The right self-rescuer must reliably cover your required escape duration under the anticipated conditions of use.
The key figures at a glance: according to DEZEGA, CARBO 30 and CARBO 60 provide operating durations of at least 30 and 60 minutes respectively at a breathing minute volume of 35 l/min in accordance with EN 13794:2002. For EmSCAPE, at a breathing minute volume of 35 l/min, the stated duration is at least 15 minutes in accordance with EN 13794:2002 and at least 30 minutes in accordance with ISO 23269-1:2008.
This buying guide supports your initial selection. Your choice of self-rescuer must align with your risk assessment and escape plan. Particularly in mining and tunnelling, it is worth bringing the requirements together before requesting a quotation: what distance must people cover, under what conditions and to which safe destination?
Self-rescuers: what requirements does your escape route impose?
Start by considering all potential requirements for the applications for which you intend to procure devices. Even within a single project, check whether all affected work areas have the same requirements. The following /selection questions also help you prepare an enquiry for mining applications. However, the DAUB recommendations (German Tunnelling Committee) referenced here relate to underground construction sites; mining-specific conditions must be considered separately.
The selection criteria specified by DGUV (German Social Accident Insurance) include the type and concentration of contaminants, possible oxygen deficiency, thermal effects, and the characteristics and length of the escape route. Escape devices are intended for self-rescue; they are not working equipment for planned use in a potentially hazardous area.
Record the escape destination, route and physical exertion
First, describe the starting point and destination of the planned escape. Where should employees go if the atmosphere at their workplace is no longer breathable? Then consider the entire route to that destination and record the relevant conditions.
For your enquiry, a brief, clear description is more useful than “short tunnel” or “long escape route”. Document, for example, sections of the route, changes in elevation and the basis for your calculation of the time required. This allows the consultation to establish which information is already reliable and where a more detailed assessment is needed.
The DAUB recommendations for underground construction sites explicitly take account of ground conditions, passage cross-sections, gradients, shafts and obstacles. The duration of the selected device must safely exceed the required escape duration. Even where escape vehicles are provided, self-rescue on foot must remain possible; additional or different devices must be selected accordingly where necessary.
Consider users, device provision and protective Equipment
Establish who needs the devices and how those people will access them. Where applicable, this also includes visitors and employees of other companies. DGUV distinguishes between personally allocated devices and devices held in stock; where devices are provided at fixed locations, easy and safe access must be ensured.
Include these questions in your procurement process:
- Who are the intended users, and how many people may be affected at the same time?
- Should the device be carried during work or kept ready at a designated location?
- Which helmets, spectacles and other protective equipment are used?
- How will issue, return, condition checks and, where applicable, maintenance and testing be organised?
Have the intended configuration explained to you and use suitable training devices to resolve outstanding handling questions in practice. A general product description does not, on its own, establish whether the solution fits your operational procedures.
What do 15, 30 or 60 minutes mean for a self-rescuer?
Duration figures are only meaningful when their reference conditions are known. In every comparison, check which device, standard and breathing minute volume each value relates to. Here, breathing minute volume means the volume of gas breathed per minute. Duration figures must always be read together with this standardised test condition.
For CARBO 30 and CARBO 60, DEZEGA points out that the duration under actual escape conditions depends on physical activity and individual physiological factors. A rated performance figure is therefore not a guaranteed duration for an individual user. The duration of the selected device must therefore safely exceed the required escape duration.
Why the reference standard is crucial for EmSCAPE
The two stated minimum values at a breathing minute volume of 35 l/min relate to the same device but are based on different standards: 30 minutes in accordance with ISO 23269-1:2008 and 15 minutes in accordance with EN 13794:2002. Both figures relate to the same device but are based on different standards.
For your purchasing decision, this means asking for the evidence relevant to your application. A comparison that simply groups EmSCAPE and CARBO 30 under “30 minutes” omits a crucial piece of information. Whether the hood solution is suitable for your specific application must be assessed separately.
Why waiting durations are not escape Durations
At a breathing minute volume of 10 l/min, DEZEGA specifies at least 90 minutes for CARBO 30 and at least 180 minutes for CARBO 60 as the duration for “waiting for rescue” / “waiting for assistance”. These figures are based on a different level of exertion from the values at a breathing minute volume of 35 l/min.
You should therefore not use the longer duration figures as the basis for a physically demanding escape. Make clear in enquiries and quotation comparisons which figure you require. This avoids misunderstandings when data sheets list several performance durations alongside one another.
Technical comparison of EmSCAPE, CARBO 30 and CARBO 60
All three models are chemical oxygen apparatus with a closed breathing circuit. However, the manufacturer’s documentation describes different facepieces and primary applications. These differences should remain clear alongside the rated duration when selecting a device.
CARBO 30 is the option to examine more closely if your escape route assessment shows that this device provides sufficient duration. The manufacturer’s description identifies short escape routes and daily carrying as relevant applications. This is a starting point for consultation, not general approval for a particular route length.
CARBO 60 provides a longer operating duration under the stated standardised test conditions. This offers an additional option if CARBO 30 does not adequately meet the requirements. Review the escape plan at the same time: a longer rated duration does not resolve every question about whether the safe destination can be reached.
