S.C.B.
A SET NOTES
• What is Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
(SCBA) Set?
SCBA Set is a life-saving device comprises of Air Cylinder, Backplate, and
Facemask. The wearer doesn’t need to depend on others. He operates his SCBA his
own and be independent of atmospheric toxic & poisonous gases.
This is the most effective and the most trusted respiratory protection device used
in Fire & Emergency Services.
SCBA Also Known As:
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Set is also known as:
• SCBA Set- Self Contained Breathing Apparatus Set
• BA Set- Breathing Apparatus Set
• CABA Set -Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus Set
• Industrial Breathing Set
• Use of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
Set:
SCBA is used in such an atmosphere that doesn’t support normal breathing. It is
an atmosphere where oxygen percentage is below 19.5%, presence of toxic and
poisonous fumes, gases, and smokes that are Immediately Danger to Life and
Health (IDLH).
It is used to ensure normal breathing in adverse atmospheres. It is mostly used by
Firefighters and Rescuers to handle fire emergencies and rescue operations.
• Which gas is filled in SCBA?
Normal compressed air is filled in the cylinder of SCBA.
There are two main benefits of filling the air in the SCBA:
1. To ensure that wearer doesn’t feel uncomfortable while using it for a long period
of time because everyone is habitual of taking normal air in breathing.
2. In case of leakage of air from the cylinder, it less supports the fire in comparison
with Oxygen filled cylinder.
• What are the two types of Breathing Apparatus?
Two types of SCBAs are as follows:
1. Atmospheric Type
2. Self-Contained Type
1. Atmospheric Type:
In Atmospheric Type SCBA, the air is supplied to the wearer by his own or by the
effort of another person. Such as Respirator, Air Filter Type Masks, Equaliser Tube
Apparatus, Smoke Helmets, and Ballon types, etc.
These types of Breathing Apparatus are not being used in Fire and Emergency
Services nowadays due to various limitations.
2. Self-Contained Type:
In Self Contained Type, the air is kept in the air cylinder in compressed form and
the wearer is independent of the atmospheric non-breathable air where he is
working. He is not dependent on any other person for the operation of his SCBA.
It is considered as the most suitable, trustworthy, and most used Breathing
Apparatus in Fire & Emergency Services.
• What are the two types of SCBAs?
Two types of SCBAs are as follows:
1. Closed Circuit SCBA (CC-SCBA):
2. Open Circuit SCBA (OC-SCBA):
1. Closed Circuit SCBA (CC-SCBA):
In this type of SCBA, exhaled air is returned to the breathing bag, regenerated, and
used again. Such as Proto, Savox, and salvus, etc.
It is used for rescue & firefighting in mines, tunnels, underground works in the
metro, and confined spaces, wherever generally a long way travel or long stay is
required to perform a job, fire fighting and rescue operations.
There are following complications in the use of Closed Circuit SCBA:
• The filter that cleans the CO2 gets deplete from use.
• More care and maintenance are required due to the use of multiple consumables.
• The heat from the user and chemical conversion from CO2 to O2, the breathing air
becomes irritating to the wearer in normal ambient temperature. It worsens when
the ambient temperature rises.
• Wearer gets exhausted & irritated due to carrying heavy gear, performing hard
work, and continuous breathing hot and slightly impure air (exhaled air gets
impure due to continuous recirculations) instead of fresh air.
• Closed Circut SCBAs are less durable.
• Its working duration range is 30 minutes to 4 hours.
Closed-circuit SCBA is also knowns as a rebreather.
2. Open Circuit SCBA (OC-SCBA):
In this type of SCBA, exhaled air is directly discharged in the atmosphere. It is
mostly used worldwide. This SCBA is the first choice of the Fire & Emergency
Department.
The wearer feels comfortable while using it for a long time too because he takes
air from the SCBA and directly discharges in the atmosphere just like normal
breathing.
This type of SCBA doesn’t provide hot and impure air to the wearer.
➢ Open Circuit SCBA again categorized into two
types:
1. Negative Pressure Type
2. Positive Pressure Type
1. Negative Pressure Type Open-Circuit SCBA:
This type of SCBA depends on the internal pressure of the mask that drops below
the ambient pressure to activate the airflow.
