Glossary of breathing apparatus terminology

A Glossary of Breathing Apparatus Terminology provides definitions and explanations for key terms and phrases related to breathing apparatus and respiratory equipment used in various fields, including firefighting, industrial settings, and emergency response.

A Sailor dons a self-contained breathing apparatus. (13154128273)

Flickr - Official U.S. Navy Imagery - A Sailor refills a self-contained breathing apparatus.

DOD Chemical Hazard Symbol - Wear Breathing Apparatus

Flickr - Official U.S. Navy Imagery - Sailor simulates equipment failure by breathing from a spare regulator during a training dive

Self-contained gas mask 8

Flickr - Official U.S. Navy Imagery - Sailors get trained on the proper wearing of the self-contained breathing apparatus air cylinder valve assembly during damage control training.

Flickr - Official U.S. Navy Imagery - A Sailor provides training on how to properly don a self-contained breathing apparatus.

Overview

Breathing apparatus and respiratory equipment play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals working in hazardous environments or responding to emergencies. This glossary aims to clarify and define terminology associated with such equipment.

Glossary of Terms

Below are some key terms commonly used in the context of breathing apparatus:

• Air Purifying Respirator (APR): A type of respirator that filters and purifies the air, removing contaminants before it is inhaled.
• Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus (EEBA): A compact, portable breathing apparatus designed for use in emergency situations, such as escaping from a hazardous environment.
• Fit Testing: The process of assessing the fit and seal of a respirator on an individual to ensure proper protection.
• N95 Respirator: A specific type of respirator that is highly efficient at filtering out airborne particles.
• Positive Pressure Respirator: A respirator that maintains positive pressure within the facepiece, ensuring that outside contaminants do not enter.
• Respirator: A device designed to protect the wearer from inhaling harmful substances, including gases, vapors, and particulate matter.
• Respiratory Protection Program: A comprehensive program implemented by organizations to manage and ensure the proper use of respiratory equipment.
• Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA): A type of breathing apparatus that provides a supply of breathable air to the wearer, typically used by firefighters and emergency responders.
• Supplied Air Respirator (SAR): A respirator that delivers clean air to the wearer through a hose or tube connected to an external source of air.

