Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

Self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs) are a type of SAR where the air supply is carried with the user, usually strapped to his or her back. This makes the respirator more portable, but it also limits a worker's breathing time since the tank is usually smaller. Some SCBAs recycle the air the worker breathes, while others simply provide new air and exhaust the old.

Self-contained breather apparatuses can operate in either demand mode or pressure-demand mode. OSHA does not allow for demand mode SCBAs to be used in any situation that is immediately dangerous to life or health. Cotton dust concentrations are not considered to be immediately dangerous to life or health, but other hazards at the worksite may be, and this needs to be a factor in the employer's selection process.

Pressure-demand mode is compatible only with full facepieces, helmets, and hoods. This is the single most effective option, but it is also the most expensive. In most cases, less protection is sufficient.

To learn more about Cotton Dust Safety visit our Cal/OSHA Cotton Dust Safety Online Training web page.