Sabre ELSA Dash Installation instructions

ELSA
DASH/SPRINT
Compressed Air Escape Breathing Apparatus
User Instructions
Article No. 1034931
Issue G 01. 2007

i
ELSA Dash/Sprint
Compressed Air Escape Breathing Apparatus
Contents
WARNINGS ................................................................................................................................................... ii
1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 BREATHABLE AIR.................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 APPARATUS SELECTION ..................................................................................................... 1
1.3 TRAINING................................................................................................................................ 1
1.4 SERVICING ............................................................................................................................. 1
1.5 SHELF LIFE............................................................................................................................. 1
1.6 USE IN EXPLOSIVE OR FLAMMABLE ATMOSPHERES...................................................... 2
1.7 TRANSPORTATION................................................................................................................ 2
2. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION.............................................................................................................. 2
2.1 GENERAL................................................................................................................................ 2
2.2 HOODS (DASH/SPRINT)........................................................................................................ 3
2.3 FACEMASKS (SPRINT).......................................................................................................... 3
2.4 REDUCER VALVE (DASH/SPRINT)....................................................................................... 4
2.5 DEMAND VALVE (SPRINT).................................................................................................... 4
2.6 CYLINDER VALVES (DASH/SPRINT).................................................................................... 4
2.7 STORAGE BAG....................................................................................................................... 5
2.8 QUALITY ATTRIBUTES.......................................................................................................... 5
3. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE ................................................................................................................ 5
3.1 INITIAL CHECKS..................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 DONNING................................................................................................................................ 5
3.3 HOOD (DASH/SPRINT) .......................................................................................................... 6
3.4 FACEMASK (SPRINT) ............................................................................................................ 7
4. AFTER USE CLEANING AND TESTING .......................................................................................... 7
4.1 CLEANING HOODS (DASH/SPRINT) .................................................................................... 7
4.2 CLEANING FACEMASKS ....................................................................................................... 8
4.3 CHANGING CYLINDERS........................................................................................................ 8
4.4 BREATHING APPARATUS LOG ............................................................................................ 9
4.5 STOW APPARATUS............................................................................................................... 9
4.6 WORKSHOP REPAIR AND ANNUAL SERVICING ............................................................. 10
5. SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE........................................................................................................ 10
5.1 GENERAL.............................................................................................................................. 10
5.2 DAILY CHECKS..................................................................................................................... 10
5.3 MONTHLY CHECKS ............................................................................................................. 10
5.3.1 Check Apparatus .................................................................................................... 10
5.3.2 Upon Completion .................................................................................................... 11
Sabre Breathing Apparatus is a division of Scott Health and Safety Limited.
Registered Office: Scott Health and Safety Limited, Pimbo Road, West Pimbo,
Skelmersdale, Lancashire, WN8 9RA, United Kingdom.

ii
WARNINGS
Please Read Carefully and Fully Understand
This manual is for use by personnel trained in the use and care of compressed air escape
apparatus and MUST NOT be used as a self-teaching guide by untrained users.
Scott Health and Safety Limited have taken great care to ensure that the information in
this manual is accurate, complete and clear. However, Training and Technical Support
Services will be pleased to clarify any points in the manual and answer questions on
Sabre breathing apparatus.
If you need to use this apparatus you will be in an unusual, possibly life-threatening
situation. Poor visibility and toxic fumes may add to your difficulties.
Prepare for that situation:
•Learn the location of escape apparatus and how to gain access to it.
•Learn to use the escape apparatus, as detailed in these instructions.
•Be aware of the protection limits provided by ELSA apparatus. Exceeding
these limits may cost you your life or result in injury.
•Be fully aware of workplace hazards.
•Become familiar with planned escape routes.
If the situation arises:
•Remain calm and remember what you must do to survive.
•Don and activate the apparatus. Leave the hazard area immediately.
•Do not enter a hazard area unless it is part of the escape route.
•Ensure that clothing, hair, spectacle frames or other items that might prevent
a good seal being achieved, do not intrude into the facepiece seal.
General and Managerial:
•Check apparatus daily when issued to wearers or deployed in ready-use
lockers; or monthly if held in stores.
•ELSA Dash and Sprint are escape apparatus. DO NOT use for other purposes
such as fire fighting or cargo handling.
•Ensure wearers are fully trained in the use of the apparatus, advised of work
place hazards and planned escape routes.
•Ensure ELSA apparatus provide suitable respiratory protection for workplace
hazards and has duration for planned escape routes.
Refer to EN 529 : 2005 - Guide to implementing an effective respiratory protective
device programme.
DISCLAIMER
Failure to comply with these instructions or misuse of the apparatus may result in
death, injury or material damage, and invalidate any resulting warranty or insurance
claims.
COPYRIGHT
This manual must not be copied in part or in whole, or used for purposes other than its
intended purpose without the written permission of Scott Health and Safety Limited.

