Atmosphere Supplying Respirators (ASRs)
—Atmosphere Supplying Respirators (ASRs) are a type of respiratory protection equipment that provides breathable air to the wearer. Unlike air-purifying respirators, which filter out harmful substances from the air, atmosphere-supplying respirators help deliver clean breathable air, either from a carried cylinder, or from an external source, such as a cascade system or breathing air compressor.
In Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) environments, Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators (ASRs) can be crucial for protecting individuals from hazardous conditions where the air is toxic, oxygen-deficient, or otherwise unsafe to breathe.
Types of Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators
—There are 3 main categories of Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators (ASRs). The choice of which one to use is based on a combination of duration and application. ASRs are used in everything from Firefighting and Rescue Operations to Chemical spills and confined space entry.
Employers are required by OSHA to supply the proper ASR for their employees.
Supplied-Air Respirators (SARs)
These respirators supply clean air from a source like an air compressor or air tank, connected by a hose. They are commonly used in environments where the air is contaminated, but not at a concentration that would be considered IDLH.
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
This type of respirator includes a portable air tank (or cylinder) that helps provide breathable air. It is typically worn by individuals who are in dangerous environments, such as firefighters and workers handling hazardous materials, where the atmosphere cannot be trusted to be clean air.
Combination Respirators
This solution has an auxiliary self-contained air tank that can be used if the primary air supply provided through an air hose fails during use.
Duration
—Atmosphere-Supplying Respirators (ASRs) can be vital tools for helping to ensure the safety of workers in IDLH environments, helping them to access breathable air when the surrounding atmosphere is unsafe. Whether through a portable air tank (SCBA) or an external air supply (SAR), ASRs are designed to help prevent immediate harm and help enable critical work in hazardous conditions.
- SCBAs typically have a set duration (usually 30 to 60 minutes) for which the air supply lasts, depending on the tank size and the user's breathing rate.
- SARs provide an unlimited air supply as long as the air source remains available, helping to allow users to work for extended periods. The air supply must come from a clean, uncontaminated source that is located outside of the IDLH or potentially unsafe environment.
Test your Air
—The Dräger Aerotest Alpha allows for the accurate detection of condensed oil, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water vapor in compressed air. The kit can be utilized to test all four pollutants at once or individually, depending on your needs.
Click Here to watch our videos on Compressed Gas Monitoring on YouTube.
Dräger Aerotest® Alpha
The Dräger Aerotest® Alpha is useful for helping to ensure the purity of breathing air in the low-pressure range of 43.5 to 290 psi. Its plug connections, using quick disconnects, help to allow for easy and hassle-free attachment to the low-pressure compressed air supply system. Within minutes, the quick check provides precise measurements and indicates the level of contamination.
Dräger’s Atmosphere Supplying Respirators
—Supplied-Air Respirators (SARs)
PAS Colt SAR
Dräger X-plore® 9300 Airline System
Dräger PAS X-plore® Airline System
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
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Dräger PAS Lite
Dräger PSS® 3000
Dräger PSS® 5000 NFPA-Certified SCBA
Dräger PSS® 7000 NFPA-Certified SCBA
Combination Respirators
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Dräger’s PAS® Colt
Combining versatility, ease-of-use, and the latest in breathing apparatus design, Dräger’s PAS® Colt is among the most technologically advanced, short duration, and emergency escape units available.
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