Which can last longer SAR or SCBA

• A. SCBA
• B. Both equal
• C. Neither
• D. SAR

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is how long the air supply lasts with different respirators. A supplied-air respirator is connected to an external air source through a hose, so its air supply can continue as long as the external source is available. In contrast, a self-contained breathing apparatus carries a finite amount of air in its cylinders, so how long you can work depends on the cylinder size and your breathing rate. Because the SCBA’s air is limited to what’s on the back, its endurance is typically tens of minutes. With a SAR, you’re not limited by a fixed onboard amount, so it can last longer—often for extended operations—until the external air source or hose limits are reached. Therefore, the longer-lasting option is the supplied-air respirator.