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
1
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 BREATHABLE AIR
Air for compressed air breathing apparatus
may be natural or synthetic. A typical
composition of natural air (at atmospheric
pressure and room temperature) is shown
in Table 1.
Element Mass %
(Dry Air)
Volume %
(Dry Air)
Oxygen 23.14 20.948
Nitrogen 75.52 78.08
Argon 1.29 0.93
Carbon Dioxide 0.05 0.031 4
Hydrogen 0.000 003 0.000 05
Neon 0.001 270 0.001 818
Helium 0.000 037 0.000 524
Krypton 0.000 330 0.000 114
Xenon 0.000 039 0.000 009
Table 1: Breathable Air
The quality of air used to supply and
charge breathing apparatus must conform
to EN 12021 : 1999 (Requirements for
Breathable Air).
Fire risk increases when the oxygen level
rises above the value shown in Table 1.
Contaminants must be kept to a minimum,
and must not exceed permissible
exposure levels.
Cylinder water content of air at
atmospheric pressure must not exceed 50
mg/m
3
for 200 bar cylinders or 35 mg/m
3
for 300 bar cylinders.
National regulations for compressed air
breathing apparatus must be observed.
1.2 APPARATUS SELECTION
When selecting respiratory protective
equipment the following factors must be
considered:
•Hazards likely to be encountered
and their effect on the wearer.
•Physical and emotional stress and
their effect on wearer breathing rate.
•The type of respiratory protection
required.
In general, constant flow escape breathing
apparatus is NOT suitable for use where:
•There are unknown hazards.
•There are no planned escape
routes.
•There are escape routes that require
physical exertion, e.g.: ladders,
tunnels and hatches.
1.3 TRAINING
These instructions cannot replace an
accredited training course run by fully
qualified instructors in the proper and safe
use of Sabre breathing apparatus.
Please contact Training and Technical
Support Services or your Sabre
distributor for training course details.
Training and Technical Support
Services:
Scott Health and Safety Limited
Pimbo Road, West Pimbo,
Skelmersdale, Lancashire,
WN8 9RA, United Kingdom.
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
1.4 SERVICING
ELSA apparatus must be serviced by
personnel who have completed a formal
training course and hold a current
certificate for servicing and repairing
Sabre breathing apparatus. Details of the
servicing schedule are contained in the
ELSA Dash and ELSA Sprint Service
Manuals, copies of which can only be
obtained by registered holders of a current
certificate.
Your Sabre distributor or Training and
Technical Support Services will be
pleased to provide training course details
and quotes for service contracts. Please
see previous page for contact details.
1.5 SHELF LIFE
Providing that ELSA apparatus is serviced
regularly as described in the ELSA Dash
and ELSA Sprint Service Manuals, there
are no shelf life limitations.

