|
Introduction
to :First Level Personal Preparedness:
Breathing
Protection
Breathing
Protection,
a subset of First
Level Personal Preparedness,
is broken down into three primary categories that are relevant
to the citizen.
Smoke & Particulate Masks, Smoke
& Carbon Monoxide (Co) Evacuation hoods and
Nuclear Chemical Biological Radiological (NCBR) Masks.
These
masks and hoods have the common feature of not providing supplementary
Oxygen to the wearer. Their primary function is to allow the
evacuee to breath with the level of oxygen that is available
(most require that surrounding air contain at least 17% Oxygen)
, filtering out or converting harmful vapors, chemicals or
Nuclear/biological agents for a long enough duration to provide
relief and time for escape to non-contaminated and oxygen
rich air. Their rated effectiveness ranges from 15 minutes
to 60 minutes. All such masks/hoods are relatively easy to
deploy and do not require any sophisticated training to use.
They range in size from a palm holdable paper mask for particulates,to
a container the size of a small lunchbox. These devices are
considered 'last resort' respiratory protection in life or
death situations or in the case of biological barriers- temporary
preventatives to infection. They are typically one time use-
designed to be replaced if used even once. In the case of
the cartridge replaceable masks, only the cartridges must
be replaced- whilst the head masks may be reused up until
their expiry dates.
The
sole objective of our discussion of these products is to inform
with regard to the availability of various categories of products
as well as to bring awareness of the importance of the human
factors issues that relate to effective deployment. The
masks and hoods that we've sampled, are relevant
components of Go-Kits and Go-Bags- that are intended to contain
tools that afford the possible evacuee- a modicum of protection
for the first 15 minutes to one hour of an emergency that
threatens safe respiration.
Masks and hoods (or filter cartridges) are typically serialized
and sealed as well as stamped with manufacture dates and expiration
dates.
Respiratory protection masks and hoods are rated by certifying
bodies to comply with recognized standards for effectiveness.
Understanding the situational contexts for which a particular
product is designed to be used, is critical to effective disaster
preparedness and mitigation.
Disclaimer- Please Read
Although we've made an effort to inform the consumer about
the availability, human factors and usability of these special
products, we make no claim for either their technical or contextual
efficacy. As such, the reader assumes all responsibility for
the selection, training, deployment and maintenance of these
products for use in emergencies.
It's important for consumers contemplating a purchase
of these products to know that reading the instructions,getting
advance training and correct deployment are important for
effective use. There are circumstances in which late deployment
may not be effective in the preservation of life or in preventing
contamination. If the reader has any doubt about their ability
to understand the instructions or to properly stow or deploy
these products, we advise that they get assistance in the
selection and purchase as well as use of these products.
Most masks using filters with active ingredients have a finite
expiration date and strict usage requirements for effectiveness.
The
key advantages of evacuation masks and hoods are:
Portability | Accessibility | laboratory tested for effectiveness
within specific contexts | Relatively affordable compared
to high end systems
|
| Smoke
& Particulate Masks |
| |
|
X-caper®
Smoke Escape Mask
Above- Packaged and sealed
Above- Glow In Dark patches on each side aid in low light
findability
Above-Executive Kit
Above-Belt Kit
Above-Practice Mask
Quick
Specifications:
• Elastic two-point head strap
• Valveless design
• Absorbs hazardous toxins including Carbon Monoxide
and 100% of particulate matter common to smoke from fires.
• Activated proprietary moisturizing agent
• laminated design
Storage requirements: N/A
Use to protect against:Carbon Monoxide (100%), Cyanide
(100%) and Acrolein (100%)+ Smoke, dust, airborne fiber and
other particulate matter down to 3/10ths of a micron.
Effective Duration: Depending on circumstances 30
minutes +
Shelf life: 5 years
Form Factor/Collapsed dimensions: 1.125"X5"X6"
Size: Med/Lg – Fits most adults and teens
Weight: 1.9oz
Carry Options: vacuum sealed easy open pouch + optional
accessory carry pouch or fanny pack
Comments: Training unit available at additional
cost . Absolute minimum smoke escape mask. Does not protect
eyes against smoke and will not protect face against burns
from high heat or flames.
