OSHA Respiratory Protection -Supplied Air Purifying Respirators (SCBA) and How to Select the Right One!

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OSHA RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM
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Three Kinds of Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators

Air-Supplied
Respirators

Combination Respirators

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

	makes use of a hose to deliver clean, safe air from a stationary source of compressed air
	provides clean air for long periods of time and are light weight for the user
	limits the range of user-mobility and may fail due to hose damage
	also called airline respirators

	have an auxiliary self-contained air supply that can be used if the primary supply fails
	the self-contained portion can be small since it only needs to supply enough air for escape
	can be used for entry into confined spaces

	consists of a wearable, clean-air supply pack
	do not restrict movement with a hose connection
	the closed-circuit type can provide air up to 4 hours
	the open-circuit type only provide air for 30 - 60 minutes

are normally used when there are extended work periods required in atmospheres that are not immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH)

are normally used when there are extended work periods required in atmospheres that are or may be immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH)

are normally used when there is a short-time need to enter and escape from atmospheres which are or may be immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH)

Employers are required to provide employees using atmosphere-supplying respirators (supplied air and self contained breathing apparatus) with breathing gases of high purity, and shall ensure that compressed air, compressed oxygen, liquid air, and liquid oxygen used for respiration is in accordance with the specifications of OSHA Standard 1910.134(i).

If you need help developing a respiratory protection program, call EHSO at 770-645-0788!