Definition - What does Supplied Air Respirator mean?
A supplied-air respirator (SAR) is a type of breathing device with a facepiece and an attached hose that runs from an air compressor or cylinder to deliver purified air to the wearer. SAR models do not substitute oxygen intake. The pressure-demand SAR units have a preferred air density ratio to filter out airborne hazards to make the air breathable during use.SureHire explains Supplied Air Respirator
The proper use of a supplied-air respirator will depend on the situation. While SAR model units are portable with a longer life cycle than other respirator units, workers must take caution to ensure the airline supply remains free of damage. A short distance between the air compressor/cylinder and the SARs unit gives ample slack to regulate the flow of air displacement the wearer needs to enter and leave worksites. Structural leaks can occur from loose debris or surface contact abrasions that cause the airline to fray. The physical removal of all hazard(s) from a worksite area is the preferred method before using SARs unit devices.
A respiratory protection program manages the health risks involved that often fall under the Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) scenarios. In these cases, most SARs units have a limited air diffusion capacity to provide clean air in an atmosphere where airborne contaminants may thrive. Plus, they offer restricted mobility due to the airline feed running from the air compressor, which can lead to kinks or ruptures to the hose. A HAZMAT SAR model coupled with a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) can help extend the time needed for an escape clearance from an area.
