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 28th 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
Siebe
Apparatus
open air
Source
Smoke helmet
Method
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
“Anti-Poys”
Siebe Gorman “Air Master” Compressed Air Facemask
cylinder to mask
Draeger
Compressed Air Facemask
cylinder to mask
Compressed Air Facemask
cylinder to mask
PA 54 & PA 80
Spiromatic
.
CLOSED CIRCUIT
Proto MARK 1V & MARK V Oxygen
Face mask
or mouthpiece
cylinder
Draeger BG 174
Oxygen
Face mask
or mouthpiece
cylinder to mask
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