MSA W-65 Self-Rescuer
Purpose
 A self-rescuer is a device to be used in case
of emergency for escape through
atmosphere containing carbon monoxide
 All personnel in underground mines need
to know how to use a self-rescuing device
and to be aware of its limitations
Goals of the Course
 To establish a working knowledge of the
self-rescuer
 To enable the students to use the selfrescuer in an emergency procedure
Objectives
 Know how to operate a self-rescuer
 Know when the self-rescuer should be used
 Know the limitations of the self-rescuer:
time, carbon monoxide and storage
 Explain the examination procedure
 Demonstrate the correct procedure for
donning the device
What is the Self-Rescuer?
 Protects the wearer from carbon monoxide
 Small enough to be carried on your belt
 Readily available in case of emergency
 Used at the first indication of a fire or
explosion
Diagram of a Self-Rescuer
Basic substance
contained in the selfrescuer is hopcalite
 Hopcalite changes
carbon monoxide, a
poisonous gas, into
carbon dioxide, a
relatively harmless
gas

W-65 Protection Facts
 Tests conducted by the Bureau of Mines
state the W-65 provides adequate
protection for 60 minutes in 1%
concentration of carbon monoxide
 You must keep the self-rescuer in place
regardless of the heat generation
W-65 Protection Facts
 The only purpose of the W-65 is for escape
or self-rescue from an atmosphere
containing carbon monoxide
 It will not provide protection in an
atmosphere in which there is not enough
atmosphere to function properly (less than
16.25 percent oxygen)
W-65 Protection Facts
 The self-rescuer is made of durable metal
enclosed in a corrosion-resistant stainless
steel case
 It cannot be reused
 Once the seal on the self-rescuer has been
broken, it must be used immediately and
then discarded
Regulations for Self-Rescue
Devices
 30 CFR 57.15030 - a one hour self-rescue
device approved by the Mine Safety and
Health Administration shall be made
available by the operator to all personnel
underground
Regulations for Self-Rescue
Devices
 30 CFR 57.15031 - Must be worn at all times
or carried by all persons underground
except for the following:
» when it is hazardous to a person to wear or carry the
device, it shall be located at a distance no greater
than 25 feet from such person
» when a person works on or around mobile
equipment, it may be placed in a readily accessible
location on such equipment
Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer

Open self-rescuer by
firmly pulling lever up
to break canister seal
Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer

Pull and remove lever
Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer

Remove cover and
discard
Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer

Remove the unit from
the container by
wrapping the
headstrap around the
wrist and pulling
firmly
Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer

Grip rubber tips of
mouthpiece firmly
between teeth,
making an airtight
seal with lips and
mouthpiece
Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer

Close nostrils with the
nose clip
Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer
Remove hat and place
head strap on head.
 Replace hat

Operation of W-65 Self-Rescuer
Go to fresh air
immediately as you
breathe only through
the self-rescuer
 A breathing
resistance, similar to
breathing through a
dust respirator, will be
experienced

Inspection and Maintenance
 Before going underground examine your
self-rescuer for any external damage
 If it is damaged, replace it with another one
Inspection and Maintenance
 Should the self-rescuer be damaged while
underground, it may be impossible in cases
of emergency to remove the respirator
from the container
 In this case, the wearer can still breathe
with the filter in the container
Inspection and Maintenance
 The standard 30 CFR 57.15030 states an
effective inspection program must be
established by the operator and include
both a visual inspection and weighing of
the device
Inspection and Maintenance
 A visual inspection serves to identify
surface defects, such as a crushed case or
broken seal
 Weighing is necessary because it is the
most reliable test in determining the
serviceability of a self-rescuer
Inspection and Maintenance
 The inspection program for weighing self-
rescuers shall not exceed a 90-day period
and provide a record of weight for each
device
 The weight gain should not be 10 or more
grams
Miner’s Responsibility
 Remove the self-rescue device if they are
not in good condition or any of the
following exists:
– A device has a crushed or deeply dented case
– A device has dents or damage around the seal area
– A device has a broken seal or has lost its vacuum
seal
– A device has a weight gain of 10 grams or more
above the manufacturer’s weight imprinted
W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz
 When should a person use the self-
rescuer?
 The rescuer should be used immediately at
the first indication of a fire or explosion
even though no smoke is visible.
W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz
 How long will the self-rescuer protect you
once it is activated?
 One hour
W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz
 When should you remove the self-rescuer?
 Do not remove the self-rescuer until you
are in fresh air.
W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz
 What is the use life of a self-rescuer?
 Remove the self-rescuer from service if it
has a weight gain of 10 grams or more
above the manufacturer’s weight imprinted
on the self-rescuer case.
W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz
 If the container does not come off when you
open the device, what should you do?
 If the container is damaged, it may not be
possible in an emergency to remove the
respirator from the container. The wearer
can still breathe with the filter in the
container.
W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz
 If the device begins to get hot, what should
you do?
 The wearer must keep the self-rescuer in
place regardless of how hot it becomes. To
remove a self-rescuer under such
circumstances would almost certainly
result in death.
W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz
 Why was the self-rescuer designed?
 As the name implies, the self-rescuer is
intended to help the wearer escape.
W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz
 From what gases does the self-rescuer
protect you?
 The self-rescuer is designed to protect the
wearer from carbon monoxide present in
the air following a fire or an explosion. It
does not provide oxygen.
W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz
 After you don the self-rescuer, what should
you do?
 Go to fresh air immediately.
W-65 Self-Rescuer Quiz
 Should the self-rescuer be used t o fight
fires?
 No