SIST EN 13794:2003

SIST EN 13794:2003 is the Slovenian adoption of EN 13794:2002 from SIST, covering respiratory protective devices for escape. It specifies minimum requirements, test methods and marking for self-contained closed-circuit breathing apparatus for escape, including chemical oxygen and compressed oxygen types, for manufacturers, test houses and buyers who need to verify escape capability.

What does SIST EN 13794:2003 specify?

SIST EN 13794:2003 specifies oxygen escape apparatus (OEA) that are intended for escape only. It covers chemical oxygen apparatus with KO2 or NaClO3 and compressed oxygen apparatus, and it combines product requirements with laboratory and practical performance tests so compliance can be assessed on the complete apparatus.

The document is organized into scope, normative references, terms and definitions, description, classification, requirements, testing, marking, and information supplied by the manufacturer.

What are the key requirements of SIST EN 13794:2003?

SIST EN 13794:2003 focuses on safe construction, dependable breathing performance and clear user information. The most important requirements are the ones that affect how the apparatus is worn, how long it works, and whether it still protects the wearer under heat, shock and realistic escape conditions.

Design, materials and handling

Clause 6 requires reliable, compact construction with no sharp edges or protruding parts likely to catch in narrow passages. In practice, this matters because escape equipment must be easy to carry and should not snag when the wearer is moving through restricted spaces.

Materials, carrying containers and locking devices must withstand corrosion, temperature and mechanical stress. Exposed parts must not be made of aluminium, magnesium or titanium where friction sparks could ignite flammable gas mixtures, and non-metallic carrying containers must be antistatic. This matters where ignition risk or rough handling is a concern.

The apparatus must be easy to don and put into operation, including in the dark and in restricted spaces. It must also remain leaktight in ready-for-use condition, so the wearer can trust the breathing circuit before starting an escape.

Facepiece, harness and bag

Clause 6 requires either a mouthpiece assembly or a full face mask, with special rules for Type D apparatus using a lung governed demand valve. The harness or other support must leave the hands free and allow quick donning without assistance.

The breathing bag must withstand foreseeable use and have a volume of at least 6 l. Flexible hoses, if fitted, must not kink or block the gas supply under load. These points matter because comfort, fit and gas delivery directly affect whether the wearer can complete an escape.

Performance under test

Clause 6 sets the core performance checks: oxygen content, carbon dioxide content, breathing resistance, temperature and humidity of inhaled gas, surface temperature and practical performance. The apparatus is tested at a minute volume of 35 l/min, and some types are also checked at 70 l/min.

For readers, this means the document does not stop at design claims - it verifies actual breathing performance over the rated working duration and under heat, cold and realistic user movement.

Type-specific requirements

Type C apparatus must deliver at least 4.0 l/min of oxygen and include a pressure safety device for the chlorate candle. Type D apparatus has extra requirements for pressure parts, gas container connections, pressure indicator and oxygen supply control. Type K apparatus must keep the carrying container leaktight over time and deliver adequate oxygen flow into the breathing circuit.

Marking and manufacturer information

Clauses 8 and 9 require marking for the manufacturer, model, type C/D/K, rated working duration, serial number, year of manufacture or shelf life, and the standard number. The manufacturer’s instructions must explain type classification, limitations, checks before use, donning, maintenance, storage, shelf life and leaktightness testing. This is important because escape apparatus depends on correct use and inspection.

What terms does SIST EN 13794:2003 define?

• oxygen escape apparatus (OEA) - A self-contained closed-circuit breathing apparatus for escape, not for work or rescue.
• quick start system - A mechanism that activates oxygen generation or flow when the storage container is opened or the facepiece is pulled.
• rated working duration - The classified duration established by breathing machine testing at 35 l/min.
• Type C - Escape apparatus using NaClO3.
• Type D - Compressed oxygen apparatus.
• Type K - Escape apparatus using KO2.
• training apparatus - Apparatus that simulates carrying, donning and breathing of the working apparatus.

Who uses SIST EN 13794:2003?

Manufacturers use SIST EN 13794:2003 to design and mark escape breathing apparatus and to prepare technical files and user instructions. Test houses and certification bodies use it for laboratory tests, practical performance trials and inspection of markings and documentation.

It is also relevant to buyers, safety managers and operators in underground and other escape-critical workplaces, because it defines what to check when selecting, receiving and maintaining oxygen escape apparatus.

What changed in SIST EN 13794:2003 from the previous edition?

SIST EN 13794:2003 supersedes EN 400:1993, EN 401:1993 and EN 1061:1996.

Which standards are used with SIST EN 13794:2003?

• EN 132 - provides terms and pictograms for respiratory protective devices.
• EN 134 - gives nomenclature of components.
• EN 136:1998 - supplies requirements and tests for full face masks used with this apparatus.
• EN 166:1995 and EN 168:1995 - support the requirements and test methods for goggles.
• EN 13274-1 - inward leakage and total inward leakage tests.
• EN 13274-2 - practical performance tests.
• EN 13274-3 - breathing resistance tests.
• EN 13274-4 - flame tests.
• EN 13274-5 - climatic conditioning.

What does the SIST EN 13794:2003 document contain?

SIST EN 13794:2003 contains a full requirement-and-test framework, not just a product description. Clause 7 gives the test programme, including visual inspection, leak tests, shock and vibration, temperature conditioning, breathing machine tests, surface temperature measurement and practical escape trials. It also includes figure-based test set-ups, such as the breathing machine arrangement, the Sheffield head and the mouthpiece connector.

Annex B provides alternative measurement methods for insulation resistance, while Annex C defines a training apparatus and its acceptance rules. Annex D gives marking guidance for safety-related parts and sub-assemblies, which helps manufacturers decide what to identify on the product and what to explain in the instructions.