In high-risk industries such as oil and gas, maritime, mining, industrial operations, and other confined space work, emergency preparedness is a top priority. Whether it’s a sudden fire, a toxic gas leak, or an oxygen-deficient environment, the right safety equipment could be the key to survival. This is where Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBDs) come into play.

If you’re a safety officer, procurement manager, or business owner responsible for workplace safety, selecting the best EEBD for your team is a crucial decision. With multiple brands available on the market, each offering different features, it’s important to understand what sets them apart and which one aligns best with your industry’s safety requirements.

This guide will break down the essentials of EEBDs, explain how they work, and provide a side-by-side comparison of four leading options:

✅ SMEE Salix Anycape
✅ T-ISS EEBD
✅ 3M™ Scott™ ELSA EEBD-N
✅ LALIZAS ESCAPE 15

What is an EEBD & why is it important?

In hazardous work settings, sudden exposure to toxic fumes, thick smoke, or oxygen depletion can turn a routine task into a life-threatening situation in an instant. That’s why Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBDs) are an essential piece of life-saving equipment in workplaces where hazardous gases, fire risks, or low-oxygen conditions pose a threat to safety. Unlike Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBAs), which are used for prolonged operations in hazardous environments, EEBDs are specifically designed for short-term emergency evacuations on ships, offshore platforms, factories, tunnels, and other enclosed workspaces.

How does an EEBD work?

An EEBD is not a traditional respirator—it’s an escape-only device, meaning it is not intended for firefighting, re-entry, or long-duration use. Instead, it provides a short supply of breathable air to help the user escape a hazardous situation. Here’s how it functions:

Activation – Depending on the model, an EEBD is either automatically activated when removed from its casing or requires manual activation (such as pulling a tab).
Breathing supply – The device provides a continuous flow of oxygen or compressed air for a limited time (typically between 10 to 50 minutes, depending on the model).
Protective hood – Most EEBDs feature a full-coverage hood with an integrated breathing system, shielding the user from smoke, toxic gases, and airborne contaminants.
Quick & hands-free use – Designed for fast deployment, EEBDs allow workers to remain mobile while escaping to a safe area.

Why is an EEBD critical for workplace safety?

In industries where exposure to smoke, hazardous fumes, or low oxygen environments is a real risk, an EEBD acts as a crucial last line of defence. Here’s why it’s indispensable:

Prevents asphyxiation – In confined spaces or enclosed areas, oxygen levels can drop suddenly due to gas leaks, chemical spills, or fire. An EEBD provides the wearer with enough air to escape safely.
Protects against toxic gases – Industrial workplaces and ship engine rooms often contain hazardous gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), and ammonia. Exposure to high levels of these gases can be deadly within minutes.
Ensures compliance with safety regulations – Many workplace safety regulations, including those set by Safe Work Australia, IMO (International Maritime Organization), and OSHA, require EEBDs to be readily accessible in hazardous work environments.
Essential for fire safety – In ship engine rooms, offshore platforms, and industrial plants, fires can quickly fill enclosed spaces with smoke. An EEBD provides crucial breathing support while evacuating through smoke-filled corridors.
Peace of mind for workers – Knowing that an EEBD is readily available in case of an emergency ensures that workers feel safer and more confident in hazardous work environments.

Where are EEBDs commonly used?

EEBDs are a standard requirement in industries where emergency escape scenarios are a risk. They are commonly found in:

Maritime & offshore platforms – Ships, oil rigs, and submarines where workers are at risk of fires, toxic gas leaks, and low-oxygen environments.
Industrial & manufacturing plants – Factories dealing with chemical production, metal processing, and power generation, where gas leaks or fires can create dangerous conditions.
Mining & confined spaces – Underground tunnels, storage tanks, and other enclosed areas where oxygen levels can drop suddenly.
Fire & rescue services – Used in emergency response situations where rescuers need protection from smoke inhalation and airborne contaminants.

Key features to compare when choosing an EEBD

When selecting an Emergency Escape Breathing Device (EEBD) for your workplace, it's crucial to look beyond the basics and evaluate how each model aligns with safety requirements, user comfort, and long-term reliability. Here are the key features to consider:

1. Oxygen duration: How long does it last?

The air supply duration of an EEBD is one of the most critical factors to consider. EEBDs typically provide between 10 to 50 minutes of breathable air, depending on the model and the user’s breathing rate.

Shorter duration (10-15 minutes) – Suitable for quick evacuations in settings where escape routes are easily accessible.
Longer duration (30+ minutes) – Ideal for more complex escape scenarios, such as large vessels, underground tunnels, or industrial plants where reaching a safe zone may take longer.

