What type of personal protective equipment supplies safe breathing air to the wearer?

The self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is designed specifically to provide the wearer with a supply of safe breathing air in environments where the atmosphere may be contaminated or oxygen-deficient. It includes a wearable tank filled with compressed air and a face mask that completely covers the mouth and nose, thereby ensuring that the air the wearer breathes is clean and safe.

SCBAs are essential in many emergency response situations, such as firefighting, chemical spills, or any hazardous material operations, where exposure to harmful substances is possible. This equipment allows users to function effectively in dangerous environments for extended periods, offering protection against a wide range of airborne hazards.

In contrast, other options such as disposable masks and half-face respirators typically do not supply breathable air; instead, they filter out particulates and certain gases from the surrounding air. These devices rely on the existing air quality and may not be effective in highly contaminated environments. Similarly, a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) does provide some level of respiratory protection but requires a breathable atmosphere to function; it filters the air rather than supplying sealed, safe air like an SCBA does.