Commodity Fumigation License Practice Exam

Which type of respirator is equipped with air tanks on the back of the user?

1. Supplied-air respirators

2. Demand flow respirators

3. Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

4. Half-mask respirators

The correct answer is: Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

The type of respirator that is equipped with air tanks on the back of the user is a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). SCBAs are designed to provide breathable air from a tank of compressed air, allowing the wearer to operate in environments where the atmosphere is immediately dangerous to life or health or where there is a lack of adequate oxygen. The air tanks are typically worn on the back of the user, which offers significant mobility and reduces the burden of carrying a heavy apparatus. This design is especially crucial for first responders and workers in hazardous material situations, as it supplies clean air regardless of the surrounding environment. Other types of respirators serve different functions. Supplied-air respirators, for instance, usually consist of a facepiece that receives air from a remote source rather than having a self-contained tank. Demand flow respirators activate airflow only when the user inhales, which does not include the substantial tank setup found in SCBAs. Half-mask respirators cover only part of the face and do not have air tanks; instead, they rely on external air supply or filters to clean the air before inhalation.