A division of Neutronics, Biomarine submitted application for the unit previously and has now been given the green light from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the US Mine Safety and Health Administration as well as the Central Institute for Labor Protection and the State Administration for Work Safety.

It can now be utilised for mining, tunnel rescue, work with hazardous materials, industrial accidents and operations for military and homeland security.

The NIOSH award, Biomarine said, includes the approval to 42CFR Part 84, and MSHA’s okay encompasses the electronic monitoring system under 30CFR Part 18.

The certification from CEN – the European standardisation committee – includes the system under EN-145, and EN-136 for the unit’s AV3000 facemask. The 240 Revolution’s stamp of approval from the MA is under MT867-2000.

“We are very excited about the BioPak 240 Revolution’s successful test results and ultimate approvals for worldwide use,” said Neutronics chief Gary Halpern. “The new BioPak underwent extensive testing and evaluation, and was subject to rigorous scrutiny by the health and safety industry.”

Added Halpern in a 2006 interview with American Longwall Magazine about the 6-liter tidal volume unit: "There is no dusting, no channeling, there is no 'did I do it right' – you cannot make a mistake with this, so it completely eliminates the potential of absorbent refilling mistakes." The cartridges, the company pointed out, do not require manual refilling and the pack’s usage and transport will not result in channel dust or settle

Additionally, the 240 Revolution, weighing in at 33 pounds (15kg), has a lower ownership cost than any other four-hour SCBA.

The unit, which the company touts as “the industry’s most advanced and easiest-to-use long-duration rebreather,” is now available for delivery all over the world.