RESPORATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

All government jurisdictions have legislation pertaining to the use of respiratory

equipment. Make it a point to know what regulations apply in your areas.
The only approved type of breathing apparatus for protection from H2S in the
petroleum industry is the type that maintains positive pressure in the face piece.
There are a few situations where the use of respiratory protective equipment is the
best or only way to protect emergency rescuers. To provide effective protection,
respiratory protective equipment must be carefully selected to meet the
requirements of the job.
Note: In choosing respiratory protective equipment for the job, consider the size of
the access man way. Some types of breathing apparatus may make access or
egress awkward or impossible.

BREATHING APPARATUS
There are two types approved Breathing apparatus commonly used in confined
space entry/rescue. There are:

Self contained (S.C.B.A.) and

Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus (S.A.B.A).

SCBA

SABA

SCBA has its own air cylinder, while SABA is linked to a distant air supply by an air
line.
SELF-CONFINED BREATHING APPARATUS (SCBA)
There are many makes, styles, and models. Before you operate an SCBA you must
be able to identify its major parts. All models and makes have the same principle
parts. There are easily identified in this acronym, H.A.R.M.
H Harness Assembly
A - Air Supply
R Regulator Assembly
M Mask Assembly

Harness assembly
The harness assembly has adjustable harnesses in either sling or backpack style.
The harness holds the air cylinder in place. The harness is the reason the SCBA is so
portable as it allows the air cylinder to be carried with the user.
Air Cylinder
The air supply has three main parts:

Air cylinder
A cylinder valve
A cylinder pressure gauge

The air cylinder must have a minimum 30 minute rating of breathing air. Some air
cylinders also approved come in 45 and 60 minute ratings.
The quality of breathing air must meet current CSA standards. The air in the
cylinder must be changed once a year. The air in the compressor that fills air bottles
mist be quality tested every 6 months.
The cylinder valve must be fully opened so a full and continuous dose of air is
delivered.
The cylinder pressure gauge tells the user how mush air is left in the cylinder. How
quickly the air last depends on:

The users experience and training

The condition of the SCBA
How much air you started with
2

Your emotional/mental state

The physical effort you are putting out
Your own size and physical state

Note: Always remember to breathe NORMALLY when using an SCBA.

Regulator Assembly
The regulator assembly consists of:

High-pressure system
Pressure regulators
Bypass/purge valve
Pressure gauge
Low pressure alarm

Note: When an alarm goes off, go to the safe area immediately!

Mask Assembly
The most important part of the mask (face piece) is the seat it makes around your
face.
You must be clean shaven where the face piece and your face meet to ensure a
proper seal. Regular eye glasses will prevent a proper seal. You can purchase special
kits in order to wear corrective lenses with the face piece. Contact lenses are not
advised as they may fall out and create additional hazard.
All breathing apparatus must be stored and maintained according to manufacturers
specifications.

SUPPLIED AIR BREATHING APPARATUS (SABA)

SABA systems have a remote air supply from a trailer or compressor system. The
components of the SABA are similar to those of the SCBA (self contained unit). The
SABA (supplied unit) has two components that differ from the SCBA.
Air supply
Air is usually supplied from a compressor or cylinders that are pigtailed together.
This is iusually seen in air trailers or mobile compressor units. The air travels
through a regulator to manifold system which supplies air to various persons on the
system. Each unit has a mask assembly and a small escape tank attached to it.
Note: Some SABA do not have a low air alarm!!
3

Escape Cylinder
All SABA must be equipped with an escape cylinder (usually a 5 minute cylinder). A
sling-type harness holds the system in place. The escape cylinder needs to give you
enough air to be able to disconnect your air line. Turn on the escape cylinder valve,
and be able to exit the hazardous atmosphere.
PRE-USE INSPECTION OF SCBA AND SABA
Apparatus intended for emergency use must have a pre-use inspection at the
beginning of every shift, according to Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.
*Your course instructor will take you through the detailed pre-use inspection.
USING THE BREATHING APPARATUS
You must be familiar with the make and model of the apparatus you have. However,
there are 5 generic steps to putting on any SCBA and SABA.
1. Prepare the equipment check parts and air supply
2. Put on cylinder tighten straps
3. Put on face-piece tighten head straps and get a good seal
4. Negative pressure test block opening and breathe in to check face seal, also
check exhalation valve
5. Connect air turn on air supply
AFTER USE INSPECTION OF SCBA AND SABA
A pre-use inspection may save your own life, however, the After-Use inspection may
save someone elses life!
The steps to the after-use inspection are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Replace or refill air cylinder with a fully charged one.

Clean the face piece and the regulator
Inspect the harness.
Do the entire pre-use inspection again and record the results.
Store the apparatus in the appropriate place.

COURSE SUMMARY
Pre-planning your entry into confined spaces in essential. The importance of the
developing and utilizing workable procedures, and knowing what your role is in the
overall operation, cannot be overlooked.
Cooperation, coordination, and communication between everyone involved with the
confined space entry or rescue will determine the overall success of the operation.
The only way to be good at preparing to perform a rescue or to use an apparatus is
to do regular practice drills. Remember to practice, practice, practice, practice,
practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice,
practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice, practice!