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
2
1.6 USE IN EXPLOSIVE OR
FLAMMABLE
ATMOSPHERES
Anti-static versions of ELSA apparatus are
approved for use in explosive and
flammable atmospheres. Anti-static
apparatus is provided in a black bag.
Apparatus with a high-visibility orange bag
MUST NOT be used in explosive or
flammable atmospheres.
1.7 TRANSPORTATION
It is essential that ELSA Dash and ELSA
Sprint are transported in suitably
protective packaging.
Refer to the Health and Safety document:
Guide to the Pressure Systems and
Transportable Gas Container Regulations
1989. When breathing apparatus with
charged cylinders is transported by road,
the Road Traffic Regulations 1986,
although primarily intended to cover toxic,
flammable and corrosive gases, should be
observed.
After transportation, apparatus must be
checked to ensure that:
•The bag and contents gauge have
not been damaged.
•The anti-tamper tag is intact.
2. TECHNICAL
DESCRIPTION
2.1 GENERAL
ELSA Dash and ELSA Sprint are self-
contained, open circuit, compressed air,
short duration, positive-pressure, escape
breathing apparatus that may be stored
ready-for-use within a hazardous area or
carried by the wearer while in a hazardous
area.
Dash is a constant flow apparatus with a
flow rate of 38 litres per minute; that
consists of a compressed air cylinder with
a pressure reducing valve (reducer),
cylinder valve, and hood, contained in a
high-visibility bag, or black anti-static bag.
Sprint is similar to Dash, but has a two-
stage pressure reduction system that
consists of the reducer and a facepiece-
mounted demand valve. The Sprint
facepiece may be a hood or a full
facemask.
Both Dash and Sprint are available in ten
and fifteen minute versions, with a two litre
or three litre aluminium cylinder.
Pictogram user instructions and the
duration of the air supply are prominently
visible on the bag.
An anti-tamper tag, (that breaks easily
when the bag is opened), provides an
indication that the bag has been opened.
When the apparatus is first delivered, tags
are provided separately, with instructions
for fitting, permitting the contents of the
bag to be checked. Tags must then be
fitted prior to deploying the bag.
The quick-fire cord is attached to the bag
lid and wound around the cylinder valve
handwheel. When the lid is opened the
cord turns the cylinder valve handwheel
and air immediately flows into the hood.
If the valve does not open when the bag is
opened, the cylinder valve handwheel can
be used to open the valve.
The cylinder contents gauge is visible
though a transparent panel in the bag,
thereby permitting the cylinder charge
state to be checked without opening the
bag.

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
3
Providing the apparatus is serviced
regularly in accordance with the service
requirements, detailed in the ELSA Dash,
or ELSA Sprint Service Manual, there are
no shelf life limits.
Dash and Sprint must be stored away
from direct heat and sunlight. They can be
stored and operated between -15°C and
+60°C. Prior to storing in very low
temperatures the apparatus, especially the
exhale valve flap, must be completely dry.
2.2 HOODS (DASH/SPRINT)
Hood
The hood has an inner mask to minimise
visor misting and carbon dioxide dead
space. A spring-loaded exhale valve helps
maintain a positive pressure within the
facepiece.
Hoods are fabricated from high-visibility,
flame-resistant materials with a rubber
neck seal.
In addition to the standard hood, an ‘EZ
Clean’ (easy-clean) version is available
which is fabricated from a more durable
material.
2.3 FACEMASKS (SPRINT)
Sprint is approved for use with PanaSeal,
Vision 3 and Promask PP full facemasks.
All facemasks are moulded in non-
dermatitic material and can be supplied
with five point elastic or neoprene head
harnesses.
PanaSeal Facemask
Vision 3 Facemask
Promask PP Facemask

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
4
2.4 REDUCER VALVE
(DASH/SPRINT)
The reducer is a simple, automatic spring
and piston device, which screws into the
charging adaptor of the cylinder valve and
must be removed to charge the cylinder. It
is attached to the cylinder using the
handwheel.
It provides an output pressure of between
5.5 and 9.5 bar with a maximum flow rate
of 300 L/min.
The medium pressure system is protected
by a pressure relief valve (PRV) located in
the reducer which opens when pressure in
the reducer rises above 9.5 bar.
2.5 DEMAND VALVE
(SPRINT)
Instant Positive Pressure DV
The demand valve employs a servo
assisted, tilting diaphragm to regulate the
supply of air into the facepiece. It operates
in conjunction with the spring-loaded
exhale valve to maintain a positive
pressure within the facepiece.
First Breath DV
The demand valve is available with a first
breath actuation mechanism that becomes
active when the wearer takes a first
breath; or with instant positive pressure
where air is available as soon as the
cylinder valve is opened.
Demand valves with a first breath
mechanism have a black cover, while
instant positive pressure demand valves
have an orange cover.
First breath mechanism demand valves
have a black rubber reset button which,
when pressed, closes the demand valve.
This permits the demand valve to be
removed from the facepiece for testing or
at the end of an escape. Once reset the
demand valve is opened by the wearer
inhaling sharply.
2.6 CYLINDER VALVES
(DASH/SPRINT)
The cylinder valve has a handwheel-
operated slug which closes the valve.
The charging port is a DIN 477 type A.
The contents gauge, which indicates the
cylinder charge level, has three coloured
sectors: green (fully charged), orange
(safe to use but will not provide the full
duration) and red (Empty - DO NOT USE).
A burst disc is fitted, which blows if the
cylinder charge exceeds 300 bar, and in
the event of damage to the gauge, a
restrictor limits air loss to 25 L/min.