More terms

• ADS 2000 atmospheric diving system - A sophisticated Atmospheric diving suit designed for deep sea exploration, allowing divers to operate at great depths without the effects of pressure.
• Active addition rebreather - A Rebreather system where additional oxygen is actively added to the breathing loop by the user or automatically to maintain the optimal gas mixture.
• Active addition semi-closed circuit rebreather - A type of Rebreather that actively adds a specific gas mix to the breathing loop while allowing some exhaled gas to escape, reducing gas consumption.
• Aircraft breathing apparatus - Emergency breathing equipment found in aircraft, designed to provide crew and passengers with oxygen in cases of cabin depressurization.
• Alternative air source - A backup Breathing gas supply, such as a Pony bottle, used in scuba diving in case of primary system failure.
• Alternative air supply - Similar to an Alternative air source, it refers to any secondary source of breathable gas for underwater or hazardous environment use.
• Alternative gas supply - Another term for Alternative air source, emphasizing the provision of a different gas mixture suitable for the current or emergency depth in diving.
• Anaesthetic machine - A medical device used to deliver a precisely controlled mixture of anaesthetic gases and oxygen to patients undergoing surgery.
• Aqua-Lung - The first open-circuit, self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) invented by Jacques Cousteau and Emile Gagnan, revolutionizing diving.
• Artificial gills (human) - Hypothetical devices intended to allow humans to breathe underwater by extracting oxygen dissolved in water, akin to how gills work in fish.
• Atmospheric diving suit - A hard suit that protects divers from the pressure of the surrounding water and supplies breathable gas, allowing for deep-sea exploration without the need for decompression.
• Back-mounted scuba - Traditional scuba setup where the air tank is carried on the diver's back, connected to a Breathing regulator that delivers gas on demand.
• Bailout set - An emergency independent breathing gas supply, carried by divers to enable them to safely ascend in case of a primary system failure.
• Bailout system - Another term for a Bailout set, emphasizing its role in providing a safe means of escape from hazardous situations.
• Blackett's Aerophor - An early oxygen rebreathing device used for mine rescue and firefighting, named after its inventor.
• Breathing apparatus - General term for any equipment that provides the wearer with a breathable gas supply, used in various applications including diving, firefighting, and aerospace.
• Breathing gas - The gas mixture used in breathing apparatuses, which may include air, oxygen-enriched air, or other mixtures optimized for specific depths and activities.
• Breathing loop - The part of a rebreather system through which the breathing gas circulates, allowing for the reuse of exhaled gas.
• Breathing performance of regulators - A measure of how effectively a Breathing regulator delivers breathing gas to the user under varying conditions.
• Breathing set - A term for self-contained breathing apparatus, particularly those used in diving and firefighting.
• Breathing tube (breathing apparatus) - A tube that delivers breathing gas from the source to the user, commonly found in snorkels and certain types of rebreathers.
• Built-in breathing system regulator - A Breathing regulator integrated into vehicles like aircraft and submarines, providing occupants with breathable gas directly from the craft's supply.
• CDBA (Clearance Divers Breathing Apparatus) - A type of closed-circuit rebreather used by military divers for covert operations, minimizing bubbles and noise.
• CUMA - An acronym for a type of military underwater breathing apparatus, often referring to systems used in combat or reconnaissance diving.
• Carleton CDBA - A specific model of CDBA, designed and manufactured by Carleton Technologies, used for military diving operations.
• Clearance Divers Life Support Equipment - Specialized rebreather equipment designed for use by naval clearance divers, offering enhanced capabilities for underwater operations.
• Closed circuit breathing apparatus - A rebreather system that recycles exhaled air, removing carbon dioxide and adding oxygen, to create a breathable gas mixture, used in long-duration diving and hazardous environments.
• Closed circuit scuba - Another term for a Closed circuit breathing apparatus, specifically adapted for underwater diving, providing a more efficient use of breathing gas.
• Closed-circuit oxygen rebreather - A type of Closed circuit breathing apparatus that uses pure oxygen as the breathing gas, suitable for shallow dives due to the risk of oxygen toxicity at depth.
• Counterlung - A component of a rebreather system that expands and contracts with the diver's breathing, allowing for the recirculation and scrubbing of exhaled gas.
• Cracking pressure - The minimal pressure difference required to open a valve on a breathing apparatus, such as in a demand regulator, ensuring the flow of breathing gas to the user.
• Cryogenic rebreather - An advanced type of rebreather that uses cryogenically stored oxygen or air, significantly reducing the volume of gas needed for long-duration missions.
• Cylinder band - A strap or bracket used to secure a gas cylinder to a diver's backplate or to another cylinder, essential for managing gear configuration in diving.
• Cylinder pressure gauge - A device that displays the remaining pressure in a diving cylinder, allowing divers to monitor their gas supply during a dive.
