Escape hoods are coverings for the head that
provide breathable air in an emergency so
that the wearer has time to evacuate the
danger area before being overcome. Escape
hoods do not provide protection against fire,
sustained contact with chemicals, or other
hazards.
There are two main types of escapes
hoods:
- smoke hoods - designed to provide breathable
air in a fire
- chemical / biological / nuclear hoods - designed
to provide breathable air in an environment
contaminated by one of these agents.
When considering an escape hood, consider
the following:
- type of hood - the most common and potentially
useful time is a smoke hood, as many more
people die from smoke inhalation and oxygen
deprivation than from chemical, biological,
and nuclear incidents, which are generally
confined to industrial settings. That said,
some people prefer the more sophisticated
chemical / biological / nuclear hoods as
a precaution against terrorism acts.
- size - consider both the package size and
the use size. For in home use, larger packages
are acceptable because the hoods will generally
be stored in bedrooms and other sleeping
locations. If you anticipate carrying the
hood with you, look for a small package;
otherwise, you will be less likely to haul
it with you and have it with you when you
need it. As for the use size, most hoods
are "one size fits all" except
for infants and small children. If buying
a mask for an infant or small child, inquire
about its suitability.
- eye protection - while hoods cover the entire
head, whole face masks, and mouth/nose masks
are also available.
- amount of breathable air - look for a mask
that provides at least ten minutes of air,
particularly if you intend to use the mask
away from home where evacuation routes may
be lengthy. While most smoke hoods use a
filter to draw air from the surrounding area,
high-end models provide an oxygen supply
in case all of the available oxygen has been
consumed by the fire.
- cost - escape hoods range in cost from surprisingly
affordable to expensive, which makes for
most people the decision to buy a smoke hood
an easy one.
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