RPD Selection Information

For SY/Airline respirator systems a key consideration is the distance between the wearer/task and the airpanel and/or cylinders.

A limitation of this type of system is that the hose may restrict the wearers mobility to perform their required tasks/functions. The maximum length of hose permitted by standards may also limit the travel distance of airline respirator wearers.

For example, if entry into the hazardous area requires movement over several meters, movement between floors or levels within a building or transit through very small openings or tunnels/ducts using ladders or crossing railroad tracks, then class SY/Airline RPD may not be suitable because of the possibility of tangling or severing the supplied air hoses.  Also, when using class S or combination class SY/S, the distance from the hazardous area to the nearest staging area containing a breathable atmosphere should be known to ensure that the RPD selected will have an adequate supply of breathable gas or that the service life of the auxiliary escape cylinder of the combination class SY/S is adequate for emergency escape.

Reference/s for further information and detail:

• AS/NZS 1715:2009 – Selection, use and maintenance – Section 5.3.3
• SA/SNZ TS ISO 16975.1:2023 – Selection, use and maintenance – Annex A