Self-rescuer SCSR
The self-rescuer mask is the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) of choice for emergency evacuations in confined spaces. Unlike escape masks - generally recommended for emergency evacuations in open air - it is particularly suitable in case of significant air contamination (gases, dust, vapors, fumes) or in oxygen depleted atmospheres (anoxia risk).
The self-rescuer is an integral part of confined space entry training where it is highly recommended, or even required in certain cases such as mines, tunnels, sanitation and water treatment.
The SCSR: an emergency escape breathing device dedicated to confined spaces
Well known by professionals working in dangerous environments, self-containted self-rescue devices or simply self-rescuer devices are used all around the world in many applications. SCSRs can be found in many activities like waste water dans waste water management, the gas and oil industry, the marine industry & military, construction and public works - notably underground works, mines and other activities in confined space environments. Indeed these devices are recommended in many confined space entry certification programs like the french CATEC® certification.
Self-rescuer operating principle
SCSR devices are closed-circuit self-contained respiratory protective devices. Which means that exhaled air is stored in a bag (called lung) then purified (CO2-free) and regenerated in oxygen thanks to 2 different principles:
- Compressed oxygen self-rescuers that use an oxygen sypply to complete the depleted air and make it breathable again.
- Chemical oxygen self-rescuers that use KO2 (Potassium superoxide) cartridge to produce additional oxygen through a chemical reaction.
Autonomy of self-rescuers
These 2 types of self-contained self rescuers are used the same way: when a danger is signaled, the user opens the case of the device then places the mouth and nose pieces. Once the short manipulation is done, the user is completely isolated from the dangerous atmosphere and can safely proceed with the evacuation.
The most commonly used self-contained self rescue devices usually offer 20 to 30 minutes autonomy of breathable air, however in some cases some SCSRs can provide breathable air for over several hours, considering that it is subjet to individual breathing rythm and effort (rest, effort, hyper ventilation).