Cost:
$49.50 Sales Source:
http://www.myxcaper.com &
http://disastermart.com
|
| |
|
Moldex®2730
Series N100 Particulate Respirator
Above- Left, opened and ready | Right,Wrapped and sealed
Quick Specifications:
• HandyStrap® with buckle allows mask to hang around
neck when not in use.
• Ventex® valve lets the hot air out faster so workers
breathe easier and use fewer masks.
• Soft foam full flange eliminates pressure points for
added comfort.
• Dura-Mesh® shell resists collapsing in heat and
humidity.
• Flame retardants are added to the shell to help decrease
flammability.
• Softspun® lining for increased comfort and durability.
• Available in two sizes to fit most workers.
• NIOSH certified to have a filter efficiency of 99.97%
or greater against particulate aerosols free of oil.
Storage requirements: Away from dust, mold/mildew
or moisture
Use to protect against: Airborne particles that are
free of oil
Effective Duration: Depending on circumstances 15
minutes - 100+ hrs
Shelf life: 5 years
Form Factor/Collapsed dimensions:3.5"X5.5"X1"
Size: Med/Lg – Fits most adults and teens
Weight:
Carry Options: Wrapped in Aluminum foil-Jacket pocket
or any similarly small space
Comments: Inexpensive, fold flat , ineffective
against smoke/CO or NCBR agents. Will not collapse if wet
Cost:
$10.95 Sales Source:
http://www.nitro-pak.com
|
| |
|
3M
N95 8212 Particulate Respirator
Quick Specifications:
• It features the 3M™ Cool Flow™ Exhalation
Valve, cake-resistant filter media, a comfortable faceseal
and fully adjustable straps.
Storage
requirements: Away from dust, mold/mildew or moisture
Use to protect against: Airborne particles that are
free of oil
Effective Duration: Depending on circumstances 15
minutes - 100+ hrs
Shelf life: 5 years
Form Factor/Collapsed dimensions:3.5"X5.5"X1.5"
Size: Med/Lg – Fits most adults and teens
Weight:
Carry Options: Wrapped in Aluminum foil-Jacket pocket
or any similarly small space
Comments: Inexpensive, fold flat , ineffective
against smoke/CO or NCBR agents. May collapse if wet
Cost:
$4.99 Sales Source:
http://www.nitro-pak.com |
| |
|
Willson
N9520F SAF-T-FIT Particulate Respirator
Quick Specifications:
•Features a flat-fold'spring-open' design, boomerange
nose seal. exhalation valve and individual sealed packaging.
Storage
requirements: Packaging is moisture resistant
Use to protect against: Airborne particles that are
free of oil
Effective Duration: Depending on circumstances 15
minutes - 100+ hrs
Shelf life: 5 years
Form Factor/Collapsed dimensions:Varies with size
Size: Small, Medium & Large- Fits most adults
through to children (Color Coded)
Weight:
Carry Options: Wrapped in sealed moisture resistant
plastic
Comments: Inexpensive, fold flat , ineffective
against smoke/CO or NCBR agents. Individual packaging is effective
in mitigating contamination.
Cost:
$? Sales Source: http://www.bacou-dalloz.com
National Sales Manager rforrest@bacou-dalloz.com |
| Smoke
& CO Evacuation hoods |
| |
 |
Evac-U8
® Smoke Escape Hood RECALLED!
Above - In use
Above-Left, note reflective endcap | Right, Instructional
pictograms
Above-Left, Expiration Date | Right, safety seal
Above-Left, Packaged & Sealed (Note: Kevlar Gloves)| Right,
Flashlight
& Emergency whistle (Included in EVAC pac kit)
Quick Specifications:
• Self contained kit in a custom carry pack
• In addition to one hood assembly, kit also contains
one pair of large woven kevlar gloves, a Pelican emergency
flashlight and a Coast Guard certified emergency whistle.
• EVAC-U8™ is a portable air-purifying Respiratory
Protective Escape Device (RPED).
• It provides respiratory, head and eye protection for
15 minutes* to assist escape from hazardous fire atmospheres.EVAC-U8™'s
Key Features Include:
• Catalytic filter system provides protection against
toxic gases created by fire including Carbon Monoxide.
• Heat-resistant hood (made with Kapton® polyimide
film, a DuPont material) protects head and eyes.
• Compact size and light weight (approx. 11oz/312g)
makes EVAC-U8™ easy to store and very portable.
