IE Circular No. 79-09 - Occurrences of Split or Punctured Regulator Diaphragms in Certain Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
CR79009
June 15, 1979
MEMORANDUM FOR: B. H. Grier, Director, Region I
J. P. O'Reilly, Director, Region II
J. G. Keppler, Director, Region III
K. V. Seyfrit, Director, Region IV
R. H. Engelken, Director, Region V
FROM: J. H. Sniezek, Director, Division of Fuel Facilities and
Material Safety Inspection, IE
SUBJECT: IE CIRCULAR NO. 79-09- OCCURRENCES OF SPLIT OR PUNCTURED
REGULATOR DIAPHRAGMS IN CERTAIN SELF CONTAINED BREATHING
APPARATUS
The subject circular, with enclosure, is transmitted for issuance on June
22, 1979. The circular should be issued to all Material Priority I, Fuel
Cycle and Operating Reactor licensees. Also enclosed is a draft copy of the
transmittal letter and removable labels for all but reactors. Addresses for
power plant utilities should be typed by each regional office.
J. H. Sniezek, Director
Division of Fuel Facility and Materials
Safety Inspection
Office of Inspection and Enforcement
Enclosure:
1. Draft Transmittal Letter
2. IE Circular No. 79-09
3. Addressee Labels (Removable)
CONTACT: J. R. Metzger, IE
49-28188
.
(Draft transmittal letter for Circular 79-09, to each Materials Priority I,
Fuel Cycle and Operating Power Plant Licensees)
IE Circular No. 79-09
Addressee:
The enclosed Circular 79-09, is forwarded to you for information. If there
are any questions related to your understanding of the suggested actions,
please notify the contact listed in the enclosure to the circular.
Sincerely,
Signature
(Regional Director)
Enclosure:
IE Circular No. 79-09
.
UNITED STATES
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
OFFICE OF INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555
June 22, 1979
IE Circular No. 79-09
OCCURRENCES OF SPLIT OR PUNCTURED REGULATOR DIAPHRAGMS IN CERTAIN SELF-
CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS
Description of Circumstances:
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has been informed by mailgram (copy
enclosed) from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) of the high rate of regulator diaphragm failures in the Scott Air
Pak II/IIA and Presur-Pak II/IIA self-contained breathing apparatus. The
failures, ranging from pin holes in the diaphragm to complete diaphragm
rupture, have been identified in about 10 percent of the units by the NIOSH
field survey. Tests of the Scott apparatus by NIOSH showed reduced
respiratory protection in the Demand-Mode and a loss of service time (but no
loss of protection) in the Pressure Demand-Mode.
Notice to Licensees:
Many major licensees use the types of Scott apparatus described above. Users
of the devices should take the following action:
1. Establish a program for examination of the described respiratory
devices in accordance with the enclosed NIOSH mailgram; or
2. Incorporate the provisions of the NIOSH mailgram into your current
program for inspection of the described devices.
No written response to this Circular is required. If you require additional
information regarding this subject, please contact the individual specified
in the enclosed mailgram.
Enclosure:
Mailgram
.
GSA . . SWITCHING CTR
P.O. BOX 430]
ROMNEY, WV 26757
1-0561860122014 05/02/79 ICS WA 12139 WSHA
00592 MLTN VA 05/02/79
MR. JERRY CAPLIN
USNRC
WASHINGTON, DC 20555
RESPIRATOR USERS WARNING
THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (NIOSH) WANTS TO
ADVISE USERS OF SCOTT AIR PAK II/IIA AND PRESUR-PAK II/IIA SELF-CONTAINED
BREATHING APPARATUS OF THE OCCURRENCES OF SPLIT OR PUNCTURED REGULATOR
DIAPHRAGMS, NIOSH TESTS INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF SUCH DEFECTS SHOWED
REDUCED RESPIRATORY PROTECTION ON DEMAND-MODE APPARATUS, THESE SAME TESTS
ALSO SHOWED NO LOSS IN PROTECTION, BUT A LOSS IN SERVICE TIME WHEN IN THE
PRESSURE DEMAND-MODE. NOTE: THE PRESSURE DEMAND UNIT IS NOT APPROVED WHILE
IN THE DEMAND MODE; THE DEMAND MODE IS TO BE USED FOR DONNING PURPOSES ONLY.
NIOSH BEGAN THIS INVESTIGATION FOLLOWING THE RECENT DEATH OF THREE
FIREFIGHTERS WHO WERE WEARING THIS TYPE OF RESPIRATOR, ALTHOUGH IT HAS NOT
BEEN ESTABLISHED THAT THE DEATHS WERE DUE TO DAMAGED REGULATOR DIAPHRAGMS. A
10% OF THE UNITS EXAMINED HAVE RUPTURED OR PUNCTURED DIAPHRAGMS.
