Written by: Stuart McOnie, Founder and General Manager
Table of Contents:
- Summary
- What is an EEBD and Why is it Important?
- Legal Requirements for EEBDs
Maritime Industry EEBD Regulations (SOLAS)
- Transport Industry EEBD Requirements
- Industrial Health and Safety Standards for EEBDs
- Compliance with EEBD Standards and Certifications
- Is the Semmco EEBD right for you?
Summary:
- Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBDs) are safety tools designed to provide breathable air in hazardous situations, ensuring worker safety in industries like maritime, transport, chemicals, and mining.
- EEBDs are mandated by various regulations, such as SOLAS for maritime, recent legislation for the US transport industry, and health and safety standards by OSHA and HSE for chemical and industrial sectors, to protect employees in confined spaces or toxic environments.
- Manufacturers like Semmco LPS must adhere to international safety standards, including EN 13794 and ISO 23269-1, to ensure EEBDs are reliable and effective. These standards ensure the devices provide adequate protection and performance in emergencies.
What is an EEBD and Why is it Important?
An Emergency Escape Breathing Device (EEBD) is a critical piece of safety equipment designed to provide breathable air in hazardous situations. It must work the first time, every time, which is why there are strict regulations governing the design and functionality of the device, as well as where they should be made available to maximise worker safety.
Occupational requirements and production standards are mandated locally, so the EU and the US, for example, have slightly different regulations. Semmco LPS manufactures its EEBDs to comply with international safety standards so they can be used legally and safely by industries and organisations worldwide.
For a full explanation of for EEBD, read our full article here: What is EEBD?
Legal Requirements for EEBDs: When Do You Need an Emergency Escape Breathing Device?
EEBDs are used in industries where there is a risk of fire, gas leaks, toxic gases or other emergencies, often in confined spaces that require breathable air for long enough to escape. The sectors that primarily need them are the maritime industry, rail and transport, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, oil and gas, utilities and mining, as many employees in these industries work in confined spaces or where there is the potential for a toxic atmosphere. Some of the legally mandated use cases include:
Maritime Industry EEBD Regulations (SOLAS)
Maritime safety regulations are governed by the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention, which sets out minimum safety standards for the construction, equipment, and operation of ships. These regulations require EEBDs to be installed in engine rooms, accommodation areas, on the bridge and in the main control room. The ship’s layout and complement of crew will determine how many EEBDs are needed and where they should be placed to ensure the safety of all personnel.
SOLAS is an international convention, meaning most national maritime regulatory authorities will adhere to the same standards. Commercial ships must have at least two EEBDs within their accommodation spaces, and everyone on board should know how to use them in an emergency.
SOLAS also stipulates requirements for the performance, location, use, and care of the EEBD and that it should comply with relevant international standards to ensure safety and performance. Maritime EEBDs must last at least 10 minutes, providing enough time for the ship personnel to reach safety.
Read more about EEBD on ships here.
Transport Industry EEBD Requirements
The transport industry also requires the availability of EEBDs, often in confined places like train cabins that may be susceptible to emergencies that diminish air quality, like fires, chemical leaks or explosions.
In the US, recent legislation has mandated that EEBDs be available to employees working in the cabs of freight trains transporting hazardous material “that would pose an inhalation hazard in the event of release during an accident.” Railroads that transport hazardous materials are required to select, procure, and provide emergency escape breathing apparatus, as well as inspect, maintain, and replace them.
Industrial Health and Safety Standards for EEBDs
Employers in the chemical, manufacturing and refinery industries are bound by the health and safety mandates of their relevant government authority, including OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) in the US and the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) in the UK. They are required to provide appropriate respiratory protection to employees who are exposed to hazardous conditions. This includes the use of EEBDs in those areas where the risk is greatest.
The regulation of EEBDs in industry is not as prescriptive as the maritime requirements, but there is a risk of non-compliance with health and safety regulations if they are not made available.
Compliance with EEBD Standards and Certifications
To ensure EEBDs will work when needed, there are design/safety standards manufacturers must adhere to in order to comply with regulatory requirements. These standards are usually brought together by global standard associations, including the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and European Standards (EN), which account for the two key certifications for EEBDs.
The European standard EN 13794 specifies the minimum requirements for self-contained closed-circuit breathing apparatus. Unlike open-circuit systems, which expel exhaled air into the environment, closed-circuit systems purify and recirculate the air, allowing for extended use in environments where fresh air is unavailable or contaminated. Semmco’s EEBD uses KO2 (potassium superoxide) to liberate oxygen. As the wearer exhales, the moisture in their breath creates a chemical reaction with the KO2 that produces oxygen. The more the wearer breathes, the more oxygen is generated. The Semmco EEBDs last between 15 and 20 minutes, depending on the application.
The ISO standard 23269-1 provides detailed requirements for ship-board EEBDs. The standard designates the system design, facepiece and hood requirements, resistance to environmental damage, performance requirements, and operational testing.
Safety equipment for use in the UK also requires the CE or UKMA quality assurance certificate, and the Semmco EEBD meets the safety standards set out by these national standards bodies.
Is the Semmco EEBD right for you?
In hazardous environments, having a reliable EEBD is not just a legal requirement but a crucial safety measure. Workers depend on these devices for their safety at work, making compliance with standards and regulatory requirements essential.
Semmco EEBDs are designed with a unique KO2 (potassium superoxide) system that efficiently absorbs exhaled CO2 and liberates oxygen, generating continuous oxygen throughout the escape process. This system ensures that users have a reliable supply of breathable air when it is most needed.
Moreover, Semmco EEBDs offer up to 15 years of shelf life, providing long-term reliability and peace of mind while lowering through-life costs. Regular visual checks further guarantee their readiness for immediate use, ensuring they will perform effectively when required.
By choosing Semmco LPS, you are working with an experienced and trusted manufacturer and investing in the safety of your workforce. To learn more or discuss your specific requirements, reach out to our expert team here.
