MSA W-65 Self-Rescuer

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MSA W-65 Self-Rescuer
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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer

• Open self-rescuer by firmly pulling lever up to
  break canister seal

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Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer

• Pull and remove lever

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Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer

• Remove cover and discard

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Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer

• Remove the unit from the container by wrapping
  the headstrap around the wrist and pulling firmly

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Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer

• Grip rubber tips of mouthpiece firmly between
  teeth, making an airtight seal with lips and
  mouthpiece

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Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer

• Close nostrils with the nose clip

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Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer

• Remove hat and place head strap on head.
• Replace hat

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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

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Inspection and Maintenance

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Miners 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 manufacturers weight imprinted

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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.

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W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz

• How long will the self-rescuer protect you once
  it is activated?
• One hour

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W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz

• When should you remove the self-rescuer?
• Do not remove the self-rescuer until you are in
  fresh air.

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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
  manufacturers weight imprinted on the
  self-rescuer case.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz

• After you don the self-rescuer, what should you
  do?
• Go to fresh air immediately.

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W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz

• Should the self-rescuer be used t o fight fires?
• No