Camo, et al,
OHS&W isnt all about manual handling. While climbing out of a high cab, while wearing an airset does present some awkward situations, put that into perspective of what you may be required to do while wearing BA (climbing up/down ladders, working on rooves, etc). I think the big benefit of BA sets in the seat, is that BA then tends to be worn more reguarly (car fires/bin fires, etc)reducing the ammount of smoke therefore potential carcenogens etc, breathed in. I would also think that donning/ starting up a BA set in 30 secs to a minute under pressure would be difficult to do and some vital things may be ommited. While donning and starting up in the cab gives more time in a less pressured environemnt (compared to standing out the front of someones burning house). Also re-Comments that busy brigades may only go to one house fire a month, that may be true, but include all the care fires, bin fires, fire alarms etc that they attend and BA use starts to get higher. I think BA seats are of great benifit in Urban applainces, i wouldnt think 24p/34p appliances would warrent them, but the pumper appliances should.
SK