Proper care for SCSRs

Approximately 50,000 miners rely on self-contained self-rescuers every day, according to the Mine Safety and Health Administration. These devices are vital to protecting the health and safety of mine workers.

Designed to provide one to four hours of breathable air, SCSRs can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. Workers caught in a fire or trapped in a confined space lacking oxygen depend on the devices to get them out alive.

MSHA offers the following tips for proper care, use and storage of SCSRs:

• Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure you store SCSRs at an appropriate temperature.
• Conduct a daily visual inspection of the equipment, verifying that all seals and indicators are functioning.
• Weigh and check the filters on the devices every 90 days.
• Repair or replace any damaged units through the manufacturer – do not attempt to repair the equipment yourself.
• Be sure all employees are aware of the SCSR storage plan and have the SCSR’s location clearly marked.
• Provide hands-on training to each employee on proper procedures for donning the devices.
• Never store SCSRs on or near a power center.
• Do not toss, throw or otherwise abuse SCSRs in a way that could cause physical damage to the device.
• Do not keep any unit in service that has visible damage, such as significant dents or cracks.