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
5
2.7 STORAGE BAG
The standard bag is fabricated from high
visibility lightweight material. A bag
fabricated from black anti-static material is
also available. The fully-adjustable
carrying strap enables the wearer to wear
the bag across the chest or under the right
arm.
2.8 QUALITY ATTRIBUTES
ELSA Dash and Sprint are approved to:
•EN 402 : 1993 (Respiratory
protective devices for escape).
•Lloyds Register SOLAS 74,
Certificate No. SAS F970054
Facemasks are approved to EN 136.
Dash and Sprint are 'CE' marked in
accordance with EEC Directive
EC/686/1986.
Sabre Breathing Apparatus is an
ISO9001 : 2000 approved division of Scott
Health and Safety Limited.
NOTIFIED BODIES:
Inspec International Ltd (No. 0194)
Upper Wingbury Courtyard,
Wingrave, Aylesbury,
Buckinghamshire,
HP22 4LW,
United Kingdom.
British Standards Institute (No. 0086)
389 Chiswick High Road,
London,
W4 4AL,
United Kingdom.
3. INSTRUCTIONS FOR
USE
3.1 INITIAL CHECKS
When issued to a wearer and prior to each
use, the wearer must check that:
•The anti-tamper tag is in place.
•The contents gauge shows that the
cylinder is full.
3.2 DONNING
1. Pass the carrying strap around the
neck so that the bag hangs across the
front, or under the right arm.
2. Open the bag and check that the
quick-fire cord has opened the cylinder
valve.

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
6
3. If the quick-fire cord is not fitted, turn
the cylinder valve handwheel fully anti-
clockwise to open the valve.
CAUTION:
•Ensure that finger nails and rings
do not snag or tear the neckseal.
•Do not roll or fold the neckseal
when donning the hood.
3.3 HOOD (DASH/SPRINT)
1. Pull out the hood, insert hands
(palms together) into the neckseal and
stretch the neckseal.
2. Hold the hood with the neck seal
over the crown of the head and pull the
hood down over the head until the neck
seal is around the neck.
3. Position the mask over the face for
a good fit.
4. Breathe normally. LEAVE THE
HAZARD AREA IMMEDIATELY.
5. When clear of the hazard area or if it
becomes difficult to breathe, remove the
hood. The apparatus duration should
exceed the time taken to complete a
planned escape route.

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
7
3.4 FACEMASK (SPRINT)
1. Hold a lower harness strap in each
hand.
2. Place the chin in the chin-cup and
pull the harness over the head. If a
neoprene head-harness is fitted, tighten
the straps in sequence: bottom, side and
then top. DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN as
this distorts the faceseal, causing leaks.
3. Inhale sharply to activate the first
breath mechanism and check that there is
an adequate flow of air.
4. If there is no flow of air, use the
cylinder valve handwheel to open the
valve.
5. LEAVE THE HAZARD AREA
IMMEDIATELY. When clear of the hazard
area, release the head-harness and
remove the facemask.
6. After use the apparatus must be
cleaned, checked and the cylinder
changed, as described in Section 4 - After
Use Cleaning and Testing.
4. AFTER USE
CLEANING AND
TESTING
4.1 CLEANING HOODS
(DASH/SPRINT)
1. Disconnect the breathing hose:
Dash only:
a) Unclip exhale valve cover and pull
the exhale valve from its housing.
b) Withdraw the elbow retaining U-clip
and withdraw the elbow.
Sprint only:
a) Unclip exhale valve cover and pull
the exhale valve from its housing.
b) Release the demand valve locking
catch, turn the demand valve clockwise
and withdraw it from the facemask.
Dash and Sprint:
2. Wash the exhale valve in a solution
of TriGene
TM
and warm water.

