Overview
ISO 23269-4:2010 specifies performance requirements and test methods for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) carried for emergency escape under the IMO International Bulk Chemical (IBC) Code (paragraph 14.2.8.2) and the IMO International Gas Carrier (IGC) Code (paragraph 14.4.2.2). This part of ISO 23269 complements Part 1 and is intended specifically for escape use on chemical and gas carriers. It is not intended for fire-fighting, cargo handling, or entry into flames.
Key Topics
- Scope and limitations: SCBA complying with ISO 23269-4:2010 are designed solely for emergency escape and must meet specified performance and marking requirements.
- Breathing duration: Rated breathing time for the apparatus is 15 minutes; breathing time under overloading conditions is 5 minutes.
- Environmental testing: Apparatus must meet environmental tests in ISO 23269-1 with a specified temperature-cycling gradient: the change between -30 °C and +65 °C shall be less than 2 °C/min to avoid thermal shock.
- Chemical resistance - eyepieces and transparent parts: Eyepieces and transparent materials are tested with single droplets of solvents (trichloroethylene, benzene, solvent naphtha, methanol, kerosene). Exposure is until evaporation or a maximum of 15 minutes; no dissolution, fogging, hazing, holes or leaks that render the specimen unusable are permitted.
- Chemical resistance - facepiece: If marketed for emergency use with specific IBC/IGC cargoes, facepieces are immersed in the chemical at 22 ± 2 °C for 1 hour, then hung at 22 ± 2 °C and 95% RH for 24 hours. Additional tests include 1% solutions of sulphuric acid, nitric acid and sodium hydroxide. No corrosion or cracking that makes the facepiece unusable is allowed.
- Donning and practical performance: Donning tests follow ISO 23269-1; the practical performance course includes an added vertical manhole (600 mm high × 800 mm wide, centre 900 mm above the floor) prior to the turning point.
- Instructions and marking: Each unit must include user and maintenance instructions (with diagrams) and be marked with details such as name, type, manufacture date, serial number, manufacturer/trademark, reference to ISO 23269-4:2010, servicing/retest date and training status.
Applications
ISO 23269-4:2010 is applied by ship owners, equipment suppliers, inspectors and maritime safety officers responsible for compliance with IMO IBC and IGC escape equipment requirements. Key practical values are consistent performance criteria for emergency SCBA, verified chemical resistance for cargo exposures, and clear marking and user instructions to support safe emergency egress.
Related Standards
- ISO 23269-1:2008 - Emergency escape breathing devices (EEBD) for shipboard use (referenced for general design and tests).
- EN standards cited in ISO 23269-4 bibliography (EN 400, EN 1146) and the IMO IBC and IGC Codes.
Keywords: ISO 23269-4:2010, SCBA, emergency escape, IMO IBC, IGC Codes, chemical resistance, breathing time, donning test, marine safety, marking