Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)


Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) - Basically, anywhere people needs a source of fresh breathable air. Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is used when there is no safe air supply. Breathing apparatus or SCBA is used to provide breathing air to the user. 

SCBA stands for Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. The term "self-contained" indicates that the breathing apparatus does not require a remote air supply. SCBA means that the equipment provides a micro environment disconnected from any external pollutants or chemicals. 

Any SCBA consists of three main components. A high pressure cylinder, regulator to control the pressure and inhalation unit (mouthpiece and mouth mask) are linked together and attached to a carrying frame. 

SCBA mask provides the wearer a well-equipped environment with fresh air delivered to the mask breathing air from a tank. The air tank, which is under high pressure, usually will provide enough air up to an hour, but a larger version available last longer. 

This is required under circumstances where there is no safe air supply available, and where the operator must be provided with a safe supply of air to enable them to survive.


Basically an SCBA respirator mask is similar to the equipment worn by divers, and the same attention as track how much air is available at any time must be undertaken. There are two main types of masks, open and closed circuit. 

With an open circuit system, once the air was blowing, it will be released into the environment. If this is not appropriate, for example where the environment must not be contaminated, the closed system should be used. With a closed SCBA system, the exhaled air is stored and will be reprocessed to allow more time for the wearer.


SCBA is the most important tool used by the workers for safety in the oil field, marine, fire fighters and rescue, mining and other industries. It is used by anyone from the fire department to hazardous industrial applications.