Chapter 2
Cylinder and Components
Edition 1 – December 2019 SAFETY FIRST 67
MSA G1 Electronic Breathing Apparatus
Buddy breather
The buddy breather allows operators to quickly and easily connect to, and breathe
from, a fellow operator’s air cylinder. The buddy breather system is integrated with the
BA to provide easy access during critical situations.
Some reasons an operator may have to use the buddy breathing line include:
a BA operator’s air supply fails;
the cylinder pressure drops below 100 bar and exit times to fresh air will be
substantial;
an operator is trapped or unconscious;
an operator is hurt and travel time to fresh air may exceed their available air supply;
an operator becomes disoriented or lost.
The buddy breather system is stored in a pouch fitted to the left waist belt that is
fastened shut with two press studs and Velcro. Notable features include the following.
Quick-connect with integrated check valve that prevents ambient air contamination.
Allows two MSA G1 BA (Classic to Electronic, Electronic to Electronic or Classic to
Electronic) to be attached together at medium pressure.
Integrated 720 mm rescue hose terminating at a manifold with both male and female
quick-connect fittings.
Rubber protective dust covers for both couplings.
Low profile design to help prevent snagging and accidental opening.
Allows airline and full encapsulating gas tight suit attachment.
When two BA’s are linked via the buddy breather connections, the air will be taken from
the pressure reducer with the highest pressure no matter what the cylinders pressure
are.
The following terms are used when describing the operation of buddy breathing:
Receiver
: the person who will receive the air during buddy breathing.
Provider
: the person who will provide the air during buddy breathing.
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