Breathingf Apparatus

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Breathing Apparatus

Breathing

Apparatus

COPYRIGHT MAHANAGAR GAS LIMITED 2004

Version 1 August 2004


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Contents

Tab No:

Session Plan 1

Resources 2

Trainer Notes 3

OHTs 4

Tests and Assessments 5

Handouts 6


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Session Plan

Est. Time

(mins) Information Presented Trainer Activity

Day 1

5 Introduction & Scope Talk OHT 1

5 Aims Talk & show OHT 2

10 Objectives Talk & Show OHT 3

60 Practical Session Talk

15 Hierarchy of Safety Talk & Show OHT 4

15Physiology of Respiration Talk & Show OHT 5 - 7

15Situations requiring use of Breathing

ApparatusTalk & Explain OHT 8 - 9

15 Types of Breathing Apparatus Talk & Explain OHT 10

15 Selection criteria for Breathing Apparatus Talk & Explain OHT 11 - 12

30Care and maintenance of respiratoryprotective equipment Talk & Explain OHT 13 - 14

45Martindale unassisted and assisted freshair breathing apparatus

Talk & Demonstrate. ShowOHT 15 - 16

Total time = 1 day



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Resources

Staff Classroom session

Workshop Session

One trainer

One trainer/Assessor - competent andsufficiently experienced in the use ofbreathing apparatus.

Facilities Classroom sessionWorkshop session

Lecture roomWorkshop area

Materials TrainerTrainee

Dry marker pensStationery

Equipment Classroom WhiteboardOHT projectorFlipchart

PPEGlovesMedicated wipes

Visual Aids OHTs 1 - 16

Self contained BADistance BA

Handouts Course handouts 1. Unassistedfresh airbreathingsystem

2. Use of assisted freshair system,

powered by mini turbine

Documentation



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Trainer Notes

OHT 1

Prerequisite

Consultation must be made to medical requirements for using respiratoryprotective equipment.

Scope

This training session addresses techniques and precautions when the use ofbreathing apparatus becomes necessary. It covers the background legislation,

Company procedures, pre use checks, and safe use of distance & assisted airbreathing apparatus.

Aim

OHT 2

The aim of this course is to demonstrate that trainees are able to carry out basicmaintenance and safety checks on various sets of breathing apparatus and/or to

demonstrate they are able to use distance breathing apparatus.

Objectives

OHT 3

At the end of the session the trainee will be able to:

Identify factors that will relate to the respiratory requirements ofindividuals, constituents of fresh air, cardiovascular functions, respiratoryproblems and basic physiology.

Identify measures to ensure effective use of breathing apparatus.

Demonstrate knowledge of what constitutes a hazardous or potentiallyhazardous environment.

Demonstrate the pre-checks required before breathing apparatus can beused.



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Prepare, test and use approved type of breathing apparatus and ancillaryequipment, complying with all safety requirements.

Practical session

Following the classroom session, the trainees will undertake a practical sessionon the use of BA.

Trainer Note:Confirm if any trainees suffer from claustrophobia or haveany respiratory problems.

Hierarchy of safety

OHT 4

In assessing the risks associated with working with live gas, we need to considerthe hierarchy of safety. The hierarchy of safety is based on the following criteria.

Prevention

This is the elimination of all risk, i.e., not working on live gas at all. This is of

course, impractical, as the integrity of our network depends on the maintenanceof it, which requires us to occasionally work in oxygen deficient environments,therefore necessitating the use of breathing apparatus.

Restraint

Given that we work in Oxygen deficient situations, we need to implementsystems which make the job as safe as possible. Such systems include:minimising the amount of gas escaping, and adherence to the engineeringprocedures.

Supplementary actions

These are the actions that assist in the control of the hazards and reduce therisks. Examples of supplementary actions are the application of safe workingpractices and precautions, regular cleaning and inspection of breathingapparatus i.e., at least once per month and recorded.



