79 Questions
What is the main purpose of this respiratory protection policy?
To comply with the OSHA Respiratory Protection Requirements
Who is responsible for administering the respiratory protection program?
The Program Administrator
What is one of the duties of the Program Administrator?
Selecting respiratory protection options
Who is the Program Administrator for St.Johns County Fire Rescue?
The Deputy Chief – Support Services
What is required by OSHA standards for employers providing respirators?
Providing respirators that are applicable and suitable for the purpose intended
What is one of the responsibilities of the Program Administrator in terms of records?
Maintaining records required by the program
Where should all respirators be kept according to the standard?
Accessible to the work area
What is the minimum number of people required to be present in an area with a toxic or oxygen-deficient atmosphere?
Two people with respirators
In what situation is SCBA not normally required for wildland firefighting activities?
When there are normal smoke conditions
What is the minimum rating of the SCBA units used by firefighters in IDLH atmospheres?
Forty-five minutes usage
What type of SCBA is used for Special Operations and Fire Investigators?
MSA G1-CBRN pressure demand type
What is the purpose of having a second member in the area with a SCBA in an IDLH atmosphere?
To provide immediate assistance in case of an emergency
What should a firefighter do if they detect vapor or gas, breakthrough changes in breathing resistance, or leakage of the facepiece?
Notify their crew leader and evacuate immediately
What is the exception to wearing SCBA in a hazardous materials incident?
When the Incident Commander has determined that no actual or potential respiratory hazard exists
What is the requirement for members operating in an IDLH atmosphere?
At least two members must operate together
What is the purpose of the OSHA standard regarding respirator use?
To develop procedures for respirator use
When does the primary low pressure warning device ring?
When the cylinder valve is first opened
What is the purpose of storing respirators in a convenient, clean, and sanitary location?
To maintain the manufacturer's recommended storage requirements
How often will all SCBA/SAR units be inspected according to the standard?
Weekly
What is the approximate remaining service time when the alarm sounds on a 45-minute/4500 psig cylinder?
15 minutes
What is the purpose of the regular SCBA/SAR systems inspection and evaluation?
To determine the effectiveness of the program
What is the function of the Universal Air Connection (UAC) Assembly?
To be used by rapid intervention teams for emergency filling operations
What is the minimum air capacity of the air cylinder at 4500 psig?
66 cubic ft.
What is the purpose of the Inhalation check valve in the inlet housing?
To keep moisture and contaminants out of the mask-mounted regulator
What is the purpose of the first stage regulator?
To reduce the pressure of the air supply
How does the Heads-Up Display System (HUD) indicate the air cylinder volume?
Through a series of LED lights in quarter cylinder increments
What is the purpose of the second stage regulator?
To provide a positive pressure in the facepiece
What is indicated by four green lights on the HUD?
The air cylinder is 100% to 75% full
How will the electronic documentation of inspections be maintained?
Through the Department's approved electronic tracking system
What is the function of the Control Module?
To provide a user interface with the SCBA and PASS device
What happens when the user presses the RESET button on the Control Module?
The backlight is activated and the HUD is refreshed
What is the purpose of the random inspections by designated staff personnel?
To ensure compliance with the standard
What is the max rating of the air cylinder in terms of minutes of use? RIT pack
60 minutes
What is the purpose of the speaker module located on the left shoulder strap?
Not specified in the text
How will the facepieces be stored after cleaning, inspection, and any necessary repair?
In an appropriately marked carrying bag or clear plastic bag with drawstring
What is the purpose of a short double push on the PASS pre-alarm?
To reset the PASS pre-alarm
What does the background color of the control module screen correspond with?
The percentage of air remaining in the bottle
How do you select the TIC mode?
By pushing the green RESET button twice
What should you check for when inspecting the Control Module?
External cracks in the case or housing, missing screws, loose covers, or water retention in the case, damaged or missing buttons, and proper operation of buttons
What is the purpose of fit testing in SCBA training?
