EN 138:1994
(Main)Respiratory protective devices - Fresh air hose breathing apparatus for use with full face mask, half mask or mouthpiece assembly - Requirements, testing, marking
General Information
- Abstract
This European Standard specifies minimum requirements for fresh air hose breathing apparatus for use with a full face mask, a half mask or mouthpiece assembly as a respiratory protective device. Two classes of apparatus are covered; the differentiation resulting from mechanical performance and not respiratory protection. Escape and diving apparatus and that used in abrasive blasting operations are not covered by this standard. Laboratory and practical performance tests are included for the assessment of compliance with the requirements.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 20-Aug-1994
- Withdrawal Date
- 27-Feb-1995
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 79 - Respiratory protective devices
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 79/WG 6 - Self-contained breathing apparatus
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 03-Dec-2022
- Completion Date
- 17-Sep-2026
- Directive
- Not Harmonized2008/68/EC - Directive 2008/68/EC of the European Parliament and of the council of 24 September 2008 on the inland transport of the dangerous goods
Harmonized Standard2014/90/EU - Directive 2014/90/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 on marine equipment and repealing Council Directive 96/98/EC
Not Harmonized89/686/EEC - Personal protective equipment (PPE)OJ Ref: C 2, C 203, C 247, C 306, C 359, C 46, C 91 OJ Date: 16-Dec-1994
Not Harmonized96/98/EC - Marine equipment
Overview
EN 138:1994 (CEN) is a European standard that specifies minimum requirements for fresh air hose breathing apparatus intended for use with a full face mask, half mask, or mouthpiece assembly. The standard defines two classes of apparatus distinguished by mechanical performance (not by level of respiratory protection), and sets out requirements for testing, marking, and conformity assessment. Not covered are escape and diving apparatus or equipment used in abrasive blasting operations. The standard includes both laboratory and practical performance tests to assess compliance.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and application
- Devices covered: fresh air hose breathing apparatus used with full face masks, half masks, or mouthpiece assemblies.
- Exclusions: escape apparatus, diving apparatus, and abrasive blasting equipment.
- Classification
- Two classes based on mechanical performance characteristics; classification does not imply different respiratory protection levels.
- Performance requirements
- Minimum mechanical and functional requirements to ensure safe operation of hose-fed breathing systems.
- Testing
- Laboratory tests and practical performance tests are specified to verify compliance with performance requirements.
- Marking
- Requirements for durable and legible marking so users and inspectors can identify compliant equipment, class designation, and relevant information.
- Conformity assessment
- Procedures for assessing whether an apparatus meets the standard through the prescribed tests.
Applications
EN 138:1994 is intended to guide the design, manufacture, testing, and selection of fresh air hose breathing apparatus in workplaces and operational settings where a continuous supply of breathing air via hose is used. Typical practical uses include:
- Industrial environments where hose-fed systems supply clean air for maintenance or inspection tasks
- Confined-space entry where supplied-air systems (with full face or half masks) are used to protect workers
- Maintenance and safety programs in chemical plants, manufacturing, and similar facilities that use supplied-air respirators
Who uses this standard:
- Manufacturers designing hose-fed breathing apparatus
- Testing laboratories conducting laboratory and practical performance evaluations
- Health & safety professionals and procurement officers specifying compliant respiratory protective equipment
- Regulatory and certification bodies assessing conformity with European requirements
Related standards
- Other EN/CEN standards address different types of respiratory protective devices (for example, escape apparatus, diving equipment, and abrasive blasting respirators) - these are outside EN 138’s scope and should be consulted where applicable.
Keywords: EN 138:1994, fresh air hose breathing apparatus, respiratory protective devices, full face mask, half mask, mouthpiece assembly, requirements testing marking, CEN standard.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Referred By
EN 61851-1:2001 - Electric vehicle conductive charging system - Part 1: General requirements - Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Referred By
EN 61439-1:2011 - Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Part 1: General rules - Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 09-Feb-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard
CIS Institut d.o.o.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) certification body. Notified Body NB-2890 for EU Regulation 2016/425 PPE.
Kiwa BDA Testing
Building and construction product certification.
Kmetijski inštitut Slovenije
Agricultural Institute of Slovenia. Soil testing, plant health, agricultural product analysis.
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 138:1994 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Respiratory protective devices - Fresh air hose breathing apparatus for use with full face mask, half mask or mouthpiece assembly - Requirements, testing, marking". This standard covers: This European Standard specifies minimum requirements for fresh air hose breathing apparatus for use with a full face mask, a half mask or mouthpiece assembly as a respiratory protective device. Two classes of apparatus are covered; the differentiation resulting from mechanical performance and not respiratory protection. Escape and diving apparatus and that used in abrasive blasting operations are not covered by this standard. Laboratory and practical performance tests are included for the assessment of compliance with the requirements.
This European Standard specifies minimum requirements for fresh air hose breathing apparatus for use with a full face mask, a half mask or mouthpiece assembly as a respiratory protective device. Two classes of apparatus are covered; the differentiation resulting from mechanical performance and not respiratory protection. Escape and diving apparatus and that used in abrasive blasting operations are not covered by this standard. Laboratory and practical performance tests are included for the assessment of compliance with the requirements.
EN 138:1994 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.340.30 - Respiratory protective devices. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 138:1994 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 60439-1:1994/A1:1995, EN 61851-1:2001, EN 61439-1:2011, EN IEC 60335-2-80:2024, EN 60439-1:1999, HD 60364-5-559:2012, EN 134:1998, EN 133:2001, EN 132:1998. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 138:1994 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2008/68/EC, 2014/90/EU, 89/686/EEC, 96/98/EC; Standardization Mandates: M/BC/CEN/88/7. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
EN 138:1994 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.R]QDþHYDQMHAtemschutzgeräte - Frischluft-Schlauchgeräte in Verbindung mit Vollmaske, Halbmaske oder Mundstückgarnitur - Anforderungen, Prüfung, KennzeichnungAppareils de protection respiratoire - Appareils de protection respiratoire a air libre avec masque complet, demi-masque ou ensemble embout buccal - Exigences, essais, marquageRespiratory protective devices - Fresh air hose breathing apparatus for use with full face mask, half mask or mouthpiece assembly - Requirements, testing, marking13.340.30Varovalne dihalne napraveRespiratory protective devicesICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 1
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