Types of Draeger Breathing Apparatus
Escape Breathing Apparatus
Used to save oneself from a dangerous environment after getting into it. The most common example of this use is in confined spaces where there is no immediate danger of gas or oxygen deficiency but the risk of those hazards remains, so the Escape BA set is brought along so users can put on the set and save themselves from a hazardous environment. The Escape Set consists of a small compressed air cylinder, measuring 2.0L or 3.0L, which drains air to the front. Escape Sets usually come with a fitted positive pressure face mask or with a loose hood. Regular users of full face masks will usually prefer the comfort and familiarity of a well-fitting face mask, while non-casual users will find it easier to wear a loose hood in an emergency situation. It should also be noted that the loose hood accommodates users with facial hair and glasses.
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
Used to enter known hazardous environments. One user we will recognize is the Fire Service, which uses SCBA to enter areas where there is hazardous fumes and gases, but SCBA is used in many entries where there is toxic gas, shortness of breath or an oxygen deficient environment. A SCBA set consists of 3 main components - a pressurized air cylinder, a back plate that holds the cylinder and reduces the air from high pressure (200-300bar) to medium pressure (5-11 bar) and this in turn supplies a face mask. Self-Contained BAs give users autonomy, meaning that they can move freely rather than having to be tied to an airline. However, the drawback is that cylinders have a relatively short supply time, for example a 9.0L 200 bar cylinder gives 35 minutes of use, and cylinders mean a larger size which can hinder ease of movement through tight spaces. There are many different cylinder sizes that can increase duration or maneuverability, but this limitation will still remain to some extent.
Airline Breathing Apparatus
Is where the air supply is removed from the user and fed compressed air via an airline. Compressed air sources must deliver them air quality tested to EN12021, and can be supplied from cylinder banks or breathing air compressors, which can be either fixed or mobile. The airline supplies the wearer's face masks via seat belts. Airline systems often use user-worn cylinders to ensure that if the main air supply fails, they have a short-duration air supply to allow safe escape.
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