Industrial workplaces and confined spaces come with unique risks, including toxic fumes, sudden fires, and low-oxygen environments. In an emergency, every breath matters, and the ability to evacuate quickly can mean the difference between safety and disaster. Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBDs) are specifically designed to provide workers with a portable supply of breathable air, allowing them to exit hazardous areas safely.

However, not all EEBDs are created equal. Choosing the right one requires careful consideration of air supply duration, breathing apparatus type, portability, ease of use, and regulatory compliance. Additionally, businesses must train their personnel on the proper use of EEBDs and maintain them regularly to ensure they remain in optimal working condition.

This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting an EEBD, including the types available, industry standards, training requirements, and maintenance protocols.

Key features to consider when selecting an EEBD

When selecting an EEBD for your organisation, here are the key features to evaluate:

1. Duration of air supply

The most critical factor when selecting an EEBD is its air supply duration—which determines how long the device will provide breathable air during an emergency evacuation.

✅ Escape time considerations:

EEBDs typically provide 10 to 60 minutes of air supply, with 15 minutes being the most common.
The required duration depends on the workplace layout and evacuation distance—longer escape routes or confined spaces may necessitate a higher air duration EEBD.
Facilities with multiple levels, tunnels, or offshore locations may need longer-duration EEBDs to ensure employees can exit safely.

Choosing the right duration:

Conduct a risk assessment to determine the maximum escape time needed.
Ensure that EEBDs provide sufficient air for the slowest-moving worker (e.g., those with mobility limitations).

You can refer to Safe Work Australia’s Emergency Plan guides and templates, suited to your specific work environments.

2. Type of breathing apparatus: Compressed air vs. chemical oxygen

EEBDs come in two primary types, each with distinct advantages:

1. Compressed air EEBDs

Uses pre-filled compressed air cylinders to supply breathable air.
Immediate airflow upon activation.
Commonly used in marine, industrial, and hazardous work environments.
Typically provides shorter air durations (10-15 minutes) but requires periodic refilling.

✅ Best for: Quick evacuations in confined spaces, onboard ships, and industrial settings.

2. Chemical oxygen EEBDs (Self-generating)

Uses a chemical reaction to produce breathable oxygen.
Activates when the user breathes into the mask or pulls the starter mechanism.
Offers longer durations (20-60 minutes) and a longer shelf life than compressed air models.
Typically used in mining, underground operations, and extended evacuation routes.

✅ Best for: Workplaces requiring longer evacuation times or high-risk industrial sites where refilling compressed air cylinders is not feasible.

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3. Size, weight & portability

An EEBD should be compact, lightweight, and easy to carry during an emergency.

✅ Key considerations:

Lightweight models (under 5kg) allow workers to evacuate quickly without added strain.
Should be ergonomically designed to ensure comfort when worn.
Storage-friendly - Some models come with portable carrying cases or wall-mounted stations for easy access in emergency exits.

💡 Tip: Test the mobility and ease of carrying before finalising an EEBD model—bulky designs can slow down evacuation in critical situations.

4. User-friendliness & quick activation

During an emergency, every second counts, and workers must be able to deploy the EEBD quickly, even under stress.

✅ Ease of use considerations:

Automatic activation when the mask is pulled from the case.
Simple donning process with clear instructions and colour-coded indicators.
No complicated adjustments—should be usable without prior specialised training.

💡 Tip: Choose an EEBD that is intuitive and easy to activate, even for untrained personnel or workers in high-stress environments.

5. Visibility & communication features

Some EEBDs come with additional safety enhancements that can improve rescue operations and situational awareness during evacuations.

✅ Key considerations:

High-visibility reflective markings (important in low-light or smoke-filled environments).
Voice communication options (some models have built-in voice diaphragms to allow emergency communication).
Hood vs. face mask:
- Hooded EEBDs offer full-face protection, ideal for toxic gas exposure.
- Face mask EEBDs are more compact but may not protect against eye irritation.

💡 Tip: Consider workplace lighting conditions—if visibility is an issue, choose high-contrast or glow-in-the-dark EEBD designs.

6. Maintenance & shelf life

✅ Key considerations:

EEBDs should have a minimum shelf life of 5 years, but some models last 10+ years with proper storage.
Regular maintenance checks should be simple, requiring only visual inspections or pressure gauge checks.
Some EEBDs feature self-check indicators for quick status updates.

💡 Tip: Opt for low-maintenance models that still comply with local and international safety regulations.

You should know that there are differences between SCBA and EEBD

You may have come across SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) while researching EEBDs (Emergency Escape Breathing Devices), and if you’re new to the industry, you might be wondering—what’s the difference?

When choosing the right emergency breathing equipment for your workplace, understanding the distinction between SCBAs and EEBDs is crucial. While both provide breathable air in hazardous environments, they serve very different purposes. Choosing the wrong one can determine whether an evacuation is swift and safe or fraught with danger.

SCBA:

Designed for extended use in hazardous environments, typically providing 30 to 60 minutes of continuous air supply. They feature a full-face mask and a backpack-style compressed air cylinder, making them suitable for firefighters, rescue workers, and personnel operating in confined spaces where prolonged air support is necessary.

