Which device is suitable for use in IDLH environments?

Which device is suitable for use in IDLH environments?

• A. SCBA
• B. Air Purifying Respirator
• C. Airline Respirator
• D. Chemical Cartridge

Answer: (A)

In environments that are immediately dangerous to life or health, you need a breathing system that does not depend on the surrounding air. A self-contained breathing apparatus provides breathable air from its own tank carried by the wearer, delivering a guaranteed oxygen supply and isolation from contaminants regardless of the ambient atmosphere. Air-purifying and chemical cartridge respirators filter the air around you and cannot compensate for oxygen deficiency or unknown toxic contaminants, so they aren’t suitable for IDLH. An airline respirator can supply air from an external source, but its protection hinges on the integrity of the supply line and source; a disruption or contamination of that external air can leave you unprotected. Therefore, the self-contained breathing apparatus is the appropriate choice for IDLH environments.

In environments that are immediately dangerous to life or health, you need a breathing system that does not depend on the surrounding air. A self-contained breathing apparatus provides breathable air from its own tank carried by the wearer, delivering a guaranteed oxygen supply and isolation from contaminants regardless of the ambient atmosphere. Air-purifying and chemical cartridge respirators filter the air around you and cannot compensate for oxygen deficiency or unknown toxic contaminants, so they aren’t suitable for IDLH. An airline respirator can supply air from an external source, but its protection hinges on the integrity of the supply line and source; a disruption or contamination of that external air can leave you unprotected. Therefore, the self-contained breathing apparatus is the appropriate choice for IDLH environments.