Identifying The Several Limitations Of Breathing Apparatus

By Author: Jo Alelsto
Total Articles: 405
Comment this article

A breathing apparatus is purposely created to aid firefighters when entering a fire building filled with smoke and harmful gases. Such device is manufactured under stringent regulations because it needs to be able support firefighters in extreme environments of heat and fumes. It is the proper maintenance of this device that makes it suitable for prolonged and efficient use.

It is not enough that somebody wears this device when entering a burning establishment. Firefighters are professionals who have undergone training, even in using breathing equipment. The technique in proper breathing is a basic consideration for many fire brigade units. While this special device can supply air, it is not going to supply air for long. It also affects the sensory functions such as the olfactory, auditory and visual. Note that the ears, eyes and nose are covered by the facial mask.

As said earlier, a firefighter breathing device supplies air for only a given period of time. Depending on the tank's capacity, the apparatus may supply breathable air for 30 minutes, but there are other devices which can provide an hour of ...
... air. Nonetheless, these laboratory ratings do not apply in real situations. An apparatus that is supposed to give 30-minute supply of air may only last for 20 minutes or so, especially when the firefighter performs rigorous movements. The realistic duration is half the rated length of time. This is why it is basic that firefighters be trained to respond as quickly as possible to avoid being trapped inside smoke filled chambers with insufficient air in their tanks. Now, time is an essential factor during rescue missions. For instance, if it takes five minutes for a firefighter who is carrying a 30-minute supply of air to reach the blazing zone of an establishment, then the safest time for him to be in the area is five minutes, as he would spend the other five minutes to escape. That totals fifteen (15) minutes which is just half of the ideal 30-minute rating.

The weight of the apparatus is another, though a minor, impediment. Generally, it weighs 25 pounds. In addition, due to its size, the apparatus makes getting through narrow spaces difficult. Also the weight and size of such equipment lessen the firefighter's flexibility.

Any firefighter knows that the mask blocks a lot of peripheral vision. An inferior model may make communication extremely difficult. This is why advanced equipment adds voice amplifying mechanism or other electronic components. Also there are reports that the equipment makes inhaling and exhaling more perceptible, limiting auditory sensation. Moreover, the fireproof suits restrict movement like walking, climbing, running, and lifting weight. A firefighter should be able to adapt to this temporary difficulty to be able to perform efficiently.

Some limitations are also due to the health and physical conditions of the fire fighter. Unfit firefighters who lack training may consume more air than usual. Thus, they have to come out of the building before they should. Weight of the fire fighting equipment and the suit is a big impediment during these missions. Firefighters would have to exert extra effort and, by doing so, require more air. Such additional consumption of air lowers the life of the breath-support equipment. In addition, the exertion also causes higher metabolism which means increased body heat build-up. This heat becomes trapped inside the suit for the moment and causes discomfort.

For the above-mentioned reasons, firefighters should be highly tolerant individuals. Physical fitness is of major importance, as an overweight responder may not be able to perform well. An unfit, unwell firefighter may refrain from doing rescue missions lest he may become a casualty. Psychological fitness is also a basic thing. While there may be no pyrophobics in a fire brigade, these individuals should be able to handle the emotional stress of seeing property destruction, hearing loud cries of victims, and seeing burnt human bodies. Note that while a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is basic in these missions; ample training of the firefighters and rescuers is another essential consideration.
Jo is a writer for 'Resmar Ltd' (http://www.resmar.co.uk), the preferred Marine Safety Equipment provider to many of the world's leading shipping companies as well as other major companies. If your business looking for superior quality but reasonably priced breathing apparatus requirement then you should have a look at Resmar Ltd.