A self-contained breathing apparatus is also known as SCBA gear. This type of breathing apparatus is often used by firefighters, but it is also often used in industries where airborne environmental exposure to toxins is possible. If you are interested in firefighting, or any industry or field where lack of oxygen or presence of toxins or poisons is suspected, you'll go through SCBA instruction and training, also essential to firefighter's basic training classes. You'll be taught about the different types of SCBA gear, standard procedures and maintenance of such gear as a part of your routine training regimen.
Training Topics
Training topics for SCBA gear may include, but are not limited to, open- and closed-circuit SCBA apparatus and breathing, as well as conditions when they are to be used as well as their limitations. You'll also be taught both standard and emergency procedures in the use of SCBA gear, how to "buddy breathe," as well as scenario-based use of your equipment in different situations and environments.
Training Objectives
Training objectives for SCBA training classes and workshops are to teach you the function and purpose of SCBA equipment. You will complete required education regarding the design and maintenance of SCBA equipment and gear. As a student or recruit, you'll be expected to name and define basic components of your SCBA gear, know how to don your gear in different scenarios, and how, and when, to remove your gear safely. You'll learn how to change air cylinders and how to deal with certain situations, such as toxic environments.
Instruction
You'll learn about potentially dangerous environmental dangers that require the use of SCBA gear, including environments that contain certain toxins, such as radiation gases, chlorine and asbestos. Areas that lack oxygen, such as fire scenarios, are covered in basic instruction workshops and courses. You'll also be taught regarding the purpose and limitations of your SCBA gear, such as proper fit and seal of respirator units and masks. You'll learn about oxygen capacity depending on your physical activity and fitness, and the air capacity of your oxygen cylinder based on the rate and flow of oxygen that you'll learn to control with valves, based on the scenario.
Equipment
As a SCBA student, you'll also receive instruction regarding the valves, gauges and connecting nuts and rings that operate your gear and how to properly read your instruments for available air based on conditions and activity. You'll learn how to regulate your air cylinder valves and proper wear for your facemask, exhalation valve and speaking diaphragms, depending on the model and manufacturer of your SCBA gear. Instruction regarding how to tighten or loosen your facemask straps, your canister harness assembly and how to properly don and discard your SCBA equipment are also basic components to SCBA training classes and workshops.
