Abstract: A breathing apparatus comprises at least one spherical container (15) for breathable gas attached to a harness (1,9,20,21) (5) (109) for securing the same to a user. Each container may be located within a protective casing (14,14′) and is preferably formed of composite material.

Abstract: A harness to enable the wearer to carry an article such as breathing apparatus comprises a waist belt (9) carrying a waist plate (1) to which a back plate (21) is secured. The harness includes shoulder straps (20) and a coupling (41,50) for securing the article to it. The back plate (21) is moveable with respect to the waist plate (1) to facilitate movement of the wearer's body.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of high pressure fluid from an outlet 3 is described. A safety mechanism is provided having a movable valve member 11. When nothing is connected to the outlet the valve member 11 impedes the flow of high pressure fluid to the outlet. When a connector 21 is attached to the outlet 3 the valve member 11 is moved into a position in which the high pressure fluid is free to flow through the outlet into the connector. When the connector is removed the valve member 11 returns to its original position.

Abstract: A two-stage breathing apparatus comprises a compressed air supply cylinder (1) provided with a cylinder valve (2) communicating through a high-pressure duct (3) with a manifold (4). A first high-pressure branch (5) of the manifold (4) communicates with a pressure indicator warning unit (6) and a second high pressure branch (7), comprising a high pressure flexible hose, connects the manifold (4) via a non-return valve (8) with a high pressure quick release connector (10). The manifold (4) contains a pressure reducer (11) which feeds a demand valve (12) provided on a breathing mask (14) via a further flexible hose (13).The non-return valve (8) permits flow in the direction from the high-pressure quick release connector (10) to the supply cylinder (1), but prevents flow in the direction from the supply tank (1) to the high-pressure quick release connector (10).