Life-Saving Gear: How to Choose and Use SCBA and PAPR Effectively

PAPR and SCBA Systems

At Safety Supplies Canada, we are proud to partner with a company such as Dräger, that has been keeping workers safe for over 130 years, to offer you some insight on these lifesaving respiratory protection systems.

When it comes to SCBA’s and PAPR systems, knowing how to choose the right product, with its accompanying accessories, as well as learning how to use and maintain them properly are factors just as important as the knowledge of needing to wear one in the first place.

In many industries, respiratory protection is not just a recommendation, but a required piece of equipment to protect workers from hazardous conditions. In situations where toxic substances cannot be controlled, the use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) systems and Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPR) are an essential piece of PPE for avoiding long-term health problems.

Alarming Statistics

We know that failure to use proper respiratory protection can result in severe long-term health consequences and that prolonged exposure to airborne contaminants can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and occupational asthma. 

In fact, according to OHCOW,(Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers )asthmais considered to be the most common occupational lung disease in Canada.

However, even with this knowledge, and so many standards and regulations in place, many industries do not conform to using the proper equipment. This means that many workers are inhaling toxic substances without protection that can cause irreversible damage to their lungs, thus reducing life expectancy and quality of life. Are you?

Let’s begin with the most important question. Does your environment require respiratory protection?

While some industries may seem obvious such as firefighting, construction, mining, chemical manufacturing, healthcare, and waste and wastewater management as those that most often expose individuals to harmful dust, fumes, vapors, and biological agents, there are so many more that exist where workers could be exposed to harmful substances. Among those we find law enforcement, jobs in the federal government and pharmaceutical industry.

Again, the OHCOW states that there are over 300 chemicals in the workplace that are known to cause asthma, with the disease being most prevalent in the auto parts, foam and plastic manufacturing industries.

PAPR versus SCBA

PAPR systems use a battery-powered blower to pass contaminated air through a filter, providing clean air to the user. They are particularly useful in environments with low oxygen levels or where contaminants are at higher concentrations.

SCBA systems, on the other hand, provide a portable supply of clean air from a compressed air tank, making them indispensable in situations where the atmosphere is immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH), such as firefighting or confined space rescue operations.

Importance of Training and Maintenance

Equally important to wearing respiratory protection is knowing how to use it correctly and ensuring it is well-maintained. Training is vital for workers to understand the proper donning, doffing, and operation of these systems. Incorrect use can render the protection ineffective, exposing the wearer to potential hazards.

Comprehensive training programs should cover the selection of appropriate PPE, fit testing, and emergency procedures. Please contact our customer service team as they would be happy to help you schedule a training session directly with the manufacturer.

Finally, maintenance and cleanliness of respiratory protection equipment are paramount to their effectiveness and longevity. Regular inspection for damage, cleaning, and replacement of filters and parts ensure that the equipment functions correctly when needed. Neglecting maintenance can lead to equipment failure, putting the user at risk.

Not ready to buy - but need an SCBA for a particular project?

We offer equipment rentals - Check out our services page or contact us for more information.