Breathing Apparatus

Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is highly specialised equipment! The wearers require high levels of training for safe use.

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The SCBA is fitted with a full-face mask and a demand valve to provide a small positive pressure inside the mask, a 'Demand valve' is designed to provide airflow as demanded by the wearer. Breathing apparatus can be cleaned and reused many times as recommended by the manufacturer and may be worn continuously for more than 1 hour.

SCBA is suitable for use in oxygen-deficient atmospheres and in harsh and demanding environments. It is also used for short-term work in tanks, trenches, and sewers.

Precautions and safety procedures are required for safe use, these come with training, experience, and knowledge of the environment. This breathing apparatus is suitable for a medium work rate (work involving sustained hand and arm movements, or like brisk walking), it is also suitable for a heavy work rate (heavy manual work requiring a lot of exertion and energy).

Do

  • Establish the time limit - the duration for safe use
  • Set up a reliable system for communication
  • Set up a check-out and check-in procedure for SCBA
  • Select the right size mask for each wearer. Fit-testing for each wearer is required when using this respiratory protection equipment (RPE) for the first time
  • Fit the straps as recommended
  • Ensure that wearers check the RPE fits correctly every time, as recommended by the manufacturer
  • Ensure that the compressed air quality meets the minimum requirements of BSEN12021

Don't

  • Keep working beyond the safe working time
  • Continue to work if any warning signal sounds
  • Store SCBA in a dirty area or a dirty state
  • Use un-serviced or dirty equipment
  • Use solvents to clean the mask, straps, or hoses
  • Make DIY modifications to the RPE

Contact us today to get advice on the best equipment for your specific job.

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