A Fire Fighter s Nemesis Before the introduction of breathing protection, firefighters had little choice but to inhale smoke and toxic fumes when fighting fires. In some countries firefighters were known as smoke-eaters. With no face or lung protection, the heat and carbon released by burning materials would enter the lungs causing irritation, breathing difficulty and even burns to the lungs themselves.
Fighting a bushfire or entering a building meant smoke would quickly fill the lungs and irritate the eyes. The heat would begin to burn the skin and airway. A firefighter could be expelling mucous from his lungs and nose for days after such an incident. Some firefighters received permanent lung damage. It was so common for firefighters to be affected by smoke and fumes, that eyewash was carried on all fire appliances. Later oxygen cylinders were also carried to help firefighters suffering from smoke inhalation. Until the introduction of breathing apparatus (in the fire service referred to as BA) firefighters often wrapped wet cloth around their nose and mouth. This method was often used until the 1960 s as not all fire appliances carried BA in Western Australia.
Airing History BA in WA Developing a way to provide cool, clean air to firefighters was a major challenge to fire service authorities around the world. As cities grew fires became more frequent, intense and toxic. Endeavours to overcome this problem have created a history around three main ideas - pumping air, recycling air and compressing air. Breathing apparatus training 1938 Including the old smoke helmet and the New self-contained breathing apparatus This smoke shed was located at Perth fire station. A training area was also created at Fremantle Fire Station by converting the old stables into a smoke tunnel. This tunnel was used until Belmont training Centre was built in 1962. Pumping Air In the early 1800 s in Europe the first style of breathing apparatus (BA) was developed. It involved pushing or pumping air along a hose from a foot or hand pump (bellows) to a fullface helmet. While providing some clean air this system had limited use. The hose restricted movement of the firefighter and could be damaged by fire or sharp objects. Manually pumping air down a hose would only work for a short distance therefore the person working the bellows had to be close to the fire. Without protection themselves, the pump person would often have to abandon the apparatus leaving the firefighter without air. Keen to give this apparatus a try the WA Fire Brigades Board ordered two sets in 1910. They did not arrive at Perth Central Station until 1913. I am pleased to report the receipt of 2 smoke helmets from Messrs Siebe & Co, Germany. These were ordered over 2½ years ago and I had given up all hope of ever receiving same. Reported by Chief Officer Lapsely - WA Fire Brigades Board minutes 28 th March 1913 Although limited in delivering clean air, no alternatives were available. This device was used in the WA Fire Service for the next twenty-two years.
For volunteer fire fighters, especially in the country regions, access to breathing apparatus was still many years away. Recycling Air In 1935 a new method of providing clean air was introduced to the fire service. It involved an intricate process of mixing oxygen with recycled air. This device was carried by the firefighter and marked the end of pumping air down a hose and the beginning of a new era the self-contained breathing apparatus. Testing the new apparatus 1935 While providing the firefighter with independent movement and around two hours of clean air, these apparatus required meticulous cleaning and attention to airflow pressure and oxygen valve settings after each use. They were also heavy and uncomfortable and required a tight clip to be worn over the nose.
Station Officer John McMahon shown here wearing a Proto-set during breathing apparatus specialist training 1961. Calm relaxed breathing conserved oxygen and could therefore extend the time a proto-set could be worn. John achieved over 8 hours from one oxygen cylinder. Proto-sets in use c1969 There were several varieties of these apparatus used in Western Australia. All featured an oxygen cylinder, a breathing bag containing a substance to remove carbon dioxide, a cooling chamber and a series of valves and hoses.
Compressed Air In 1965 compressed air breathing apparatus was introduced to permanent fire stations in Western Australia. This method is still used today. Firefighters wear a full-face mask that allows them to draw air from the cylinder on their back via a hose and valves. The process of compressing air involves forcing a large amount of air into a small cylinder. This is done using pressure. The air is dry to breathe as all the moisture is removed during the process. Using a cylinder of compressed air and a full-face mask meant there was no need for nose pegs and air recycling components requiring cleaning and setting. Empty air cylinders were simply sent and refilled. Compared to the Proto-sets, the compressed air apparatus is lighter and more comfortable to wear.
Compressed air breathing apparatus in use c1971 Hazardous Materials As industry and the use of chemicals increased so did the potential for a firefighter to be exposed to toxic substances. The height of this risk occurred from the late 1930 s until protective suits and consistent use of breathing apparatus was introduced in the 1970 s. There are still many dangers facing firefighters but the exposure to smoke and toxic substances have been greatly reduced. More efficient breathing apparatus, splash suits and enclosed protective suits along with strict wash-down methods enable firefighters to tackle dangerous incidents with minimal risk of exposure. Portable chemical wash-down facility
Splash suit Fully encapsulated suit Splash Suite The protection of firefighters from hazardous and toxic atmospheres is a high priority that requires continuous research and introduction of new breathing apparatus, clothing and technology to keep up with emerging hazardous that may face firefighters today.
Types of Breathing Apparatus used in Western Australia There are two types of breathing apparatus: o Open circuit - air or oxygen once exhaled is passed out into the atmosphere o Closed circuit: an exhaled breath is contained within the apparatus and is recycled. OPEN CIRCUIT Type Apparatus Source Method. Siebe Anti-Poys open air Smoke helmet breathing hose to air Siebe Gorman Spirelmo open air Smoke helmet air hose from bellows Burrell open air Facemask through canister & air hose Puretha open air Facemask through canister & air hose Siebe Gorman Air Master Compressed Air Facemask cylinder to mask Draeger PA 54 & PA 80 Compressed Air Facemask cylinder to mask Spiromatic Compressed Air Facemask cylinder to mask CLOSED CIRCUIT Proto MARK 1V & MARK V Oxygen Face mask or mouthpiece cylinder Draeger BG 174 Oxygen Face mask cylinder to mask or mouthpiece Salvus Oxygen Face mask cylinder Some images to use with the panels in this exhibit area: Enlarge this one if you can
These firefighters entered a large fermentation tank at the Perth Swan Brewery in 1974 to rescue an injured and unconscious painting contractor. A build up of paint fumes within the container ignited causing a large explosion seriously injuring the worker. This rescue would not have been possible if breathing apparatus was not available. Standing - M Hickey and P Dance Front from Left - S.O C Lorimore, M Castlehow, A Hill, B Britton, Gas masks were introduced during the Second World War. There was no air supply these masks acted as a filter.
Caption - Imagine the smell and fumes