Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (medium)

Spring Fire Department Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Guidelines

• Purpose: The document outlines guidelines for the selection, use, replacement, inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of SCBA according to OSHA, ANSI, TCF, and NFPA standards.

• Scope: This guideline applies to all Spring Fire Department personnel, who are responsible for knowing and complying with it.

• Definitions:

  • Air-Supplied Respirator: A device providing breathable air from an external source in a contaminated work area.
  • Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA): A device worn by firefighters to provide breathable air in a hazardous atmosphere.
  • Personal Protective Ensemble (PPE): Department-issued firefighting gear including helmet, hood, coat, pants, boots, gloves, and SCBA with face piece, which is required in hazardous environments.
  • Hazard Area: The immediate area around a structure or operation where members may be struck by falling objects.
  • Hazardous Atmosphere: An atmosphere deficient in oxygen, containing toxins, or disease-producing contaminants; not necessarily an IDLH atmosphere.
  • IDLH Atmosphere: An atmosphere posing immediate danger to life, causing death or adverse health effects and preventing escape; requiring SCBA use.

• SCBA Use:

  • All members in an IDLH environment must use SCBA with the face piece in place and the PASS device activated, starting from initial attack to the completion of overhaul.
  • Eyeglasses are permitted inside the face piece, but not obstructing the seal.
  • Soft contact lenses are allowed, but hard contact lenses are prohibited.
  • Head coverings obstructing the face piece seal are not permitted.
  • Facial hair must conform to department grooming guidelines.

• SCBA Inspections:

  • Daily: All members must conduct a daily SCBA inspection.
  • Weekly: Weekly checks are performed each apparatus day.
  • Post-Use: SCBA must be inspected after each use on scene or in training.
  • Frequency: All breathing apparatus inspections must occur within one week.

• SCBA Inspection Criteria:

  • All components (facepiece, back frame, cylinder, hose, end-of-service-time-indicator, regulators, accessories) must be present.
  • Cylinder: Must be fully charged to 4500 psi. In service cylinders must not fall below 4000 psi.
  • Regulator: Ensure bypass valve and doffing switch function properly, gasket is intact, and regulator clicks securely to the mask.
  • End-of-service-time-indicator: Must activate at 25% cylinder pressure.
  • PASS Device: Must activate properly.
  • Cylinder Gauge and Remote Gauge: Pressure readings must be within 10% of each other.
  • Harnesses and Straps: Must be in good condition and fully extended.
  • Facepiece: Inspect for damage, cracks, tears, and holes.
  • Voice Amplifier: Confirm functionality.
  • SCBA Frame and Cylinder: Inspect for damage.
  • Hoses: Inspect for damage.
  • Gauges: Must provide accurate readings and be free from damage.
  • Cylinder: Confirm hydrostatic test date is within 5 years. Ensure the seal to the cylinder is tight, free from thread damage, and properly connected.
  • Visual Inspection: Inspect the cylinder for dents, gouges, cuts, heat discoloration, charred decals, melted gauge lens, or distorted bumper.

• Integrated Personal Alert Safety System (PASS):

  • Pre-Alert Phase: Ensure activation.
  • Pre-Alert Shut-Off: Confirm shut-off with motion.
  • Full Alarm: Ensure activation.
  • Reset Button: Confirm functionality (yellow button).
  • Manual Alarm Button: Confirm activation (red button).
  • Low Battery Indication: Confirm a chirp every two seconds, LOW BATTERY indicator, and a flashing light; continued operation of the heads-up display and PASS alarm in low battery condition.

• Maintenance:

  • Maintenance and repairs are performed by specially trained personnel.
  • Repairs must be done using manufacturer-approved parts; no unauthorized repairs.
  • SCBA Manager is responsible for maintenance and repairs.
  • SCBA Technicians must maintain certifications and qualifications as outlined by the manufacturer.

• Retirement and Disposal:

  • SCBA Retirement Criteria:
    • SCBA used for four NFPA edition cycles.
    • Failure to comply with annual testing requirements.
    • Beyond the ability to be decontaminated.
  • SCBA Air Cylinder Retirement Criteria:
    • Cylinders reaching 15 years of age.
    • Failure to comply with annual testing requirements.
    • Beyond the ability to be decontaminated.

• Retired Equipment: Retired SCBA and air cylinders cannot be used for training and must be rendered inoperable and discarded.

This quiz covers the guidelines for the selection, use, and maintenance of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) as per industry standards. Essential for all Spring Fire Department personnel, knowledge of these guidelines ensures safety in hazardous environments. Test your understanding of SCBA definitions and protocols to comply with safety regulations.