How much air is provided with the escape unit of a supplied air respirator (SAR)?

The escape unit of a supplied air respirator (SAR) is designed to provide a minimum amount of breathable air during an emergency situation, specifically when a rapid evacuation is necessary due to hazardous conditions. Generally, the capacity of these escape units is engineered to ensure that the user has enough air to exit a hazardous area safely.

Typically, the escape units offer a duration of around 5 to 10 minutes of air supply. This timeframe is considered sufficient for individuals to reach a safe area where the air quality is better, given that it provides just enough time for quick evacuation while prioritizing the user's safety.

This duration also reflects the manufacturer's guidelines and safety regulations that govern the use of personal protective equipment in hazardous environments, emphasizing the importance of quick escape over prolonged use in adverse conditions. The other durations provided in the options exceed the expected parameters for typical escape air supply scenarios, which are intended to facilitate immediate evacuation rather than extended activity.