USERS SHOULD EXAMINE THEIR SCOTT A APPARATUS FOR POSSIBLE DAMAGED DIAPHRAGMS
IN ACCORDANCE WITH MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS. THE USER SHOULD CHECK THE
DIAPHRAGM BEFORE EACH USE BY CLOSING BOTH THE MAIN LINE AND BYPASS VALVES
AND BLOWING THROUGH THE REGULATOR OUTLET PORT. IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE TO
MAINTAIN A SLIGHT POSITIVE PRESSURE IN THE REGULATOR. THE USER SHOULD CHECK
THE REGULATOR DIAPHRAGM AFTER EACH USE AND DURING MONTHLY INSPECTIONS OF THE
COMPLETE APPARATUS. IT IS ONT KNOWN IF FAILURE OCCURS DURING ASSEMBLY,
STORAGE, OR USE OF THE RESPIRATOR. THEREFORE, EXTREME CAUSTION MUST BE
EMPLOYED WHEN USING THE RESPIRATOR. IN CHECKING THE OPERATION OF THE
RESPIRATOR, USERS ARE CAUTIONED NOT TO BLOCK THE FLOW OF AIR FROM THE
REGULATOR WHEN THE BYPASS VALVE IS OPEN, BECAUSE SUBSTANTIAL OBSTRUCTION MAY
RUPTURE OR DISLODGE THE DIAPHRAGM. IF THE USER OBSERVES A LOOSE OR DISLODGED
REGULATOR COVER, THE COVER MUST BE REMOVED AND THE DIAPHRAGM INSPECTED
BEFORE REASSEMBLY
.
PAGE 2
OF THE REGULATOR,
NIOSH HAS REQUESTED THE MANUFACTURER STOP ALL SALES OF THE RESPIRATOR
PENDING DETERMINATION OF THE REASON FOR AND NECESSARY CORRECTIVE ACTION TO
PREVENT DIAPHRAGM FAILURE. FOR FURTHER TECHNICAL INFORMATION CONTACT: MR.
RICHARD RONK, NIOSH, 944 CHESTNUT RIDGE ROAD, MORGANTOWN, WV 26505. PHONE:
304-599-7337.
ANTHONY ROBBINS, M.D.
DIRECTOR, NIOSH
ROCKVILLE MD
(ARS RUEVPCZ 0-26-01-036883)
21:19 EST
MGMCOMP MGM
.
UNITED STATES
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555
FEB 14 1980
MEMORANDUM FOR: W. P. Gammill, Acting Assistant Director for Operating
Reactor Projects, DOR
FROM: L. B. Higginbotham, Assistant Director, Division of Fuel
Facility and Materials Safety Inspection, IE
SUBJECT: IE CIRCULAR NO. 79-09, OCCURRENCES OF SPLIT OR PUNCTURED
REGULATOR DIAPHRAGMS IN CERTAIN SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING
APPRARATUS
In your memorandum of December 26, 1979, to E. Jordan, you recommended
issuance of an IE Circular to all licensees addressing punctured diaphragms
in Scott Air Pak's. The above subject IE Circular issued June 22, 1979,
addresses this potential problem. We have discussed the need for an
additional circular with L. Derderian of your staff; we are in agreement
that no additional action is needed at this time.
If more concerns arise or the need for clarification becomes apparent please
let us know. Otherwise, the subject seems to be adequately covered by IE
Circular 79-09. A copy is attached for your information.
Leo B. Higginbotham
Assistant Director
Division of Fuel Facility and
Materials Safety Inspection, IE
Enclosure: As stated
cc: J. Sniezek
E. Jordan
G. Lainas
R. Ferguson
L. Derderian
.
UNITED STATES
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
OFFICE OF INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555
June 22, 1979
IE Circular No. 79-09
OCCURRENCES OF SPLIT OR PUNCTURED REGULATOR DIAPHRAGMS IN CERTAIN SELF-
CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS
Description of Circumstances:
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has been informed by mailgram (copy
enclosed) from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) of the high rate of regulator diaphragm failures in the Scott Air
Pak II/IIA and Presur-Pak self-contained breathing apparatus. The failures,
ranging from pin holes in the diaphragm to complete diaphragm rupture, have
been identified in about 10 percent of the units by the NIOSH field survey.
