Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is a respiratory device that contains and delivers breathable compressed air. The open-circuit, positive pressure-demand SCBA is the most common and used by firefighters and others who may be exposed to oxygen-deficient environments, smoke, toxic gas, or other contaminants that are immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH).
SCBA designed for firefighters are certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1981 offers an additive standard that applies to all open-circuit SCBA and combination SCBA/SARs.
SCBA consists of the following*:
- Air cylinder (pounds per square inch = PSI) made of steel, aluminum, or carbon-fiber composite
- Low-pressure 2,216 PSI
- Medium-pressure 3,000 PSI
- High-pressure 4,500 PSI
- Pressure reducer and regulator
- Inhalation connection—full facepiece/mask
- Back-frame with straps
SCBA are available with air cylinders capable of providing 30, 45, 60, or 75 minutes of breathing air. NIOSH-approved SCBA should not be confused with NIOSH-approved emergency escape breathing apparatus. While both systems incorporate cylinders of breathable air, egress units provide air for a shorter duration—typically 5 or 10 minutes—and are intended strictly for escaping from a toxic or oxygen-deficient environment. Unlike egress units, SCBA are approved for entering toxic or oxygen-deficient environments.
The type of application, duration of wear, and anticipated frequency of use are all variables that must be considered before selecting an SCBA. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that SCBA facepieces must be fit tested prior to the initial use of the SCBA and at least on an annual basis. See the fit testing kits and supplies category page to select the appropriate product(s) to evaluate respirator fit.
Regulatory compliance details for SCBA are available at the individual product level.
*NIOSH does not certify individual SCBA components
Scott Safety™ Eyeglass Holder Spectacle Kits
Spectacle frame holder kits for use with Scott Safety full facepiece respirators.
Scott Safety™ Field Install Kits for AV-3000™ Facepieces with SureSeal™
Upgrade accessory for the standard AV-3000 facepieces with radio direct interface.
Scott Safety™ SCBA Respirator Accessory, Primary Spring
Replacement part that complements first stage pressure reducing valve.
Scott Safety™ SCBA Respirator Accessory, Transfer Valve
Enables transfer from external air source to cylinder in the event of primary air source interruption.
Scott Safety™ Air-Pak™ SCBA Respirator Cylinder Straps
Replacement parts for Air-pak fifty scba respirator.
Scott Safety™ E-Z Flo Regulator Accessory, Diaphragm Lever
Keep your regulator in top working order with Scott replacement parts.
Scott Safety™ Replacement Part, Seat Gasket
The seat gasket helps to prevent leakage and is a significant part of the SCBA.
Scott Safety™ 2.2 Cylinder Valve Accessory, Pressure Gauge Cover
Pressure gauge cover offers cylinder protection from shock, impact, corrosion, and environmental conditions.
Scott Safety™ RIT-PAK III Emergency Air-Supply System
All-inclusive emergency air-supply system that works in mutual aid situations regardless of SCBA used by neighboring departments.
Scott Safety™ Air-Pak™ SCBA Respirator Accessory, Cylinder Latch
Replacement part for Air-Pak SCBA.
Scott Safety™ SCBA Accessory, 40mm Adapter
99.99% efficient filtration of aerosols and solid particulates for effective protection against numerous biological agents
Scott Safety™ Air-Pak Fifty™ SCBA Respirator Accessory, Shoulder Pad Assembly
Fire resistant shoulder pad replacement assembly for use with Scott Safety SCBA.
3M™ Scott™ Harness Assembly
Nylon harness for use with 3M™ Scott™ SCBA systems.
Scott Safety™ Air-Pak Fifty™ SCBA Respirator Accessories, Waist-to-Shoulder Belt
Shoulder and waist harness accessory for use with Air-Pak 50 SCBA system.