MSA W-65 Self-Rescuer

Purpose A self-rescuer is a device to be used in case of emergency for escape through atmosphere containing carbon monoxide All personnel in underground mines need to know how to use a self-rescuing device and to be aware of its limitations

Goals of the Course To establish a working knowledge of the self-rescuer To enable the students to use the self-rescuer in an emergency procedure

Objectives Know how to operate a self-rescuer Know when the self-rescuer should be used Know the limitations of the self-rescuer: time, carbon monoxide and storage Explain the examination procedure Demonstrate the correct procedure for donning the device

What is the Self-Rescuer? Protects the wearer from carbon monoxide Small enough to be carried on your belt Readily available in case of emergency Used at the first indication of a fire or explosion

Diagram of a Self-Rescuer Basic substance contained in the self-rescuer is hopcalite Hopcalite changes carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas, into carbon dioxide, a relatively harmless gas

W-65 Protection Facts Tests conducted by the Bureau of Mines state the W-65 provides adequate protection for 60 minutes in 1% concentration of carbon monoxide You must keep the self-rescuer in place regardless of the heat generation

W-65 Protection Facts The only purpose of the W-65 is for escape or self-rescue from an atmosphere containing carbon monoxide It will not provide protection in an atmosphere in which there is not enough atmosphere to function properly (less than 16.25 percent oxygen)

W-65 Protection Facts The self-rescuer is made of durable metal enclosed in a corrosion-resistant stainless steel case It cannot be reused Once the seal on the self-rescuer has been broken, it must be used immediately and then discarded

Regulations for Self-Rescue Devices 30 CFR 57.15030 - a one hour self-rescue device approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration shall be made available by the operator to all personnel underground

Regulations for Self-Rescue Devices 30 CFR 57.15031 - Must be worn at all times or carried by all persons underground except for the following: when it is hazardous to a person to wear or carry the device, it shall be located at a distance no greater than 25 feet from such person when a person works on or around mobile equipment, it may be placed in a readily accessible location on such equipment

Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer Open self-rescuer by firmly pulling lever up to break canister seal

Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer Pull and remove lever

Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer Remove cover and discard

Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer Remove the unit from the container by wrapping the headstrap around the wrist and pulling firmly

Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer Grip rubber tips of mouthpiece firmly between teeth, making an airtight seal with lips and mouthpiece

Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer Close nostrils with the nose clip

Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer Remove hat and place head strap on head. Replace hat

Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer Go to fresh air immediately as you breathe only through the self-rescuer A breathing resistance, similar to breathing through a dust respirator, will be experienced

Inspection and Maintenance Before going underground examine your self-rescuer for any external damage If it is damaged, replace it with another one

Inspection and Maintenance Should the self-rescuer be damaged while underground, it may be impossible in cases of emergency to remove the respirator from the container In this case, the wearer can still breathe with the filter in the container

Inspection and Maintenance The standard 30 CFR 57.15030 states an effective inspection program must be established by the operator and include both a visual inspection and weighing of the device

Inspection and Maintenance A visual inspection serves to identify surface defects, such as a crushed case or broken seal Weighing is necessary because it is the most reliable test in determining the serviceability of a self-rescuer

Inspection and Maintenance The inspection program for weighing self-rescuers shall not exceed a 90-day period and provide a record of weight for each device The weight gain should not be 10 or more grams

Miner’s Responsibility Remove the self-rescue device if they are not in good condition or any of the following exists: A device has a crushed or deeply dented case A device has dents or damage around the seal area A device has a broken seal or has lost its vacuum seal A device has a weight gain of 10 grams or more above the manufacturer’s weight imprinted

W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz When should a person use the self-rescuer? The rescuer should be used immediately at the first indication of a fire or explosion even though no smoke is visible.

W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz How long will the self-rescuer protect you once it is activated? One hour

W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz When should you remove the self-rescuer? Do not remove the self-rescuer until you are in fresh air.

W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz What is the use life of a self-rescuer? Remove the self-rescuer from service if it has a weight gain of 10 grams or more above the manufacturer’s weight imprinted on the self-rescuer case.

W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz If the container does not come off when you open the device, what should you do? If the container is damaged, it may not be possible in an emergency to remove the respirator from the container. The wearer can still breathe with the filter in the container.

W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz If the device begins to get hot, what should you do? The wearer must keep the self-rescuer in place regardless of how hot it becomes. To remove a self-rescuer under such circumstances would almost certainly result in death.

W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz Why was the self-rescuer designed? As the name implies, the self-rescuer is intended to help the wearer escape.

W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz From what gases does the self-rescuer protect you? The self-rescuer is designed to protect the wearer from carbon monoxide present in the air following a fire or an explosion. It does not provide oxygen.

W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz After you don the self-rescuer, what should you do? Go to fresh air immediately.

W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz Should the self-rescuer be used t o fight fires? No