Kamis, 16 Januari 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.

The basic components of a firefighter SCBA include a high pressure tank of breathing air, the insulated connecting pipes and a pressure regulator. The modern ones are more efficient with many additional features the most common being a face mask and lighter tank. The general design must allow for shoulder-carrying of victims with no hindrance. It must also allow for uninterrupted air flow no matter the environmental conditions.

Given the important role it plays in keeping the users safe, there are specific requirements that must be met by suppliers. In Europe for instance, the suppliers must comply with the requirements of Personal Protective Equipment Directive (89/686/EEC). These are extensions of European Standard EN 137: 2006 standards which detail the performance requirements, safety markings and the required information to be given to users.

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.

On the design of a firefighter SCBA, the emphasis is more on the heat and flame resistance ability rather than cost. This has to do will their significance in life saving. Most of manufacturing devices must be light enough in addition to fire resistance and are in most cases exotic and very expensive. The modern ones have Automatic Distress Signal Units (ADSU) or Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) which get activated automatically when there is no evidence of movement between 15-30 seconds or manually if the user is in danger to assist on the search.

The success in use of this important equipment however depends on how often you conduct SCBA drills. No matter the level of training or experience, mastering these devices still requires continuous drill, effort and personal commitment. During drills, the starting point is usually the past fatalities or misuse in the device use or air management. These incidents are important information source that can help prevent similar situations in the future. Online information from trusted websites can also help in these drills.

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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