To ensure a proper seal between the facepiece and the face
What happens when the battery level indicates two yellow bars?
The battery module needs to be replaced
Who is responsible for monitoring work area conditions and member stress levels?
The supervisor of a company, crew, or workgroup
Where is the rechargeable battery module located on the SCBA?
On the user side of the SCBA in the middle of the back plate
What happens to members who cannot successfully pass the fit test with a medium-sized mask?
They are tested and fitted with a small or large mask
What should you do before placing a battery in the charging station?
Make sure there is no water or debris on the battery module or charging station
What indicates that the G1 is ready to use?
A green check box
How do you turn off the SCBA?
By double clicking the RESET button
What is the minimum requirement for fill station training coverage?
Procedures for inspecting the SCBA cylinder, ensuring proper hydrostatic test date, and safely operating the fill station
What happens when you push and hold the ALARM button?
The PASS full alarm is activated
What happens to composite cylinders older than 15 years?
They are removed from service and not refilled
What is the responsibility of the Incident Commander at an incident?
To monitor work area conditions, member stress levels, and make assignments accordingly
What is the purpose of establishing rest and rehabilitation areas at an incident?
To provide a place for members to rest and rehabilitate
Why is it important to use at least grade D air when filling SCBA cylinders?
To prevent cylinder failure
What happens to members who are judged to be at risk of developing heat stroke or heat exhaustion?
They are relieved until rehabilitated
What should be done before using the SCBA?
All of the above
What should be checked on the control module before each use?
The thermal imager plate and mask-mounted regulator
What should be done after opening the SCBA cylinder valve?
Listen for the audible alarm
What should be done if the alarm fails to ring during the system check?
Do not use the SCBA and remove from service
What should be compared during the system check?
The Control Module gauge pressure against the cylinder pressure
What should be done if air flows from the regulator during the system check?
Repeat steps 69 and 70
How should the bypass valve be operated during the system check?
Turn it counter-clockwise
What should be done if the pressure drops by more than 100 psi in 10 seconds during the system check?
Do not use the SCBA and remove from service
What should be done when the pressure falls below 200 psig?
Turn the Control Module off
How should the harness straps be tightened when donning the facepiece?
Pull them straight back
What should you do to ensure a proper facepiece fit?
Perform a negative pressure seal test
When should the face-to-facepiece seal be tested?
Before each use
How do you properly insert the regulator into the facepiece adapter?
Push the regulator inward
What should you do if the facepiece does not hold a negative pressure seal?
Remove it from service for repair
What should happen when you turn the bypass knob counter-clockwise?
The airflow increases
What is the purpose of checking the bypass again after initial startup?
To ensure a continuous flow of air
Who determines the health and physical conditions pertinent to respirator use?
The Medical Director
Why is facial hair prohibited for personnel who wear respirators?
To prevent a proper face seal
Under what condition can a member be reassigned from respirator use?
If they are physically unable to perform the work
What is required for personnel who need corrective lenses for firefighting?
A written request to the Fire Rescue Chief
What is the purpose of the "routine" fit test?
To ensure a proper face seal
What is prohibited in contaminated atmospheres?
Wearing contact lenses
What is included in the training program for new members?
An explanation of the OSHA Standard
Why are temple bars of eyeglasses a concern?
They can prevent a good face seal
When are new personnel required to complete a medical exam?
