Breathing Apparatus Training – Gladstone

It is a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) that is referred to as air breathing apparatus or simply breathing apparatus (BA) and is used to protect those of you working or operating in potentially contaminated or low-oxygen locations or situations.

Breathing apparatus uses include firefighting, rescue, mining, chemical work and for working in any environment where the dangers of oxygen deficiency, toxic gases, dust and smoke may be present or for entering unknown environments eg confined spaces.

Compressed air breathing apparatus is respiratory protection equipment providing breathable air from cylinders containing compressed air. Used by firefighters, rescue workers and those of you who need to access or work in environments where air may be or is irrespirable. 

SCBA refers to breathing compressed air from a compressed air cylinder. Compressed air air breathing apparatus may also refer to the use of compressor and connected airline. Both are discussed during our Harness BA Course.

While many environments might require BA to be used, common ones you might need to consider include:

• Entrapment
• Exhaustion of air supply
• Heated atmospheres
• Asphyxiating atmosphere (oxygen deficient)
• Toxic or poisonous atmospheres – non-skin absorption
• Smoke or suspended particles/fibres in atmosphere
• Fire and explosion
• Dust or other atmospheric hazards
• Gas, gases and liquids under pressure
• Structural hazards
• Flammability and explosivity
• Other hazards that might arise

It includes a full-face mask, Lung Demand Valve/Regulator, pressure gauge, a harness to hold a compressed air tank. Equipment involved includes cylinders made of steel, aluminium or carbon-fibre composite, a pressure regulator, gauge and face-seal mask or face piece, mouth piece along with the relevant supply lines.

Three main types of Breathing Apparatus exist: 

• Airline – longer duration of safe breathing air required. Reduces tiredness the BA sets do not need to be carried.
• Self Contained – can be open or closed circuit for various set-time work-related functions such as for fire services, operating in a hazardous environment, and 
• Escape – a steady supply of air for a limited amount of time for life saving situations

The BA equipment operation includes the processes of how you put on the Breathing Apparatus, how you actually perform breathing-related operations. It is important that if you are using this equipment, you learn how to adjust your activities due to the physical impact on the operator the equipment presents.  Our training at Harness includes plenty of practical tasks  because it is important to maintain currency for this skill. Training for Breathing Apparatus covers a detailed explanation and demonstrations of the proper use of the equipment.

AS/NZS 1715: 2009  covers the selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment.

If a respirator is required for working, they must conform to the requirements of AS/NZS 1716. AS/NZS 1716:2012, Respiratory protective devices –  covers requirements, performance and testing criteria of respiratory protective devices.

ISO technical committees have produced a comprehensive range of respiratory protection standards here: New Guidance for Respiratory Protective Equipment Released – Standards Australia

Rules for Breathing Apparatus training can vary by industry and organisation and impact initial training requirements as well as on-going refresher training. Check with your employer, profession or industry body for requirements.

Many reasons exist for needing BA training, but the workers involved in emergency, fire-related safety, or are potentially working in an environment where air may be contaminated or of unknown chemical/toxicity construct such as in an enclosed or confined space. It is important employers also recognise the importance of providing this training to any staff who may be working in environments of any nature where breathable air could be compromised.

Generally, to maintain your currency it is recommended to regularly refresh BA training. At Harness we provide training that covers the nationally accredited unit of competency. This is different to a verification of competency – or a cut down course treated as a refresher. To support your personal safety and those working for/with you – it is recommended that you undertake the full training. We have observed a number of students who are surprised by what they have forgotten since their last training and value training that is based on quality that supports skill retention.