Breathing Apparatus

Question 1

What is the practical composition of inhaled air?

Answer 1

• 79% Nitrogen (N2)
• 21% Oxygen (O2)
• Trace (0.03%) Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Question 2

What is the practical composition of exhaled air?

Answer 2

• 79% Nitrogen (N2)
• 17% Oxygen (O2)
• 4% Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Question 3

Define the HOTS acronym.

Answer 3

High air temperature
Oxygen deficiency
Toxic atmospheres
Smoke concentration

Question 4

how many litres of air does a fully charged cylinder contain?

Answer 4

6.8L x 300 Bar
= 2040 L

Question 5

What is the fully charged cylinder equation and the working duration?

Answer 5

6.8L x 300 Bar - 2040 of air
2040/60L (consumption rate in L/min)
= 34mins - 10mins decon/exit time
= 24 minutes working duration

Question 6

What are the two types of BA?

Answer 6

• Closed circuit BA
• Open circuit BA

Question 7

List 8 expectations of a BA Operator.

Answer 7

• Don BA in fresh air.
• Work in teams of at least 2
• Select the designated fireground channel on portable radios.
• Deposit BA Tally tags at a BA entry prior to entering a building.
• Enter correct and relevant details on BA Tally Tag.
• Report to the BA entry and collect their BA tally tags on exiting the fire/incident. There must be a separate record for re-entry.
• Check timeout/low air periodically.
• Exit the fireground accompanied by at least 1 other member of the team when the cylinder pressure gauge of their BA reaches a pre-determined level, or the cylinder low air warning operates.
• Proceed towards the sound of a full alarm or distress signal.
• All crews will withdraw immediately upon the operation of the evacuation alarm.
• Use guidelines on the instruction of the IC.
• Report to BA Service after collecting BA tally tags from BA entry.

Question 8

What safety margin is applied when calculating the working duration?

Answer 8

100 Bar (approx. 10mins) exit/decon time.

Question 9

List 4 precautions to take when working in a smoke-filled, dark and hot environment.

Answer 9

• Work in pairs.
• Mark any unsafe areas.
• Progress on hands and knees.
• When moving upright, shuffle, plant and sweep. don’t walk.
• When feeling for hot surfaces, use the back of the glove
• Where there are stairs, remain as close to the wall as possible.
• Don’t move up or down stairs too quickly.
• If you become disoriented or lightheaded, advise partner.
• Shout ‘Fire Brigade’ continuously to attract the attention of any person within the area.
• Use slow and deliberate movements.

Acronym to remember only 4:
P - Work in pairs
H - Hands and knees
U - Unsafe areas marked
B - Back of glove for heat

Question 10

List 8 actions to take if you become lost or trapped.

Answer 10

1. Sound the BA distress Alarm.
2. Operate the personal radio duress button.
3. Move away from the seat or source of the fire/danger.
4. Move to an exit point if you can find one.
5. If possible, move down the building and not to upper floors.
6. Close doors behind you to minimise spread of fire.
7. Use a personal radio to contact your IC.
8. Locate, and follow your hose line to safety.