It is clear as the name is Negative pressure type means there is always negative
pressure inside the facemask.
If the facemask doesn’t seal the face perfectly, ambient toxic fumes and poisonous
gases will enter the facemask and will be inhaled by the wearer, which may further
cause fatal to the wearer.
Due to the above problem, such BA sets are not mostly recommended for use in
case of fire fighting and rescue operations as it is not 100% safe for the wearer.
However, air loss in this type of SCBA is low, so Negative Pressure Type Open
Circuit SCBA has a longer working duration than Positive pressure type
Open Circuit SCBA.
2. Positive Pressure Type Open-Circuit SCBA:
This type of SCBA activates airflow inside the facemask when the pressure
difference is reduced but the pressure is always more than the atmospheric
pressure.
If the facemask doesn’t seal the face perfectly, there will be a continuous airflow
inside the facemask to maintain positive pressure, so no toxic or poisonous fumes
or gases can enter the facemask.
Therefore, Positive Pressure Type Open-Circuit SCBA is recommended 100% safe
for wearers and is mostly used worldwide in Fire & Emergency Departments.
However, air loss in this type of SCBA is high, so Positive Pressure Type Open
Circuit SCBA has a lesser working duration than Negative pressure type Open
Circuit SCBA.
• Hydrostatic Pressure Testing (HPT) Frequency of
SCBA:
SCBA Sets shall be undergone through HPT Test every 5 years of interval.
• Shelf Life of SCBA:
The shelf life of Draeger make SCBA is 20 Years.
The shelf life of other brands SCBAs (except Draeger) is 15 years.
After finishing the shelf life or SCBA fails in HPT, it shall be immediately discarded.
While discarding, SCBAs shall be properly disposed off as per applicable national
and local disposal rules.
• The capacity of SCBA:
Previously following capacities SCBAs were in use:
1. 1200 Litre air volume, air-filled at 200 Bar pressure.
2. 1800 Litre air volume, air-filled at 200/300 Bar Pressure.
3. 2250 Litre air volume, air-filled at 200 Bar Pressure.
The latest capacities SCBA sets which are in use currently are as follows:
Nomin
Water al
Capaci Effecti Worki Cylinde
Sl. ty of ve ng r
N Cylind Pressu Air Durati Durati Materi Weig
o. er re Volume on on al ht
Carbon
32 22 Fiber
4.7 300 1274 Minuet Minute Compos 2.8
1 Litre Bar Litre s s ite Kg
Lighten
41 31 ed 7 kg /
300 1636 Minuet Minute Steel/ 5.8
2 6 Litre Bar Litre s s Carbon Kg
Carbon
46 36 Fiber
6.8 300 1854 Li Minuet Minute Compos
3 Litre Bar tre s s ite 4 Kg
Carbon
60 50 Fiber
300 2454 Minuet Minute Compos 5.6
4 9 Litre Bar Litre s s ite Kg
• Capacity Wise SCBAs Used in Industries:
• 4.7 Litre: Mostly suitable for Air Ports, Defences, and similar industries.
• 6 Litre: Mostly used in Fire & Emergency services for Firefighting & Rescue
Operations.
• 6.8 Litre: Mostly used in Fire & Emergency services for Firefighting & Rescue
Operations.
• 9 Litre: Mostly used in confined spaces, cable tunnels, and similar areas where
long duration is needed to execute high-risk jobs and to handle emergencies as
well.
• How To Calculate Capacity of SCBA?
Formula to Calculate Capacity of SCBA:
Capacity of SCBA= Water capacity of Cylinder x Recharging Pressure x
Compression Factor
Calculate the air volume of 6.8 Litre water capacity air cylinder:
Water Capacity of Cylinder: 6.8 Litre
Recharging Pressure: 300 bar
Compression factor: 0.9088
Applying the formula above:
6.8 x 300 x 0.9088=1853.95~1854
1853.95~1854 Litre
So, the air volume of 6.8 Litre water capacity SCBA is 1854 Litre.
