How far can one walk wearing a self-contained self rescuer?
Self-contained self rescuers (SCSRs) are used for emergency escapes in oxygen-deficit atmospheres. Certified by NIOSH to last 1 hour, SCSRs generate oxygen by chemical reaction and must meet a minimum oxygen generation time of 60 min when used according to instructions. Wearers must walk or crawl at a controlled rate to conform to the limits of the devices. The aim of the is study was intended to determine the distance that can be walked when using SCSRs as intended. Fourteen volunteer subjects walked on a treadmill at moderate rates that they controlled. They were instructed to walk as far as possible without using oxygen at a rate higher than the SCSR could produce. Distances walked ranged from 2.1 km to 9.2 km with an average distance of 6.0 km. SCSR operating times ranged from 30 min to 94 min. If the required walking distance is farther than this, multiple units will have to be available to allow safe escape.
Johnson
Arthur T
AT
Biological Resources Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742-5711, USA. aj16@umail.umd.edu
Scott
William H
WH
Koh
Frank C
FC
Phelps
Stephanie J
SJ
Francis
Erica B
EB
Lopresti
Erika
E
D000328:Adult; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008906:Mining; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology; D012016:Reference Values; D012134:Respiratory Protective Devices; D013997:Time Factors; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*