BED 

3 Competency Development 
Programme

Breathing Apparatus
 Breathing Apparatus
Training/Assessment
Managing Activity Using Breathing Apparatus
Routine Work/Non‐Routine Work
Emergency
Rescue Teams
BA Control Board

Using Breathing Apparatus
Types Of Breathing Apparatus
Where Located
Components Of BA Sets
What can go wrong
Checks

HSE Team (Fire Station) Will Teach How To Use
 Breathing Apparatus

Routine/Non‐Routine Work
Would never plan to conduct routine work in an atmosphere that required BA
BA is a precaution only – why ?

Confined Space Entry
Safe limits: Without With
respiratory protection respiratory protection

Oxygen (%) 20 to 21.5 >16 to 21.5

Toxics < ½ OEL < IDLH only for emergency

rescue/operations

Flammables Not detectable (<1) < 10

(% of LFL) (Note: for hot work - not
detectable)
Note: OEL = occupational exposure limit;
IDLH = level is immediately dangerous to life or health;
LFL = lower flammable limit.
 Breathing Apparatus
Emergency
Rescue – production team, back up team, fire crew
eg Valve Isolation

Rescue Team 
Two people, never one – self rescue
Rescue team all kitted up in attendance

BA control Board
Name, time of entry, air pressure, planned exit time, zero air time
BA controller at entry point – like standby man
 Breathing Apparatus
Types Of Breathing Apparatus

SCBA – self contained breathing apparatus
Reel and line
On demand/positive pressure

Where Located
Fire Truck
Fire Station
Two Sets in Control Room
 Breathing Apparatus
What Can Go Wrong ? Face Mask 
What Effect Does It Have ?
Demand valve 
How To Prevent
LP Hose 
Dirty Air
Breathing Resistance Cylinder 
Guage Blows Out
Pillar Valve Closes Regulator 
Demand valve Fails
Leak from hose guage
Poor face seal Guage
Mask fogs HP Hose 
Communication
LP alarm not working Guage
How to check for leaks LP Alarm 
How to check low alarm works
How to check for obstruction Pillar Valve 
How much air ?
Bar/psi