Dräger Safety has cleared the final hurdle for full National Fire Protection Association certification of its new PSS 7000 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

It is the sixth SCBA manufacturer to complete a series of demanding tests that took effect last fall to comply with the 2007 editions of the NFPA 1981 SCBA standard and the NFPA 1982 standard for personal alert safety system (PASS) devices. The other SCBA companies that have achieved full certification are Mine Safety Appliances (MSA), Scott Health & Safety, Avon-ISI, Sperian Fire and Interspiro.

“We are the only company giving the firefighting community what they have been asking for, a rugged breathing apparatus based on new technology by using our 100 plus years of manufacturing and engineering experience,” Dräger President and CEO Wes Kenneweg said in a statement. “We are ready to begin to demonstrate the amazing new features of this breathing apparatus.”

Dräger said its SCBA can be equipped with a fully integrated electronic monitoring system called the Sentinel 7000 and a FPS 7000 comfort sealing face mask designed for surround-sound communications systems. The company said the PSS 7000 introduces TST – titanium sound technology – incorporated into the PASS device.

The Sentinel 7000 monitoring system includes a PASS device providing both audible and visual alarms. The system displays and records all vital information from the PASS as well as from the SCBA, providing real time information regarding air supply and consumption.

The FPS 7000 face mask sets new industry standards for face fit and comfort, according to the company, and is available in three distinctive sizes to provide excellent sealing.

Twin Speakers
Dräger said the FPS face mask is the only mask in the world with a fully integrated voice amplifier/radio interface system. Unique twin speakers provide exceptional voice clarity with a surround-sound output, according to the company, which said the communication system has an extremely low profile.

Dräger is claiming another industry first with the introduction of titanium sound technology, which has a resistance to high temperature environments. TST is incorporated into the Dräger PASS alarm sounders, providing a loud 95 dBA plus warning output to alert firefighters in the area.

The design of the PSS 7000 is based on ideas solicited from the fire service.

“Our engineering team surveyed a large number of firefighters throughout North America,” Kenneweg said, “to make sure every aspect of our new SCBA was covered and designed to meet the industry’s requirements, from little things like developing a friction buckle that doesn’t twist and lock during donning to designing a quick cylinder release system to rapidly change out cylinders in 10 seconds.”

Dräger’s said its new unit has a flexible carrying system with integrated handles, internal hose guides and a patented swivel waist belt that optimizes the overall weight and balance, providing a lower center of gravity than traditional SCBAs, setting a new standard for freedom of movement. 

The company called its harness suspension system another world-first innovation. The new harness material uses a vocalized rubber outer layer covering a closed cell inner core. The company said the structure provides excellent harness stability and ensures perfect torso fit. All hoses are integrated into the back plate, the company said, protecting them from snagging and the environment.

Adjustable Backplate
The adjustable backplate, made of carbon composite material, is newly designed to meet the tough conditions of the fire industry, according to Dräger. Large handles on the backplate enable a firefighter to hold on to a team member or to drag someone to safety.

The company described the PSS 7000 as a dependable partner, ergonomically designed, easy to use and the easiest SCBA to decontaminate and maintain. Dräger said it has the ability to expand with future telemetry and additional communications systems to be introduced by the company later this year.

Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA is an international leader in the fields of medical and safety technology. Founded in 1889, the group employs around 10,000 people in more than 70 subsidiaries worldwide.

For more information, visit www.Dräger.com.