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FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Service Training OR Recruitment => Topic started by: geoff on April 29, 2008, 04:48:33 PM

Title: B A
Post by: geoff on April 29, 2008, 04:48:33 PM

Hi all. I have just passed my written tests and am moving on to my practical. I am not aware of being bothered by enclosed spaces but last week I put on a B A mask and I must be honest for the first few minutes I found it not nice, although I didn't run about panicing I did find breathing a bit hard for the first couple of mins and the mask clouded over, to be honest when the visor was covered over I found it a bit easier.  My question is, do you think it is a normal to react like I did and will it get easier if I make a point of popping to the station and keep trying it on? I have this nagging doubt that it may make that part of the test even worse if I am too bothered by a small thing like the mask. Thanks Geoff

Title: B A
Post by: Clevelandfire on April 29, 2008, 06:07:54 PM

Its very common - dont worry you will get used to the mask in time. People unfamiliar with BA can find them a bit odd at first but you will get used to them. The mask does get steamed up when not connected to a cylinder but in reality in a fire you cant see much anyway!!!

Title: B A
Post by: geoff on April 29, 2008, 06:26:17 PM

thanks for that, I'm trying for Northumberland, so not a million miles away.

Title: B A
Post by: rp on April 29, 2008, 07:00:57 PM

Hi,

To be honest from what I have seen, most of the people that carry out this test suffer from the mask steaming up and they end up not being able to see anything from the start. I wouldnt worry, if you keep trying it one you will get used to it.

p.s - From what I have heard there are no positions available at Northumberland so when asked at your physical you will probably have to put tyne and wear as your 1st choice.

Title: B A
Post by: geoff on April 30, 2008, 09:35:36 AM

great thanks for that, I am trying for retained first off ( although the recruitment process and tests are exactly the same now ) and then when a position comes up whole time I will apply for that. fingers crossed thanks guys

Title: B A
Post by: Andy Cole on April 30, 2008, 09:48:44 AM

Make sure you aren't on your own at the station when you are trying the BA mask!, always ahve someone with you for both your safety and also so they can show you how to do it properly and you don't practice doing it wrong!

Title: B A
Post by: geoff on April 30, 2008, 02:09:23 PM

yes I'll do that thanks for you advice andy