Don and Check Breathing Apparatus
Safe preparation, start-up checks, PPE and task equipment.
Don and check breathing apparatus before the team moves toward entry. This stage follows the pre-donning inspection covered in Part 1. It confirms that the set, the wearer and the supporting equipment are ready for the next phase.
First, the operator dons the breathing apparatus using organisational procedures. Next, they start and check the set. Finally, they confirm that personal protective clothing and ancillary equipment suit the task ahead.
Refresher progress
Mark each section refreshed as you complete Part 2.
Learning summary
By the end of Part 2, the learner should be able to explain correct donning, describe the reason for start-up checks, connect breathing apparatus use with PPE, and identify why ancillary equipment matters before deployment.
Wear the breathing apparatus using the approved organisational method.
Start and check the set before moving toward operations.
Understand how breathing apparatus works with protective clothing and equipment.
Select ancillary equipment that supports the assigned activity.
AIR SAFE
The AIR SAFE Cycle moves to Secure
Part 1 covered Assess, Inspect and Report. Part 2 now focuses on Secure. In this stage, the operator dons the set, checks its readiness and confirms that supporting equipment matches the task.
Assess
Assess why breathing apparatus may be needed in the hazardous atmosphere.
Inspect
Inspect air supply, components, ancillary equipment and serviceability.
Report
Report and record faulty or damaged equipment using organisational procedures.
Secure
Secure the set through correct donning, checking and task preparation.
Apply
Apply control procedures, communication and air awareness during operations.
Face
Face hazards, reduced visibility and entrapment using correct procedures.
Exit
Exit, conclude, clean, restore and debrief after the activity is complete.
01
Move from inspection to safe preparation
Part 1 confirmed that breathing apparatus must be checked before use. Part 2 begins when the operator moves from inspection into practical preparation.
Preparation begins after inspection
A breathing apparatus set may look ready after inspection. However, the preparation process does not stop there. The operator still needs to don the set, start it and check it.
This step matters because the equipment now becomes part of the wearer’s working system. As a result, both the set and the operator need careful preparation before the next stage begins.
Do not rush the readiness pathway
Training and operational pressure can build quickly. Even so, preparation should stay calm and controlled. Each step has a purpose, and each step supports safer work.
For example, a missed check before entry may create confusion later. In contrast, a steady preparation sequence gives the team a clearer starting point.
Sequence supports the team
Organised preparation helps the individual wearer. It also helps the trainer, team leader and crew. Everyone can see that the readiness pathway is being followed.
Therefore, Part 2 should be treated as a deliberate safety step. It links the inspection stage with operational readiness.
02
Don and check breathing apparatus using procedure
Donning is not simply placing equipment on the body. It is a controlled preparation task that follows organisational procedures.
Use the approved organisational method
The operator should don breathing apparatus using the approved organisational method. Personal shortcuts can create missed steps. Therefore, the recognised process should guide every preparation activity.
Equipment types and local procedures may vary between organisations. Even so, the core expectation remains the same. The wearer must prepare the set correctly and consistently.
Keep the preparation calm
A calm pace supports attention. It reduces rushed choices, and it helps the wearer stay focused. In addition, it gives the team a more reliable preparation routine.
Meanwhile, supervisors and trainers can observe the sequence more clearly. They can notice a concern early and provide guidance before the next phase begins.
Correct donning supports later performance
Breathing apparatus may be used in smoke, darkness, heat or confined areas. Because of that, poor preparation can create problems later. Correct donning helps the wearer start from a stronger position.
It also supports the checks that follow. As a result, the operator can focus on readiness rather than correcting avoidable issues at the last moment.
Stay calm
A calm pace helps prevent hurried choices and missed preparation steps.
Follow sequence
Use the approved organisational method rather than relying on memory alone.
Prepare to check
Donning leads directly into start-up checks and readiness confirmation.
03
Start and check the breathing apparatus set
The operator starts and checks the breathing apparatus using organisational procedures. This confirms practical readiness before operations begin.
Start-up checks move beyond appearance
A breathing apparatus set may look ready. However, appearance alone does not confirm readiness. The operator must start and check the set using the recognised process.
This creates a clear transition. The equipment moves from visual readiness to practical readiness. As a result, the team gains more confidence before the operating stage.
Checking remains part of safe preparation
Start-up checks are not optional. They form a key part of the preparation pathway. Therefore, the wearer should complete them carefully and without distraction.
If a concern appears during the check, the operator should stop and follow local procedure. It is better to resolve an issue early than carry it toward operations.
