Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is a respiratory device that contains and delivers breathable compressed air. The open-circuit, positive pressure-demand SCBA is the most common and used by firefighters and others who may be exposed to oxygen-deficient environments, smoke, toxic gas, or other contaminants that are immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH).
SCBA designed for firefighters are certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1981 offers an additive standard that applies to all open-circuit SCBA and combination SCBA/SARs.
SCBA consists of the following*:
- Air cylinder (pounds per square inch = PSI) made of steel, aluminum, or carbon-fiber composite
- Low-pressure 2,216 PSI
- Medium-pressure 3,000 PSI
- High-pressure 4,500 PSI
- Pressure reducer and regulator
- Inhalation connection—full facepiece/mask
- Back-frame with straps
SCBA are available with air cylinders capable of providing 30, 45, 60, or 75 minutes of breathing air. NIOSH-approved SCBA should not be confused with NIOSH-approved emergency escape breathing apparatus. While both systems incorporate cylinders of breathable air, egress units provide air for a shorter duration—typically 5 or 10 minutes—and are intended strictly for escaping from a toxic or oxygen-deficient environment. Unlike egress units, SCBA are approved for entering toxic or oxygen-deficient environments.
The type of application, duration of wear, and anticipated frequency of use are all variables that must be considered before selecting an SCBA. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that SCBA facepieces must be fit tested prior to the initial use of the SCBA and at least on an annual basis. See the fit testing kits and supplies category page to select the appropriate product(s) to evaluate respirator fit.
Regulatory compliance details for SCBA are available at the individual product level.
*NIOSH does not certify individual SCBA components
3M™ Scott™ Harness Assembly
Nylon harness for use with 3M™ Scott™ SCBA systems.
Scott Safety™ AIR-PAK 75i SCBAs
Designed with durability and dependability for industrial applications.
3M™ Scott Fire & Safety™ Industrial SCBA - ISCBA
Self-contained breathing apparatus for industrial applications.
Scott Safety™ Air-Pak™ X3 SCBA
Meets requirements outlined in the 2013 Edition of the 1981 and 1982 standards.
Scott Safety™ Replacement Parts, O-Rings
The O-ring prevents leakage and is a significant part of the SCBA.
Scott Safety™ Air-Pak™ SCBA Respirator Cylinder Straps
Replacement parts for Air-pak fifty scba respirator.
Scott Safety™ E-Z Flo Regulator Accessory, O-Ring
O-ring prevents leakage and is a critical component of the SCBA.
Scott Safety™ SCBA Respirator Accessory, Transfer Valve
Enables transfer from external air source to cylinder in the event of primary air source interruption.
Scott Safety™ ACSi SCBA
Offers the Advanced Carrying System (ACS), which features a padded Thermoflex backplate molded to fit the spine and back muscles for increased comfort and flexibility.
Scott Safety™ E-Z Flo Regulator Accessory, Purge Body O-Ring
O-ring prevents leakage and is a critical component of the SCBA.
Scott Safety™ SCBA Accessory, EPIC™3 Voice Amplifier
Voice amplifier is an accessory for use with EPIC™3 facepiece and features automatic shut-off to reduce costs of battery replacement and improves equipment readiness.
MSA™ Ultra Elite Spectacle Kit for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
Spectacle kits allow full facepieces to accommodate eyeglasses.
MSA™ SCBA Accessory, ClearCommand Voice Amplifier Kit
Communication system accessory delivers over twice the volume as a facepiece alone.
Scott Safety™ AV-3000 HT Facepiece, Approved to NFPA 1981™ 2013 EDITION STANDARD
Uses proven SureSeal faceseal technology for comfort, fit and performance.