What should you do if you experience difficulty breathing while using SCBA?

The appropriate action to take if you experience difficulty breathing while using a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is to exit the hazardous area and troubleshoot the SCBA. This response is critical for personal safety and effective use of breathing apparatus. When facing difficulty in breathing, it indicates that there may be a malfunction or an issue with the SCBA, such as a low air supply, a seal failure, or contamination.

Exiting the hazardous area allows you to move to a safe environment where you can properly assess the SCBA without the risk of further exposure to harmful conditions. Once in a safe area, you can troubleshoot the equipment, checking for leaks, ensuring that the air supply is adequate, and confirming that you are using the equipment correctly. Prioritizing the investigation of the issue helps prevent potential dangers associated with inadequate air supply and ensures that you can return to the task safely once the problem is resolved.

Continuing to work in a situation where breathing is compromised can lead to serious health risks and impaired functionality, while switching to a backup air supply without exiting can leave one vulnerable if the situation deteriorates further. Seeking assistance can be beneficial, but it does not address the immediate need to ensure a safe breathing environment and troubleshoot the