BA Flashcards
What is the practical composition of inhaled air?
- 79% Nitrogen (N2)
- 21% Oxygen (O2)
- Trace (0.03%) Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
What is the practical composition of exhaled air?
- 79% Nitrogen (N2)
- 17% Oxygen (O2)
- 4% Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Define the HOTS acronym.
High air temperature
Oxygen deficiency
Toxic atmospheres
Smoke concentration
how many litres of air does a fully charged cylinder contain?
6.8L x 300 Bar
= 2040 L
What is the fully charged cylinder equation and the working duration?
6.8L x 300 Bar - 2040 of air
2040/60L (consumption rate in L/min)
= 34mins - 10mins decon/exit time
= 24 minutes working duration
What is closed circuit BA?
The cylinder holds compressed oxygen, carbon dioxide is absorbed by the equipment and unused oxygen is re-circulated. These are long duration.
What are the two types of BA?
- Closed circuit BA
- Open circuit BA
What is open circuit BA?
The cylinder holds compressed air. The air that is exhaled by the BA wearer is released into the atmosphere.
What does a PACT check include?
- PPC/Equipment
- Air
- Communications
- Tally tag, Task
List 4 precautions to take when working in a smoke-filled, dark and hot environment.
- Work in pairs.
- Mark any unsafe areas.
- Progress on hands and knees.
- When moving upright, shuffle, plant and sweep. don’t walk.
- When feeling for hot surfaces, use the back of the glove
- Where there are stairs, remain as close to the wall as possible.
- Don’t move up or down stairs too quickly.
- If you become disoriented or lightheaded, advise partner.
- Shout ‘Fire Brigade’ continuously to attract the attention of any person within the area.
- Use slow and deliberate movements.
Acronym to remember only 4:
P - Work in pairs
H - Hands and knees
U - Unsafe areas marked
B - Back of glove for heat
List 8 expectations of a BA Operator.
- Don BA in fresh air.
- Work in teams of at least 2
- Select the designated fireground channel on portable radios.
- Deposit BA Tally tags at a BA entry prior to entering a building.
- Enter correct and relevant details on BA Tally Tag.
- Report to the BA entry and collect their BA tally tags on exiting the fire/incident. There must be a separate record for re-entry.
- Check timeout/low air periodically.
- Exit the fireground accompanied by at least 1 other member of the team when the cylinder pressure gauge of their BA reaches a pre-determined level, or the cylinder low air warning operates.
- Proceed towards the sound of a full alarm or distress signal.
- All crews will withdraw immediately upon the operation of the evacuation alarm.
- Use guidelines on the instruction of the IC.
- Report to BA Service after collecting BA tally tags from BA entry.
List 8 actions to take if you become lost or trapped.
- Sound the BA distress Alarm.
- Operate the personal radio duress button.
- Move away from the seat or source of the fire/danger.
- Move to an exit point if you can find one.
- If possible, move down the building and not to upper floors.
- Close doors behind you to minimise spread of fire.
- Use a personal radio to contact your IC.
- Locate, and follow your hose line to safety.
What is a primary search?
A rapid but thorough search of all areas that can be entered safely to find and remove occupants. Emphasis is on speed, but not at the expense of thoroughness.
