Respiratory Protection
Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators
Atmosphere-supplying respirators are used to provide breathing air from a source independent of the ambient atmosphere. Respirators that supply breathing air are generally used in highly hazardous work environments. It is critical that such respirator systems provide breathing air of optimal quality and that the equipment operates reliably.
Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators
The two types of atmosphere-supplying respirators are:
- Supplied-air respirators (SARs), also known as airline respirators, receive air from a connecting hose. The source of air is either a pressurized cylinder or an air compressor. Because the employee does not carry the air on his or her back when using a SAR, breathing air can be provided over a longer time period than is the case with an SCBA.
- Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units: Air is supplied from a tank (a cylinder of compressed air or oxygen). For this type of respirator, the source of the breathing air is designed to be transported by or with the equipment user.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-10. Which respirator will provide a positive pressure air supply over a longer period of time?
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