that the exterior of the container can be easily cleaned.
• The device must be designed to prevent chemicals from entering the user's respiratory tract and to prevent saliva or condensate from interfering with the device's function or causing any harmful effects to the user.
• It shall not be possible to accidentally start the fast start system (if fitted). Special purpose devices, i.e. devices used in mining, shall meet the requirements given in the annex to this standard (Annex A).
• Devices for training purposes only must meet the requirements given in the annex to this standard (Annex C). Training may also be conducted with the work device.

The requirements for materials in this standard are regulated as follows:

• The transport container and locking device (if present) must be adequately protected against corrosion. The materials used must be able to withstand the temperatures and mechanical stress expected when carried on the person and stored in machines and vehicles.
• Exposed parts, i.e. parts that may be subject to impact during use of the device, must not be made of aluminium, magnesium, titanium or alloys containing these metals in proportions that could cause friction sparks that could ignite flammable gas mixtures during impact.
• Any container or transport vessel using such materials must be adequately protected.
• If national regulations permit the use of such containers or transport containers, no metal should be revealed when tested for impact and scraping.
• Non-metallic transport containers should be antistatic. The insulation resistance should not exceed 109 Ω. When the device needs to be antistatic during escape, the materials used should be as antistatic as possible.
• Materials that come into direct contact with the wearer's skin must be free of any known risk of causing irritation or any adverse health effects.
• When selecting materials that may come into contact with oxygen, care must be taken to prevent oxygen ignition.

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