The Evolution of Breathing Apparatus for Confined Spaces: A Journey Through the Ages

Confined spaces present unique challenges and hazards. Specialised equipment is required to ensure the safety and well-being of those who work within them. 

Among the most critical pieces of safety equipment is breathing apparatus, which has undergone significant advancements since its inception. 

In this blog, we explore the fascinating evolution of breathing apparatus used in confined spaces, highlighting specific models that have played pivotal roles in the UK.

The use of breathing apparatus in the UK can be traced back to the early 19th century, driven primarily by the coal mining industry. Miners were exposed to dangerous gases such as methane and carbon dioxide, known as “black damp” and “white damp”, which posed significant risks of suffocation. 

The first breathing devices were crude and unreliable, often consisting of simple mouthpieces attached to air supply tubes. These early efforts were a start in focusing on respiratory protection, even though they weren't very effective.The 1860 Royal Commission on Accidents in Mines had considered the role and purpose of breathing apparatus (BA), designed to supply breathable air to the wearer for an extended period. But it was eventually incorporated into legislation by the Coal Mines Act 1911.

Several inventors and researchers worked on a system to remove carbon dioxide from breathed air with chemical means and then add normal or oxygen-enriched air to ensure a continuous supply of breathable air. The first recorded use of such an apparatus appears to have been in 1881 at Seaham Colliery, County Durham following an explosion at the mine. This was the "Fleuss" apparatus, named after its inventor. The development of this and similar designs progressed throughout Europe over this period up to 1910, this despite a general lack of interest by mine owners who doubted its value to save life.

However, the continuous loss of life and increasing evidence that people may have survived had they been removed from the irrespirable atmosphere created by a fire or explosion forced their interest to provide funds. Trials were conducted to choose the best design from several options.

The "Fleuss" design, which by then had been considerably improved by an individual working for a manufacturer, Siebe Gorman Ltd. was chosen. It was known as "PROTO" and was the fore runner of a type of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) that was used by the mining industry worldwide for the next 70 years or so. In some countries rescue workers are still referred to as "Proto Men".

There were other designs manufactured during this period. Some included the use of liquid oxygen, but the majority of Mines Rescue Stations in Britain standardised on the Proto type which, with various modifications over the years, provided a very practical 2 hour duration BA, trusted by those trained in its use. 

The 1910 Act was a major milestone for mines rescue provision in terms of facilities, equipment and training. 

1910/11 saw the development of the Drager model, made in Luebeck Germany: A smoke helmet type with textile neck seal and air flap, seven hoses, an oxygen cylinder and potash cartridge for CO2 control. Weighing 18kg it was an early form of re-breather breathing apparatus. 

At the same time, the Brown and Mills type “AEROPHOR” was launched. Named from the Greek word for “air carrier”, it was a British made nitrox semi-closed-circuit rebreather manufactured from 1910 and used into the 1950s. 

With a typical wearer duration of two hours, it comprised of a heat insulated tank containing 5.5lbs of liquid nitrox and 50% liquid oxygen which was filled immediately before use. Potash or soda lime was used for CO2 control.

In the 1950s, the Mines Rescue Service came under public ownership and had access to unprecedented funding levels to modernise its equipment. 

Whilst the Proto BA continued as the main apparatus, other designs were tried to seek lower weight and a more comfortable wearing and breathing designs. 

A significant milestone was marked with the development of the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). This innovation provided users with an independent air supply, eliminating the need for external air sources. 

In the UK, the Siebe Gorman Company introduced the Proto Mark V, a notable SCBA model that became a standard in various industries. The Proto Mark V offered enhanced safety, mobility, and reliability, setting the stage for modern respiratory protection.

In addition, the need for a self-rescuer was identified after mining disasters at Whitehaven in 1947, and Creswell in 1950, two mines with oxygen deficient atmospheres. 

A filter self-rescuer was developed that took carbon monoxide and turned it into carbon dioxide, which was still breathable, but relied on oxygen being present in the atmosphere. A suitable device was finally developed in 1967 and they began to be used by the Mines Rescue Service in the early 1970s.

