3M™ Scott™ Air-Supplied Respirators

Confined space work requires careful consideration of both known and unknown hazards. If an atmospheric hazard is anticipated, workers should utilize supplied air respirators with an escape cylinder, such as the 3M™ Scott™ Flite Airline apparatus or an SCBA for short duration work. If atmospheric hazards are not expected and workers are breathing ambient air, worker should have an escape only respirator available, such as the 3M™ Scott™ ELSA EEBD Respirator, for added safety.

Responding to emergencies often presents unpredictable challenges. Whether that task is rescue or exterior structural firefighting, be prepared by selecting an SCBA that is designed for potential emergencies. Consider an SCBA such as the 3M™ Scott™ Propak-fx SCBA with redundant safety features to protect the emergency response team.

A dedicated SCBA for escaping a hazardous environment may not be used regularly. While training employees on the use of the escape respirators is critical, infrequent use can be anticipated. Consider SCBA systems that are easy to use, have the appropriate cylinder duration for escape, and are streamlined to include only the features you need. For escape only, also consider the use of emergency escape devices such as 3M Scott ELSA EEBD Respirators.

In some chemical manufacturing processes, routine applications such as taking air samples or checking gauges may involve brief exposure to contaminants. A comfortable and reliable SCBA offers worker mobility for this task and is often the protection of choice.

There are several hazardous jobs that require getting dirty. As an example, cleaning or slopping out storage tanks requires a respiratory protection solution that is easier to clean.

Respiratory protection while wearing an encapsulating suit (Level A protection) requires maximum air capacity and safety. An SCBA with the most air afforded could be considered crucial, such as the 3M Scott Propak SCBA with a 60-minute air cylinder. For longer duration work consider a supplied air respirator that will automatically transfer to the escape cylinder if the primary air is disrupted, such as the 3M Scott Flite Airline apparatus. 3M™ Scott™ Fire & Safety also offers communication solutions for all SCBA and airline systems while wearing fully encapsulating (Level A) or chemically protective (Level B) suits.

Environmental remediation work requires careful risk assessment for consideration of all potential hazards and federal regulations. Applications where stringent medical surveillance should be applied can include working with asbestos, heavy metals, respiratory sensitizers, ionising radiation and certain biological materials. If an atmospheric hazard is anticipated that is known to cause occupational diseases such as asthma or cancer, use of respiratory protection that offers the highest level of protection as demonstrated by the Assigned Protection Factor (APF).

Having multiple models of SCBA or airline systems for different applications can present a challenge relating to training, maintenance and product use. Consider one SCBA with versatility for use in multiple applications such as the 3M Scott Propak-fx SCBA, or one supplied air respirator such as the 3M Scott Flite-COV, for use throughout the plant.