SCBA – Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus in Australia
SCBA are specifically designed for entry, work, and exit from IDLH environments. It means any atmosphere where oxygen is below 19.5% or where toxic gas, smoke, or contaminant concentrations are high enough to kill or cause irreversible harm within minutes.
In an IDLH atmosphere, negative-pressure masks and air-purifying respirators cannot protect you. They filter the surrounding air, but if that air is already toxic or oxygen-deficient, they are dangerous to use.
SCBA equipment works differently, delivering clean, compressed breathable air to you from a cylinder you should carry on your back. It makes you completely independent of the surrounding atmosphere, so no hazards from ambient air can affect you.
At Absafe, you can buy two types of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus – open-circuit and closed-circuit options.
Open-Circuit SCBA
In an open-circuit system, you breathe in from the cylinder, and exhaled air is vented out into the surrounding atmosphere. It's the most widely used SCBA type across industrial, emergency response, and firefighting applications.
An open-circuit SCBA system is simple to operate and maintain and is well-suited for short-duration tasks. Air duration is typically around 30-60 minutes, depending on cylinder size and work rate, so you can't stay in an IDLH atmosphere for long.
Closed-Circuit SCBA
In a closed-circuit system, exhaled air is retained, filtered to remove carbon dioxide, and recycled back to you with additional oxygen added. Closed-circuit units are also called rebreathers for this reason.
These SCBA systems ensure significantly longer air duration than open-circuit systems. Also, since air is reused, you can use a more compact air supply cylinder.
Rebreathers are suitable for extended work in IDLH environments; however, they're more complex to maintain and operate.
When to Use SCBA Equipment
Under Australian WHS regulations and AS 2865 (Confined Spaces), SCBA is mandatory for entry into atmospheres that cannot be made safe through ventilation alone.
Common applications include:
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Confined space entry – tanks, tunnels, manholes, sewers, vessels, storage silos.
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Firefighting and emergency response – smoke-filled environments with unknown combustion gases.
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Chemical and industrial incidents – gas leaks, chemical spills, HAZMAT response.
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Oil and gas operations – areas with hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) or other toxic gas risk.
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Waste treatment facilities – pits and tanks with methane, hydrogen sulphide, or other hazardous gas accumulation.
Escape Self-Rescuers in Australia
Escape self-rescuers, also known as Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBDs) or Self-Contained Self-Rescuers (SCSRs), are designed for IDLH situations, but they serve only to get you out. They are compact and lightweight positive-pressure respirators, usually worn on a belt or kept within reach so you can access them quickly if the air around you suddenly becomes unbreathable.
Escape self-rescuers provide a short, independent supply of breathable air for around 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the model.
When to Use an Escape Self-Rescuer
Escape self-rescuers are made for scenarios where workers are in an environment that could become Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) without warning:
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Underground mining and tunnelling – fire, explosion, gas outburst, or roof collapse.
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Confined space work – unexpected gas accumulation or ventilation failure.
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Industrial facilities – sudden chemical or gas release.
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Utility and infrastructure work – sewer systems, underground water works, substation vaults.
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Offshore and marine operations – enclosed spaces where escape routes are limited.
Self-rescuers are not a substitute for Self Contained Breathing Apparatus as they don't provide enough air for entry or work. They only give you enough time to reach safe air.
Buy Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus and Self-Rescuers from Absafe
Absafe has supplied safety equipment to the Australian industry since 2002, backed by more than 150 years of combined team experience. We work closely with engineering, construction, façade access, and structural contractors operating in complex, high-risk environments where respiratory protection decisions carry real consequences. That’s why we only stock trusted, high-quality equipment.
Our SCBA and self-rescuer range, filters and mask and filter kits are sourced from globally recognised manufacturers with proven track records in the most demanding industrial applications. Browse our selection online or get in touch for expert advice. Our team has the experience to help you find the right equipment for your needs.
