Breathing Apparatus
The breathing apparatus is an essential safety equipment used in any working environment that involves hazardous or dangerous conditions. It is essentially an air-fed mask that covers the face and nose, and can be connected to an air supply via a number of different types of attachments. It prevents the inhalation of hazardous substances or gases, and can provide a proportion of clean air in an oxygen-depleted atmosphere.
Breathing apparatus is used in a variety of different working environments, from manufacturing and industrial processes to safety operations, such as fire-fighting and chemical processing. In addition, the equipment is also used for preventative purposes, helping to protect personnel from dangerous air particles at all times. It is important to understand the operational environment and the type of protection required in order to select the correct breathing apparatus.
Breathing apparatus is usually composed of three components – the full face mask, the air supply and the supply medium. The full face mask is the most recognizable part of the breathing apparatus, and is designed to protect the face and airways against hazardous particles. It is typically made from a durable, lightweight material such as silicone, and is designed to fit securely over the nose and mouth of the user. Different manufacturers will offer their own versions of this mask, with different designs and levels of protection.
The air supply is then connected to the face mask, and provides a constant flow of clean air. This type of supply will usually come from a compressed source such as a cylinder, or from an air pump. All breathing apparatus should have an adequate air flow rate and protection factor, so it is important to choose the supply carefully.
Finally, the supply medium is the environment in which the air passes to the lungs. Depending on the type of air supply, this can either be ambient air, which is drawn from the surrounding atmosphere, or from a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which involves a fully sealed breathing system that is independent of surrounding conditions.
The breathing apparatus is a vital piece of equipment in any working environment, providing personnel with the protection they need to carry out tasks safely. It is important to understand the type of protection required, and to select the correct breathing apparatus that is designed for the correct operating environment. With the right selection of components, personnel are able to carry out their work without any risk of exposure to hazardous particles or gases.