As a hood solution, EmSCAPE introduces a different facepiece into the comparison. DEZEGA describes a hood with an integrated half mask and a visor. EmSCAPE should therefore be assessed against the specific requirements for the facepiece and performance duration; this does not establish universal suitability for every mining or tunnelling application.
Further product information is available here:
https://bartels-rieger.de/BartelsRieger/Wissen/BartelsRieger-Insights/LandingPage-DEZEGA/
Decision matrix:
Which self-rescuer could be suitable for your escape route?
The following matrix helps you prepare for a consultation. It identifies the information that should be clarified before placing an order. The suggested options represent an editorial interpretation of the manufacturer’s information and the technical selection criteria. They do not constitute approval for your application.
Why not always choose the device with the longest rated duration?
A longer operating duration may be important for your planning. Nevertheless, it should remain part of a reasoned selection process. Ask for an explanation of which version is being offered, how it is carried and how it fits into your arrangements for device provision. Also ask whether different work areas have the same requirements.
Equally, a short route should not automatically lead to the smaller device being selected. If you only have an estimated walking time, clarify before selection whether it also takes account of the more difficult conditions of the intended escape scenario (e.g. changes in elevation, confined areas, additional personal protective equipment, etc.).
What else you should consider for procurement and use
An order does more than specify a model and a quantity. At the same time, prepare how the devices will be managed within your organisation. Assign responsibilities and explicitly request the services required for this if you cannot carry them out under your own responsibility. Any necessary training costs should also be taken into account.. This will also make it easier to compare several quotations later.
Practise donning and use
The user manuals require training, including practical instruction. For EmSCAPE, DEZEGA specifically recommends training with EmSCAPE-T. Under Section 3(1) of the German Ordinance on the Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PSA-BV), in conjunction with Section 31 of DGUV Regulation 1, companies must ensure that insured persons receive theoretical instruction and practical exercises based on the operating instructions before first use and subsequently as required, but at least once a year (extract from DGUV Rule 112-190 – 7 Training, further training and instruction). The DAUB recommendations for underground construction sites provide for every person to receive instruction in the intended use of the equipment.
If you want to reduce the effort involved in training, clarify organisation and responsibilities at an early stage. Ask about suitable training devices and the scope of any training offered. Also take account of new employees and changing groups of people.
Request a clear distinction between operational devices and training devices in the quotation. This makes it clear which items form part of the emergency equipment and which are intended for practical preparation.
Plan inspections, service life and replacement
According to their instructions for use, EmSCAPE, CARBO 30 and CARBO 60 are intended for a single activation and use. You should therefore also plan for replacement procurement after use.
The instructions for use for CARBO 30 and CARBO 60 specify daily and periodic inspections. A long shelf life or service life therefore does not mean that a device can be kept ready for use without condition checks. The instructions and markings applicable to the supplied version are decisive.
For the devices offered, ask for an explanation of which inspections and tests are required, who is authorised to carry them out and how they are documented. Also ask about the procedure for damaged devices, devices that have reached the end of their service life, or devices that have been opened. Responsibilities should be established before devices are issued.
According to the manufacturer, EmSCAPE’s ten-year shelf life is conditional on selected devices from the supplied batch being inspected in the eighth year by an authorised DEZEGA service centre. Here too, the quotation should clearly identify the applicable conditions.
Compare quotations beyond the purchase Price
The device price is an important procurement factor. For a meaningful comparison, however, you should know which items are included and which are offered separately.
You should therefore request separate details for devices and versions, carrying accessories, training devices, training and, where applicable, inspection, testing and servicing. Also ask about the conditions for replacement procurement and disposal. Which items you actually need depends on your equipment and operational organisation.
A lower unit price can only be assessed meaningfully if you are comparing the same scope of supply. Conversely, a more comprehensive quotation does not automatically justify every additional service. Ask for an explanation of how each item benefits your specific requirements.
What information does BartelsRieger need for your enquiry?
BartelsRieger distributes DEZEGA respiratory protective devices and provides support with product selection, training, testing and technical assistance. Both the device you require and the conditions of use are therefore relevant to your enquiry.
You do not need to have decided on EmSCAPE, CARBO 30 or CARBO 60 before getting in touch. Explain what information is available and which decision you would like to prepare together.
The following information helps assess your requirements:
- Application: mining or tunnelling, location and intended work area.
- Escape route: starting point, safe destination, distance, changes in elevation and particular passages.
- Time required: existing escape time calculation, including its assumptions and outstanding points.
- Hazards: the findings of your risk assessment relevant to selection.
- Users and device provision: number of users and whether devices are to be carried or kept ready for use.
- Reserve devices: How many units are required to ensure operational readiness at all times?
- Existing equipment: devices already in use and the protective equipment worn in conjunction with them.
- Required scope: device advice, quotation, training equipment and, where applicable, additional services.
If any information is missing, identify it in your message. You can also use an initial enquiry to agree what further information is needed?
Would you like to assess EmSCAPE, CARBO 30 and CARBO 60 against your requirements or receive a quotation? Send BartelsRieger your application details and outstanding questions via the contact form. This provides the basis for focused advice and a request for a quotation suited to your requirements.
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