BS EN 403:1993 download.Specification for Filtering respiratory protective devices with hood for self-rescue from fire.
A given respiratory protective device can only be approved when the individual components satisfy the requirements of the test specification which may be a complete standard or part of a standard, and practical performance tests have been carried out on complete device where specified in the appropriate standard. If for any reason a complete device is not tested then simulation of the device is permitted provided the respiratory characteristics and weight distribution are similar to those of the complete device.
1 Scope
BS EN 403 specifies filtering devices with a hood for personal escape from particulate matter, carbon monoxide and other toxic gases produced by fire. It specifies minimum requirements for this device which is for single use. It does not cover devices designed for use in circumstances where there is or might be an oxygen deficiency (oxygen less than 17 % by volume).
Two types of devices are specified: namely, those designed to be carried on the person and those designed to be stored.
BS EN 403 specifies devices primarily designed for adult users. Some devices may not be suitable for children.
Laboratory and practical performance tests are included for the assessment of compliance with the requirements.
2 Normative references
BS EN 403 incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to BS EN 403 only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies.
EN 132, Respiratory protective devices; Definitions. EN 1:36, Respiratory protective devices; Full face masks; Requirements, testing, marking.
EN 140, Respiratory protective devices; Half masks and quarter masks; Requirements, testing, ,narking. EN 141, Respiratory protective devices; Gas filters and corn bined filters; Requirements, testing, marking.
EN 143, Respiratory protective devices; Particle filters; Requirements, testing, marking.
4.3 Packaging
The packaging shall be easy to open without tools. If materials sensitive to humidity are used in the device, they shall be protected against the effects of humidity, e.g. by suitable packaging.
Testing in accordance with 5.1, 5.2.2 and 5.2.6.
4.4 Practical performance test
In addition to the machine tests described the device shall undergo practical performance tests under realistic conditions. These general tests serve the purpose of checking the equipment for imperfections that cannot be determined by the tests described elsewhere in this standard.
Where, in the opinion of the test station, approval is not granted because practical performance tests show the device has imperfections related to wearer’s acceptance, the test station shall provide full details of those parts of the practical performance tests which revealed these imperfections. This will enable other test stations to duplicate the tests and the results thereof. Testing in accordance with 5.3.
4.5 Leakage
4.5.1 Inward leakage excluding filter penetration (breathing zone)
When the filtering smoke hood is tested in accordance with 5.4.1 the values of inward leakage shall comply with the following:
For filtering smoke hoods fitted in accordance with the instructions for use, at least 46 out of the 50 individual results for the inward leakage over each of the exercise periods as defined in 5.4.1 (i.e. 10 subjects x 5 exercise periods) shall be not greater than
5%
and in addition, at least 8 out of the 10 individual wearer arithmetic means (10 subjects) for the inward leakage, averaged over all exercise periods shall be not greater than
2 %.
4.5.2 Leakage into ocular zone
The leakage of the test agent shall not exceed 20 %.
Testing in accordance with 5.4.2.
4.6 Filter
4.6.1 Gas capacity
When tested in accordance with 5.5 the breakthrough time shall not be less than 15 mm when the following test agents are used:
propenal (acrolein) hydrogen chloride hydrogen cyanide
5 Testing
5.1 Visual inspection
The visual inspection shall be carried out by the test station prior to laboratory or practical performance tests or where appropriate. The visual inspection includes marking and instructions for use.
5.2 Conditioning
5.2.1 General
The conditioning procedures specified in 5.2.2 to 5.2.7 shall be applied sequentially to all test specimen.
The device shall be conditioned in the smallest packaging in which it is stored or carried.
5.2.2 Storage
The device shall be stored for two months at room climate.
5.2.3 Mechanical strength
The device shall be tested in its packaging in accordance with 6.2 of EN 141 using 2 000 rotations for “S” type and 10 000 rotations for “M1’ type.
5.2.4 Impact
The device shall be dropped in its packaging six times from a height of 1,5 m onto a smooth concrete surface using different starting orientations. This conditioning applies only to devices of ‘M’ type.
5.2.5 Resistance of packaging to puncture and tear
5.2.5.1 Principle
A striker is allowed to fall with a specified energy, point downwards onto the device packaged as described in 5.2.1. The packaging is then pulled out from under the point and inspected for punctures or tears.
5.2.5.2 Apparatus
A typical test equipment is shown in Figure 1.
6.5 Warning shall be given concerning problems likely to be encountered, for example:
— the unit shall not be damaged in any way;
— donning procedure shall be carried out in
accordance with the instructions for use.
6.6 The instructions for use shall be unambiguous.
If helpful, illustrations shall be added, e.g. showing
the donning procedure.
6.7 It shall be possible to have access to the
instructions for use without breaking any seal.
7 Marking
The filtering smoke hood or at least the packaging shall be clearly and durably marked with the following information:
7.1 General
7.1.1 The name, trade mark, or other means of identification of the manufacturer or supplier.
7.1.2 Type identifying marking.
7.1.3 Number of this European Standard.
7.2 The marking shall be provided with the following particulars on the packaging:
— Class, i.e. “M” or
— Date of manufacture (year and month) and
shelf life or date of expiry of shelf life or date for
next inspection;
— The note “See instructions for use!”;
— When the reliable performance of the device
may be affected by mass increase, e.g. absorption
of humidity, the mass shall be given on the
packaging that protects against humidity;
— If the device is fitted with a mouthpiece and a
noseclip the statement: “Do not speak during
use
7.3 Where the reliable performance of piece parts may be affected by ageing, means of identifying the date (at least the year) of manufacture shall be given.
7.4 Sub-assemblies and piece parts with considerable beating on safety shall be marked such that they can be identified.
7.5 For parts, which cannot be marked, the relevant information shall be included in the instructions for use.