Information Notice No. 84-56: Respirator Users Notice for Certain 5-minute Emergency Escape Self-contained Breathing Apparatus

                                                            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