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How can we protect ourselves when the air that we breathe is contaminated?

Where possible, the first option to protect people from contaminated atmospheres is to control the pollution source by several means such as: re-engineering of the pollution source to minimize contamination, improvement of air ventilation, and some others. However, this may not be possible in all cases, and where the pollution cannot be controlled or minimized, it will be necessary to use Respiratory Protective Equipment.

Amongst air contaminants we can find gases, dust, fumes, mist, vapours, and smoke. When inhaled, these contaminants can cause damage to the nervous system, and respiratory system including lungs, nose and throat. Another serious hazard is atmospheres where oxygen concentrations drop below 17%.

In some industries operational activities requires to be carried out in conditions that are classified as Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) and his conditions are created when toxic chemicals, gases or particles are present in the atmosphere we breathe, or when exist a deficiency of oxygen. A sudden exposition to this situation can overcome individuals, creating a potential threat to health or even worst, cause irreversible damage.

There are two ways we can protect us against this hazards. As mentioned earlier, controlling the contamination source will prevent from entering in the air we breathe. This can include a system isolating the hazard, enclosure of the procedure creates the contamination, improving air ventilation in the exposed area and keep the systems working properly. When air contamination cannot be avoided the alternative is the use of respiratory protective equipment. Commonly considered as a last resort method, wear respiratory protective equipment is quite practical when access to compromised areas for short periods of time is required, or in emergency cases. Suitable respiratory protective equipment for these cases can include masks, respirators, air-feed systems and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

Respiratory protection for fire fighters

When talking about firefighters, statistics show that here of four fatalities are caused by smoke inhalation. It is a basic rule that firefighters wear suitable respiratory protective equipment when operating under hostile environments where chemical fumes, dust, fire, lack of oxygen are involved. In most cases, a firefighter will be subjected to life-threatening situations and the protection given to the rescue personnel must be the best equipment available in order to preserve their life.

A practical guide to know protective factors provided by different types of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) can be found in BS EN 529:2005; Guide to implementing an effective respiratory device programme. In today’s world, when we face new threats such as terrorism, unprecedented chemical fires, in HELIOS INNOVATIVE we are dedicated to research, and explore ways to develop Respiratory Protective Equipment capable of defeat the kind of hazards modern firefighters can expect when accomplishing their mission.

Fire and Rescue Services commonly wear Respiratory Protective Equipment conforming to EN137 Standard, Self-Contained Open Circuit Compressed air Breathing Apparatus. It is extremely important to wear SCBA equipment designed to allow a fluent communication between team members without compromising level of protection. It is also important that the back plate, and air cylinder design allows the user a comfortable range of movements, being capable of perform his duty in all orientations.

As we can see, the use of suitable Respiratory Protective Equipment, specifically SCBA is a matter of importance when talking about saving lives. That’s the reason why HELIOS INNOVATIVE works every day to improve, and innovate in the SCBA industry.