COMPANYNAME SOLAS TRAINING MANUAL PART B – Section 10 Breathing Apparatus
M/V “VSLNAME” Page 4 of 15
SMOKE HELMET Advantages
Disadvantages
No time limit
At least two men required
Cool in use
Distance from bellows limited
Minimal training required
Air tube may be heavy to drag
Easy to maintain and test
Air tube lifeline and hoses liable to entangle
Positive pressure providing pumping rate sufficient
Air line may get trapped or damaged.
Smoke helmet maintenance
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10.3.1.
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All equipment must be inspected at regular intervals, and always after use in practice or in an emergency. It should never be stowed, when wet or dirty. − The mask must be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instruction. This will usually be with warm soapy water, and disinfected. Check that the fastenings are in good order. − The safety harness and attachments must not be damaged or scuffed. Adjusting buckles must run freely and lock securely. − The lifeline should be treated in the same manner as other ropes and wires. Ensure that the outer covering is in good order and that there are no signs of deformity. − The air hose must not be crushed. Frequently connect the hose to the bellows and blow through to remove dust or insects that may have accumulated. Make sure that the seals between hose sections are in good order. − If the bellows are made of leather a suitable lubricant must be applied every six months or when the leathers appear dry. Lightly apply and allow the lubricant to soak into the leather. If the leather is allowed to dry it will harden and crack, and may cause the pins securing the leather to shear. 10.4.
SELF-CONTAINED COMPRESSED AIR BREATHING APPARATUS (CBA OR SCBA)
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The self-contained breathing apparatus is the most versatile and commonly used item of safety equipment found aboard ship. It comprises a facemask assembly, a frame (backplate) and harness assembly, an air cylinder and valve, a high pressure reducing valve, a warning whistle and a pressure gauge. The face mask, which forms an air-tight seal around the face, has an exhalation valve, a demand valve, a voice diaphragm and some method of preventing misting. The demand valve permits the use of the equipment as a positive pressure set. This ensures that the air pressure inside the face mask is higher than atmospheric pressure and so any leaks in the seals are outwards. That is, smoke or foul air cannot be drawn into the mask. The backplate is attached to the harness and includes a method of securing the air cylinders. There may be provision to enable an alternative air supply to be connected. Issue No. 1
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