samedi 18 janvier 2014

Why You Need To Understand How Firefighter SCBA Work

By Judy Sullivan


Self contained breathing apparatus also known as firefighter SCBA is normally won by firefighters and other rescue workers as a source of breathable air in otherwise hostile environment. The device is independent from remote supplies like a long hose hence the term self contained. The basic SCBA has three main components, an insulation connection, a high-pressure tank and a pressure regulator.

A basic self contained breathing apparatus comes with three distinct parts. These are a high pressure air tank, a pressure regulator and an insulated connecting. Just like the helmet and the suit, this device is a matter of life and death to a firefighter. The modern gadgets have improvements including face mask and are generally much lighter to carry around. The stainless air tank and the rest of components are designed to allow for continuous air flow in every environment.

In Europe, any supplier of SCBA devices is required to comply with Personal Protective Equipment Directive (89/686/EEC) requirements which are basically the reinforcement of European Standard EN 137: 2006 requirements. This normally details for performance, markings and the information given to the users. If the equipment is fully compliant and reliably operates at the range of -30C to +60C with different and severely stimulated conditions gets certification of approval.

In the United States and Canada, the situation is not different. The requirements are almost similar. The guidelines to be met are those of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA Standard 1981) which are usually revised after every five years. The 1981 NFPA label is normally an indication of a compliant device. The National Institute for Occupation Safety and Health (NIOSH) also give certification particularly in the areas of chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological environment.

When specifically designed for firefighting, emphasis is put on heat and flame resistance more than cost. The flame resistant materials that are also light in weight are normally exotic making these devices generally expensive. The modern equipment has PASS (Personal Alert Safety System) or Automatic Distress Signal Unit (ADSU) device in addition to the primary components. This is meant to emit distinctive alarm tone used for location. They get activated automatically when they sense no movement for between 15-30 seconds.

The success on the use and overall rescue mission depends on how well the user is familiar with this important device. In fact, continuous drill is always recommended as the device can make a difference between life and death. For a successful drill, the near fatalities and other past failures that involved the equipment use forms the starting point during training.

Some of the drills that can prove important include self contained breathing apparatus check involving their operational readiness, consumption drill that helps determine the period a specific bottle lasts for the user and last-breath drills that determine consumption rates and the confidence level of the user.

Firefighter SCBA can be the difference between life and death to firefighters. This means that the users must be well trained on operating them. In the practical sense, no amount of training can be considered enough, this therefore calls for continuous drilling. The sourcing of the equipment must also be done from certified suppliers.




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