Self-contained breathing apparatus facts for kids
A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is a respirator worn to supply clean, breathable air in an atmosphere where the air is dangerous to breathe. They are usually used by firefighters and police officers.
The term self-contained means that the SCBA does not depend on a faraway supply of breathing gas (e.g., through a long hose). They are sometimes called industrial breathing sets. Some types are also referred to as a compressed air breathing apparatus (CABA) or simply breathing apparatus (BA). Unofficial names include air pack, air tank, oxygen cylinder, or simply pack. These terms are used mostly in firefighting. If designed for use under water, it is also known as a scuba set (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus).
An open-circuit SCBA commonly has three main components: a high-pressure gas storage cylinder; a pressure regulator; and a mouthpiece, half mask, or full-face mask. These pieces are put together and carried on a harness.
Interesting facts about self-contained breathing apparatus
- SCBAs can weigh more than 30 pounds.
- They require special training to use safely.
- Open-circuit SCBAs are filled with breathable compressed air that lasts for 30-60 minutes.
- Closed-circuit SCBAs filter, supplement, and recirculate exhaled gas.
- Closed-circuit SCBAs are used when people need to breathe clean air for longer than an hour, like when they are in a mine.
- SCBA suits may be used under special circumstances like investigating a disease outbreak.
