In 2016 Austdac began a program to perform an internal inspection on the SR50 and SRIOOA Self Rescuers due to possible mishandling of the units. During these inspections it was found in a number of cases that the attachment of the breathing bag to the self rescuer may be compromised, leading to a reduction in performance or non-operation of the self rescuer.
CSE are currently investigating the cause of this issue. Initial findings indicate that mishandling, heat and humidity may be a factor in this premature ageing of the collar material.
The breathing bag is attached to the case of the self rescuer via a collar which is clamped to the case. In some cases the plastic collar has degraded leading to holes in the collar. As the self rescuer is designed to be a sealed system, these holes will lead to the degraded performance of the self rescuer.
The SR50 and SR1OOA Self Rescuers currently affected are those that are belt worn units and are older than 5 years. This also applies to belt worn units that have been re-assigned as cached units. Cached units which have not been used as belt worn units are not affected.
CSE recommend that SR50 and SR1OOA Self Rescuers which have been used as a belt wom unit and were manufactured in 2011 or earlier be returned to Austdac for a full internal inspection. The manufactured date may be found stamped on the stainless steel clamping band.
It is also recommended that further training on the handling and inspection of the self rescuer be conducted.
If you have any questions regarding this please contact either Mark Go1dsworthy or Peter Chen or contact our Austdac Customer Service.
Download SR50 and SR100A Self Rescuers Advisory D Signed alert.