SCBA
Government & Politics abbreviation · Emergency Services
| Stands for | Self-contained breathing apparatus |
|---|---|
| Categories | Government & Politics |
SCBA stands for Self-contained breathing apparatus, an emergency services abbreviation.
Breathing system worn by firefighters and hazmat teams, consisting of a compressed-air cylinder, regulator and face mask, which provides clean air in smoke and toxic atmospheres. Cylinders are typically rated for 30, 45 or 60 minutes, though hard work uses air much faster.
Example: Check your SCBA cylinder pressure before you go in; you need at least 90 percent.
Usage notes
SCBA standards in the US are set by NFPA 1981 and NIOSH certification. Cylinders are usually pressurized to about 4,500 psi. It differs from scuba gear, which is designed for underwater use. Low-air alarms warn wearers when it is time to exit.
Related abbreviations
More emergency services abbreviations
- PPV – Positive pressure ventilation
- PSAP – Public safety answering point
- RACES – Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service
- RIT – Rapid intervention team
- RNLI – Royal National Lifeboat Institution
- SAR – Search and rescue
- SDS – Safety data sheet
- SOG – Standard operating guideline
- START – Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment
- TIC – Thermal imaging camera
- UC – Unified command
- USAR – Urban search and rescue