SCBA Inspection Guidelines

Operational Check

• SCBA inspection is part of the daily check-off and must be performed after cleaning and disinfection.
• All personnel are responsible for inspecting their assigned SCBA daily, and this responsibility cannot be delegated.
• The SCBA inspection consists of a visual inspection and a functional test.

All Components

• Inspect all components for deterioration, dirt, cracks, debris, tears, holes, stickiness, signs of heat or chemical related damage, or other visible signs of damage.
• Inspect all straps for tears, cuts, wear, abrasion, missing buckles or straps.

Facepiece

• Inspect the lens for cracks, scratches, deformation, and color change.
• Check the facepiece rubber for a tight seal and secure fit to the lens ring.
• Ensure the exhalation valve is clean and operates easily.
• Inspect the facepiece inlet for damage and ensure the inhalation valve is in place.
• Inspect the nosecup to ensure the check valve is in place and the nosecup is secure to the component housing.

Regulator

• Ensure that moisture or debris is not present, especially inside the regulator and in the microphone ports.
• Inspect the o-ring and seal ring for damage or debris.
• Inspect the quick connect hose for deterioration, dirt, cracks, tears, or tackiness.
• Inspect the quick connect fittings and ensure they operate properly and are secured.

Pressure Reducer

• Inspect the high pressure relief valve for damage.
• Ensure the adapter on the cylinder valve is tight.
• Reattach the handwheel to the cylinder valve and push the quick connect coupling onto the cylinder valve adapter until an audible snap is heard.

Cylinder and Valve Assembly

• Check the hydrostatic test date on the cylinder approval sticker.
• Ensure the needle and gauge face on the cylinder valve gauge are clearly visible and not bent.
• Ensure the rubber boot is present on the cylinder valve.
• The cylinder must have a minimum pressure of 4050 PSI.

Carrier Assembly

• Operate the latch on the cylinder band to ensure it opens and closes properly and holds the cylinder securely.
• Ensure the unit identifier is present.
• Ensure the lumbar pad is attached securely.
• Ensure the power module and pressure reducer are secured to the back panel and lower cover.

Control Module

• Inspect the displays for cracks and other visible damage.
• Ensure the buttons are not damaged or missing.
• Inspect the hose assembly for secure attachment to the control module.
• Ensure the needle and gauge face on the gauge are clearly visible and not bent.

Power Module

• Verify proper function of the HUD, control module, power module, and low pressure warning device.
• Perform the PASS alarm operation guide with a full cylinder.

PASS Alarm Operation Guide

• Verify the proper function of the HUD, control module, power module, and low pressure warning device by observing the control module gauge and display when the alarms sound.
• Allow the control module to remain motionless for approximately 20 seconds to verify the power module sounds repeated tones of the PASS pre-alarm.
• Allow the control module to remain motionless until the full alarm sounds (30 seconds) to verify the power module sounds the tones of the PASS full alarm.
• Reset the PASS alarm by pressing the left reset button (green) on the side of the control module twice within approximately one second.
• To check the manual activation of the PASS alarm, press and hold the alarm button on the front of the control module until the alarm activates.

Procedure for Releasing the Pressure

• Press and hold the on/off button on the speaker module until the audible tone sounds and the unit turns ON.
• Push the regulator release buttons to ensure air flow stops.
• Remove the facepiece from the face and close the cylinder valve fully.
• Slowly open the bypass valve on the regulator to vent the pressure until the control module pressure reading drops below approximately 1575 PSI.
• Ensure a flashing red LED displays in HUD at the appropriate pressure, and the primary low pressure warning device is alarming.
• The alarms should continue until the air pressure is 200 psi or less.
• When the system pressure falls below 200 psi, turn the control module off by pressing the reset button (green) two times within approximately one second.
• Open the bypass valve slowly to release any remaining pressure in the system.
• Close the bypass valve and stow the SCBA.

Learn about the daily inspection requirements for SCBA equipment, including visual inspection and functional tests, to ensure proper maintenance and safety.