MSA W65 Self-Rescuer Respirator

MSA W65 Self-Rescuer Respirator with protective boot and neoprene holster - 461100

The W65 Self-Rescuer is an air-purifying device designed to protect the wearer from toxic carbon monoxide. It does not supply oxygen but functions to oxidize carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide with resulting reaction heat. Therefore, when theW65 Self-Rescuer is worn in an atmosphere containing carbon monoxide, the air entering the wearer’s mouth will be hot and dry. The inhaled air's temperature is dependent upon the carbon monoxide concentration; the higher the concentration, the higher the temperature. The very presence of heat indicates that carbon monoxide is present in the air being drawn into the W65 Self-Rescuer, and the W65 Self-Rescuer should never be discarded because of discomfort from hot dry air. All air must be drawn through the W65 Self-Rescuer. The W65 Self-Rescuer contains a heat exchanger to reduce the discomfort caused by high concentrations of carbon monoxide. For example, tests at 1.5% carbon monoxide showed that the heat exchanger will effectively reduce the inhaled air temperature from approximately 300 ̊F to 150 ̊F. Though uncomfortable, one can tolerate even higher inhaled air temperatures since the respiratory system itself is an effective heat exchanger. The importance of training workers to use the nose clip at all times and to breathe through the W65 Self-Rescuer until they reach fresh air is emphasized by the fact that carbon monoxide concentration of 0.5%(5000 ppm) can cause rapid collapse, unconsciousness, and death within a few minutes. It is far better to be alive with a hot or blistered mouth than to be overcome or killed by carbon monoxide. Do not sneak a breath or two of relatively cool air into the mouth by opening the lips.

The W65 Self-Rescuer Respirator is approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (Approval No. TC-14G-82) for self-rescue from carbon monoxide. (Previously assigned Bureau of Mines Approval No. 14F-76.)