
ELSA
1. INTRODUCTION
To ensure that you are fully familiar with the safety aspects, operation and
configuration of the apparatus, please read the Introductory Notes section of this
Manual and the User Instruction Manual prior to using these Service Instructions.
2. APPARATUS DESCRIPTION
ELSA is a self-contained, open-circuit, constant-flow, compressed-air, escape
breathing apparatus. Respiratory protection is provided during escape from a
hazardous environment for either 10 or 15 minutes duration, depending upon the size
of cylinder fitted to the apparatus. The apparatus provides a constant flow of air at 38
litres per minute for the duration of the cylinder supply. ELSA may be worn by
personnel entering potentially hazardous areas or stored, ready-for-use, within the
area.
Pictogram user instructions and the duration of the air supply are printed clearly on the
front panel of the bag. The cylinder contents gauge is visible through a transparent
panel on the reverse of the bag, enabling the level of cylinder charge to be checked
without opening the bag.
The apparatus comprises a compressed-air cylinder, a reducer/cylinder valve and a
hood, all of which are contained within a high-visibility orange or black anti-static bag.
A quick-fire strap connects the access flap on the bag or hood to the actuating pin
on the reducer/cylinder valve. The action of opening the bag flap pulls the actuating
pin from the reducer/cylinder valve and starts the flow of air to the hood.
To use ELSA, the wearer places the carrying strap around the neck, pulls the flap of
the bag open and dons the hood, where air is immediately available to the wearer. If
the reducer/cylinder valve does not open when the wearer opens the bag flap, the
quick-fire strap can be used to pull the actuating pin manually.
The quick-fire strap is not connected when the apparatus is first delivered, allowing the
contents of the bag to be inspected and the anti-tamper tags fitted prior to deployment.
Tamperproof tags are provided with the apparatus and MUST be fitted prior to
deployment.
Providing the apparatus is serviced regularly in accordance with these instructions,
there is no shelf-life limit.
The hood is fabricated in high-visibility, flame-retardant PVC or PVC-coated materials
with a rubber neck seal. An inner mask, that covers the wearer’s nose and mouth,
minimises visor misting and carbon dioxide dead-space. The spring-loaded exhale
valve helps maintain hood integrity. The breathing hose elbow is attached to the front
fitting of the hood by a U-Clip, which is held in position by the exhale valve fitting.
The reducer/cylinder valve (RCV) is a spring and piston device with a fixed orifice
outlet that provides a constant flow of air at 38 litres per minute to the hood. A charging
adaptor that conforms to EN 144-2: 1999 is provided.
Versions of the reducer/cylinder valve are available fitted with a 250 bar burst disc,
which protects the system from over-charging.
Issue F 11. 2009
ELSA
(Page 1)