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Physiology of respiration

Before a person is allowed to wear breathing apparatus, it is essential that theypossess knowledge of the physiology of breathing and the effects that certaingases have on the respiratory function.

Respiration

In simple terms respiration is the exchange of gases between an organism and

its surroundings. In the main, this means the intake of oxygen into the body, andthe elimination of carbon dioxide. Both of these processes take place via thelungs and this breathing process is referred to as ventilation of the lungs.

The physical process of respiration consists of two actions:

Inhalation - Breathing in.

Exhalation - Breathing out.

Respiration is spontaneous action which, unless some physical cause intervenesis performed automatically by the human body some 15 to 30 times a minutefrom the moment of its birth to its death. The body performs this action because itneeds the oxygen which is normally obtained from the atmosphere.

To obtain this vital gas, air must be brought into the lungs and held for sufficienttime for the oxygen required to be absorbed and the carbon dioxide to beexpelled from the blood.

Function of Oxygen in maintaining life

For life to continue we must breathe. Breathing enables us to take in oxygen asan essential gas that is supplied continuously from the atmosphere of which itforms approximately one-fifth by volume.

The function performed by oxygen in maintaining life is extremely complicatedand is very difficult to describe without using medical phraseology.



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To put it in the simplest term possible, the body may be likened to a greatnumber of small chemical engines each of which needs fuel and oxygen to keepit working, and an exhaust to carry away the fumes.

Each time a muscle is used, whether for walking, sleeping, breathing or otherbodily functions, one of these engines is started and fuel and oxygen must besupplied to it. The fuel is supplied by the digestive system, and the oxygen byrespiration. At the same time, carbon dioxide and other waste products are givenoff.

Oxygen, although not commonly regarded as food, is actually the most importantof all foods, for all the energy of the body, warmth, power to work, and life itself,

are dependant on the oxidisation of foodstuffs in the tissues of the body.

Composition of the atmosphere

OHT 5

The atmosphere which is drawn into the lungs in the process of respirationconsists of three principle gases in the following proportions by volume:

Oxygen 20.93%

Nitrogen (including rare gases) 79.04%

Carbon Dioxide 00.03%

The rare gases mentioned above consist of a small percentage of six other gasessuch as argon, neon, helium etc., but as these only constitute a total of about0.91% of the atmosphere, and moreover can only be separated from nitrogenwith difficulty, it is usual for ordinary purposes to include them in the percentageof nitrogen.

Although Nitrogen is the main gas of the atmosphere, it takes no active part in

respiration at ordinary pressure. Being an inert gas, it passes in and out of thebody practically unchanged, whilst carbon dioxide, although it has a very valuablefunction as a respiratory stimulant, is actually produces in greater quantities fromrespiration than is supplied by the atmosphere.

The respiratory mechanism



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In breathing the ribs are automatically lifted upwards and outwards by themuscles that lie between them. The diaphragm which is synchronised with this ribmovement contracts and lowers causing an increase in the capacity of the chest.

The expansion of the chest creates a partial vacuum within the lungs which are

then automatically filled with air.

The lungs are two spongy lobes of fleshy tissue which are made up of a mass ofair tubes and cells. The cells, or alveoli as they are called, are situated at theextreme ends of the tiny air tubes.

When the inhaled air has adequately filled the lungs and alveoli, the mechanismof inhalation is stopped. At this point the oxygen is dissolved and diffuses throughthe microscopically thin walls of the alveoli and into the blood stream. At thesame time, the gaseous waste products given off by the body, carbon dioxide,

diffuses through the walls and into the lungs in the opposite direction.

As the carbon dioxide reaches approximately 4% by volume, a signal is sent tothe respiratory centre in the brain, and in turn to the muscles in the chest whichsimply relax.

The elasticity of the chest causes a reduction of chest volume and therefore air isexpelled from the lungs to the atmosphere.

OHT 6

Composition of the air breathed:

Inhaled Air Exhaled Air Oxygen 20.93%* 16.96%Carbon Dioxide 0.03% 4.00%Nitrogen and other gases 79.04% 79.04%

Note: If this volume falls by approximately 4% a person will fall intounconsciousness.