EEBD:

EEBDs, on the other hand, are strictly for emergency escape, offering short-term breathable air (typically 10 to 15 minutes) to help workers evacuate quickly. They are compact, lightweight, and easy to deploy, often featuring a hood or face mask with a small compressed air or oxygen-generating system for rapid donning in smoke-filled, toxic, or oxygen-deficient areas.

Regulatory standards and compliance for EEBDs

When selecting an Emergency Escape Breathing Device (EEBD) for workplace safety, ensuring compliance with global and local regulations is crucial. Regulatory standards set minimum performance, safety, and design requirements to ensure EEBDs are effective in protecting workers during emergencies.

We explore key international and Australian standards governing EEBDs:

International Standards for EEBDs

1. SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) – Chapter II-2, Regulation 13

Applicable to: Marine, shipping, and offshore industries

What it covers:

SOLAS mandates that all ships must carry EEBDs in specific locations, such as engine rooms and accommodation areas, for emergency escape.
The regulation defines minimum requirements for performance, shelf life, and visibility.
Specifies how many EEBDs must be available on different vessel types.

Why it matters:

Ensures maritime workers have adequate emergency breathing protection in the event of fires, gas leaks, or oxygen-deficient environments.
Helps ship operators comply with International Maritime Organization (IMO) safety requirements.

Example: A cargo ship must have at least two EEBDs in each accommodation area and additional units near machinery spaces to ensure crew members can escape smoke-filled areas.

2. ISO 23269-1:2008 – EEBDs for Ships

Applicable to: Marine and offshore industry

What it covers:

Specifies performance requirements for EEBDs used in shipboard environments.
Includes testing for temperature resistance, breathing duration, and leak prevention.
Establishes marking, packaging, and storage conditions to ensure EEBDs remain functional in marine conditions.

Why it matters:

Helps manufacturers design reliable EEBDs for maritime escape situations.
Supports compliance with SOLAS and IMO regulations.

3. EN 13794 – Self-Contained Closed-Circuit Breathing Apparatus (SCBA & EEBDs)

Applicable to: Firefighters, industrial workers, confined space operators

What it covers:

Defines the design and performance standards for EEBDs and SCBAs used in firefighting, confined spaces, and industrial applications.
Requires EEBDs to withstand high temperatures, mechanical impact, and prolonged storage.
Includes tests for carbon dioxide buildup, oxygen flow rate, and duration of protection.

Why it matters:

Ensures EEBDs used in industrial or confined space evacuations provide sufficient breathable air.
Prevents unsafe breathing apparatus from being used in high-risk workplaces.

4. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 – Respiratory Protection Standard

Applicable to: Workplaces in hazardous environments (chemical plants, manufacturing, mining)

What it covers:

Defines proper respiratory protection programs for employers.
Requires companies to provide and maintain EEBDs for emergency evacuation.
Mandates employee training and fit testing for respiratory protective equipment.

Why it matters:

Ensures workplaces with toxic gas exposure risks are equipped with proper escape equipment.
Protects workers from suffocation hazards due to chemical exposure or fires.

Australian Standards for EEBDs

1. AS/NZS 1716:2012 – Respiratory Protective Devices

Applicable to: All industries using respiratory protective equipment (RPE)

What it covers:

Specifies performance and design requirements for respiratory protective devices, including EEBDs.
Sets standards for breathing resistance, filter efficiency, and mechanical strength.
Requires EEBDs to undergo testing for durability, air supply consistency, and user safety.

Why it matters:

Ensures EEBDs provide adequate protection against airborne contaminants in Australian workplaces.
Helps employers select government-approved breathing devices that comply with Safe Work Australia regulations.

2. Safe Work Australia Code of Practice – Managing the Work Environment & Facilities

Applicable to: Workplaces requiring emergency evacuation plans

What it covers:

Requires workplaces to assess and minimise respiratory hazards.
Mandates that EEBDs be placed in strategic locations to facilitate quick escape.
Provides guidelines for training workers in PPE and respiratory protection usage.

Why it matters:

Ensures Australian businesses comply with workplace safety laws.
Helps employers determine when EEBDs are legally required in their facilities.

Conclusion

Selecting the right Emergency Escape Breathing Device (EEBD) is a critical decision that directly impacts workplace safety, compliance, and emergency preparedness.

By considering key features such as air supply duration, type of breathing apparatus, ease of use, and regulatory compliance, businesses can ensure their employees are well-equipped to handle emergency evacuations safely and efficiently.

✅ Key takeaways:

Choose an EEBD with the right air supply duration based on workplace risk assessments.
Understand the difference between EEBDs and SCBAs to ensure proper equipment selection.
Comply with international and Australian safety standards (SOLAS, ISO 23269, AS/NZS 1716) to meet legal and industry requirements.
Ensure proper training and maintenance so workers can confidently use EEBDs during emergencies.

Always purchase EEBDs from certified suppliers that meet industry-specific regulations to guarantee performance, durability, and worker protection. Investing in the right safety equipment today can save lives when it matters most.

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March 18 2025, by Tatianna Gerard EEBD Selection Guide: What You Need to Know Before You Buy