Authors
Mallet-L; Brnich-MJ Jr; Vaught-C; Reinke-D; Urban-C; Lenart-P
Source
Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 2001 Jan; :1-5
Abstract
A persistent problem with self-contained selfrescuers (SCSRs) has been nagging doubts about the reliability of these important personal protective devices. One dimension of the reliability issue is the concern that workers do not adhere to manufacturers' recommended inspection and care procedures. In order to appreciate the need to take care of their apparatus, it is important for miners to understand the protection an SCSR offers. Some mistakenly believe filter self-rescuers and SCSRs provide the same level of protection, though the filter self rescuer is approved only as protection from carbon monoxide. The SCSR can protect miners from many other toxic substances such as Sulfur Dioxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, and Acrolein, a deadly product of burning timbers. And, of course, SCSRs may also protect workers from oxygen deficiency. Because the SCSR is a life saver, miners must take care to ensure the unit is ready for use if needed.
Keywords
Respirators; Respiratory-protective-equipment; Self-contained-self-rescuers; Education; Teaching; Training; Equipment-reliability; Emergency-response; Filters; Miners; Underground-miners; Personal-protective-equipment; Oxygen-deficient-atmospheres
Contact
Launa Mallett, Ph.D., NIOSH, Pittsburgh Research Laboratory, 626 Cochrans Mill Road, PO Box 18070, Pittsburgh, PA 15236
CAS No.
630-08-0; 7446-09-5; 7783-06-4; 107-02-8
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health