SCBA Respirator and Industrial Breathing Set

 

Self contained breathing apparatus, commonly referred to as an SCBA respirator or industrial breathing set, provides a personal supply of clean air in atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH). They’re essential for emergency response work and firefighting, and are also used in industries like mining, oil drilling, chemical/petrochemical processing and pulp/paper processing.

In some cases, workers will wear an oxygen-generating rebreather or closed-circuit type scba respirator that uses a filtration system to recirculate and purify exhaled gases for reuse. This helps reduce reliance on the outside environment and allows for longer-duration usage, such as during mine rescue or in tunnels too long for an open-circuit system.

How to Choose the Right SCBA Respirator for Your Needs

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, or NIOSH, approves most SCBAs to ensure their use is safe for workers. Look for a statement of NIOSH certification on the packaging and on each SCBA.

SCBAs are typically divided into escape-only or entry/escape models based on their ability to provide emergency protection while working in or exiting confined spaces. Entry-and-escape respirators are often continuous-flow devices with hoods to protect the head and neck, while escape-only SCBAs are frequently pressure-demand devices with cylinders that maintain positive air pressure during both inhalation and exhalation.

For optimum worker mobility, consider an SCBA with a top-down conversion that allows for the choice of an escape or confined space air cylinder. This gives you the flexibility to adapt for different applications and work durations without having to change out facepieces or retrain on a new model.

  Self contained breathing apparatus, commonly referred to as an SCBA respirator or industrial breathing set, provides a personal supply of clean air in atmospheres immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH). They’re essential for emergency response work and firefighting, and are also used in industries like mining, oil drilling, chemical/petrochemical processing and pulp/paper processing.…