Transcript OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL

FVCC FIRE RESCUE
SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS
OBJECTIVES




2-4.1
Identify the hazardous environments
requiring the use of respiratory protection (3-3.1)
2-4.2
Identify the physical requirements of a
SCBA user (3-3.1)
2-4.3
Identify the uses and limitations of SCBA
(3-3.1)
2-4.4
Identify each component and safety
feature of SCBA (3-3.1)
OBJECTIVES



2-4.5
Identify the function of each component of
SCBA (3-3.1)
2-4.6
Identify the daily inspection procedures for
the main components of SCBA per manufacturer’s
recommendations. (3-5.3)
2-4.7
Identify safety procedures to be used
when wearing and working with SCBA to include: (33.1, 3-3.4, 3-3.8)



2-4.7.1 General safety considerations
2-4.7.2 Monitoring of firefighters entering hazardous situations
2-4.7.3 Maintenance and storage operations
OBJECTIVES

2-4.8
Identify the following emergency
procedures to be used in the event of SCBA failure:
(3-3.1(b))
 2-4.8.1
Use of emergency bypass or purge valve
 2-4.8.2 Conservation of air
 2-4.8.3 Breathing from the breathing tube of
regulator in the event of a face piece failure
OBJECTIVES


2-4.9
Identify the major components of a SCBA
recharging system, giving purpose and operating
principles (3-5.3)
2-4.10 Identify rescue procedures for the
following without compromising the rescuer’s
respiratory protection: (3-3.1(b), 3-3.4(b), 3-3.8(b))
OBJECTIVES
2-4.10.1 A firefighter with functioning respiratory
protection
 2-4.10.2 A firefighter without functioning respiratory
protection
 2-4.10.3 A civilian without respiratory protection


2-4.11 Identify the methods of donning and
doffing of SCBA while wearing full protective
equipment
2-4.11.1 Donning SCBA
 2-4.11.2 Doffing SCBA

OBJECTIVES

2-4.12 Demonstrate donning and doffing of
SCBA while wearing full protective equipment: (33.1(b))
 2-4.12.1Don
and activate SCBA, within 1 minute,
according to manufacturer’s recommendations
 2-4.12.2Doff SCBA according to manufacturer’s
recommendations
OBJECTIVES



2-4.13 Demonstrate that the SCBA is in a safe
condition for immediate use (3-1.1.2, 3-3.1(b))
2-4.14 Demonstrate and document the cleaning
and sanitizing of SCBA components (3-5.3(b))
2-4.15 Demonstrate the daily inspection
procedures for the main components of SCBA
according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (35.3(b))
OBJECTIVES


2-4.16 Demonstrate the proper procedure for
recharging air cylinders used by the fire department
used by the fire department according to
manufacturer’s recommendations (3-5.3(b))
2-4.17 Demonstrate the use of all types of SCBA
used by the fire department in conditions of obscured
visibility (3-3.1(b), 3-3.4(b))
OBJECTIVES

2-4.18 Demonstrate the following emergency
procedures to be used in the event of SCBA failure:
(3-3.1(b), 3-3.4(b))
2-4.18.1 Use of the emergency bypass or purge valve
 2-4.18.2 Conservation of air
 2-4.18.3 Breathing from the breathing tube or regulator in
the event of a face piece failure
 2-4.19
Demonstrate techniques for maximizing the air
capacity of an SCBA under work conditions (3-3.1(b), 33.4(b))

OBJECTIVES


2-4.20 Demonstrate air cylinder exchange while
SCBA is being worn by a firefighter according to
procedures discussed in class (3-3.1(b), 3-3.4(b))
2-4.21 Demonstrate air cylinder exchange while
SCBA is NOT being worn by a firefighter according
to procedures discussed in class (3-3.1(b), 3-3.4(b))
OBJECTIVES