Tests of the Scott apparatus by NIOSH showed reduced respiratory protection
in the Demand-Mode and a loss of service time (but no loss of protection) in
the Pressure Demand-Mode
Notice to Licensees:
Many major licensees use the types of Scott apparatus described above. Users
of the devices should take the following action:
1. Establish a program for examination of the described respiratory
devices in accordance with the enclosed NIOSH mailgram; or
2. Incorporate the provisions of the NIOSH mailgram into your current
program for inspection of the described devices
No written response to this Circular is required. If you required. If you
require additional information regarding this subject, please contact the
individual specified in the enclosed mailgram.
Enclosure:
Mailgram
.
GSA . . SWITCHING CTR
P.O. BOX 430]
ROMNEY, WV 26757
1-0561860122014 05/02/79 ICS WA 12139 WSHA
00592 MLTN VA 05/02/79
MR. JERRY CAPLIN
USNRC
WASHINGTON, DC 20555
RESPIRATOR USERS WARNING
THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (NIOSH) WANTS TO
ADVISE USERS OF SCOTT AIR PAK II/IIA AND PRESUR-PAK II/IIA SELF-CONTAINED
BREATHING APPARATUS OF THE OCCURRENCES OF SPLIT OR PUNCTURED REGULATOR
DIAPHRAGMS. NIOSH TESTS INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF SUCH DEFECTS SHOWED
REDUCED RESPIRATORY PROTECTION ON DEMAND-MODE, NOTE: THE PRESSURE DEMAND
UNIT IS NOT APPROVED WHILE IN THE DEMAND MODE; THE DEMAND MODE IS TO BE USED
FOR DONNING PURPOSES ONLY.
NIOSH BEGAN THIS INVESTIGATION FOLLOWING THE RECENT DEATH OF THREE
FIREFIGHTERS WHO WERE WEARING THIS TYPE OF THE DEATHS WERE DUE TO DAMAGED
REGULATOR DIAPHRAGMS. A SAMPLING OF THE APPARATUS IN THE FIELD HAS SHOWN AT
LEAST 10% OF THE UNITS EXAMINED HAVE RUPTURED OR PUNCTURED DIAPHRAGMS.
USERS SHOULD EXAMINE THEIR SCOTT APPARATUS FOR POSSIBLE DAMAGE DIAPHRAGMS IN
ACCORDANCE WITH MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS. THE USER SHOULD CHECK THE
DIAPHRAGM BEFORE EACH USE BY CLOSING BOTH THE MAIN LINE AND BYPASS VALVES
AND BLOWING THROUGH THE REGULATOR OUTLET PORT. IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE TO
MAINTAIN A SLIGHT POSITIVE PRESSURE IN THE REGULATOR. THE USER SHOULD CHECK
THE REGULATOR DIAPHRAGM AFTER EACH USE AND DURING MONTHLY INSPECTIONS OF THE
COMPLETE APPARATUS. IT IS ONT KNOWN IF FAILURE OCCURS DURING ASSEMBLY,
STORAGE, OR USE OF THE RESPIRATOR. THEREFORE, EXTREME CAUSTION MUST BE
EMPLOYED WHEN USING THE RESPIRATOR. IN CHECKING THE OPERATION OF THE
RESPIRATOR, USERS ARE CAUTIONED NOT TO BLOCK THE FLOW OF AIR FROM THE
REGULATOR WHEN THE BYPASS VALVE IS OPEN, BECAUSE SUBSTANTIAL OBSTRUCTION MAY
RUPTURE OR DISLODGE THE DIAPHRAGM. IF THE USER OBSERVES A LOOSE OR DISLODGED
REGULATOR COVER, THE COVER MUST BE REMOVED AND THE DIAPHRAGM INSPECTED
BEFORE REASSEMBLY
.
PAGE 2
OF THE REGULATOR,
NIOSH HAS REQUESTED THE MANUFACTURER STOP ALL SALES OF THE RESPIRATOR
PENDING DETERMINATION OF THE REASON FOR AND NECESSARY CORRECTIVE ACTION TO
PREVENT DIAPHRAGM FAILURE. FOR FURTHER TECHNICAL INFORMATION CONTACT: MR.
RICHARD RONK, NIOSH, 944 CHESTNUT RIDGE ROAD, MORGANTOWN, WV 26505. PHONE:
304-599-7337.
ANTHONY ROBBINS, M.D.
DIRECTOR, NIOSH
ROCKVILLE MD
(ARS RUEVPCZ 0-26-01-036883)
21:19 EST
MGMCOMP MGM
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, March 09, 2021
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, March 09, 2021