• Davis Submerged Escape Apparatus - An early type of rebreather used for emergency escape from submerged submarines, illustrating the evolution of underwater breathing technology.
• Diving helmet - A rigid head enclosure with a breathing gas supply used in surface-supplied diving, protecting the diver's head and supplying breathable air.
• Diving rebreather - A type of Closed circuit breathing apparatus specifically designed for underwater use, offering silent operation and efficient gas use for divers.
• Drop tank (scuba) - An auxiliary gas supply positioned along the diver's ascent path for emergency use, part of a redundant breathing gas system.
• Dräger DM20 oxygen rebreather system and Dräger DM40 mixed gas rebreather system - Examples of modern rebreather systems designed for technical diving, providing divers with advanced control over their breathing gas mixtures.
• Electronically controlled closed circuit rebreather - A rebreather that uses electronic sensors and controls to automatically manage the breathing gas mixture, enhancing safety and performance.
• Emergency Air Breather - A compact emergency breathing device designed to provide a short-term air supply, used in situations where escape from toxic environments or smoke-filled areas is necessary.
• Emergency gas supply - An additional source of breathing gas that can be used in the event of a primary system failure, crucial for safety in diving and other high-risk environments.
• Emergency oxygen system - A system designed to deliver oxygen to individuals in emergency situations where normal air supply is compromised, such as in aircraft or during fires.
• Escape breathing apparatus - Portable breathing equipment used to make a safe escape from hazardous environments, typically providing a limited supply of breathable air or oxygen.
• Escape respirator - Similar to an Escape breathing apparatus, designed for one-time use to escape from environments with toxic atmospheres, often compact and easy to deploy.
• FROGS (Full Range Oxygen Gas System) - A versatile rebreather system capable of using various oxygen mixes for different diving depths, reflecting the adaptability required for technical diving operations.
• Freeflow - A condition in a diving regulator where air flows continuously, which can occur in cold water or if the regulator is malfunctioning, posing a risk of rapid air depletion.
• Fresh gas flow - The rate at which a fresh breathing gas is supplied to a breathing system, such as in an anaesthetic machine or a semi-closed circuit rebreather, ensuring the diver or patient receives a constant supply of oxygen.
• Full facepiece - A type of mask that covers the entire face, providing protection and a secure method to breathe underwater or in hazardous environments. It combines eye protection with a breathing mechanism.
• Full-face snorkel mask - A snorkeling mask that covers the entire face, allowing for natural breathing through both the nose and mouth. It has gained popularity for its comfort and panoramic field of view but has safety considerations to be aware of.
• Gas extender - A device or system in diving that extends the duration of the gas supply, often through methods like rebreather technology or enriching air with additional oxygen.
• Halcyon PVR-BASC - A model of rebreather known for its reliability and performance in technical diving, designed to allow divers extended underwater time and minimized gas consumption.
• Halcyon RB80 - Another reputable rebreather model designed for technical and cave diving, emphasizing durability, ease of use, and safety in challenging underwater environments.
• Hand-off cylinder - An additional gas supply that can be handed off to another diver in need, part of a redundant system to ensure safety during dives, especially in buddy diving practices.
• Helicopter Aircrew Breathing Device (HABD) - Emergency breathing equipment designed for helicopter crews, used in the event of a ditching over water to provide a temporary air supply for escape.
• High altitude breathing apparatus - Equipment designed to deliver oxygen or assist breathing at high altitudes, where the air is thin and oxygen levels are insufficient for normal respiration.
• Hookah (diving) - A surface-supplied breathing system that provides air to the diver through a long hose from a compressor at the surface, commonly used for recreational and commercial diving in shallow waters.
• IDA71 - A Soviet-designed closed-circuit rebreather used for military and commercial diving, known for its robustness and simplicity.
• Interspiro DCSC - A diving closed-circuit rebreather system designed for professional use, offering advanced features for safety and efficiency in underwater operations.
• JIM suit - An atmospheric diving suit that allows the wearer to operate at depth in the ocean without the need for decompression, named after Jim Jarrett, one of its developers.
• KISS (rebreather) - A type of manually operated closed-circuit rebreather, favored for its simplicity and reliability in technical diving operations.
• LAR-5, LAR-6, and LAR-V - Series of rebreathers developed for military use, specifically designed for combat diving and clandestine operations, emphasizing compactness and silence.
• Lambertsen Amphibious Respiratory Unit (LARU) - An early model of a closed-circuit oxygen rebreather, developed by Dr. Christian J. Lambertsen for military underwater operations, marking significant advancements in rebreather technology.
• Lightweight Oxygen Swimmers Equipment (LOSE) - Specialized breathing equipment designed for military and combat swimmers, focusing on portability and performance in stealth operations.
