SCBA (SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS) || ALAT PELINDUNG PERNAFASAN

Summary

This video provides essential information on Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) used by firefighters and rescue personnel. It covers the dangers posed by toxic gases and smoke during fire operations, including gases like carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and nitrogen dioxide. The video explains the importance of using SCBA for respiratory protection, detailing the different types (open and closed circuits) and how to calculate the air supply duration. Additionally, it outlines the procedures for using SCBA, from pre-use checks to mask fitting and safety measures, emphasizing the importance of safety and effective use in hazardous situations.

Takeaways

• 😀 SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) is vital for firefighters and rescue personnel to protect their respiratory system from toxic gases and smoke during operations.
• 😀 The SCBA provides clean air or oxygen from a tank, ensuring users are not reliant on ambient air, which may be harmful.
• 😀 In fire situations, hazards like toxic gases (e.g., hydrogen chloride, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide) and high heat are present, which can be undetectable through regular senses.
• 😀 Low oxygen levels below 17% can lead to rapid breathing and coordination issues, while levels below 6% may cause death due to heart failure.
• 😀 Dangerous gases produced during fires include carbon monoxide (odorless, colorless, and can cause death), and hydrogen cyanide (which prevents cells from using oxygen).
• 😀 The SCBA comes in two types: open circuit, where exhaled air is expelled, and closed circuit, where exhaled air is filtered and re-breathed.
• 😀 Open-circuit SCBA lasts approximately 30-40 minutes, while closed-circuit models provide longer duration due to air recycling.
• 😀 The SCBA tank contains compressed air, similar to atmospheric air, with 79.3% nitrogen and 20.9% oxygen.
• 😀 SCBA usage duration depends on factors like tank pressure and volume, and there are formulas for calculating full and working duration.
• 😀 Proper training and practice in using SCBA ensure efficient and effective use in emergency situations, helping to maximize air supply and maintain safety.

Q & A

What is SCBA and why is it important for firefighters?

SCBA stands for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus. It is essential for firefighters as it provides a source of clean air or oxygen, allowing them to breathe safely in environments contaminated with toxic gases and smoke, which are common hazards during firefighting and rescue operations.

What are the main risks faced by firefighters during a fire or rescue operation?

Firefighters are exposed to various risks such as toxic smoke, gases, high heat, and oxygen deprivation. These conditions can cause respiratory issues, burns, unconsciousness, or even death, which is why protective equipment like SCBA is crucial.

What are the dangers of inhaling toxic gases and smoke during a fire?

Toxic gases like carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and others can bind with hemoglobin in the blood, preventing oxygen transport to vital organs. This can lead to symptoms like dizziness, unconsciousness, and potentially death. Smoke inhalation can cause severe respiratory distress or burns in the lungs.

What gases are most dangerous in a fire and how do they affect the body?

Some of the most dangerous gases in a fire include carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and nitrogen dioxide. Carbon monoxide prevents oxygen from binding to hemoglobin, while hydrogen cyanide inhibits cells from using oxygen. Nitrogen dioxide causes severe irritation to the respiratory system.

What is the difference between an open-circuit SCBA and a closed-circuit SCBA?

An open-circuit SCBA releases exhaled air directly into the environment. It typically lasts for 30-40 minutes. In contrast, a closed-circuit SCBA reuses exhaled air by filtering out carbon dioxide and retaining oxygen, allowing for a longer duration of use.

How do you calculate the full duration of an SCBA tank's usage?

To calculate the full duration, use the formula: (Pressure in bar) * (Tank volume in liters) / 40. For example, a tank with 250 bar pressure and a 6.8-liter capacity gives a duration of 42.5 minutes.

What is the normal oxygen level in the air, and how does a decrease in oxygen affect a person?

Normal oxygen levels in the air are around 20.9%. When oxygen levels drop to 17%, people may experience rapid breathing and muscle coordination issues. At 9% oxygen, they may lose consciousness, and below 6%, death is possible due to cardiac failure.

How do toxic gases like hydrogen chloride and carbon monoxide differ in their effects on the body?

Hydrogen chloride can cause respiratory irritation and eye damage, especially in fires involving plastics like PVC. Carbon monoxide, being colorless and odorless, binds with hemoglobin, blocking oxygen transport, leading to suffocation and potentially death.

What are the steps for checking the SCBA equipment before use?

Before use, visually inspect all components of the SCBA, including the harness, mask, and valve. Perform high-pressure tests to ensure the tank is fully charged and check the alarm and suit for functionality. Ensure the mask fits securely and perform a low-pressure test to ensure proper airflow.

How do you properly wear and use an SCBA during a firefighting operation?

To wear an SCBA, first ensure all straps are adjusted correctly. Attach the tank to the harness, check the fit of the mask, and ensure the air supply is functioning. Conduct both high and low-pressure tests to verify the system works, then proceed with the operation while maintaining proper safety precautions.