People use several different names when referring to smoke hoods. These terms include smoke mask, smoke respirator, fire mask; emergency escape mask and protective smoke escape device. Regardless of what you call it, this vastly underrated piece of life-saving safety equipment will purify toxic air when flames fill a room or vehicle with smoke. The hood creates a tight seal around your neck to prevent polluted air from entering your lungs, while the built-in filter removes harmful toxins and delivers clean breathable air.
Although severe burns probably come to mind when you think about fires, they don’t actually cause most fire-related deaths. Around seven out of 10 serious injuries and fatalities happen as a result of smoke inhalation. Smoky conditions can also make it difficult to see and move around. Even if you escape the flames, fumes may cause lasting health issues. A smoke hood protects your lungs and gives you more time to safely exit a burning structure. Click here for a review of the iEvac EBP 900 Smoke Hood.
How Does a Smoke Hood Work?
This device typically features a cylindrical filter that may resemble a soda can. Air only enters the clear plastic hood through this filter. It collects particulate matter that could interfere with your breathing. Filters also shield wearers from dangerous gases like hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide and sulfur dioxide. Some units provide more effective filtration than others. Be sure to examine the list of substances that a specific model can remove from the air.
Where Can You Use Them
Although you might never have to use this product, it could prevent the loss of your life in some situations. Smoke hoods generally provide the greatest benefits in enclosed areas that lack nearby exits. People use them in offices, factories, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, motels, houses and apartments. These devices can also come in handy if a public transit vehicle catches fire. You could carry it when you travel by bus or train. Some airplane pilots keep smoke hoods in their cockpits.
Comparing The Different Models
You’ll need to think about many different factors when you shop for this product. For example, some units offer greater portability than others. The weight of a hood normally ranges from 1 to 2.2 pounds, and dimensions also vary considerably. Different models come with storage bags or hard cases. Portability doesn’t hold much importance for someone who simply plans to keep the hood in a bedroom. On the other hand, a more compact device could make your life easier if you travel often and want to protect yourself from hotel or airplane fires.
How Long Will Your Smoke Hood Protect You?
A smoke hood’s filter eventually becomes clogged with particles and stops supplying breathable air. Some models will safeguard your lungs for up to one hour. Others remain useful for approximately 15, 20 or 30 minutes. The necessary amount of time differs depending on your location. You could probably escape from a small building in less than 15 minutes. If you work on the 18th floor of an office tower, look for a unit that can protect you for a longer period of time.
Do Your Research
Avoid buying smoke hoods from companies that use flimsy materials or flawed designs. This device shouldn’t leak, melt or burn too easily. Most of today’s models offer adequate durability. Nonetheless, manufacturing defects may surface as companies experiment with new designs and try to cut costs. One manufacturer had to recall their popular EVAC-U8 smoke hood model in 2006 because the design had the potential to cause a dangerous build up of carbon monoxide in the mask . Always the read numerous reviews available online in order to evaluate the quality of a specific hood before you order it.
Always Look For Certification
You can also assess the quality of this product by determining if it meets recognized safety standards, such as ANSI/ISEA 110-2003, or ASTM E2952-14. Some units comply with European, Australian or Japanese standards. The Safety Equipment Institute certified an American made smoke hood for the first time in 2008. This organization uses a laboratory in New York to test filters, evaluate heat resistance and thoroughly analyze the performance of each model. The standard requires hoods to resist corrosion as well. An SEI-certified product must undergo yearly testing.
The Importance Of Good Visibility
It may become rather difficult to see your surroundings in a burning vehicle or building. Thick smoke and the possible loss of electrical power can greatly reduce visibility. Consequently, it’s important to select a model with transparent plastic that doesn’t create additional vision problems. This material should also allow sufficient light to reach your eyes. Reviews and certification details can help you compare products. The above-mentioned standard requires light transmission testing. Consider storing or carrying a flashlight with your smoke hood.
Know The Shelf Life Of Your Model
These devices usually need testing or replacement after a certain number of years. Don’t forget to look for expiration dates and shelf life estimates. Smoke hoods often last five years, but some models can remain in storage for three, 5.5 or 10 years. Numerous units include five-year warranties. Certain manufacturers also guarantee breathable air for a specific number of minutes. You’ll probably benefit from a longer shelf life unless your occupation involves an exceptionally high risk of fire.
Models With Replacement Guarantees
Some brands replace hoods for free after customers wear them in smoke or fire emergencies. This benefit doesn’t merely reduce the cost of recovering from a blaze. It also encourages you to use the product without worrying about the replacement expense. However, a few restrictions apply. Most manufacturers will only replace this device if you wear it within four or five years of the purchase date. To acquire a free unit, you’ll need evidence to prove that you used the hood during an emergency.
Proper Neck Seal And Fit
It’s crucial to buy a product with a highly effective neck seal. It needs to reliably stop all contaminated air from entering the hood. If a seal fails to accomplish this, the filter becomes useless. A smaller neck opening may provide the best results, but it can cause problems for people with eyeglasses or abundant hair. The hood’s strap design also affects a neck seal’s tightness. Try to pick a model that seals firmly without compromising ease of use.
Ease Of Use
You must act swiftly in an emergency. Some smoke hoods demand more time and effort than others. The device’s size, design and packaging materials can affect convenience. A hood’s package ought to open easily, and it shouldn’t require the use of scissors or a knife. Clear directions also expedite the process. If you have a beard, eyeglasses or lengthy hair, exercise caution when selecting a model. Only buy a hood if the product description or reviews state that it provides enough extra space.
Practice Always Makes Perfect
After you purchase this safety device, don’t just stow it in a closet and forget about it. If you take the time to practice, you can don the hood faster, minimize smoke inhalation and escape from a fire sooner. Remember that flames could spread throughout your home within five minutes. Be sure to place the equipment in a memorable and easily accessible location. Carefully read the directions and re-read them during times of increased danger, such as a drought or the winter heating season. You can also find online videos that will show you how to use this product.
Unfortunately, you may only use a smoke hood once. You can practice opening the outer case and imagine following the steps listed in the instructions, but you shouldn’t actually wear the device. The good news is that you could obtain a training hood and use it to practice. It’s best to order a “dummy” product with the same design as your real hood. Store the training unit in a different location and clearly label it. Otherwise, someone may mistakenly use the training mask when a fire breaks out.
Top 5 Best Smoke Escape Hoods
- iEvac EBP 900 Smoke Hood
- Safe Escape ASE30 Smoke Hood
- FIREMASK FM60 Smoke Hood
- Dräger PARAT 5500 Smoke Hood
- Xcaper Smoke Escape Mask
The bottom line is that you should be sure to choose a well-made device that seals tightly and provides decent visibility. A long shelf life and warranty can help you save time and money. Ease of use also holds great importance. Your specific needs may call for additional features, such as a highly portable design or a filter with the ability to provide clean air for 60 minutes. Finally, remember that a smoke hood will only protect your health if you can find and use it immediately. Read More https://homesafetydot.com/uncategorized/ievac/
Additional Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_safety
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