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• Physiology of Respiration:
Breathing is a spontaneous action performed by the human body from the rate of
15 to 30 times every minute. During rest, breathing is at a rate of 15-18 times per
minute. While hard work or nervous excitement, the breathing rate is about 30
times a minute or even more.
• Effect of Respiration:
Air Inhaled By A Person In Each Breath By Volume:
Nitrogen (N2): 79.04 %
Oxygen (O2): 20.93 %
Carbon-di-oxide (CO2): 0.03 %
Air Exhaled By A Person From Each Breath By Volume:
Nitrogen (N2): 79.04 %
Oxygen (O2): 16.96 %
Carbon-di-oxide (CO2): 4.00 %
Air Consumption By A Person And Duration of SCBA:
1200 Litre 1800 Litre 2250 Litre
Cylinder Cylinder Cylinder
Sl. Degree Air Consumpti Consumpti Consumpti
N s of Consumption on on on
o. Work Duration Duration Duration
8-12 Litres/ 150-100 225-150 280-190
1 Resting Minutes Minutes Minutes Minutes
Light 12-20 Litres/ 100-60 150-90 190-110
2 Work Minutes Minutes Minutes Minutes
Modera 20-40 Litres/ 60-30 90-45 110-56
3 te Work Minutes Minutes Minutes Minutes
Heavy 40-60 Litres/ 30-20 45-30 56-27
4 Work Minutes Minutes Minutes Minutes
• Average Air Volume Consumed Per Minute By A
Person:
It is considered that a person takes an average of 16 breaths in one minute and
consumes approximately 2.5 Litre air in one breath.
So, an average of 16 x 2.5= 40 Litre air is taken by a person in one minute.
• How To Calculate Duration of SCBA?
Formula to calculate the duration of SCBA:
Duration of SCBA= Fully charged capacity of SCBA/40-10.
Let’s understand it by an example:
Calculate the duration of 1854 Litre capacity SCBA:
1854/40-10=36.35~ 36 Minutes.
Now let’s understand the terms of durations:
Effective Duration of SCBA (Full duration of SCBA) = Fully Charged Capacity of
SCBA/40= 1854/40= 46.35 Minutes.
Nominal Working Duration= Effective duration of SCBA-Safety Margin=46.35-
10=36.35~36 Minutes.
Safety Margin: It is the time that is used by the SCBA wearer to escape. Its
duration is considered as 10 minutes and it starts from time to whistle. It is
indicated on the pressure gauge in the red zone from 50 bar pressure to 0 bar
pressure.
• Main Parts of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
(SCBA):
There are three main parts of SCBA:
1. Air Cylinder
2. Backplate
3. Facemask
1. Air Cylinder:
It is the container that holds high pressure compressed breathing air inside
it. Mostly normal air-filled in the Breathing Air Cylinder.
The air cylinder body is made of Chromium Plated Brass or Steel or Carbon
Composite materials or Kevlar.
It contains compressed breathing air at 200 and 300 Bar pressure.
The cylinder should be approved by PESO (CCOE).
Self Contained Breathing
Apparatus
2. Backplate OR Carrying Frame With Harness:
The backplate is used to carry the cylinder and has provisions to attach the
facemask. It is made of thermoformed cross-linked polypropylene foam and
covered with flame retardant aramid viscose that is provided for the maximum
comfortability of the SCBA wearer.
The backplate is shaped fit on to the wearer’s back and it is curved too at the
bottom to support the cylinder.
Backplate
3. Face Mask or Face Piece:
The facemask covers the face of the wearer to prevent exposure of heat, flames,
smokes, and debris and enable firefighters to fight fires and carry out rescue
operations without any hindrance.
The standard facemask is made of anti-dermatic molded rubber and also includes
an inner (orinasal) mask that is adjustable to suit the requirements of individuals.
A bounded air cushion seals around the inside edge of the mask and it forms a
leakproof seal on the face.
The facemask is supported on the face of the SCBA’s wearer by a spider of 5 rubber
adjustable head straps.
The Speech Transmitter is located on the front of the mask for further
communication as and when needed.
The Exhaling Valve is also located on the front of the mask just beside the speech
transmitter and used to exhale the air from the facemask.
