A self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA, is a device used by firefighters and other first responders to breathe in an environment where the air is unsafe to breathe. SCBAs typically have a full face mask that covers the user’s nose and mouth, and a tank of compressed air that provides around 10-15 minutes of breathable air.
When responding to an emergency, firefighters will often don their SCBA before entering a burning building or other hazardous environments. This allows them to breathe safely while they work to extinguish the fire or rescue victims. In some cases, firefighters may also use their SCBA to enter an area where there is smoke but no fire, in order to search for victims or investigate the cause of the smoke.
While SCBAs are an essential piece of safety equipment for firefighters, they are also used by industrial workers who enter hazardous environments, such as those containing poisonous gases or airborne particles. In these cases, the SCBA provides the user with a safe air supply to breathe while they work.
If you work in an industry that exposes you to hazardous materials, or if you are a firefighter or first responder, it is important to be properly trained in the use of your SCBA. This will ensure that you are able to use it effectively in an emergency and that you understand how to maintain it properly.
There are two main types of self-contained breathing apparatus: open circuit and closed circuit.
The most common type of self-contained breathing apparatus is the open circuit SCBA. Open circuit SCBAs are less expensive and easier to maintain than closed-circuit SCBAs. They work by supplying the user with a constant flow of air from a cylinder, which is then exhaled out through a valve. When the user inhales, fresh air is drawn into the cylinder and mixed with the exhaled air, providing the user with a continuous supply of fresh air.
Closed-circuit SCBAs are typically used by firefighters, as they provide a continuous supply of air and do not require refilling. Closed-circuit SCBAs work by recirculating the user’s exhaled breath through a chemical filter that removes carbon dioxide and other contaminants. This filtered air is then supplied back to the user, providing them with a constant supply of clean air to breathe. Closed-circuit SCBAs are more expensive than open-circuit SCBAs and require more maintenance, but they are essential for firefighters who need a constant supply of air in hazardous environments.