PUAFIR207B - Operate Breathing Apparatus - Aust Fire&Emergency Serv Auth Council

This document is part of the support materials for the unit of competency,  AFIR207B Operate breathing apparatus open circuit (Release 2) . PUAFIR207B is a core unit in PUA20613 Certificate II in Public Safety (Firefighting and Emergency Operations), and an elective unit in PUA20713 Certificate II in Public Safety (Firefighting Operations).

Overview

Breathing Apparatus (BA) make it possible for the user to work in irrespirable atmospheres, and are a vital item of personal protective equipment (PPE) for structure firefighting.

Self-contained BAs are therefore used by most fire and emergency response agencies. There are many types, size and makes of BA. However, each can be categorised as either an open circuit set or closed circuit set. Open circuit sets, otherwise known as Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus(SCBA), are those where your expired breath is passed to waste via an exhalation valve incorporated in the facemask. Closed circuit sets are those where your exhaled breath is recycled within the set.

The resource outlines:

• the main components and general operating principles of open circuit sets,
• how to select, don, operate and maintain self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in an irrespirable atmosphere
• how to operate and maintain distress signal units in the event of distress or a need for urgent assistance
• the safe working practices and entry control systems required when operating BA in the challenging environments
• the use of guidelines and personal lines necessary when BA operators are required to work in limited visibility situations

Target audience

The intended audience for this unit are individuals who are required to select, don, operate and maintain BA as part of firefighting and emergency service work.