Facemask
Physical Requirement To Use SCBA:
For using the SCBA and other respiratory protection, the wearer should be
physically strong, mentally fit, and clean shaved.
Personnel keeps beards are not allowed to use SCBA because beard (facial hair)
comes between the sealing surface of the facemask and causes air leak that may
be dangerous for the wearer due to inhaling contaminated air.
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Other Important Components of SCBA:
Main Valve Or Cylinder Valve:
The main valve is an integral part of the air cylinder and it is not removable. It is
connected with the neck of the air cylinder by a standard taper thread. At right
angles to the taper thread on one side is the cylinder valve handwheel that
incorporates a serrated metal knob and a rubber grip ring.
A rubber buffer is provided to protect the valve from getting damaged.
Manifold Assembly:
A manifold assembly is fitted on the backplate. It consists of a nickel-plated copper
supply pipe. It is attached with a short length of a flexible high-pressure hose with
a hand-operated high-pressure cylinder connector at the lower end.
A provision is also provided on the manifold to fix a warning whistle to warn the
low cylinder pressure.
Lung Demand Valve (LDV):
It is also called the Second Stage Reducer that reduces the pressure from 7-8 bar
to slightly more than atmospheric pressure and supplies air inside the face mask
for breathing.
Lung Demand Valve consists of a tilt valve, and a diaphragm housed in a suitable
casing. Regulator consisting of the regulator body, the body cover, a nylon
reinforced diaphragm bonded to a central pressure plate, a tilt valve, a tilt valve
deflector, and a valve body.
Lung Demand Valve is also known as Air Regulator.
Other names of LDV are as follows:
LGDV- Lung Governed Demand Valve
LCDR: Lung Controlled Demand Regulator
LDR: Lung Demand Regulator
DR: Demand Regulator
Lung Demand Valve
Pressure Inside The Facemask of Positive Pressure Type
SCBA:
1. The maximum pressure inside the facemask is 5 millibars more than the
atmospheric pressure while exhaling the air.
2. The minimum pressure inside the facemask is 1-1.5 millibars more than the
atmospheric pressure while inhaling the air.
Pressure Inside The Facemask of Negative Pressure Type
SCBA:
The pressure inside the facemask shall not exceed 7 millibars negative pressure.
Negative pressure means the pressure below the atmospheric pressure.
Warning Whistle:
A low-pressure warning whistle also attached to the backplate. It is attached with
either Pressure Guage or Manifold Assembly. It is pre-set to operate when the
pressure of the air cylinder drops to a pre-determined level of 45 to 40 bar
pressure.
It automatically warns the wearer by sounding that the cylinder pressure is low
and now its time to escape and replace this cylinder with a filled one.
Pressure Gauge:
A pressure gauge is attached to the backplate and gives the wearer a constant
reading of the pressure. The pressure gauge is contained in a nickel-plated,
watertight brass case with a perspex facepiece.
The pressure gauge is fastened to the left shoulder strap by a cable tie or loop.
Pressure Gauge
What is PASS Device?
A PASS (Personal Alert Safety System) is known as the Distress Signal Unit (DSU)
or Automatic Distress Signal Unit (ADSU) is a personal safety device that is used
in conjunction with SCBA Set by Fire Fighters & Rescuers during Fire fighting &
Rescue Operations.
It activates when a person is motionless for 25 seconds and activation is not
canceled in the next 8 seconds, it sounds a loud audible (90 decibel) alert in the
area to notify others that the firefighter or rescuer is in distress and he needs
immediate help.
This enables the rescue team to identify the person who is in distress and to
provide an immediate response.
High-Pressure Flexible Hoses:
Two flexible rubber hoses are connected to the Y manifold on the top of the
backplate. The longer of the two passes over the right shoulder and connected to
the demand valve and the other passes over the left shoulder and connected to the
pressure gauge.
High-pressure flexible hoses are reinforced with terylene and rayon and secured
to the shoulder straps.
High-Pressure Test of SCBA:
A high-pressure test is carried out to ensure that SCBA is full (at least 80% full)
and no air leakage from SCBA Set.
