NIOSH policy on emergency escape support breathing system or "buddy-breather" device used with open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus

December 2010

NIOSH Docket Number 147

In 2010, the NIOSH, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) reevaluated the NIOSH policy stated in the November 6, 1984, letter, Subject: Notice to all respirator manufacturers with MSHA/NIOSH Approved Respirators. This subject was discussed at a NIOSH-sponsored public meeting that was held on December 9, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport and docket 147 was created.

Based on review of submissions made to Docket 147 as well as the applicable OSHA standards, in February 2014, NIOSH revised the policy on the use of Emergency Breathing Support Systems (EBSS), also known as “Buddy Breathers.”

This policy change applies only to self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) meeting the requirements of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) NFPA 1981, Standard on open-circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for Emergency Services, 2013 edition or subsequent editions. The policy modification supports and encourages best practices in the fire service for the deployment of EBSS.

NIOSH recognizes NFPA 1981, 2013 edition-compliant EBSS systems as a part of the NIOSH SCBA approval for users who have received the appropriate level of training.

Users are able to identify NIOSH-approved SCBA’s incorporating the required hardware by the explicit listing of an additional EBSS statement to the standard cautions and limitations on the approval label. The statement signifies the EBSS components have been evaluated by NIOSH and accepted as meeting the requirements for EBSS under the requirements of NFPA 1981, 2013 edition.

Recognition of these practices and use of EBSS conforming to the NFPA 1981, 2013 edition standard provides a framework for the fire service to formally incorporate best practices in the fire service for the maintenance and use of EBSS and the development of “Buddy Breathing” training programs that conform to NFPA 1404, Standard for Fire Service Respiratory Protection Training and NFPA 1500, Standard for Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program. Until the personnel training requirements of NFPA 1404 and the occupational safety and health program requirements of NFPA 1500 are revised to address EBSS maintenance and use, NIOSH will require the manufacturer user instructions to provide training information. The authority having jurisdiction should develop standard operating procedures and training requirements to ensure that the EBSS is properly used. Manufacturers submitting application for approval of SCBAs with EBSS systems are advised of the following minimum requirements.

Additional standards:

EBSS systems must be incorporated into SCBA configurations conforming to NFPA 1981, 2013 edition, by a certification organization accredited for personal protective equipment in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065:2012. Conformity Assessment – Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes, and services. Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) is that organization at this time.

Additional testing:

All components of the EBSS must operate at the specified low temperature limit without adversely affecting the operation of the SCBA, as determined by testing conducted in accordance with the current version of NPPTL Standard Test Procedure TEB-CBRN-ASR-STP-0219.

At the minimum activation pressure with the EBSS receiver line held open to atmosphere, the donor unit must be able to meet pressure-demand performance requirements through the remainder of the air supply as determined by testing in accordance with the current version of NPPTL Standard Testing Procedure TEB-CBRN-ASR-STP-0220.

Starting from a full cylinder and prior to the minimum end-of-service-time-indicator (EOSTI) activation pressure the EBSS donor/receiver line will be opened to atmosphere and held open. The duration for which the host unit performance meets pressure-demand performance requirements as determined by testing in accordance with the current version of NPPTL Standard Testing Procedure TEB-CBRN-ASR-STP-0220, will be measured and recorded.

Additional cautions and limitations:

The approval label must include these additional cautions and limitations:

EBSS activation or engagement of EBSS in either the donor or receiver mode changes the SCBA use to escape-only, approved service time for either the donor or the receiver is no longer applicable. Additional critical cautions and limitations apply. Refer to section EBSS in the user manual.

At a minimum, these additional caution and limitation statements must appear in section EBSS.

EBSS may not be engaged or activated in donor mode after the donor EOSTI has activated.^a
Users must be fully trained in the operation of EBSS in accordance with a training program conforming to the requirements of NFPA1404 and NFPA 1500.
Simultaneous connection of more than two users, one donor, and one receiver, is not permitted.

^a Consistent with the requirements of NFPA 1981:2013, EOSTI settings of less than 33% of service pressure will not be permitted; however, higher minimum EBSS activation pressures will be considered contingent upon acceptable notification to the user.

Page last reviewed: December 28, 2010
Page last updated: May 9, 2016
Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division

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NIOSH policy on emergency escape support breathing system or "buddy-breather" device used with open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus

December 2010

NIOSH Docket Number 147

Background Materials

Meeting – December 9, 2010 at Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport

Submissions in Order of Receipt

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