From these figures we can see that the body has absorbed 3.97% of the oxygen,and has given up approximately the same proportion of carbon dioxide, i.e. 4%.

The nitrogen and other gases remain virtually unchanged.

The power to work

The oxygen requirement of the body varies with the amount of work performed. Ifthe body is resting, only the involuntary muscles governing the action of thelungs, the heart and the digestive organs are being used. The breathing rate



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would be about 15 to 18 times a minute, with only a small amount of oxygenrequired.

As soon as the body becomes active, more muscles are used, and a greatersupply of oxygen is required. When the energy is exerted through work or

nervous excitement the breathing rate increases, and may be as much as 30times per minute or even more.

At rest, about 1/2 litre of air is normally inhaled at each breath, and about thesame quantity is exhaled. This amount is known as tidal air. By taking a verydeep breath, a further 2 litres, known as the inspiratory reserve volume, may betaken in, making a total of 21/2 litres in all. On subsequent very deep inhalationthis may be increased by a further 1 litres. The amount thus exhales is knownas the vital capacity, and varies with different people.

OHT 7

The following table give an indication of the variation in oxygen consumption andair respired for varying degrees of exertion. (source Prof. J.S. Haldane)

Respirationper minute

Volume of airin litres perrespiration

Oxygenconsumed

per minute inlitres

Airbreathed

perminute in

litres

At rest 16.8 0.46 0.23 7.7Standing 17.1 0.61 0.32 10.4

Walking 2 mph 14.7 1.27 0.78 18.6

Walking 3 mph 16.2 1.53 1.06 25

Walking 4 mph 18.2 2.1 1.6 37

Walking 5 mph(very heavy work rate)

19.3 3.14 2.5 60.9

It can be seen that the volume of oxygen required by the body varies from 0.23lpm to 2.5 lpm at a very heavy work rate, and that the amount of air breathed toobtain this quantity varies between 7.7 and 61 litres per minute. It also shows thatthe volume of air per breath varies between 0.46 litres and 4 litres.

The respiration rate is also influenced by the state of mind.

When a person becomes very anxious or an emergency situation arises, thebody responds by rapidly producing adrenaline, which enters the blood streamand immediately stimulates various vital organs. The heartbeat increases and thebody temperature will rise with an increase in breathing rate, which isindependent of the work rate.



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The effect on the respiratory system is that the lungs breathe out before thecorrect level of carbon dioxide is reached which can also cause rapid shallowbreathing known as hyperventilation.

This rapid shallow breathing provides the body with an excess of oxygen and a

deficit of carbon dioxide.

Hyperventilation causes the body to expel more carbon dioxide than it doesduring normal breathing. When there are abnormally low levels of carbon dioxidein the blood the small arterial vessels tend to dilate, with a fall in blood pressure.

The most apparent symptoms of hyperventilation are numbness or tingling of thefeet, hands and face. The person may also feel dizzy, giddy or faint.

Carbon dioxide

Carbon dioxide is the natural stimulant to breathing and the respiratory centre inthe brain is governed and controlled by the amount of gas in the blood.

When the percentage of carbon dioxide rises in the body, as it does in exertion,the respiratory centre instructs the chest muscles to work harder and in turn thelungs breathe more deeply and faster to get rid of the excess gas and restore thenormal level in the blood.

Situations requiring use of Breathing Apparatus

OHT 8

"It shall always be worn in situations where the responsible engineer hasspecified the use of full fire protective clothing. It shall be worn whenever gas inatmosphere concentrations are equal to or greater than 20 % LEL."

It shall always be worn where a risk assessment identifies the need or when

necessary under confined spaces regulations.

BA General

Always have breathing apparatus available and ready for use when you expect toencounter:



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Oxygen deficient atmosphere.

Toxic fumes or gas.

Deep excavations or confined spaces.

Live gas operations.