2-4.22 Demonstrate rescue procedures for the
following without compromising the rescuer’s
respiratory protection: (3-3.1(b), 3-3.4(b), 3-3.8(b))
2-4.22.1 A firefighter with functional respiratory protection
 2-4.22.2 A firefighter without functional respiratory
equipment
 2-4.22.3 A civilian without respiratory protection

OBJECTIVES

2-4.23 Demonstrate the use of SCBA in exiting
through areas with restricted openings in emergency
situations (3-3.1(b), 3-3.9(b), 3-3.10(b))


IFSTA, Essentials, 4th ed, Chapter 4
Delmar, Firefighter’s Handbook, 2000, Chapter 7
HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS

Oxygen deficiency
 Combustion process consumes oxygen
 Production of toxic gases may displace oxygen
 Oxygen concentration diluted by other gases during combustion process
HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS

Physiological effects of reduced oxygen (hypoxia)


17% oxygen in air


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Dizziness, headache, rapid fatigue
9% oxygen in air


Some muscular impairment
Increase in respiratory rate
12% oxygen in air


Normal – 21% oxygen in air
Unconsciousness
6% or less oxygen in air

Death occurs in minutes from respiratory failure and concurrent heart
failure
HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS
HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS

Elevated temperatures
 Heated
air can damage respiratory tract
 Excessive


Blood pressure drop
Circulatory failure
 Inhalation


heat (120-130 degrees)
of heated gases
Pulmonary edema
Death from asphyxiation
 Respiratory
tissue is not immediately reversible with the
introduction of fresh, cool air
HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS

Smoke

Smoke is a suspension of fine particles of tar, carbon and dust
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
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Tar
Carbon
Dust
Provides a means for the condensation of some of the gaseous
products of combustion such as aldehydes and organic acids
Some of these particles are lethal; some are irritating
Size of particles determine how deeply they will penetrate into
the lung
HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS

Toxic gases

During fires, a firefighter will be exposed to combinations
of irritants and toxicants



Each fire will present different products of combustion
Combinations may have a synergistic effect
Harmful effects of inhaled toxic gases
Disease of the lung tissue
 Impair the oxygen carrying capacity of red blood cells
Ex. Carboxyhemoglobin

HAZARDOUS ENVIROMENTS

Toxic gases cont.
 Type
of toxic gases given off are dependent upon:
 Nature
of the combustion
 Rate of heating
 Temperature of involved gases
 Oxygen concentration at time of combustion
HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS

Commonly found fire gases

Carbon monoxide (CO)


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More fire deaths occur from exposure to carbon monoxide than any
other product of combustion
Colorless
Odorless
Present at every fire
Results from incomplete combustion
Carbon monoxide combines with the blood’s hemoglobin about 200
times more readily than oxygen causing oxygen to be excluded and
eventually hypoxia will result.
Concentrations of carbon monoxide above five hundredths of one
percent (0.05%) (500 PPM) can be dangerous
HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS
 Carbon
monoxide cont.
 Symptoms





include:
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Cherry-red skin coloration
 Administering
pure oxygen is the most important element in
first aid care
 Brain injuries may appear up to three weeks after a severe
exposure
HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS

Hydrogen chloride



Colorless gas
Pungent odor
Causes swelling of upper respiratory tract


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Due to the increased use of plastics, PVC is commonly found at fires


Labored breathing
Suffocation can result
Polyvinyl chloride
Overhaul stage is especially dangerous


Latent heat can still decompose plastics
Electrical cables may continue to decompose after fire is extinguished
HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS
 Hydrogen
cyanide
 Interferes
with respiration at the cellular and tissue level
 Classified as a chemical asphyxiate
 Colorless gas
 Noticeable almond odor
 Materials that emit hydrogen cyanide include:

Wool, nylon, polyurethane foam, rubber, paper
 Concentrations
fatal
above 270 PPM are almost immediately
HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS
 Carbon
dioxide
 Non-flammable
 Colorless
 Odorless
 Concentrations
of greater than 10%-12% cause death
within a few minutes from paralysis of the brain’s respiratory
center
 Use caution when working around a total Carbon Dioxide
(CO 2) total flooding system
HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS

