OSHA, NIOSH order immediate removal of self-contained self-rescuer model

Workers using a particular type of self-contained self-rescuer may be put at risk.

The CSE Corporation's SR-100 SCSR may have "a critical defect that may cause the release of insufficient oxygen during start-up, a defect that could immediately result in a life-threatening situation," according to a government alert.

Employers are being ordered to remove the devices from service "no later than May 31, 2012." The mandate is included in a Respirator User Notice issued by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

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A recent technical report from NIOSH said the CSE SR-100 units had an unacceptable defect rate and the field deployed units no longer conform to the minimum requirements for certification.

SCSRs are required under OSHA's underground construction standard. The agency's permit required confined space standard also identifies the respirators as "one approach to emergency escape respiratory protection for sewer workers."

OSHA's respiratory protection standard requires employers to ensure workers are trained to know what to do if their SCSRs fail to activate.

Read more at the WorkersComp Forum homepage.

May 14, 2012

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