Protecting People and the EnvironmentUNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
SSINS No.: 6835
IN 84-56
UNITED STATES
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
OFFICE OF INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT
WASHINGTON, DC 20555
July 10, 1984
Information Notice No. 84-56: RESPIRATOR USERS NOTICE FOR CERTAIN
5-MINUTE EMERGENCY ESCAPE SELF-CONTAINED
BREATHING APPARATUS
Addressees:
All nuclear power reactor facilities holding an operating license (OL) or
construction permit (CP), research and test reactors, and fuel facilities.
Purpose:
This information notice is provided to inform licensees of a Department of
Health and Human Services "Respirator Users Notice" concerning a shortened
service time problem of Robertshaw Controls Company's Model RAM-5
Respirators. It is expected that licensees will review the information for
applicability to their facilities and consider actions, if appropriate, to
preclude use of a potentially defective respirator. However, suggestions
contained in this notice do not constitute NRC requirements and, therefore,
no specific action or response is required.
Description of Circumstances:
The attached May 9, 1984, "Respirator Users Notice" (Attachment 1) describes
a potential failure mode leading to a shortened service for the Robertshaw
Combination 5-minute Emergency Escape Self-contained Breathing Apparatus
(SCBA) and Supplied-air Respirator (MSHA/NIOSH approval number TC-13F 64).
Because emergency escape SCBAs are authorized to be used for escape from
atmospheres immediately dangerous to life and health, the nature of the
respirator failure could be critical. Robertshaw has voluntarily recalled
the respirators, but can only account for less than 20% of the units
purchased for field use.
No written response to this information notice is required. If you need
additional information about this matter, please contact Robertshaw Controls
Company (information attached).
Edward L. Jordan Director
Division of Emergency Preparedness
and Engineering Response
Office of Inspection and Enforcement
Technical Contact: J. E. Wigginton, IE L. Hendricks, IE
(301) 492-4967 (301)492--9650
Attachments:
1. Respirator Users Notice (May 9, 1984)
2. List of Recently Issued IE Information Notices 8407060251