Isolated breathing apparatus is a device used mostly by firefighters, as it is an indispensable means of rescuing people from smoky rooms and extinguishing fires. We do not have a special fire brigade on the ships or specially trained firefighters, so the crew must put out the fire or take care of rescuing people from burning or dangerous areas. For such tasks, crew members must use the same equipment as firefighters on land. Isolated breathing apparatus is an indispensable part of this equipment. It is used both to enter smoky rooms where there is a lack of oxygen, as well as to enter rooms where it is not known which gas is in it.
We know different versions of breathing apparatus. They are basically divided into self-rescuing and isolating breathing apparatus. Self-rescue or filter devices are intended for self-rescue and operation for a short time. Isolated breathing apparatus is divided into compressed air apparatus, oxygen apparatus and apparatus with compressor and hose. Self-contained breathing apparatus is most commonly used on ships, as it has proven to be the most suitable for the needs of solving problems with fire and toxic gases on board. Oxygen appliances are used where the autonomy of air appliances is not enough.
The self-contained breathing apparatus consists of a number of components: a cylinder, a valve, a high-pressure line with a manometer and an alarm, and a medium-pressure line with a lung machine and a protective mask. Cylinders are pressure vessels in which air is compressed, which must be sufficient for at least 30 minutes of operation. There is a valve on the cylinder that opens and closes the cylinder. The high-pressure line has a manometer that displays the state of the pressure in the cylinder, and an audible alarm that warns of low pressure in the cylinder. The medium pressure line consists of: a pressure reducing valve, a lung machine that supplies breathing air and a protective mask. The cylinder is carried on the back with the help of a support frame with straps and a belt.
On average, a person consumes about 40 litres of air per minute at rest. On board, we must make sure that there is always a sufficient amount of breathing medium available in case of fire. We also have a high-pressure compressor on board, with which we refill the cylinders after use. All pressure vessels must be properly inspected and all components serviced. The personnel in charge of the use of self-contained breathing apparatus must also be adequately trained and qualified to use it.
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