What is the risk of using an SCBA without proper inspection?

Using an SCBA without proper inspection can lead to a critical risk of breathing contaminated air. The SCBA is designed to provide a supply of breathable air in an environment where the air may be hazardous, such as in smoke-filled or toxic atmospheres. If the SCBA has not been inspected, there could be faults or damages in critical components like the mask, regulator, or air tank.

A malfunction in any of these components can compromise the integrity of the air supply, potentially allowing contaminated air to bypass filters or enter the breathing circuit. This situation could lead to severe health risks for the user, ranging from short-term effects such as dizziness and disorientation to long-term effects related to exposure to toxic substances. Thus, regular inspections are vital to ensuring that the equipment functions correctly and provides safe, uncontaminated air as intended.