Type Approval Testing
Type Approval testing is our core service and what we do on a day-to-day basis.
For a manufacturer it can be a challenging and time-consuming process to launch a new product in the market, but one which can be made significantly easier by choosing a credible and service orientated partner. We understand the importance of speed of route to market and in all situations will ensure that turnaround times are kept to a minimum.
It is our assurance that as a UKAS accredited laboratory (No. 8856), control of manufacturers products, confidentiality and impartiality are key whilst testing. To support this we operate from our own separate, purpose-built laboratory with dedicated staff and management structure.
Impartiality cannot be compromised but we believe in open communication with our clients, and regularly agree periodic video calls and telephone conversations to keep them updated with how their project is progressing.
EN 136
Full Face Mask
EN 136 defines a full face mask as a facepiece which covers the eyes, nose, mouth and chin and provides adequate sealing on the face of the wearer of a respiratory protective device against the ambient atmosphere, when the skin is dry or moist, and even when the head is moved or when the wearer is speaking.
EN 137
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
SCBA comprises a valved pressure vessel and typically body harness, lung governed demand valve, pressure indicator, warning device, connecting hoses and tubes and full face mask. The apparatus functions by enabling the wearer to breathe compressed air on demand. The exhaled air from the wearer then passes without re-circulation to the ambient atmosphere.
EN 140
A Half Mask is a facepiece which covers the nose, mouth and chin
A quarter mask is a facepiece which covers the nose and mouth. They are both intended to provide adequate sealing on the face of the wearer of a respiratory protective device against the ambient atmosphere.
EN143
Particle Filters
Particle filters for use as replaceable components in unassisted respiratory protective devices (RPD) with the exception of escape devices and filtering face pieces. Particle filters are classified according to their filtering efficiency. There are three classes of particle filters: P1, P2 and P3 in ascending order of the filtering efficiency.
EN 402
Escape Breathing Apparatus with a Mask
Lung governed demand compressed air escape apparatus are designed and constructed to enable the wearer to breathe air on demand from a pressure vessel(s) either via a pressure reducer and a lung governed demand valve or a lung governed demand valve connected to the facepiece. The exhaled air passes without re-circulation from the facepiece via the exhalation valve to the ambient atmosphere.
EN 1146
Escape Breathing Apparatus with a Hood
Compressed air escape apparatus with hood are designed and constructed to enable the wearer to breathe air supplied to a hood from a pressure vessel via a pressure reducer giving a continuous flow of air. The exhaled air may pass without re-circulation from the hood via the exhalation valve to the ambient atmosphere. This apparatus typically comprises pressure vessel, body harness, lung governed demand valve, pressure indicator, connecting hoses and tubes and a hood.
EN 12941
Powered Filtering Devices incorporating a Helmet or Hood
A device typically consists of:
- A loose-fitting respiratory interface, e.g. hood, blouse or suit which can be combined with other types of PPE;
- A blower unit with an energy supply intended to be carried/worn by the wearer which supplies filtered ambient air to the respiratory interface;
- A filter or filters through which all air supplied passes.
EN 12942
Powered Filtering Devices incorporating a Mask
Each device typically consists of:
- A filter or filters through which all the air supplied to the facepiece passes;
- A power operated turbo unit which supplies filtered ambient air to the facepiece directly or by means of a breathing hose. The energy supply for the turbo unit may be carried on the person;
- A full face mask, a half mask or a quarter mask;
- One or more exhalation valves or other outlets through which exhaled air and air in excess of the wearer’s demand is discharged.
EN 14593-1
Compressed Air Line Breathing Apparatus with a Demand Valve
This RPD supplies the wearer with breathable air in accordance with EN 12021, which on inhalation, flows through a lung governed demand valve. The latter can operate at negative pressure or at positive pressure and is connected to a suitable full face mask, possibly via a breathing hose. A compressed air supply tube connects the wearer to a supply of compressed air. Exhaled air flows into the ambient atmosphere via an exhalation valve.
EN 14594
Continuous Flow Compressed Air Line Breathing Apparatus
This RPD enables the wearer to be provided with breathable air in accordance with EN 12021 supplied at a continuous air flow to a facepiece via a breathing hose. The RPD may incorporate an adjustable continuous flow valve which can be carried by the wearer. A compressed air supply tube connects the wearer to a supply of compressed air. Exhaled air flows into the ambient atmosphere.
EN 149
Filtering Half Masks To Protect Against Particulates
A particle filtering half mask covers the nose and mouth and the chin and may have inhalation and/or exhalation valve(s). The half mask consists entirely or substantially of filter material or comprises a facepiece in which the main filter(s) form an inseparable part of the device.