• Loop rebreather - A type of rebreather where the breathing gas circulates in a closed loop, allowing for the rebreathing of exhaled gases after carbon dioxide removal and oxygen replenishment.
• MSA Safety - A company specializing in the development and manufacturing of safety equipment, including breathing apparatus for industrial, firefighting, and rescue operations.
• Manually controlled closed circuit rebreather - A rebreather system where the user manually adds oxygen to the breathing loop to maintain the desired gas mixture, requiring careful monitoring and management.
• Mark IV Amphibian - A historical military rebreather used by combat divers, known for its role in underwater demolition and reconnaissance during wartime.
• Mechanical dead space - The volume of space within a breathing apparatus (such as masks or valves) where air does not undergo gas exchange, potentially affecting breathing efficiency.
• Mine escape set - Emergency breathing equipment designed for miners, providing a portable air supply to facilitate escape from hazardous environments or after an accident underground.
• Mine rescue - Operations focused on the rescue and recovery of miners trapped or endangered by mining disasters, often involving specialized breathing apparatus to navigate dangerous conditions.
• Mixed gas rebreather - A rebreather system that uses a mixture of gases (other than pure oxygen) to optimize breathing at various depths, reducing the risk of oxygen toxicity and decompression sickness.
• Momsen lung - A primitive emergency escape rebreather device used by submarine crews to ascend from a sunken submarine, invented by Charles Momsen.
• Mountaineering breathing apparatus - Specialized equipment used by climbers to assist breathing at high altitudes, where oxygen levels are significantly lower than at sea level.
• Nasal cannula - A medical device used to deliver supplemental oxygen or increased airflow to a patient in need of respiratory help, consisting of a lightweight tube with two prongs for insertion into the nostrils.
• Open circuit breathing apparatus - A type of diving equipment where the user breathes in from a tank and exhales into the water, without recirculating the air.
• Open circuit demand helmet - A diving helmet designed for use with an open circuit system, supplying breathing gas on demand, similar to a scuba regulator but in a helmet form for commercial and deep-sea divers.
• Orinasal mask - A part of a diving mask or rebreather that covers the nose and mouth, allowing the diver to breathe without inhaling water.
• Oxygen breathing apparatus - Equipment designed to deliver pure oxygen to the wearer, used in various applications from medical to high-altitude flying and underwater diving.
• Oxygen tank - A storage vessel for oxygen, used in healthcare for patient support, as well as in scuba diving and other activities requiring supplemental oxygen.
• Passive addition rebreather - A semi-closed circuit rebreather system where the addition of fresh gas compensates for metabolic oxygen consumption passively rather than being actively controlled.
• Passive addition semi-closed circuit rebreather - Similar to passive addition rebreathers, these systems allow for a mix of exhaled gas to be reused with fresh oxygen added passively to maintain the breathable mixture.
• Pendulum rebreather - An early form of rebreather where exhaled air is 'scrubbed' of carbon dioxide and then inhaled again by the user in a simple loop system, often with no additional oxygen supply mechanism.
• Phibian (rebreather) - A specific model of rebreather designed for both military and civilian use, known for its versatility in different types of water operations.
• Pony bottle - A small, independent backup air supply, used in scuba diving as an emergency source of breathing gas.
• Porpoise (rebreather) - An early model of closed-circuit rebreather used for underwater diving, known for its compact design and efficiency in recycling exhaled gas.
• Positive pressure breathing apparatus - A type of breathing equipment that maintains a constant pressure greater than the external environment, ensuring that no harmful substances can enter the mask or breathing system.
• Positive pressure open circuit breathing apparatus - Combines the features of an open-circuit system with positive pressure delivery, enhancing the safety of the user by preventing the ingress of toxic gases.
• Primary life support system - The key systems and equipment designed to keep an individual alive in an extreme environment, including but not limited to space suits and deep-sea diving suits, incorporating elements like oxygen supply and temperature regulation.
• Rebreather - A sophisticated breathing apparatus that recycles exhaled air, removes carbon dioxide, and replenishes oxygen, allowing for longer duration use with a smaller gas supply.
• Redundant breathing gas supply - An additional, independent source of breathing gas carried by divers to ensure safety in case the primary supply fails.
• Respiratory interface - The component of a breathing apparatus that connects the user to the breathing gas supply, such as a mask or mouthpiece.
• SCMBA (Self-Contained Mine Breathing Apparatus) - Specialized breathing equipment designed for use in mines, providing miners with a portable oxygen supply in case of emergency.
• SDBA (Surface Demand Breathing Apparatus) - A type of surface-supplied breathing system used for shallow underwater operations, delivering breathing gas on demand from a surface source.
• SEFA (Small Escape Filtering Apparatus) - A compact, emergency breathing device designed to filter toxic gases from the air during a quick escape from hazardous environments.