When first employed
Study Notes
Respiratory Protection Policy
- Developed in accordance with OSHA Respiratory Protection Requirements, CFR 1910.134
- Applies to all St. Johns County Fire Rescue personnel required to wear respiratory protection
Program Administrator
- Responsible for administering the respiratory protection program
- Duties include:
- Identifying work areas, processes, or tasks requiring respirators
- Evaluating hazards
- Selecting respiratory protection options
- Monitoring respirator use
- Ensuring proper storage, cleaning, inspections, and maintenance of equipment
- Conducting training and fit testing
- Ensuring medical surveillance program is complete
Selection of Respirators
- OSHA standards require employers to provide respirators suitable for the purpose intended
- The Department provides MSA G1-CBRN pressure demand type self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
Training and Fit Testing
- Training includes hands-on use and fit testing under the supervision of a qualified instructor
- Members will wear the SCBA in a test atmosphere after initial training
- Current members will receive supplemental training and fit testing
- Fit testing will be done using a quantitative testing method with a Quantifit respirator fit testing machine
Member Exposure and Stress
- Supervisors will monitor work area conditions and member stress levels
- Supervisors will relieve or give rest breaks to members showing signs of heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or other related conditions
Records
- Records will be kept of inspection dates and findings for all SCBA
- Written records will be maintained for personnel medical status, weekly and annual inspections, maintenance, and random inspections
Storage
- Respirators will be stored in a convenient, clean, and sanitary location
- Storage will protect against dust, sunlight, heat, extreme cold, moisture, and chemicals
Monitoring of Plan Effectiveness
- Regular SCBA/SAR systems inspections and evaluations will be conducted to ensure the program's effectiveness
- Frequent random inspections will be conducted to ensure proper use, cleaning, and maintenance of respirators
MSA G1 System Components
- First Stage Regulator: comprised of a pressure reducer, Universal Air Connection (UAC), and primary low pressure warning device
- Second Stage Regulator: a pressure-demand regulator with a positive pressure in the facepiece
- Air Cylinder and Valve: designed for 66 or 88 cubic ft. air capacity at 4500 psig and rated for 45 or 60 minutes of use
- Heads-Up Display (HUD) System: indicates air cylinder volume and status or accountability information### Donning Procedures for SCBA
- Check the cylinder is fully pressurized, properly seated in the dovetail, and ensure the connection of the bottle to the SCBA.
- Check the mask-mounted regulator and control module for damaged parts before each use of the SCBA.
- Visually inspect the thermal imager plate on the control module for cracks and damage.
- Grasp the mask-mounted regulator and squeeze the push-to-connect (PTC) buttons.
- Check that the red bypass knob is fully closed (clockwise).
Pressurizing the SCBA
- Open SCBA cylinder valve fully to pressurize the unit, and then close the cylinder valve.
- Listen for the audible alarm to ring briefly as pressure in the system increases.
- Check that the regulator and buddy lights go through all LED light patterns when the system is pressurized.
Checking the SCBA
- Compare the Control Module gauge pressure against the cylinder pressure. It should be within 225 psig for a 4500psi cylinder system.
- Check for bypass operation by grasping the red knob and turning it counter-clockwise, listening for airflow, and then turning it OFF.
- Check for air leaks by closing the cylinder valve fully and watching the pressure gauge. If the drop is more than 100psi in 10 seconds, do NOT use the SCBA and remove from service.
- Crack the bypass valve slowly to bleed off pressure until the Control Module gauge drops below the parameters for the low pressure warning device to sound.
Donning the Facepiece
- Place the neckstrap around your neck so that the facepiece lens is against the body.
- Ensure all harness straps are loose, then spread the harness with both hands.
- Insert the chin well into the chin cup, then pull the harness back over your head until centered at the back of your head and not twisted.
- Tighten the two lower straps first by pulling them straight back, tightening until the mask is snug against the face.
Medical Certifications
- Personnel should not be assigned to tasks requiring use of respirators unless it has been determined that they are physically able to perform the work and use the equipment.
- New personnel are required to complete a medical exam when first employed. Current personnel will be evaluated annually.
Facial Hair and Eyewear
- Personnel who are required to wear respirators are prohibited from having any beard, mustache, sideburns, or other hair in the area of the facepiece-to-face seal.
- Glasses and other eyewear are permitted, but must not interfere with the operation of the facepiece inhalation or exhalation valve.
This quiz covers the OSHA respiratory protection policy, its scope, and the responsibilities of the Program Administrator. It's essential for St.Johns County Fire Rescue personnel who wear respiratory protection. The policy is developed in accordance with CFR 1910.134.
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