What is the primary purpose of a supplied air respirator (SAR)?

The primary purpose of a supplied air respirator (SAR) is to connect an external air supply to the user, delivering clean, breathable air to the individual through a hose or umbilical system. This is crucial in situations where the surrounding environment may contain hazardous materials, contaminants, or low oxygen levels.

In scenarios where air quality is compromised, a SAR effectively ensures that the user is protected by receiving a continuous supply of uncontaminated air, enabling them to work safely in environments that would otherwise be dangerous or life-threatening. The design of the SAR system allows for extended use since it is not limited by the capacity of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) tank.

The other options do not accurately represent the function of the SAR. For example, while filtering air contaminants and absorbing toxic gases are roles fulfilled by different respiratory protection equipment, they do not describe the primary mechanism of the SAR. Similarly, providing emergency oxygen pertains more to specific emergency apparatus rather than the continuous supply function inherent to a SAR. Thus, the correct option captures the essential function of the supplied air respirator in ensuring safety in hazardous environments.