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
8
3. Wipe the surface of the hood,
breathing hose and bag using a clean lint-
free cloth moistened in a solution of
TriGene
TM
(Article Numbers 2008247 for 1
litre, or 2008248 for 5 litres) and warm
water.
4. Allow the hood and bag to dry
naturally away from heat and sunlight.
5. Rinse the exhale valve in clean
water and allow to dry thoroughly before
re-fitting to its housing.
6. Disinfect the neckseal and inner
mask with a TriGene
TM
hygienic wipe
(Article Number 2004225 for a pack of 20).
7. Use an Exxene
TM
de-misting wipe
(Article Number 2011081 for a pack of 10)
to polish the visor.
8. Apply a film of talcum powder to the
neckseal.
9. Attach the breathing hose to the
facepiece:
Dash only:
a) Fit the elbow to the hood, and
secure with the U-clip.
b) Fit the exhale valve and clip the
valve cover into place.
Sprint only:
a) Check that the locking catch moves
freely without sticking and that the orange
O-ring is clean and in good condition.
b) Fit the demand valve to the hood,
check that the locking catch clicks into
place.
c) Fit the exhale valve and clip the
valve cover into place.
4.2 CLEANING FACEMASKS
CAUTION:
Ensure visor is not scratched or
contaminated with oil or grease while
cleaning.
1. Operate the locking catch, turn the
demand valve clockwise and withdraw
from the facemask.
2. Immerse the facemask in a solution
of TriGene
TM
and clean warm water.
3. Rinse the facemask in clean water,
paying particular attention to the exhale
valve.
4. Shake excess moisture from the
facemask and allow to dry naturally away
from sunlight and direct heat.
5. Disinfect the faceseal and inner
mask with a TriGene
TM
hygienic wipe.
6. Use an Exxene
TM
de-misting wipe to
polish the visor.
7. Check the demand valve locking
catch moves freely without sticking and
that the orange O-ring is clean and in good
condition.
8. Fit the demand valve to the
facemask. Press the reset button (first
breath DV only).
4.3 CHANGING CYLINDERS
1. Break the anti-tamper tag and
carefully open the bag lid.
2. Unwind the quick-fire cord from the
cylinder valve handwheel and detach the
quick-fire cord from the handwheel.
3. Open bag fully and check that the
cylinder valve is fully closed.

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
9
4. Release the cylinder retaining strap
and withdraw the cylinder from the bag.
5. Undo the reducer handwheel and
remove the reducer from the cylinder
valve. Mark the cylinder as empty and
return for charging.
6. Check that the reducer and its black
O-ring are in good condition and that the
O-ring is free from grease.
7. Check that the cylinder contents
gauge shows fully charged and screw the
reducer into the cylinder valve.
8. Fit the cylinder into the bag and
arrange the contents gauge so that it can
be seen clearly when the bag is closed.
Secure the cylinder with the retaining strap
and buckle.
9. Feed the breathing hose into the
bag.
10. Arrange the hood in the bag so that
it will not foul when pulled from the bag.
11. Check that the quick-fire cord is in
good condition.
12. Wind the quick fire cord around the
cylinder valve handwheel, so that the
handwheel turns anti-clockwise when the
cord is pulled.
13. Close the bag lid and fit an anti-
tamper tag.
4.4 BREATHING APPARATUS
LOG
Enter details of the results of the
preceding tests in the appropriate
breathing apparatus log. A breathing
apparatus log is available from Scott
Health and Safety Limited under Article
Number 1034745.
4.5 STOW APPARATUS
Apparatus should be stored or stowed
ready-for-use, away from direct sunlight
(which will, through time, degrade the
material of the bag).
Apparatus stored in temperatures below
+4ºC must be thoroughly dry prior to
storage and must be kept dry, as ice
forming on or in the apparatus may
degrade performance.

