Supplied Air Respirator
A supplied-air respirator (SAR) is an atmosphere-supplying respirator that delivers breathing air from a source independent of the work area, typically via an airline hose from a compressor, cylinder, or building air system. The air must meet CSA CAN/CSA-Z180.1-00 standards and be tested annually. SARs are used when air-purifying respirators are unsuitable due to contaminants or oxygen deficiency.
On a manufacturing or shop floor, SARs are used when contaminant levels, oxygen deficiency, or hazard profiles make air-purifying respirators unsuitable. Common applications include spray painting, chemical cleaning, confined-space work, tank entry, abrasive blasting, and work with gases having poor warning properties. The worker wears a facepiece, hood, or helmet connected by an airline to a clean-air source in a non-contaminated area. Selection depends on the contaminant, exposure level, and assigned protection factor, with employer ensuring proper training and fit testing.
Is an SAR the same as an SCBA?
No. An SAR draws air from an external stationary source through an airline, while an SCBA carries the air source on the user’s body.
Does an SAR supply oxygen?
No. SARs supply breathing air, not oxygen, and the supplied air must meet breathing-air standards.
When is an SAR preferred over an air-purifying respirator?
When ambient air cannot be safely filtered due to high contaminant concentration, unknown contaminants, oxygen deficiency, or poor-warning gases, and a clean external air source is available.