• Universal fit - not affected by eyeglasses, hair length,
facial hair. No fit testing required.
• Requires no maintenance (other than visual inspection)
during 5-year service life.
• Gloves-Provide excellent protection against both cutting
hazards and burn hazards. 'Sure-grip' PVC dots on palm.
• Flashlight. Brighter than ordinary pocket lights.
Non-incendive, water resistant, made of high impact polycarbonate.
• Whistle-Patented pea-less design ensures dependable
performance. Exceptionally loud and shrill.
• Kit Case -CORDURA® nylon. Zipper tabs for quick,
easy access to contents. Adjustable strap for hand or shoulder
carry.
Storage/Handling requirements: Do Not Drop
Use to protect against: Toxic gases created by combustion
,head/eye protection from heat and transient flame.
Effective Duration: 15 minutes
Shelf life: 5 years from date of manufacture
Form Factor/ dimensions: Typical soda can size
- 3"Diameter X 5.5"
Size: Med/Lg – Fits most adults and teens
Exclusions: Small children and some elderly persons
.Persons with weak respiratory systems. The EVAC-U8™
is not CE-approved for sale in Europe. Please refer to www.evacplus.com
for EVAC+, the CE-approved version.
Weight: 16oz (Full Kit) , 11oz single unit
Carry Options: Self-contained unit may be carried
in any suitable compartment. EVAC pac kit includes a shoulder
strap for shoulder carry
Comments: RECALLED!
Cost:
$75.00 Sales Source: Evacsafety.com
| Contact info@evacsafety.com
|
| |
 |
Purify
Air ® Smoke Escape Hood - Model ASE30
Quick
Specifications:
•The hood/mask is flame-resistant, aluminum foil cloth,
which will withstand 1400pºf
• Form Fitting Elastic neck band prevents any intrusion
by any foreign matter.
• Sealed in a soft plastic carry bag.
• Portable enough to take with you when you travel.
• Warranted for five years.*
Storage requirements: Away from dust, mold/mildew
or moisture
Use to protect against: Carbon Monoxide (CO), Hydrogen
Cyanide (HCN), Hydrogen Chloride (HCL), Acrolein (CH2CHCHO),
Plus many more toxic gases and smoke.
Effective Duration: Depending on circumstances 30
minutes
Shelf life: 5 years
Form Factor/Collapsed dimensions: 5.25" x 3.5"
x 7.00" Outer Box 4.5"X5.5"X9"
Size: Med/Lg – Fits most adults and teens
Weight: Unit alone-20oz
Carry Options: Small mask carrier, personal luggage
- dedicated wall-mounted container box
Comments: Conforms with USFA-FEMA,
the Thailand Disaster Prevention Department of the Interior
Ministry, the European standard EN 403, the Australian and
New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1716:1994 and the Japanese Standard
248.
Cost:MSRP $89.95
Sales Source:http://www.aussiestuff.com/SAFESCAPE2.htm
E-mail robert_coleman@aussiestuff.com
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
 |
M-95
Military NCBR Face Mask
ABOVE.Left-assembled
mask , Right-Cartridge simply screws into one of two side
ports
ABOVE.Left-Oblique
view, Center-Inside view (showing intake ports and drinking
'straw'
Right, 1-Filter port 2-Exhale valve 3- Drinking Port 4- Filter
port
Note:Unlused filter port may be outfitted with optional speech
diaphragm
ABOVE.Left-
Cut-away illustration of N-95 filter cartridge, Right, Facepiece
ready for stowage
Quick
Specifications:
• Available in Regular and Small sizes to fit varying
facial shapes and types. Regular: Most adult males and females.
