Products that need to meet EN137 are self-contained open-circuit compressed air breathing apparatuses (SCBA). These are used to provide breathable air in hazardous or oxygen-deficient environments. Below is a breakdown of products and their specific contexts where EN137 compliance is mandatory:
1. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
Features
- Compressed air cylinders
- Facepiece or full-face masks
- Pressure regulators
- Demand valves
- Harnesses for carrying the apparatus
Applications
- Firefighting (Type 2 SCBA): Used in high-heat, smoke-filled, and potentially explosive environments.
- Industrial Safety (Type 1 SCBA): Deployed in confined spaces, chemical plants, and other environments with harmful gases or insufficient oxygen.
2. Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBD)
While not always certified under EN137, escape devices used in firefighting or hazardous material management may need to meet additional regulations tied to EN137 standards, depending on the intended use.
3. Accessories for SCBA
Although EN137 focuses on complete SCBA systems, critical accessories directly affecting safety and functionality must also comply:
- Facepieces and Masks: Ensure compatibility and airtight seals.
- Pressure Regulators: Maintain consistent airflow under stress.
- Cylinders: Must meet pressure durability requirements for safe storage and use of compressed air.
4. Integrated Firefighter Breathing Apparatus Systems
Many modern SCBA systems used by firefighters integrate communication systems or heads-up displays. While these added technologies may follow separate standards, the base SCBA unit must meet EN137 for safety and performance.
Industries Requiring EN137-Compliant Products
- Fire and Rescue Services
- Protection in environments with smoke, flames, and toxic gases.
- Chemical and Petrochemical Industries
- SCBA protects workers in environments with airborne toxins or vapors.
- Mining Operations
- Used in oxygen-deficient tunnels or when exposed to hazardous gases.
- Confined Space Work
- Maintenance workers in tanks, silos, or sewer systems often rely on SCBA.
- Military and Emergency Response
- Used for hazardous material (HAZMAT) incidents, including chemical or biological threats.
The CE EN137 standard is a European regulation that sets the requirements and test methods for self-contained open-circuit compressed air breathing apparatuses (SCBA) used by firefighters, emergency responders, and other professionals in hazardous environments. Here’s a detailed overview:
Purpose
EN137 ensures the performance, reliability, and safety of SCBA devices, which provide breathable air in environments where oxygen levels are low or hazardous substances are present.
Scope
This standard applies specifically to compressed air SCBA systems. These devices consist of a mask, air cylinder, and regulator, allowing users to work safely in dangerous atmospheres.
Key Features of EN137 SCBA
- Open-Circuit Design
- The exhaled air is expelled into the atmosphere after use.
- Compressed Air Supply
- The air is stored in high-pressure cylinders and delivered through a regulator to the facepiece.
- Manual Operation
- Typically, these systems are manually activated by the user.
Two Classes in EN137
- Type 1
- Designed for industrial use in environments with minimal physical challenges (e.g., confined spaces, hazardous gases).
- Focuses on durability and moderate robustness.
- Type 2
- Designed for firefighting and extreme conditions.
- Must meet additional requirements for:
- Heat resistance
- Flame exposure
- Impact and shock resistance
Requirements for Compliance
The standard specifies tests to ensure SCBA meets safety and durability criteria:
- Breathing Resistance
- Devices must maintain low breathing resistance under varying workloads.
- Flame and Heat Resistance
- Must withstand exposure to high temperatures and direct flames (especially for Type 2).
- Impact Resistance
- Protects against mechanical shocks and falls.
- Performance Under Pressure
- The regulator must deliver consistent air flow, even under extreme stress or low cylinder pressure.
- Comfort and Fit
- The facepiece and harness must ensure comfort and a secure fit.
- Markings
- Each unit must bear a CE marking, along with the EN137 certification, the manufacturer’s details, and model identification.
Applications
- Firefighting
Firefighters rely on EN137-compliant SCBA for navigating smoke-filled, high-heat environments. - Industrial Safety
Workers in chemical plants, confined spaces, or areas with toxic gases use these devices for respiratory protection. - Emergency Response
Responders in hazardous materials incidents depend on SCBA for safe operations.
Maintenance and Inspection
To maintain compliance, SCBA units must be:
- Regularly Inspected
- Check for damages, air leakage, and proper functionality.
- Properly Stored
- Store in a clean, dry environment away from direct sunlight or contamination.
- Periodically Serviced
- Cylinders and regulators need professional servicing according to manufacturer recommendations.
Why EN137 Compliance is Crucial
Compliance ensures SCBA systems:
- Operate reliably in critical conditions.
- Provide adequate protection against life-threatening hazards.
- Meet legal requirements for workplace safety in the EU.