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
10
4.6 WORKSHOP REPAIR
AND ANNUAL SERVICING
Apparatus must be returned for workshop
servicing annually or if a malfunction
occurs (see ELSA Dash or ELSA Sprint
Service Manual).
Apparatus stored in a corrosive, dusty, or
humid environment may require more
frequent servicing. Please contact
Training and Technical Support
Services for advice on servicing or
operating the apparatus.
5. SCHEDULED
MAINTENANCE
5.1 GENERAL
It is a mandatory requirement that all
escape apparatus shall be checked at
monthly intervals.
In addition, apparatus issued to wearers
should be checked when issued and daily
thereafter. Apparatus deployed to ready-
use lockers should be checked daily.
5.2 DAILY CHECKS
Daily checks consist of the following:
1. Check that the contents gauge
needle is in the green sector, showing that
the cylinder is fully charged.
2. Check that the anti-tamper tags are
in place and unbroken.
3. Check that access to the bag is
unobstructed.
Apparatus that fails any of these checks
must be withdrawn from use and returned
for workshop service or repair.
5.3 MONTHLY CHECKS
5.3.1 Check Apparatus
1. Carefully open the bag, release the
quick-fire cord and remove the apparatus
from the bag.
2. Check the apparatus for damage or
excess wear. Flex the breathing hose and
check for splits and crazing (minor crazing
is acceptable).

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
11
Hoods (Dash/Sprint):
1. Check that there are no splits in the
fabric of the hood, visor or neckseal.
2. Check that the breathing hose
connection to the hood is secure.
3. Check that the visor is free of
blemishes, or creases that might impair
visibility or reduce respiratory protection.
Facemask (Sprint):
1. Check that the headharness is fully
extended.
2. Check that the facemask is clean
and in good condition.
3. Check that the visor is free from
blemishes that might impair visibility.
4. Check that the inhale valve flaps in
the inner mask lie flat and are in good
condition.
Breathing Hose Elbow (Dash):
1. Remove the exhale valve clip-on
cover and pull the exhale valve from its
housing.
2. Withdraw the elbow retaining U-clip
and remove the elbow from the hood.
3. Check that the red O-ring on the
elbow is in good condition. Replace if
worn, damaged or contaminated with oil or
grease.
4. Check that the silencer/filter is not
clogged, worn, or damaged. Replace if
necessary.
5. Insert the elbow into the hood and fit
the retaining U-clip.
6. Check that the exhale valve is in
good condition and that the valve flap lies
flat on its frame.
7. Push the exhale valve into its
housing and fit the clip-on cover.
Demand Valve (Sprint):
1. Disconnect the demand valve from
the facepiece.
2. Check that the orange O-ring is
clean and in good condition.
3. Check that the locking catch moves
freely without sticking.
4. Connect the demand valve to the
facepiece. If it is a first breath demand
valve, press the reset button and connect
to the facepiece.
Quick-fire Cord:
1. Check that the quick-fire cord is in
good condition and that the toggle is fitted.
2. Check that the quick-fire cord is
attached to the bag lid and wound around
the cylinder valve handwheel, so that the
cylinder valve handwheel turns anti-
clockwise when the cord is pulled.
5.3.2 Upon Completion
1. Check that the cylinder is fully
charged.
2. Fit the cylinder into the bag so that
the gauge is visible in the bag window and
fasten the retaining strap buckle.
Hood:
1. Fold the side and top panels of the
hood inwards so that when the hood is
folded flat they are between the front and
rear panels of the hood.
2. Push the top of the hood into the
bag, with the rear hood panel next to the
cylinder, until the exhale valve is just
below the rim of the bag.
3. Roll the neckseal under the hood so
that it will not foul the quick-fire cord.
4. Push the hose fully into the bag
alongside the cylinder.
Quick-fire Cord:
1. Fit the toggle of the quick-fire cord to
the handwheel and wind the cord around
the handle so that it will open the cylinder
valve when pulled.
2. Close the bag and fit an anti-tamper
tag through the D-rings on the bag and
bag lid.
3. Record the results of the checks in
the breathing apparatus log.

Sabre Breathing Apparatus
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