OHT 9

When using Breathing apparatus:

Always have at least two persons experienced and trained in its useavailable, one acting as a guard for the other wearing the apparatus.

Always have at least two sets of apparatus available and ready for use ifneeded.

Make it ready for use in a safe area

Do not use defective equipment or equipment outside its indicated testdate. Return all such equipment to a responsible person for replacement.

If you need further information about breathing apparatus, ask yourmanager.

Extra guidance notes on existing Breathing ApparatusProcedures

Careful consideration of the location of any air inlet for BA is essential. Particularattention to any leaking gas, exhaust fumes or wind etc. should be made.

No work should be undertaken which compromises the fit of the facemask or theintegrity of the air hoses. Due regard should be made for the possibility ofsnagging/crushing against plant etc.

Types of breathing apparatus

OHT 10

There are two distinct methods of providing personal respiratory protectionagainst contaminated atmospheres.



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By purifying the air breathed.

By supplying air or oxygen from an uncontaminated source.

In the first method the atmosphere to be inhaled is drawn through a filter whichremoves specific contaminants passing through it. This is known as a

FILTERING DEVICE.

The second method enables the wearer to breathe independently of theatmosphere. Devices that achieve this are known as BREATHING APPARATUS.

Self contained breathing apparatus

There are two types of self-contained breathing apparatus:

Closed Circuit oxygen.

Open Circuit compressed air.

Closed circuit oxygen breathing apparatus

Self contained Closed Circuit oxygen breathing apparatus removes Carbondioxide from the exhaled air and adds oxygen to the inhaled air for breathing bythe wearer and is independent of the ambient atmosphere.

Open circuit compressed air breathing apparatus

Self contained Open Circuit compressed air breathing apparatus has a portablesupply of compressed air and is independent of the ambient atmosphere. Theexhaled air passes without re-circulation to the ambient atmosphere.

Non-self contained breathing apparatus

There are two types of non self-contained breathing apparatus:

Fresh Air Hose.

Compressed Air Line

Fresh air hose



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The air for breathing is drawn from an adjacent uncontaminated area along alarge diameter hose by the action of the wearers lungs. This action may beassisted by a manually operated bellows or blower, or by a mechanicallyoperated blower.

The air supply hose is relatively short, no more than 9m long for unassisted, andup to 36m, (as per manufacturers recommendations) for assisted, and mayrestrict the wearers movements. Return to respirable atmosphere must be alongthe route of entry.

The apparatus consists of a full-face mask fitted with an inhalation and exhalationvalve system, connected to the hose by means of a hand tight seal.

Unassisted fresh air hose is fitted with an anchor at the inlet and a suitabledevice to prevent entry of coarse particles.

Manually and power assisted fresh air hose has a continuous flow of air forcedthrough the hose by the blower to a full-face mask.

Compressed air line

There are two types of compressed air line breathing apparatus.

Demand.

Continuous flow.

This apparatus supplies air to the wearer through a flexible air supply hoseattached to a compressed air line. The maximum length of hose which may beused is dependant upon the internal diameter and the pressure of air required atthe apparatus.

Demand type breathing apparatus

The apparatus consists of a full-face mask connected to a lung governeddemand valve and compressed air supply hose. The valve opens when thewearer inhales, and closes when he/ she exhales.

Negative pressure is created in the facemask by the action of the wearers lungson inhalation unless a positive pressure demand valve is used.

Continuous flow breathing apparatus



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This type of apparatus consists of a full-face mask, half-mask or an air hood orblouse connected to an air supply hose. The wearer is continuously supplied withbreathable air from a source of compressed air.

Selection criteria for breathing apparatus

OHTs 11 12

Care and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment

OHT 13The program for the care and maintenance of equipment should be appropriateto the type of plant, working conditions and the hazards involved and shouldensure that the equipment is properly maintained to retain the originalperformance standards. Arrangements should include those for:

Inspection for defects.

Cleaning and decontamination.

Servicing.

Storage. Issue.

Transportation.

Records.