The right choice depends on your work environment—if there’s potential for extended evacuations, opting for a longer-duration EEBD can increase survival chances.

2. Design & comfort: Is it user-friendly?

In high-pressure escape situations, the ease of wearing and comfort of an EEBD can affect how quickly and effectively workers can use it. Key aspects to consider include:

Weight – Lighter models (e.g., aluminium cylinders) reduce strain on the user and allow for easier movement.
Fit & adjustability – A well-designed hood with a secure seal prevents leaks and provides better respiratory protection.
Ease of activation – Auto-activated models deploy instantly when removed from their case, while manual pull-tab versions require an extra step to activate.

Choosing an EEBD that is intuitive and hassle-free ensures workers can react quickly under stress.

3. Certifications & compliance: Does it meet safety standards?

Different industries have strict regulations on breathing protection equipment, and you need to ensure that the EEBDs you’re choosing are compliant to these regulations. Look for EEBDs that meet key standards, such as:

SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) – Required for marine vessels and offshore applications.
IMO (International Maritime Organization) – Ensures compliance with international maritime safety protocols.
MED (Marine Equipment Directive) – Regulates breathing equipment for ships and offshore environments.
Safe Work Australia / OSHA Standards – Workplace safety requirements for industrial, mining, and confined space use.

EEBDs that meet these regulatory standards are tested for reliability, durability, and safety performance. If you're unsure about which EEBD meets your industry’s specific safety requirements, it’s always best to reach out to the manufacturer or supplier for detailed compliance information. They can clarify certifications, provide documentation, and help you select the right EEBD based on your work environment.

EEBD brands compared

With multiple Emergency Escape Breathing Device (EEBD) brands on the market, choosing the right one can be challenging. While all EEBDs serve the same fundamental purpose—providing short-term breathable air for emergency evacuations—they differ in terms of design, comfort, oxygen duration, compliance standards, and overall reliability.

In this section, we’ll compare four leading EEBD models:

SMEE Salix Anycape
T-ISS
3M™ Scott™ ELSA EEBD-N
LALIZAS ESCAPE-15

Each of these brands has been developed to meet specific industry requirements, including maritime safety, industrial compliance, and confined space use. However, they come with different air supply durations, hood designs, weight considerations, and maintenance needs—factors that can impact their suitability for different work environments.

Below, we’ll break down their key features side by side to help you determine which EEBD is best suited for your business.

Pros & cons of each EEBD in summary

1. SMEE Salix Anycape EEBD

(Best for extended air supply & comfort)

✔ Longest air supply duration (up to 50 min).
✔ Auto-activation for quick deployment.
✔ Lightweight (3.6kg).
✔ Adjustable full-coverage hood for better fit & comfort.
✖ Shorter shelf life (5 years) compared to LALIZAS (10 years).

2. T-ISS EEBD

(Affordable but heavy & manual activation)

✔ 15 min air supply – suitable for quick escapes.
✔ Full-coverage hood for good protection.
✔ Lower initial cost.
✖ Heavier (6kg), can slow down escape.
✖ Manual activation requires extra step in an emergency.

3. 3M™ Scott™ ELSA EEBD-N

(Compact & reliable with multiple air supply options)

✔ Available in 5, 10, or 15-minute air supply durations – allows businesses to choose based on operational needs.
✔ Standard 3L cylinder.
✔ Auto-activation for immediate deployment.
✔ Clear hood with neck seal enhances visibility and fit.
✖ Shorter maximum air supply (15 min) compared to Salix Anycape (50 min).

4. LALIZAS ESCAPE-15 EEBD

(Longest shelf life but heavier)

✔ 10-year shelf life = longer-term investment.
✔ Auto-activation for faster escape.
✔ Standard 3L cylinder.
✖ Heavy (6.1kg), reducing mobility.

Which EEBD is right for you?

Choosing the right Emergency Escape Breathing Device (EEBD) depends on your workplace safety requirements, expected evacuation scenarios, and regulatory compliance needs. Each model offers distinct benefits, whether it’s extended air supply, budget-friendliness, or long shelf life.

Where to buy EEBDs in Australia?

If you’re considering the SMEE Salix Anycape EEBD, you can purchase it from Aussie Pharma Direct, a trusted supplier of health, and industrial and workplace safety equipment.

Need a bulk order? Custom quotes are available for businesses looking to equip their workforce with reliable EEBDs. Simply reach out to the team at Aussie Pharma Direct to discuss pricing of the Salix Anycape EEBD and requirements tailored to your industry.

March 18 2025, by Tatianna Gerard EEBD Comparison: SMEE Salix Anycape vs. T-ISS, 3M™ Scott™ ELSA & LALIZAS ESCAPE 15