VELS INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ADVANCED STUDIES
SCHOOL OF MARITIME STUDIES,THALAMBUR
DEPARTMENT OF MARINE ENGINEERING
FIRE FIGHTING LAB SEMESTER:8
BREATHING APPRATUS
AIM:
To study about the checks, operation use, and function of breathing apparatus.
(1) Self contained type (2) Bellow type
(A) SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS [SCBA]
DEFINITION:
Breathing apparatus normally known as the BA set or the S.C.B.A.[Self Contained
Breathing Apparatus] or C.A.B.A.[Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus] is an
equipment used to supply fresh air for human breathing when a person is entering any
space where the atmosphere is a suspect and may not support human life.
FUNCTION:
When entering into an enclosed space.
When entering into a space to fight fire
CONSTRUCTION:
FACE MASK : Made of mouldedrubber with series of adjustable rubber straps with
quick release arrangement which forms a airtight seal around the face, & has an
exhalation valve(releases exhaled air) and voice diaphragm.
CYLINDER : Contains approximately 1200 liters (pressure 200 bar) of free
compressed air to give approximately 30 mins of full air usage time & 20 mins of
working duration under normal circumstances ( time varies greatly from person to
person and his workload).
REDUCING VALVE: to reduce the pressure after cylinder to approximately 4 bars,
which is further reduced by demand valve connected to the mask of the wearer.
DEMAND VALVE: Supplies air to the wearer when he inhales & closes when he
exhales.
PRESSURE GAUGE: to indicate the remaining pressure of air in the cylinder and to
know when charging.
WARNING WHISTLE: when approximately 10 mins of air is left(pressure 50 bar),
a warning whistle will sound continuously till air in the cylinder is over, warning the
user that his air supply would soon be over and he has to move out immediately!!!!.
OPEN CIRCUIT SYSTEM:The equipment is designed such thatthe exhaled air is
discharged to the atmosphere & the wearer gets his fresh air from the cylinder
attached.
CHECKS BEFORE DONNING THE BREATHING APPRATUS
1.PRESSURE TESTING OF CYLINDER:
Ensure bypass valve closed.
Open main valve fully.
Take the gauge reading.
2.LEAK TESTING OF B.A SET:
Now close the main valve fully.
Check the pressure should not drop 10 bar in a minute.
3.ALARM TESTING:
Operate demand valve and pressure will start to reduce from high pressure line.
When on pressure gauge, the pressure will reach around 55-50 bar, alarm will sound.
It will indicate that you have only 8-10 minutes for escape.
As soon as you hear the sound,escape from the compartment immediately!!!
4.FACE MASK TEST:
Connect demand valve to face mask & open main valve.
Hold the face piece to face, inhale deeply to ensure using demand valve.
Turn off main valve, breathe normally to vent system
During venting ,whistle alarm should sound at preset pressure of 55- 50bar
When gauge indicates zero, hold breath .face piece should hold onto face indicating
positive seal .
5.FUNCTION TEST:
Open cylinder main valve slowly, fully to pressurize system.
Inhale and hold breath, unit must balance ; no audible leak.
Continue breathing, exhaled air should easily flow out of exhalation valve.
IF EVERYTHING IS O.K... PROCEED WITH CARE.
DIAGRAM SHOWING PARTS OF S.C.BA SET:
METHODS OF DONNING S.B.C.A. SET:
School bag method
Hand to hand method
Overhead method.
METHOD OF DONNING S.C.B.A. FACE MASK:
Place the bottom of the face piece at your chin.
Pull the webbing at the top of the face piece over your head until it sits securely.
Now give equal tightness by pulling the strap from bottom to top.
REMOVING MASK: Insert index finger behind the tabs on the neck strap and press
the buckles forward with thumb, pulling the mask forward of your face and then up
and back over your head.
(B) BELLOW TYPE BREATHING APPARATUS
DESCRIPTION:
1. Go lengths of hoses, reinforced with supply in fresh air.
2. Bellows or compressor to supply fresh air with 130 feet wire hearted pipe line.
3. Respirator type face piece with Inhaling and exhaling valves.
4. Equalizer tube acts as reservoir.
5. Strainer on air supply tube must be fresh air.
ADVANTAGES OF BELLOW TYPE
1.No time limit.
2. Little knowledge required to train personnel.
3. Care & maintenance easy and simple testing.
4. Mask is at positive pressure provided pumping rate material.
DISAVANTAGES OF BELLOW TYPE:
1. All intakes must be carefully watched (smoke/fumes)
2. Two men or more required.
3. Tubing heavy, difficulty in laying hose lines.
4. Air supply may be damaged or trapped.
5. Limited by distance.
LIFE LINE SIGNALS: (BY WEARER OF B.A)
1 Pull – i am right
2 Pulls – i am going ahead
3 Pulls – take up my stack
4 Pulls- help me out immediately
LIFE LINE SIGNALS: (TO WEARER OF B.A)
1 Pull – Are you all right?
2 Pulls - Advance
3 Pulls –Back Out
4 Pulls Come Out Immediately
RESULT:
Thus the given apparatus is checked for the proper functioning and practised for wearing.