The latter half of the 20th century saw rapid advancements in technology, leading to more sophisticated breathing apparatus.

Siebe Gorman AEROLOX

In the 1970s, the Siebe Gorman AEROLOX was introduced. This British-made closed circuit liquid oxygen breathing apparatus had a 2-hour duration, with a +25% safety factor. Weighing 13.4 kg, it included a 5.5 lb charge of liquid oxygen. The apparatus featured an absorbent charge of soda lime for CO2 control, a highly efficient cooling system, a glass fiber back case, and a submersible pressure gauge.

Siebe Gorman Proto MK1V

Siebe Gorman were a British diving breathing apparatus manufacturer most widely known for their diving helmets. They also manufactured breathing apparatus, and the Siebe Gorman Proto MK1V breathing apparatus was used by mines rescue personnel.

The breathing bag was worn on the chest and one oxygen cylinder worn across the lumbar part of the back. The wearing duration was two hours. The CO2 control “Protosorb” (soda lime granules) was loose in the bottom of the breathing bag and restrained by a perforated cloth partition.

The apparatus is fitted with a manual relief valve and bypass valve. The wearer had a strapped in mouthpiece and goggles. As with other breathing apparatus shown in these cabinets, no verbal communication was possible, so there was a reliance on audible signals like morse code (when possible). Although often, simply waiting for the team to arrive back at the agreed time was necessary.

Sabre SEFA

Sabre developed their SEFA (Selected Elevated Flow Apparatus) in conjunction with Mines Rescue Service. It was UK approved by the HSE in 1985.

The apparatus was a positive pressure closed circuit breathing system with options for either a CMF low flow rate of 5 litres per minute or a high flow rate of 10 litres per minute. It had a one-hour duration at 5 litres per minute and two hours at 10 litres per minute, with a total charge weight of 16 kg. Sefasorb (soda lime) was used for CO2 control.

With a 750ltr oxygen cylinder volume and built-in heat exchanger, the SEFA could be used in water. Although if doing so in a mine roadway, a dive team would assist. All mines rescue operatives would carry out annual in-water training, assisted by the dive team. 

This apparatus became the standard in the industry from 1984 with some 500 sets being purchased and was used until 2000.

Today, breathing apparatus technology has reached unprecedented levels of sophistication. The Drager BG4 Closed circuit positive pressure oxygen breathing apparatus was introduced in 2003 and is still used today. 

Weighing 14.8 kg, the apparatus features a 200 bar, 2-litre oxygen cylinder with a minimum constant oxygen dosage of 1.5 litres per minute. It includes an ice charge to cool the wearer and offers a duration of up to four hours. Dragersorb (soda lime) is used for CO2 control.Other features include an electronic display for monitoring cylinder pressure, a low-pressure warning device, wearer protection, and an audible and visible distress signal alarm. It also has a face mask with a chamois wiper and Klar pilot anti-misting.

2022 saw the UK launch of the highly anticipated Drager Pro Air long duration breathing apparatus. Designed for extended use, it offers enhanced comfort and improved air supply management, making it ideal for long-duration operations in hazardous environments. 

Drager also introduced the PSS AirBoss that same year. It incorporates state-of-the-art ergonomic design, featuring reduced weight and advanced materials that improve mobility and reduce user fatigue. 

Both systems integrate modern digital monitoring capabilities, allowing for real-time tracking of air consumption and wearer status, significantly improving safety compared to previous generations of breathing apparatus. 

In the UK today, breathing apparatus is a critical component of health and safety practices across a wide range of industries, from firefighting and mining to chemical processing and confined space work.

The technology behind breathing apparatus continues to advance, with modern devices featuring lighter materials, improved ergonomics, and enhanced digital monitoring systems. The introduction of integrated communications systems has also improved safety and coordination during emergencies, allowing for better protection in an even broader range of environments.

Contact MRS Training & Rescue today for specialist confined space and breathing apparatus training.