Nitrogen oxides


Nitrogen dioxide
Nitric oxide

Nitrogen dioxide is a pulmonary irritant

Reddish brown in color
 Commonly called silo gas
 Released from pyroxylin plastics
Causes pulmonary edema
Reacts with water and oxygen to form nitric and nitrous acids
Causes arterial dilation, blood pressure variations, dizziness and headache
Irritating effects can be tolerated while a lethal dose is being inhaled




HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS
 Phosgene
 Colorless,
tasteless gas
 Disagreeable odor
 Produced when Freon comes into contact with flame
 When in contact with water, it decomposes into hydrochloric
acid
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF SCBA
USER

Physical
Sound physical condition
 Maximize amount of work that can be performed
 Maximize available air supply
 (Only as good as your weakest link)


Agility
Must be agile as the unit will restrict wearer’s movements
 Will affect balance

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF SCBA
USER

Facial features
Need good face piece seal
 Presence of facial hair may not permit a proper seal
including as little as a 24-hour growth
 OSHA CFR 1910.134


Medical
Good motor coordination needed
 Must have good physical strength and size
 Good cardiovascular system
 Healthy respiratory system

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF SCBA
USER
 Mental
 Adequate
training in use of equipment
 Self-confidence
 Emotional stability
USES AND LIMITATIONS OF SCBA



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Limited visibility
Decreased ability to communicate
Increased weight
Decreased mobility
COMPONENTS AND SAFETY
FEATURES OF SCBA


Note: Closed circuit used in hazardous materials is
not used in firefighting
Basic components of open-circuit SCBA
 Backpack
 Designed
and harness assembly
to hold the air cylinder on the firefighter’s back
 Adjustable harness straps provide a secure fit
 Waist strap is designed to properly distribute weight of
cylinder pack
COMPONENTS AND SAFETY
FEATURES OF SCBA

Air cylinder assembly



Many different sizes available
Main weight of the breathing apparatus
Cylinder pressures and capacities:




Low pressure: 2216PSI, 45 cubic feet of air
 Rated to be 30-minute cylinder
 Expected use of time 12 to 18 minutes
Low pressure: 3000 PSI, 66 cubic feet of air
 Rated as a 45-minute cylinder
High pressure: 4500 PSI, 45 cubic feet of air
 Rated as a 30-minute cylinder
High pressure: 4500 PSI, 88 or 90 cubic feet of air
 Rated as a one hour cylinder
COMPONENTS AND SAFETY
FEATURES OF SCBA
 Regulator
 Regulator
reduces the pressure from the cylinder to slightly
above atmospheric pressure and controls the flow to meet
the needs of the wearer
 Bypass valve or purge valve is used as an emergency valve
should the regulator fail
COMPONENTS AND SAFETY
FEATURES OF SCBA
 Regulator
 Pressure
gauges are sometimes
located on the regulator or in close
proximity to the facepiece

 All
Should read within 100 PSI of the
cylinder gauge
units are required to have an
audible low pressure/quarter
service alarm
COMPONENTS AND SAFETY
FEATURES OF SCBA
 Facepiece
assembly
 Lens
 Exhalation
valve-one way valve
 Possibly a low pressure hose
 Adjustable straps or webbing
 Speaking diaphragm
VS 4B-6
SCBA REGULATOR ASSSEMBLY
High-Pressure Hose
from Cylinder
Facepiece
Interior
Mainline
Valve
Regulator
Gauge
Regulator
Open
Atmosphere
Detail of Exhalation
Valve Assembly
Bypass
Valve
Low-Pressure
Hose to
Facepiece
SCBA FACEPIECE
ASSEMBLY
VS 4B-7
Facepiece-Mounted Regulator
Belt-Mounted Regulator
Straps
Straps
Regulator
LowPressure
Hose
HighPressure
Hose
HighPressure
Hose
Regulator
VS 4B-8
CHECKING THE FACEPIECE
1.
• Seal lowpressure hose
with hand.
• Inhale slowly.
• Hold breath 10
seconds.
• Facepiece 2.
should stay
slightly collapsed
until you exhale.
3.
4.
• Again seal lowpressure hose
with hand.
• Exhale gently.
• Exhalation
should go out
exhalation
valve.
COMPONENTS AND SAFETY
FEATURES OF SCBA