Urgency does not remove the need for checks
Some situations feel time-critical. Still, basic preparation remains essential. Skipping a required check may create a larger safety problem later.
For instance, a concern found before entry can be managed in a calmer way. The same concern discovered later may be harder to address.
DonWear the set using the approved procedure.
StartStart the set in line with organisational requirements.
CheckConfirm that the set is ready before moving forward.
04
Connect breathing apparatus with PPE readiness
Breathing apparatus forms one part of the wider protective system. Personal protective clothing and task equipment must also suit the activity ahead.
Breathing apparatus does not work alone
Breathing apparatus supports respiratory protection. However, it does not replace correct protective clothing or other required equipment. The responder needs a complete protective approach.
The wearer should view preparation as one connected system. The set, PPE, task, instructions and team all work together.
Protective equipment supports the work ahead
Before entry, the operator should confirm that their protective clothing suits the task. They should also check that the wider equipment picture makes sense for the activity.
In addition, the wearer should avoid tunnel vision. A narrow focus on the breathing apparatus alone may cause another important preparation item to be missed.
Complete readiness improves focus
Once PPE and breathing apparatus preparation are settled, attention can move toward the task. This supports better listening, clearer decisions and stronger teamwork.
Therefore, PPE awareness belongs in Part 2. It prepares the learner for the more demanding operational topics covered in Part 3.
Think complete readiness
- Breathing apparatus prepared
- PPE aligned with the task
- Organisational procedure followed
- Concerns resolved before entry
Avoid narrow thinking
- Do not focus on the breathing set alone
- Do not treat PPE as an afterthought
- Do not carry preparation doubts forward
- Do not ignore supervision or instruction
05
Select ancillary equipment for the task
The operator should select ancillary equipment that supports the assigned task. This makes task equipment part of safe preparation, not a last-minute extra.
Task equipment must be considered early
The breathing apparatus set is important, but it may not be the only item required. Ancillary equipment should be considered before operations begin.
The exact equipment depends on the activity and organisational procedures. Therefore, the learner should focus on the principle of correct task preparation.
Select equipment before moving forward
A responder should not wait until the final moment to consider task equipment. Instead, they should identify and select required ancillary equipment during preparation.
This reduces last-minute confusion. It also supports a smoother move into the operating phase.
Selection should match instruction
The learner should not gather equipment at random. Selection should match the task, the direction received and the organisation’s method.
As a result, the operator remains focused on useful preparation rather than unnecessary delay.
What task is ahead?
Understand the assigned activity and the instruction given.
What equipment is required?
Choose the ancillary equipment needed for that task.
Is readiness complete?
Check that preparation is settled before operations begin.
06
Resolve readiness concerns before entry
Part 2 creates the final preparation checkpoint before the series moves into active breathing apparatus operations.
A short pause supports safer work
Before entry, the operator should confirm several points. The set has been donned correctly. The set has been started and checked. PPE and ancillary equipment have also been considered.
This creates a useful readiness pause. It gives the wearer, the team and the supervisor one more chance to identify a concern.
Do not take uncertainty into the next stage
Part 3 introduces hazards, communication, breathing apparatus control and entrapment response. These topics require full attention.
Therefore, unresolved preparation concerns should not move forward. If something remains unclear, the team should address it first.
Good preparation improves operational focus
A responder who feels unsure about preparation may become distracted. In contrast, a responder who has followed the pathway can focus more clearly on the task ahead.
Clear preparation does not remove risk. However, it gives the team a stronger platform for the operating stage.
07
Scenario drill: the preparation issue
Choose the strongest response to this Part 2 readiness scenario.
Scenario
Your team has completed the initial breathing apparatus inspection. You begin the donning stage and prepare to move into start-up checks. During the process, you realise that the ancillary equipment needed for the assigned task has not yet been selected.
What is the best response?
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CHECK
Knowledge check: Part 2
Use these questions to refresh the main learning points before moving into breathing apparatus operations.
1. What is the main focus of Part 2?
2. How should breathing apparatus be donned?
3. What happens after the set is donned?
4. Why should ancillary equipment be selected in Part 2?
60 SEC
60-second refresher drill
Use this short drill to test whether the Secure stage of the AIR SAFE Cycle is clear in your mind.
Your task
- State what the “S” in AIR SAFE means.
- Explain what happens after the set is donned.
- Name why PPE still matters alongside breathing apparatus.
- Explain when ancillary equipment should be selected.
60Seconds remaining