What is this standard about?
The efficiency of breathing demand regulators is fundamental to the safe use of many types of underwater breathing apparatus. However until now, no standard covered demand regulators in self-contained diving apparatus to depths greater than 50 metres; or demand regulators in umbilical supplied apparatus beyond 60 metres. Given that deeper dives now take place more frequently, BS 8547 was written to meet the clear need for a benchmark safety standard for equipment being used at greater depths.
Who is this standard for?
Anyone involved in the manufacture of diving apparatus capable of operating to depths greater than 50 metres. This will include manufacturers involved in military, commercial and recreational diving activities.
The standard also supplies a safety benchmark for diving contractors when deciding which equipment to buy. It will also enhance the confidence of end users.
Why should you use this standard?
It specifies minimum performance requirements for diver-carried breathing gas demand regulators for open-circuit and saturation gas reclaim systems used for diving to depths greater than 50 metres.
It defines additional requirements for breathing performance and helium compatibility to those already given in BS EN 250 and BS EN 15333-1.
NOTE: The basic requirements for diving apparatus and demand regulators as per BS EN 250 and BS EN 15333-1 have been retained. The exception here is breathing performance which is revised in this British Standard to cover the requirement for use at depths greater than 50 metres.
This standard also specifies a test method for helium compatibility with a demand regulator and a test method for measuring the work of breathing (WOB) and respiratory pressures of a demand regulator.
It does not cover auxiliary emergency breathing systems which are covered in BS EN 250:2014, Annex B.