In the event of a potentially hazardous atmosphere, a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) provides breathing air. Firefighters and other workers typically use this personal protective equipment. SCBAs that are self-contained require no external breathing gas supply (e.g. a long hose). A scuba set, which is a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, is also known as a Scuba set if designed for underwater use. In addition to being used underwater, these are also known as industrial breathing apparatuses. Firefighters mostly use air packs, tanks, oxygen cylinders, or sample packs.
Essentially, SCBAs have three main components: a tank of high-pressure gas, a pressure regulator, and an inhalation tube (mouthpiece, face mask, or mouth mask), all mounted on a carrying frame.
Application
A self-contained breathing apparatus is worn by firefighters while holding a fire hose. The breathing apparatus has elastomeric masks attached to a backpack air tank.
In addition to firefighting and industrial uses of SCBAs, a third use is now gaining traction in the medical arena as well.
Heat and flame resistance is more important than cost when it comes to firefighting equipment. SCBAs designed for firefighting are usually expensive due to the exotic materials used to achieve flame resistance, and, to a lesser extent, reduce firefighter weight. Modern SCBAs are also equipped with PASS devices (personal alert safety systems) or ADSUs (automated distress signal units). A distinctive, high-pitched alarm tone is emitted by these units to locate firefighters in distress. These units automatically activate if there is no movement detected for a period of time (between 15 and 30 seconds), but can also be manually activated if necessary. The design of this breathing apparatus should allow firefighters to easily carry rescued victims over their shoulders.
Additionally, industrial users of various types can take advantage of this application. Metals that can cause sparks are still limited in the construction of SCBAs in Europe because mining was historically a significant industry. Other important industries are petrochemicals, chemicals, and nuclear power. Various considerations are applied in the design of protective equipment for industrial users, depending on the exact application. SCBAs are frequently used in the bottom end, where the cost is critical, and in severe environments, where they are part of a larger integrated protection environment that includes gas-tight suits to provide supreme body protection and ease of decontamination. Many industrial users are supplied with compressed air via an airline, and carry compressed air only as an escape mechanism or for cleaning.
An open-circuit or closed-circuit breathing apparatus can be classified as a self-contained breathing apparatus.
Whether an SCBA is used for standby emergencies, everyday work, or a challenging industrial environment, it's critical that it performs to meet the needs of the operating environment and maintain a respiratory protection program. Compatibility is an important consideration when deciding on respiratory protection. In order to ensure that your respiratory protection program is comprehensive, you will need SCBAs that can be used in multiple platforms throughout your fleet, that can be integrated with other NFPA products, and that feature an APR facepiece that works with a variety of cartridge options.
Exhaled gas is filtered, supplemented, and recirculated in a closed-circuit rebreather. Mine rescue, or in long tunnels and passages too narrow for a big open-circuit air cylinder, require this type of breathing gas supply for longer periods of time.
In open-circuit industrial breathing sets, compressed air instead of pure oxygen is used. Two regulators are typically used in open-circuit systems; the first to force air to flow through the mask, and the second to reduce the pressure even more to just above standard atmospheric pressure. Afterward, either a demand valve (which only activates upon inhalation) or a continuous positive pressure valve (which guarantees a constant flow of air to the mask) supplies the air to the mask
Under ideal conditions, both open circuit and closed circuit SCBAs can have comparable performance, but for most applications, positive pressure SCBAs are preferred due to their "fail-safe" configuration. Providing positive pressure seldom results in a penalty in air consumption; therefore, the older negative pressure type is usually only found on older equipment and tends to be obsolete.
Facepiece Compatibility
SCBA facepieces should consider the following factors:
- What is the weight and compactness of the device?
- On air and off, does it offer low breathing resistance?
- A facepiece adapter that can be used for air purification purposes is available?
- By combining multiple respiratory platforms on one facepiece, can you reduce your fit-test costs?
The SCBA supports a variety of ventilator types within a facility with its APR adapter compatibility.
Cylinder Compatibility
Compatibility of SCBA cylinders should be based on the following factors:
- The SCBA offers compatibility between multiple gas masks platforms that can use the same cylinder?
- Would it be easy to integrate with other industrial or NFPA SCBA products you may have?
In multiple platforms of MSA SCBA, the same cylinder is capable of connecting remotely by means of G1 IRC (Industrial Remote Cylinder Connection).
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