Inspection for defects

All respiratory equipment should be inspected as a matter of routine for correctfunctioning before and after each occasion of use, and also at intervals not

exceeding one month. Reference should be made to the manufacturersinstructions and replacements should be in accordance with these instructions.

OHT 14

Particular attention should be paid to the following points:



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Face piece, hoods and blouses.

Harness.

Inlet and outlet valve mountings.

Inlet and outlet valves.

Filters. Metal and plastic components.

Hose and airlines.

Cleaning and decontamination

Equipment should be cleaned as frequently as is necessary, and in any case assoon as possible after use, as moisture allowed to dry on the valves will interferewith their correct functioning.

The face piece and breathing tube should be disconnected and cleaned bywashing with soap (not detergent) and warm water, then thoroughly rinsed. Theequipment should then be dried at room temperature away from direct sunlight.

Where the equipment has been used by an individual who is known or issuspected to be suffering from an infectious illness of the skin or respiratory tract,it is necessary to adopt more stringent procedures. i.e. the BA should be strippeddown, and swabbed or dipped in antiseptic solution.

Strong antiseptics can damage the equipment, and cause dermatitis.

Servicing

Servicing must be carried out by a competent person in accordance with themanufacturers instructions.

Dust respirator filters should be renewed.

Immediately after use, used and partly used oxygen and air cylinders should bereplaced by fully charged cylinders.

Storage

After inspection or repair, the equipment should be stored in suitable containersor boxes to protect against dirt, oil, sunlight, extreme heat or cold, excessivemoisture and harmful chemicals.



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The ends of airlines should be protected to keep the lines internally clean.

Issue

Breathing Apparatus should be issued only to persons trained in its use.

The equipment should be properly documented, and signed for by the operative.

Breathing Apparatus should not be issued unless each item of the equipment hasan identifying mark.

The issue of Breathing Apparatus should include ancillary equipment such as ameans of cleaning.

Transportation

Transportation of breathing apparatus poses no particular problem. Theequipment should be kept clean and protected from accidental damage andstored in such a way as to make it easily accessible.

SCBA needs special attention to prevent damage to the gauges and valves of theair cylinders. Equipment etc., especially air cylinders, should be well secured invehicles.

Records

Each respiratory protective device should be given a distinguishing number and arecord of cleaning, inspection and maintenance should be kept.

Unassisted fresh air breathing system

OHT 15 16 & Handout 1

Show components of the system and their function. Strainer, spike and 9m hose assembly. Belt and bracket. Twin air hose (increased volume of air in twin hose). Full-face mask.

Demonstrate fitting the full-face mask.



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Problem of sealing with beard or spectacles. Show the inhalation and exhalation valves (check for damage). Show speech diaphragm (to assist speech. Should not be used as

the primary method of communication when using BA). Grade 1 resistance of Visor.

Adjustment of straps. Check seal of mask.

Demonstrate assembling the equipment. Fit strainer to the end of hose. Check hose for damage. Stake, hook or tie in a suitable location.

1.1.1 Upwind.1.1.2 Away from dropped kerbs.1.1.3 Where air is of breathable quality.

Remove caps from belt bracket - Check O-Ring. Connect Y-Piece of twin hose to belt bracket - check O-Ring,

tighten by hand.

Fit belt and bracket around waist - main hose pointing down, adjustbelt.

Pass twin hoses over shoulders, avoiding twisting.1.1.4 Fit full-face mask.1.1.5 Two straps in each hand.1.1.6 Chin in first.1.1.7 Hold mask on face - tighten top strap first.1.1.8 Then bottom straps.1.1.9 Lastly middle straps.

Test for leak tightness - seal strainer end, and breathe in. Maskshould collapse onto face.

Trainee to try gentle exercise in equipment, to get a feel for activities whilstwearing breathing apparatus.

All trainees to try equipment, including pre-use checks.

Handout 2



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Use of assisted fresh air system, powered by mini turbine

Normally, if the system is likely to be used for any significant period oftime, (i.e. longer than an hour) then the assisted option is preferable interms of comfort to the user.

