What is the primary purpose of Air Supply Respirators (ASRs) when working in hazardous environments?

The primary purpose of Air Supply Respirators (ASRs) is to provide breathable air in hazardous environments. These respirators are designed to deliver a safe and uncontaminated air supply to the user, which is vital in situations where the air may be toxic, oxygen-deficient, or otherwise unsafe to breathe. In many emergency situations, such as firefighting or confined space rescues, maintaining adequate respirable air is essential for the safety and survival of personnel.

While items like filters are important in certain types of respiratory protection, ASRs specifically focus on supplying clean air directly from an external source, rather than filtering particulates from the existing air supply. Enhancing visibility and improving communication, although valuable in firefighting operations, are not their primary functions.