Portable Breathing Apparatus is highly specialized equipment. The wearers was required high levels of training for safe use

Portable Breathing Apparatus is fitted with a full face mask and a demand valve to provide a small positive pressure inside the mask

A 'Demand valve' is designed to provide air flow as demanded by the wearer

The Portable Breathing Apparatus can be cleaned and reused many times, as recommended by the manufacturer

It may be worn continuously for more than 1 hour

Portable Breathing Apparatus is suitable for use in oxygen deficient atmospheres, and in harsh and demanding environments

It is used for short term work such as work in tanks, trenches and sewers

Precautions and safety procedures are required for safe use. These come with training, experience, and knowledge of the harsh environment

This Portable Breathing Apparatus is OK for medium work rate (work involving sustained hand and arm movements, or similar to brisk walking)

It is also OK for a heavy work rate (heavy manual work requiring a lot of exertion and energy)

Dos

Establish the time limit - the duration for safe use

Set up a reliable system for communication

Set up a check-out and check-in procedure for Portable Breathing Apparatus

Select the right size mask for each wearer. Fit-testing for each wearer is required when using this RPE for the first time

Fit the straps as recommended

Ensure that wearers check the RPE fits correctly every time, as recommended by the manufacture

Ensure that the compressed air quality meets the minimum requirements of BSEN12021

Don'ts

Keep working beyond the safe working time

Continue to work if any warning signal sounds

Store Portable Breathing Apparatus in a dirty area or a dirty state

Use unserviced or dirty equipment

Use solvents to clean the mask, straps or hoses

Make DIY modifications to the RPE