Sabre ELSA Sprint User manual

ELSA
DASH/SPRINT
Compressed Air Escape Breathing Apparatus
User Instructions
Article No. 1034931
Issue F 03. 2003

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 AND SERVICING............................................................................1
1.4 SERVICING......................................................................................................2
1.5 SHELF LIFE......................................................................................................2
1.6 USE IN EXPLOSIVE OR FLAMMABLE ATMOSPHERES ................................2
1.7 TRANSPORTATION.........................................................................................2
2. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION ........................................................................3
2.1 GENERAL.........................................................................................................3
2.2 HOODS (DASH/SPRINT) .................................................................................3
2.3 FACEMASKS (SPRINT) ...................................................................................4
2.4 REDUCING VALVE (DASH/SPRINT) ...............................................................4
2.5 DEMAND VALVE (SPRINT) .............................................................................5
2.6 CYLINDER VALVES (DASH/SPRINT)..............................................................5
2.7 STORAGE BAG................................................................................................5
2.8 QUALITY ATTRIBUTES ...................................................................................6
3. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE........................................................................... 6
3.1 INITIAL CHECKS..............................................................................................6
3.2 DONNING.........................................................................................................6
3.3 HOOD (DASH/SPRINT)....................................................................................7
3.4 FACEMASK (SPRINT)......................................................................................8
4. AFTER USE CLEANING AND TESTING ..................................................... 9
4.1 CLEANING HOODS (DASH/SPRINT) ..............................................................9
4.2 CLEANING FACEMASKS...............................................................................10
4.3 CHANGING CYLINDERS ...............................................................................10
4.4 BREATHING APPARATUS LOG....................................................................11
4.5 STOW APPARATUS ......................................................................................11
4.6 WORKSHOP REPAIR AND ANNUAL SERVICING........................................ 12
5. SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE...................................................................12
5.1 GENERAL.......................................................................................................12
5.2 DAILY CHECKS .............................................................................................12
5.3 MONTHLY CHECKS.......................................................................................13
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
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 BS 4275 1997 - Guide to implementing an effective respiratory protective
device programme.
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.
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.
Scott Health and Safety Limited have taken great care to ensure that the information
in this manual is accurate, complete and clear. However, Training & Technical
Support Services will be pleased to clarify any points in the manual and answer
questions on Sabre breathing apparatus.

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.
Components Mass %
(dry air)
Vol. %
(dry air)
Oxygen
Nitrogen
Argon
Carbon Dioxide
Hydrogen
Neon
Helium
Krypton
Xenon
23.14
75.52
1.288
0.048
0.000 003
0.001 27
0.000 330
0.000 0732
0.000 039
20.947 6
78.084
0.934
0.031 4
0.000 05
0.001 818
0.000 524
0.000 114
0.000 009
Table 1: Breathable Air
The quality of air used to supply and
charge breathing apparatus must
conform to EN 132 - Respiratory
protective devices - Definitions of
terms and pictograms.
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.
•Escape routes that require
physical exertion: ladders,
tunnels and hatches.
1.3 TRAINING AND
SERVICING
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 &
Technical Support Services or your
Sabre distributor for training course
details.
Training & Technical Support
Services:
Scott Health and Safety Limited
Pimbo Road, West Pimbo,
Skelmersdale, Lancashire,
WN8 9RA, United Kingdom.
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
2
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 &
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.
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
suitable packing.
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.

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
3
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 it 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.
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

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
4
The hood design changed in October
1998, however, the instructions for
use are the same for both hoods.
Both hood types have 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.
The new hood is available as a
standard version and as an EZ Clean
version, fabricated from a more
durable material.
2.3 FACEMASKS (SPRINT)
Sprint is available with PanaSeal, or
Vision 3 facemasks. Both are
moulded in non-dermatitic material
and can be supplied with five point
elastic, or Neoprene head harnesses.
PanaSeal Facemask
Vision 3 Facemask
2.4 REDUCING 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.

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
5
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.
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 permits the
wearer to wear the bag across the
chest or under the right arm.

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
6
2.8 QUALITY ATTRIBUTES
ELSA Dash and Sprint are approved
to:
•prEN 402 : 1992 (Respiratory
protective devices for escape).
•Lloyds Register SOLAS 74,
Certificate No. SAS F970054
Vision 3 and PanaSeal 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 (BS 5750 Pt 1) approved
Division of Scott Health and Safety
Limited.
NOTIFIED BODY:
Inspec International Ltd (No. 0194),
Upper Wingbury Courtyard,
Wingrave, Aylesbury,
Buckinghamshire,
HP22 4LW,
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.

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
7
2. Open the bag and check that
the quick-fire cord has opened the
cylinder valve.
3. If the quick-fire cord is not fitted,
turn the cylinder valve handwheel
fully anti-clockwise to open the valve.
Cautions:
•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.

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
8
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.
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, 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.

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
9
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

and warm
water.
3. Wipe the surface of the hood,
breathing hose and bag using a clean
lint-free cloth moistened in a solution
of TriGene

(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 it’s housing.
6. Disinfect the neckseal and inner
mask with a TriGene

hygienic wipe
(Article Number 2004225 for a pack
of 20).
7. Use an Exxene

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.

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
10
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 it from the facemask.
2. Immerse the facemask in a
solution of TriGene

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

hygienic wipe.
6. Use an Exxene

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.
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.

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
11
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
12
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 & 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.

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
13
5.3 MONTHLY CHECKS
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).
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.
On 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.

ELSA DASH/SPRINT
14
Pre-1998 Hood
1. Fold the hood carefully so that
the visor does not crease and the
front fitting is exposed.
2. Place the hood in the bag on top
of the cylinder so that it will not foul
the quick-fire cord.
3. Push the hose into the bag
alongside the cylinder.
Post-1998 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
Scott Health and Safety Limited
Pimbo Road, West Pimbo,
Skelmersdale, Lancashire,
WN8 9RA, United Kingdom.
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]