The equipment is exactly the same as the unassisted system except withthe addition of a mini turbine blower.

All turbine blowers should be operated in accordance with individualmanufacturers instructions.

Use of a mini turbine blower allows the use of a longer hose, up to 40m inlength. This would be particularly useful if the use of the 9m hose meantthe turbine unit would still be in a gaseous atmosphere, or other areawhich would disallow the use of electrical equipment.

Where there is concern about the use of electrically operated turbine unitin a gaseous atmosphere, a pneumatically operated turbine is available.However, consideration must be given to the situation of the turbine, toeliminate the risk of carbon monoxide being inhaled from the exhaust ofthe compressor.

In order to give confidence in the equipment, it is important to knowexactly how the air is supplied to the apparatus, and what action to take incase of emergency, such as malfunction or failure of an air line supply.



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OHTs

1. Title slide

2. Aim3. Objectives4. Hierarchy of Safety5. Composition of the Atmosphere6. Composition of the Air Breathed7. Oxygen consumption and air respired for varying degrees of exertion8. Have breathing apparatus available and ready for use when you expect

to encounter9. When using breathing apparatus10. Types of breathing apparatus11. Criteria for selecting breathing apparatus

12. Flowchart13. Care and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment14. Inspection for defects15. Unassisted fresh air breathing apparatus16. Unassisted fresh air breathing apparatus, continued



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Tests and Assessments

Multi-choice questions for Breathing Apparatus & (fresh air & assisted)

Practical Assessment 1 Unassisted & Turbine Assisted BreathingApparatus



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Written assessment

Please read the following notes before you answer any questions and complete

your personal details at the top of the answer sheet.

Each question shows fourpossible answers (lettered a, b, c and d)only ONE is correct.

Decide which one is correct and tick the square on the answer sheet against theappropriate question.

If you change your mind, put a line through and tick the correct box.



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Questions for Breathing Apparatus & (fresh air & assisted)

a. How often should you inspect and record breathing apparatus on a regular

basis?

a) Once a month.b) Once a week.c) Once a year.d) Twice a year.

b. When operatives are working in a gaseous atmosphere the possibility ofasphyxiation can exist, this is due to:

a) Lack of nitrogen in the atmosphere.

b) Lack of oxygen in the atmosphere.c) Too much oxygen in the atmosphere.d) The smell of natural gas.

c. What is the normal percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere?

a) 12 %b) 21 %c) 24 %d) 18 %

d. When we exhale what percentage of oxygen do we retain in our body?

a) 3.00%b) 5.00%c) 4.00%d) 2.50%

e. How many competent people must be on site when any type of breathingapparatus is being used?

a) 1 person.

b) 1 persons and anyone nearby to assist.c) 3 people.d) 2 people (one standing by the turbo unit & the other in the gaseous

area).



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f. What is the frequency that a turbo blower on the MSA unit must beinspected by a competent person?

a) Every 6 months.

b) Every 12 months.c) Every 14 months.d) Every 24 months.

7. What is the maximum length of hose when using fan assisted B.A.?

a. 3 mb. 10 mc. 15 md. 36 m

8. When the breathing zone contains a gaseous or oxygen deficientatmosphere what is the recommended level for using breathing apparatus.

a) 10% LELb) 20% LELc) 20% Gasd) 100% LEL



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Practical assessment 5: Unassisted & Turbine Assisted

Breathing Apparatus

Candidate instructions

You are required to prove competence in checking, testing, and use ofunassisted & turbine assisted breathing apparatus in accordance with companyprocedures

Facilities/Materials

Breathing Apparatus,Mouth wipes

Time Allowed

20 mins



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Practical Assessment 5 Unassisted & Turbine AssistedBreathing Apparatus

Assessors Instructions

To be successful in this assessment the trainee must complete, without error, thefollowing assessment area. A failure to do so will indicate further trainingrequired.

