Supplied-Air Respirator (SAR) / Airline Respirator (AR)
SARs/ARs provide the following key features, advantages, and disadvantages:
Donning a Supplied Air Respirator - IUOE NTF
Key Features
- Compressed air is delivered from a stationary source (located away from contaminated area) to a half or full facepiece mask via a hose.
- They are worn when negative-pressure and powered air-purifying respirators do not provide adequate protection.
Advantages
- Provides high level respiratory protection.
- Provides positive pressure to mask so almost all leakage is outward.
- Less bulky and can be used for longer periods than self-contained breathing apparatus.
- May be easier for hospital personnel to use.
- Provides both respiratory and eye protection.
Disadvantages
- Length of air hose may limit mobility.
- Air hose may be a trip hazard.
- Clean source of breathing air is required.
- Fit testing is required.
- Immediately operable emergency escape respirator, escape hood, or escape mask is required.
- Communication can be difficult.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-6. What is a major disadvantage of supplied-air respirators?
You forgot to answer the question!