The high-Pressure test procedure of SCBA Set is as follows:
1. Ensure that the cylinder connections are tight.
2. Press the red button of Lung Demand Valve to prevent the release of pressure
through Demand Valve.
3. Open the cylinder valve fully and check for pressure gauge, the pressure should
not be less than 240 bar.
4. SCBA pressure should be at least 80% of the filling pressure (80% of 300 bar= 240
bar) or above.
5. If the pressure is less than 240 bar, it is not suitable for use in emergency and shall
be replaced immediately with a filled one.
6. Now listen carefully for the sound of air leakage.
7. Close the cylinder valve and check the pressure gauge and pressure should not
drop more than 10 bar in one minute.
8. If pressure drops more than 10 bar in 1 minute or you listen to any air leakage
sound from the SCBA set, it means that SCBA is not suitable to use in emergencies,
so use another suitable SCBA and send the defected SCBA for repair &
maintenance.
9. If SCBA is 80% full or above and no air leakage observed, then the SCBA set is ready
for use in emergencies.
Low-Pressure Test:
After the High-Pressure test, a low-pressure test is carried out to ensure that
Warning Whistle is working properly and the facemask seals are tight (no leakage
in the facemask).
The Low-Pressure test procedure of SCBA Set is as follows:
1. Open the cylinder valve fully.
2. Wear the facemask and adjust the head straps.
3. Breath in and out deeply 2-3 times to ensure that air is flowing perfectly, demand
regulator, and exhaling valve working satisfactorily.
4. Now close the cylinder valve and keep continue breathing.
5. When the pressure reaches 45 to 40 bar pressure, a warning whistle starts
sounding and will stop only when the pressure reaches zero.
6. When the air is exhausted from the facemask, you will not get air for inhaling and
feel suffocation, it indicates that the mask seals the face perfectly and no gas can
enter the mask.
7. Quickly loosen the head harness and remove the facemask.
8. Clean and disinfect the facemask properly and apply anti-mist to the vision visor.
Pre-Entry Test of SCBA:
Before entering the hazardous area for fire fighting or rescue operations, the pre-
entry test of SCBA is very important.
The pre-entry test procedure is as follows:
1. Check all the joints are intact.
2. Open the cylinder valve fully and check the pressure which is not less than 240
bar.
3. Wear the facemask, adjust head straps, and breathe in and out 2-3 times to ensure
that air is flowing properly.
4. Close the cylinder valve and ensure that a warning whistle sound when the
pressure reaches at 45-40 bar pressure.
5. After air exhausted, you will feel suffocation and breathing is impossible inside the
facemask, it means the facemask is air-tight and working satisfactorily.
6. If SCBA qualifies all the above criteria, then it is ready for use.
Donning Methods of SCBA:
There are two donning methods of SCBA:
1. Over The Head Method
2. Coat Wearing Method
Donning (Wearing) Procedure of SCBA:
The donning procedure of SCBA are as follows, this is the easiest way to don the
SCBA set even you are a beginner:
1.
1. Loosen the shoulder straps.
2. Press the red button of Lung Demand Valve to hold the release of pressure.
3. Open the cylinder valve fully.
4. Carefully lift the SCBA over your head on to your shoulder, hold shoulder straps
on your elbow & slide down the SCBA slowly on your back.
5. Ensure proper resting on your shoulder & comfort to your back.
6. Fasten the waist belt properly.
7. Adjust the shoulder straps.
8. Connect the facemask with LDV.
9. Put on the facemask, fit on the face properly. Adjust the head straps tight so that
external air couldn’t enter the facemask.
10. Breathe comfortably and ensure that you are getting sufficient air
supplied in the facemask through your air cylinder.
Doffing (Removing) Procedure Of SCBA:
Doffing procedure of SCBA are as follows:
1. Hold the breath.
2. Press the red button of Lung Demand Valve.
3. Loosen the head straps and remove the facemask.
4. Close the cylinder valve.
5. Unlock the waist belt.
6. Loosen the shoulder straps.
7. Remove the SCBA.
8. Press the front center part of LDV and release the pressure of high-pressure
flexible hoses and ensure zero pressure.
