Support

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Looking for product specific support?

Semmco Life Protection Systems provides product support and training options to complement our range ensuring those using our products do so safely and confidently so that they get the best out of the equipment.  Please select the product you are interested in to be taken to our product support areas.

You can also compare our range of escape and working rescue breathing apparatus using our Product Selection Chart.

Please contact us to discuss any of our support services. One of our sales representatives will be able to assist you.

Call: +44 (0)1483 340593 and ask for the LPS Sales team

Email: saleslps@semmco.com

General FAQS

How long does an emergency escape breathing device last?

Most emergency escape breathing devices provide between 10 and 20 minutes of breathable air, which is designed to give workers enough time to evacuate a hazardous environment and reach a safe area. 

 

Why are confined space rescue attempts so dangerous?

Confined space rescue attempts are dangerous because the same hazardous atmosphere that incapacitates the first worker can quickly affect rescuers. Without proper training, monitoring, and breathing apparatus, rescuers may be exposed to oxygen deficiency or toxic gases.

What is the difference between an EEBD and breathing apparatus used in confined space rescue?

An EEBD or escape breathing apparatus provides short-duration air for emergency evacuation. In contrast, full breathing apparatus used for confined space rescue supplies air for longer periods and is used by trained rescue teams entering hazardous environments. 

When should escape breathing apparatus be used?

Escape breathing apparatus should be used when workers encounter dangerous atmospheres such as smoke, toxic gases, or oxygen deficiency. The equipment provides breathable air long enough for workers to leave the hazardous area and reach a safe location. 

 

What is an emergency escape breathing device (EEBD)?

An emergency escape breathing device (EEBD) is a portable breathing system designed to provide a short supply of breathable air, usually 10–20 minutes, allowing workers to escape hazardous environments containing smoke, toxic gases, or oxygen-deficient atmospheres. EEBDs are intended for evacuation rather than rescue operations. 

How do EEBDs fit into a respiratory risk assessment?

EEBDs are documented as emergency escape controls that support evacuation when primary and secondary controls fail.

 

Can EEBDs be reused?

Most EEBDs are single-use devices and must be replaced or serviced after activation or at the end of their service life.

Do workers need training to use an EEBD?

Yes. Familiarisation and practical drills are essential to ensure correct use under emergency conditions.

 

Do EEBDs protect against toxic gases?

Yes, EEBDs isolate the wearer from the surrounding atmosphere, preventing inhalation of toxic or oxygen-deficient air during escape.

Are EEBDs required under SOLAS?

Yes, SOLAS requires EEBDs in specific shipboard locations, particularly machinery spaces.

 

What is the difference between EEBD and SCBA?

EEBDs are escape-only devices, while SCBA is designed for work and rescue in hazardous atmospheres.

Are EEBDs suitable for confined spaces?

Yes, when a respiratory risk assessment identifies a credible risk of atmospheric contamination and escape relies on independent breathing protection.

How long does an EEBD last?

Most EEBDs provide between 10 and 20 minutes of rated escape duration, depending on design and test conditions.

Where are EEBDs required?

EEBDs are required where a sudden loss of breathable air could prevent safe evacuation, commonly in confined or enclosed spaces across industrial, infrastructure, and marine environments.

 

What is an EEBD?

An EEBD is an Emergency Escape Breathing Device designed to provide short-term breathable air or oxygen so a person can escape from a hazardous or oxygen-deficient environment.

 

What is the minimum duration an EEBD must provide to meet SOLAS standards?

To meet SOLAS compliance, an EEBD must supply at least 10 minutes of breathable air, ensuring crew have enough time to escape hazardous areas on ships, cargo vessels, tankers, and offshore installations. The Semmco Marine 15 EEBD exceeds this minimum with a 15-minute escape rating, providing a safety margin beyond the basic SOLAS requirement.   

Which SOLAS regulation covers EEBD requirements on ships?

EEBD provisions for marine use are defined in SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 13 (Means of Escape) and tied to the IMO’s Fire Safety Systems Code, detailing locations, quantity, and performance criteria for escape breathing devices on ships, cargo vessels, tankers, and offshore installations.

 

What standards must marine EEBDs comply with (SOLAS, IMO, ISO)?

Marine EEBDs (Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus) must meet SOLAS Chapter II-2 performance and carriage requirements, comply with the IMO Fire Safety Systems Code, and adhere to relevant ISO/PPE standards for breathing apparatus. Products like the Semmco Marine 15 EEBD are Maritime Equipment Directive (MED) approved (UKCA & CE Wheelmark) and designed for SOLAS compliance on ships and offshore units, ensuring reliability and international acceptance.   

How long does an EEBD provide breathable air during an emergency?

SOLAS-compliant EEBDs must supply a minimum of 10 minutes of breathable air to support safe escape from hazardous compartments. The Semmco Marine 15 EEBD provides up to 15 minutes of oxygen for escape and up to 60 minutes at rest, exceeding the SOLAS minimum for ships, cargo vessels, tankers, and offshore environments.

