What Does
Escape Cylinder Mean?
An escape cylinder is a critical component of both an escape breathing apparatus (EBA) and an emergency escape breathing device (EEBD).
These devices are respirators designed to allow the user to escape from an environment that has become hazardous. Devices with escape cylinders are especially useful in confined spaces where the atmosphere can become immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) due to low oxygen levels or contaminated air.
Escape cylinders are also known as egress cylinders.
Safeopedia Explains Escape Cylinder
Escape cylinders are either assigned to workers who might need them or placed in strategic locations for quick access.
They come in 5-, 10-, or 15-minute capacities, depending on the amount of time the user might need to escape from a hazardous situation.
Self-rescue from a Hazardous Environment
With the breathable air supplied from an egress cylinder, a worker faced with an IDLH situation can remove themself from a life-threatening situation. These situations can be caused by various hazards, such as the presence of contaminants or airborne particulates, fire and smoke, vapors, biohazards, and oxygen deficiency.
Unless the worker is unconscious or incapacitated due to the hazard, they might be able to perform a self-rescue. This will involve donning the escape cylinder and making their way to safety.
EBA and EEBD Respirators
An escape breathing apparatus (EBA) consists of a small (two to three liter) cylinder of compressed air that feeds air into a face piece. They are designed to be donned quickly.
An emergency escape breathing device (EEBD), on the other hand, has a compressed air cylinder that holds approximately 600 liters of oxygen, providing up to 15 minutes of breathing time. Other components include a pressure indicator that indicates remaining breathing time, face piece, hood, and a fireproof visor.