Small: Most small females and early teenagers. (Regular size
shipped by default- to order small size simply call us after
placing order)
• Ventilated lenses to prevent fogging
• Comfortable six-point head harness
• Heavy-duty rugged design
• Extremely wide field-of-view
• Optional prescription lens frame (requires custom
made lenses)
• Integrated hydration port-drinking valve (requires
optional M95 Canteen)
• Optional Speech diaphragm provides clear communications
• 20-year shelf life (mask and respirator)
• Includes one M95 filter canister (extra canisters
available)
• 3-year Warranty
Storage requirements: Mask-N/A , Filter must
be sealed
Use to protect against: Nuclear,Chemical & Biological
agents
Effective Duration: Depending on circumstances 15
minutes - 100+ hrs
Shelf life: 20 years(3 year warranty)& 10years
(unopened cartridge)
Form Factor/Collapsed dimensions: 5.5"X8"X8.5"
Size: Med/Lg – Fits most adults and teens
Weight: 28.5oz (Incl. Canister)
Carry Options: Gas Mask carry cases
Accessories: M95 Canteen/Water Bottle, M95
Speech Diaphragm & Prescription Lens Frame
Comments: Meets all U.S. Military, NATO and
NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
specs for NBC protection. Excellent Instruction manual (included)
Cost:
$149.95 (Including one canister) Sales Source:
http://www.terrorismsafetyalliance.org
Contact: steve@terrorismsafetyalliance.org |
| |
 |
Draeger
Parat-C Smoke Escape Hood
Quick
Specifications:
The PARAT C is a lightweight, portable easy to don smoke escape
hood designed for self-rescue in the event of a fire. The
PARAT C protects the wearer for a minimum of 15 minutes from
smoke, carbon monoxide and toxic gases normally present during
a fire. It is ideal as a personal escape device which can
be used in emergency situations occurring in homes, office
or apartment buildings, schools, hospitals, plant facilities
and hotels.
• Hood made from flame-retardant, self-extinguishing
PVC material.
• Bright orange hood with high visibility and excellent
reflective properties
• One universal size
• Can be worn with glasses, long hair and beards
• Large visor treated with anti-misting agent provides
wide range of vision for quick escape
• Elastic collar makes hood easy to don and adjust
• Comfortable, soft, inner mask allows wearer to breath
normally through nose or mouth
• Perfect for frequent travelers
Hood Material: Tyvek Type F-pased all standard
NATO tests
Storage
requirements:
Use to protect against: fire/smoke, CO, toxic gases
found in fires and smoke particulates
Effective Duration: 15 minutes
Shelf life: 12 years (6 years for filter)
Form Factor/Collapsed dimensions:8cm X 19cm X 13cm
Size: 8cm X 19cm X 13cm (8cm X 18cm X 18cm - Box)
Weight: 600 grams
Carry Options: Soft traveler pouch or Box (standard)
Accessories: N/A
Comments: Single strap adjustment is very
easy to use. Suitable for adults to youths but not for very
small children . CE-marked to EN 403-M specification.
Cost:
$150.00 Sales Source:
http://www.draeger-safety.com
Contact: Eric.Dzuba@draeger.com |
| |
 |
Draeger
Defend AIR NCRB Escape Hood
Quick
Specifications: The DefendAIR® provides over
15 minutes of protection against chemical warfare agents,
toxic industrial chemicals, and biological warfare agents.
Easy to don, the DefendAIR® can be deployed in the matter
of seconds. It provides respiratory-, eye- and skin protection
to the user.
• Hood material is Tyvek Type F
• Lens treated with anti-mist coating
• Neckseal provides 1000 protection factor
• No interval maintenance required while in sealed package
•Approvals:CS/CNP100 acc. NIOSH CFR 42 part 84 ABEP15
acc. to DIN 68647-7
• 99.97% particulate efficiency
Storage requirements:
Use to protect against: Nuclear,Chemical & Biological
agents
Effective Duration: 22 minutes -8 Hours depending
on agent
Shelf life: 5 Years in Original Packaging
Form Factor/Collapsed dimensions:6.0" diameter
X 3.5" High (Sealed Tin)
Size:6.0" diameter X 3.5" High (Sealed
Tin)
Weight: 16 oz packaged in hard case / 12 Oz Ready
to use
Storage temperature: -4ºF to 140ºF
Carry Options: Sealed Aluminum tin ( easy open)
Accessories: N/A
Comments: The most secure, compact and practically
packaged of this category of Hood. Does not convert CO but
has high (99.97%) particulate efficiency. Not a source of
Oxygen. Extremely easy to don with minimum fuss. Excellent
pictogram instructions on package. Package is lightweight,
sealed and easy to open.Suitable for adults to youths but
not for very small children
Cost:
$230.00 Sales Source:
http://www.draeger-safety.com
Contact: Eric.Dzuba@draeger.com |
| |
|
NCBR
Masks - Nuclear Chemical Biological Radiological masks |
|