 

What is the difference between an EEBD and a SCBA on ships?

An EEBD, such as the Semmco Marine 15 EEBD, is intended solely for escape from smoke-filled or oxygen-deficient compartments on ships and offshore units, supplying short-duration breathable air. In contrast, a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is designed for firefighting and rescue, with longer duration and higher performance requirements under SOLAS and the Fire Safety Systems Code. EEBDs should never replace SCBAs for fire fighting or rescue tasks.

 

How many EEBDs are required per vessel or accommodation area?

Under SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 13, ships and offshore units must carry EEBDs in easily accessible locations, with at least two EEBDs in each accommodation space and in main vertical zones of passenger vessels; additional units are required depending on vessel type and size. Marine-approved EEBDs like the Semmco Marine 15 EEBD are suitable for these mandated positions on cargo vessels, tankers, and offshore installations, and must fit existing onboard storage systems.

What is an EEBD and how does it work on ships?

An Emergency Escape Breathing Device (EEBD) is self-contained, short-duration oxygen breathing apparatus used on ships, cargo vessels, tankers, and offshore facilities to help crew escape hazardous atmospheres like smoke, toxic gas, or oxygen-deficient environments. Marine EEBDs such as the Semmco Marine 15 EEBD automatically start supplying breathable oxygen when deployed, enabling safe escape but are not designed for firefighting or rescue operations under SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) standards. EEBD use and performance are governed by SOLAS Chapter II-2 and the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Fire Safety Systems Code.   

Can I hire an escape or working rescue set?

Yes, Semmco LPS can arrange for the escape or working rescue sets to be hired for a period of time if this is more convenient.  Please contact our sales team for further information.

How are the HEAD sets refurbished if they have been used?

If a HEAD set is used it can be refurbished by returning to Semmco LPS.  This refurbishment will includ the replacement of expired components.  Used sets should be double plastic bagged to reduce the risk of damage and returned, with their carry bag, to Semmco LPS Head Office. You can find our contact details on the Semmco LPS Contact Page.

How long can EEBD sets be stored for?

EEBD Industrial and Marine can be stored for up to 15 years. During that time, regular visual inspections should be carried out to ensure the set remains viable. The EEBD is stored in an airtight, sealed container. As long as the seal remains intact, the set will be viable. However if the seal is broken moisture could enter and this could result in the EEBD not being able to be used. An easy to see visual indicator on the storage box enables checks without removing the set from its storage point. If the visual indicator is blue the set is viable; if the visual indicator is pink the set is compromised and should not be used.

What’s the difference between Escape and Working/Rescue sets?

The main difference between the escape and working/rescue sets is the breathing rate that they are tested to, to define their rated duration.  Working/rescue sets are tested at 50 L/min and escape sets are tested at 35 L/min. When selecting the set that you require a suitable risk assessment by a competent person should be completed that will define whether you need an escape (move from/through the hazard to safety) set or a working/rescue (go into a hazard to complete work or rescue) set.
Visually the Semmco HEAD sets are provided in an orange carry case for escape sets and a blue carry case for working/rescue sets. The EEBD escape sets are provided in an orange case.

Are there instructions or videos showing how to don and doff the sets?

Yes there are videos on the website that show how to don and doff both the HEAD Sets and the EEBD Sets. Follow this link to see the donning and doffing instructions for the HEAD range and this link to see the donning and doffing instructions for the EEBD range.

How can you carry and store the sets for emergency use?

The HEAD range is supplied in a sturdy carry case that can be carried over the shoulder, via belt loops or stored in an accessible area within a facility or vehicle.
The EEBD Marine has been specifically designed to fit into existing storage brackets or stowage areas onboard ships. The family of EEBD’s can be stored in a wall bracket, we can supply these to you. There is an inbuilt shoulder strap that can be used. If the EEBD is to be carried on a regular bases optional extra carrying solutions can be purchased, please contact us to discuss what is the best for your application.

As the HEAD sets and EEBD sets contain a chemical do I need to store them carefully?

No, both the HEAD sets and the EEBD sets can be stored safely in a suitable storage location such as a cupboard, shelf or bracket. The HEAD sets are packed in a vacuum sealed bag inside the carry case. The EEBD sets are stored in a sealed, sturdy carry case.

Can I get training on how to use the products?

Yes, Semmco LPS provides both full day and half day training sessions depending on the customer’s requirement and the training can be carried out on-site or vitually via video training. Please contact us to discuss your needs.

Does the training session include being able to don and doff the sets?

Yes, Semmco LPS has developed a specific training set that provides the same experience as using the ‘live’ product so that those attending the training courses can become proficient in how to don and doff both the HEAD Escape Sets and the EEBD Escape Sets and feel confident in their capabilities.