• SMS2000 - A model of military-grade rebreather designed for stealth and efficiency in underwater operations, showcasing advancements in rebreather technology for specialized applications.
• Scott Air-Pak SCBA - A brand of self-contained breathing apparatus commonly used by firefighters and rescue workers, known for its reliability and performance in hostile environments.
• Scuba set - A portable gas supply system that allows divers to breathe underwater, consisting of a regulator and one or more tanks of compressed air or mixed gas.
• Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) - A device worn by rescue workers, firefighters, and divers, providing breathable air in environments where the air is not safe.
• Self-contained self-rescue device - A small, portable breathing apparatus designed to provide a wearer with a temporary supply of breathable air in emergency situations, particularly in mining.
• Side-mount scuba - A configuration where scuba tanks are carried at the diver’s sides instead of the back, allowing for flexibility and access to confined spaces.
• Side-slung bailout set - An additional gas supply positioned at the diver's side, used for emergencies or when the primary air source is compromised.
• Siebe Gorman CDBA - A historic closed-circuit diving apparatus developed by Siebe Gorman, used for military and commercial diving, highlighting the evolution of rebreather technology.
• Siebe Gorman Proto - An early type of self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, marking significant advancements in diving equipment.
• Siebe Gorman Salvus - A self-contained oxygen rebreather designed for mine rescue operations, emphasizing the cross-application of breathing apparatus technology.
• Siebe Gorman Savox - An oxygen rebreather used for escape purposes in submarines and hazardous environments, showcasing the development of safety equipment.
• Single atmosphere diving suit - A hard-shell suit that maintains normal atmospheric pressure inside, even when operating in deep-sea conditions, protecting the diver from pressure-related health risks.
• Siva (rebreather) - A model of rebreather equipment, designed for specific applications, illustrating the diversity of rebreather technologies for various operational needs.
• Snorkel (swimming) - A tube that allows swimmers to breathe while floating face down on the surface of the water, commonly used in recreational swimming and snorkeling.
• Snorkel mask - A mask equipped with a snorkel, allowing swimmers to see underwater and breathe without lifting their head from the water, popular in snorkeling and shallow diving.
• Snuba - A portmanteau of "snorkel" and "scuba," referring to a system that combines aspects of both, using a long hose connected to a surface air supply, allowing for deeper exploration without scuba certification.
• Space suit - A complex system of garments and equipment designed to allow astronauts to survive in space, providing oxygen, temperature control, and protection from the vacuum and radiation.
• Stage set (scuba) - A supplementary scuba tank equipped with its own regulator, used for specific stages of a dive, such as descent, bottom time, or ascent, offering flexibility in gas management.
• Standard diving dress - Traditional heavy diving gear, including a metal helmet and waterproof suit, historically used for underwater work and exploration before modern scuba technology.
• Standard diving equipment - Refers to the basic set of gear required for scuba diving, typically including a mask, fins, regulator, buoyancy control device (BCD), and tank.
• Submarine escape set - Specialized equipment designed to assist submariners in escaping from a submerged submarine, typically incorporating a breathing system to protect against pressure changes and provide oxygen.
• Supplied-air respirator - A type of respiratory protective device that delivers breathable air from a safe source through a hose, used in industrial, firefighting, and hazardous environment operations.
• Surface-supplied breathing apparatus - Diving or industrial breathing systems that supply air from the surface through a hose, providing an unlimited air supply but limiting mobility.
• Swimmer Canoeist's Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) - Specialized equipment designed for military or covert operations, allowing operatives to breathe while swimming or submerged.
• Underwater breathing apparatus - General term for any equipment that allows breathing underwater, encompassing scuba sets, rebreathers, and surface-supplied systems.
• User respiratory interface - The component of a breathing apparatus that directly interfaces with the user, such as masks, mouthpieces, or helmets, ensuring the delivery of breathable air.
• Viper (rebreather) - A specific model of closed-circuit rebreather known for its efficiency and reliability in providing breathable gas in a loop system, used for extended underwater missions.
• WASP atmospheric diving system - An advanced type of atmospheric diving suit that allows for deep-sea exploration with more dexterity and mobility than traditional suits.
• Work of breathing - The physical effort required to inhale and exhale while using a breathing apparatus, an important factor in the design and evaluation of respiratory systems for comfort and efficiency.

Importance

A clear understanding of breathing apparatus terminology is crucial for the safe and effective use of respiratory equipment. Proper training and adherence to established safety protocols are essential to protect individuals working in environments where respiratory protection is required.

See Also

• Firefighting equipment
• Emergency response
• Occupational safety and Health

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