Firefighting Fact Friday! An airpack or SCBA(Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) come in many shapes and sizes. They will usually be designed for a specific type of use. Our SCBAs are designed for firefighting and meet the current NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) standard. Although designed for firefighting they are capable of being used in many hazardous environments. The key components of an SCBA are the mask, air cylinder, regulator, and PASS (Personal Alert Safety System) device. Each firefighter is issued a mask that is fit to their face. The fit of the mask is tested every year on each firefighter. This testing assures a seal that will allow the SCBA to work properly and to make the firefighter as safe as possible. The air cylinders we use are 4500 psi filled with breathing air. Breathing air is filtered by a special air compressor that fills the cylinder. The cylinder we use is refereed to as a 30 minute bottle or cylinder. That is the approximate amount of time the average person would have of breathing air. During stressful situations and intense work, that time will be less. The integrated PASS device sends a signal to the command vehicle and audible alarm when the firefighter wearing it either becomes motionless or runs low on air. That audible alarm helps a rescue crew find a firefighter if he becomes injured or trapped in a fire. The regulator controls the flow of air so that it is used safely and efficiently. Prices are constantly changing. A complete SCBA new will easily cost over $6,000. The individual mask for each firefighter will be at least $500 per mask. Thanks to Firefighter/EMT Joel Scher for being our model.
Posted on: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 20:28:34 +0000
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