Respiratory protection
Is a primary concern for first responders because inhalation is arguably the most significant route of entry for
... [Show More] hazmat.
The basic types of protective breathing equipment used by responders at hazmat / WMD incidents
• SCBA open / close
• supplied air respirator (SAR)
• air purifying respirators (APR)
• powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs)
Advantages of using SCBA
Independence, maneuverability, & protection from toxic and/or asphyxiating atmospheres
Disadvantages of SCBA
• weight of units
• Limited air supply duration
• change in profile that may hinder mobility because of configuration of harness assembly & location of air cylinder
• Limited communications if facepiece is not equipped with a microphone or speaking diagram
supplied air respirator (SAR) or airline respirator
Atmosphere supplying respirator where the user does not carry the breathing air source. Apparatus used consist of a face piece, a belt or facepiece mounted regulator, the voice communication system, up to 300 feet of air supply hose, in emergency escape pack or EBSS emergency breathing support system, and a breathing air source either cylinders mounted on a card or a portable breathing air compressor.
Because of the potential for damage to the air supply hose, the EBSS provides enough air, usually blank, blank, or blank worth,
5, 10, or 15 minutes worth
sar apparatus
Are not certified for firefighting operations because of potential damage to airline from heat, fire, or debris
Air purifying respirators Apr
Contain an air purifying filter, canister, or cartridge that removes the specific contaminants found in ambient air as it passes through the air purifying element
Based on which cartridge, canister, or filter is being used, these purifying elements are generally divided into the following three types
Particulate removing APRs
Vapor & gas removing APRs
Combination particle removing and vapor & gas removing APRs
Half face respirators will NOT protect against CBR materials that can be absorbed through the skin or eyes and therefore are not recommended for use at hazmat / WMD incidents except in very specific situations
Explosive attacks where the primary hazard is dust or particulates
No single canister, filter, or cartridge protects against all chemical hazards.
Responders must know the hazards present in atmosphere in order to select appropriate canister, filter, or cartridge [Show Less]