Trainee Name Assessor Name

Signature Signature

Date

PASS RETRAIN

Company procedures1)State when BA must beavailable for use.2)State the No of personsand apparatus that must beavailable.

Inspection1)Ensure BA storage box is

not damaged with hingesand fastener in goodworking order.2)Carry out before usemaintenance check as inmanufacturers instructions.3)State the defectprocedure.

Prepare/Don the mask and hose assembly

1)Connect hose and maskas in manufacturersinstructions.

2)Don facemask as inmanufacturers instructions.3)Carry out NegativePressure Test.



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PASS RETRAIN

Complete Assembly (unassisted Equipment)1)State the maximumlength of hose that can beused without turbine.2)Fit filter to free end of airsupply hose.3)Fit spike clamp to the endof air supply hose.4)Lay air supply hoseupwind of the job in an areafree from gas, dust andfumes.5)Locate air supply hose ina position where it cannotbe damaged, kinked orflattened.

6)Position end filter aboveground and secure spikeinto safe ground.

Complete Assembly (Assisted Equipment)

1)State the maximumlength of hose that can beused when turbine assisted.2)State the minimumdistance the turbine mustbe sited away from theexcavation and why.3)Ensure that the air filter is

clean.4)Connect free end of airsupply hose to turbine unit.Tighten unions without useof tools.5)Connect turbine tosuitable electrical supply.6)Select 1 or 2 personoperation.7)For 1 person ensureplastic cap is fitted toturbine.

8)Turn on unit and adjustair supply



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PASS RETRAIN

Clean and store equipment1)Disinfect mask after use.2)Keep in plastic bag withincase.3)Store cases correctly inthe vehicle

Maintain Checks

1)State when theequipment must beinspected/made availablefor inspection.2)Complete applicabledocumentation.



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Handouts

2 Unassisted fresh air breathing system

3 Use of assisted fresh air system, powered by mini turbine



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Handout 1

Unassisted fresh air breathing system

Components of the system and their function

Strainer, spike and 9m hose assembly. Belt and bracket.

Twin air hose (increased volume of air in twin hose).

Full-face mask.

Fitting the full face mask

Problem of sealing with beard or spectacles.

Show the inhalation and exhalation valves (check for damage).

Show speech diaphragm (to assist speech. Should not be used as theprimary method of communication when using BA).

Grade 1 resistance of Visor.

Adjustment of straps.

Check seal of mask.

Assembling the equipment

Fit strainer to the end of hose.

Check hose for damage.

Stake, hook or tie in a suitable location. Upwind. Away from dropped kerbs. Where air is of breathable quality.

Remove caps from belt bracket - Check O-Ring.

Connect Y-Piece of twin hose to belt bracket - check O-Ring, tighten byhand.

Fit belt and bracket around waist - main hose pointing down, adjust belt.

Pass twin hoses over shoulders, avoiding twisting.

Fit full-face mask. Two straps in each hand. Chin in first. Hold mask on face - tighten top strap first. Then bottom straps. Lastly middle straps.

Test for leak tightness - seal strainer end, and breathe in. Mask shouldcollapse onto face.



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Handout 2

Use of assisted fresh air system, powered by mini turbine

Normally, if the system is likely to be used for any significant period of time, (i.e.longer than an hour) then the assisted option is preferable in terms of comfort tothe user.

The equipment is exactly the same as the unassisted system except with theaddition of a mini turbine blower.

All turbine blowers should be operated in accordance with individualmanufacturers instructions.

Use of a mini turbine blower allows the use of a longer hose, up to 36m in length.

This would be particularly useful if the use of the 9m hose meant the turbine unitwould still be in a gaseous atmosphere, or other area which would disallow theuse of electrical equipment.

Where there is concern about the use of electrically operated turbine unit in agaseous atmosphere, a pneumatically operated turbine is available, However,consideration must be given to the situation of the turbine, to eliminate the risk ofcarbon monoxide being inhaled from the exhaust of the compressor.

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Breathingf Apparatus