Choosing the right SCBA for proper respiratory protection | Questions to ask Posted on February 8, 2019January 29, 2020 by Border States Worker safety is paramount, which is why industrial professionals should ask the right questions when it comes to choosing the right SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus). Many SCBAs on the market are advertised as safe, reliable, comfortable, user-friendly and approved by The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). While these claims are important, there are more variables to consider in the selection process, such as: If I go for the lowest price, will that mean more maintenance costs down the line? Will the SCBA measure up to environmental demands and operating time requirements? Will the provider offer training, retrofitting and integration with other equipment? Selecting the right SCBA can save you time and money in the long run. In order to accomplish this while also following guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI), you need to consider the critical factors highlighted in this blog post. Additional variables to consider when choosing the right SCBA Your questions about workplace conditions can help you find the right SCBA for your workers: What specific respiratory hazards are my workers facing? What are the physical and chemical properties of the hazards? Are there any other hazards present? What personal demands and environmental stressors come into play? In the presence of these variables, your challenge is to understand your organization’s unique application, demands, user needs, budget and maintenance requirements in order to pick the best SCBA for the job. After all, there is no one-size-fits-all SCBA. Here are some key factors to consider: Cleaning and maintenance: What kind of cleaning, decontamination and maintenance are required, and how often? Communications: Do you require radio comms or voice amplification? Facemask fit: Have you factored in the extra cost of individual user fit testing? Features and benefits: What are the additional basic and advanced needs of your wearers? Is your SCBA comfortable and easy to clean? Does it provide multiple cylinder options that are easy to change out? Is there an integrated shut-off valve to prevent air loss when disconnecting from the cylinder? Does the facepiece offer good visibility for your application? This blog post was drafted in partnership with MSA Safety. Check out MSA Safety’s original article, “How to pick the right SCBA.” Related posts Master the inspection, cleaning and storage of respirators | Mask safety tips How to wear a disposable respirator mask
