This document discusses self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) used when firefighters and others must enter hazardous atmospheres. It notes that SCBA provides a portable air supply through compressed air cylinders and a face mask, with gauges to monitor pressure and alarms for low supply. The document outlines that SCBA equipment should have minimal parts to increase reliability, and mask-mounted regulators should function reliably. It provides details on proper use and monitoring of SCBA to ensure safety when in hazardous environments.
This document discusses self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) used when firefighters and others must enter hazardous atmospheres. It notes that SCBA provides a portable air supply through compressed air cylinders and a face mask, with gauges to monitor pressure and alarms for low supply. The document outlines that SCBA equipment should have minimal parts to increase reliability, and mask-mounted regulators should function reliably. It provides details on proper use and monitoring of SCBA to ensure safety when in hazardous environments.
Original Description:
Original Title
3. breathing apparatus, tank evacuating, rescue and escape equipment
This document discusses self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) used when firefighters and others must enter hazardous atmospheres. It notes that SCBA provides a portable air supply through compressed air cylinders and a face mask, with gauges to monitor pressure and alarms for low supply. The document outlines that SCBA equipment should have minimal parts to increase reliability, and mask-mounted regulators should function reliably. It provides details on proper use and monitoring of SCBA to ensure safety when in hazardous environments.
This document discusses self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) used when firefighters and others must enter hazardous atmospheres. It notes that SCBA provides a portable air supply through compressed air cylinders and a face mask, with gauges to monitor pressure and alarms for low supply. The document outlines that SCBA equipment should have minimal parts to increase reliability, and mask-mounted regulators should function reliably. It provides details on proper use and monitoring of SCBA to ensure safety when in hazardous environments.
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus Self Contained Breathing Apparatus • Is needed When fighting fires, • or when involved in atmospheres immediately dangerous to life and health, • you need equipment you can count on. • Incorporating sleek, simplified components and innovative features, • provides an unmatched combination of comfort, convenience, performance, low cost, and reliability. • That's important, because when your life is on the line, you need equipment that works like an extension of your own body. • All the major components such as the first and second stage regulators and gauge/alarm assembly, should have minimal moving parts. • This increases reliability by reducing the possibility for malfunction. • The mask mounted second stage regulator should have piston less valve which delivers reliable, friction free performance. Breathing apparatus, of the positive pressure type, should always be used whenever it is 1. necessary to make an emergency entry into a space which is known to contain toxic vapours or gas or 2. to be deficient in oxygen, and/or 3. is known to contain contaminants which cannot be effectively dealt with by air purifying equipment. 4. Entry should only be permitted in exceptional circumstances when no other practicable, safe alternative exists. Self Contained Breathing Apparatus • This consists of a portable supply of compressed air contained in a cylinder or cylinders attached to a carrying frame and harness worn by the user. • Air is provided to the user through a face mask which can be adjusted to give an airtight fit. • A pressure gauge indicates the pressure in the cylinder and an audible alarm sounds when the supply is running low. • Only positive pressure type sets are recommended for use in enclosed spaces as their name implies, maintain a positive pressure within the face mask at all times. When using the equipment, the following should be noted: • The pressure gauge must be checked before use. • The operation of the audible low pressure alarm should be tested before use. • The face mask must be checked and adjusted to ensure that it is airtight. In this regard, the presence of any facial hair may adversely effect the mask’s seal • should this be the case, another person should be selected to wear the apparatus. • The pressure gauge should be monitored frequently during use to check on remaining air supply. • Ample time should be allowed for getting out of the hazardous atmosphere. • In any event, the user must leave immediately if the low pressure alarm sounds. • It should be remembered that the duration of the air supply depends on the weight and fitness of the user and the extent of his exertion. • If the user suspects at any time that the equipment may not be operating satisfactorily or be concerned that the integrity of the face mask seal may be damaged, he should vacate the space immediately.