Closed-circuit breathing apparatus
 Not commonly used in the fire service
 Sometimes used for hazardous materials or
confined space incidents
 Air supply of 30 minutes to 4 hours
 Contain a cylinder of oxygen, filter system,
regulator valves
 Filters and cleans exhaled breath and adds
pure oxygen
MAJOR COMPONENTS OF SCBA
RECHARGING SYSTEM

Compressor
 Takes air and compresses it
 Operating principles:
 Usually electric driven motors
 Takes ambient air and compresses it in
stages
 Air is cooled after each stage
MAJOR COMPONENTS OF SCBA
RECHARGING SYSTEM

Purification system

Removes some contaminants in the air

Components


Mechanical filter

Dryer

Air sweetener

Carbon monoxide converter
Operating procedures

Air moves from compressor to:


Permanent filtering system
Replaceable systems remove: oil, water,
odors and other gases and contaminants
MAJOR COMPONENTS OF SCBA
RECHARGING SYSTEM

Cascade (storage)
system
 Three
or more 300
cubic foot cylinders
 Used for storage of
compressed air
 Open cylinders one at
a time during filling of
SCBA bottles
MAJOR COMPONENTS OF SCBA
RECHARGING SYSTEM

Charging station




Used to protect the
operator should the
cylinder rupture
May or may not contain
water depending on the
type of cylinders being
refilled
Contains fragmentation
deflector
May contain other
control valves
DAILY INSPECTION PROCEDURES

NFPA 1404 and NFPA 1500 require all SCBA to be
inspected:
 After
each use
 Weekly
 Monthly
 Annually
DAILY INSPECTION PROCEDURES

Periodic inspection and care
Check the face piece
 Check the low pressure hose (if applicable)
 Check the exhalation valve by inhaling slowly with the thumb
or palm over the end of the hose connection and then
exhaling slowly
 Connect the low-pressure hose to the regulator and check
the performance of the regulator, by inhaling deeply and
quickly, checking to make sure that the regulator supplies a
full flow

DAILY INSPECTION PROCEDURES

Cleaning and sanitizing of SCBA components


Immediately after each use
Daily inspection procedures







4050/2000
Check for full cylinder (minimum 90%) (4500 psi x .9)
Check all gauges for proper operation (should register within 100
psi of each other
Check low-pressure, quarter service alarm for function
Check all hose connections (tight, not leaking)
Face piece is clean and operational
Straps and harness in good condition and is fully extended
Operate bypass and mainline valves

Bypass must be returned to closed position after testing
SAFETY PROCEDURES

General safety conditions
 Use
the provided SCBA in accordance with
manufacturer’s recommendations, instructions and
training
 Know the SCBA protection limits and safety features
 Know air supply duration
SAFETY PROCEDURES
Calculate a point of no return
 Ensure proper face piece fit
 Follow basic safety guidelines








Before entering a hazardous atmosphere, don and check the unit for
operation
Always work in pairs
Stay in contact with a wall, hose line, lifeline/guideline or partner(s)
Work to control breathing
Be extremely cautious if forced to use the bypass valve
Do not take the face piece off
Report any malfunctions or apparent danger
SAFETY PROCEDURES
Protect the SCBA from damage
 Inspect and maintain SCBA in accordance with department
policy


Entry monitoring system 2-4.7.2

Entry control



Some type of device provided for each individual entering the area
Entry time and location maintained
Guideline system



A series of lines to which others entering are attached
An individual remains outside to monitor the line
Entry time and location maintained
SAFETY PROCEDURES

Maintenance and storage operations 2-4.7.3

Cleaning and sanitizing





Follow department SOP’s
Clean and sanitize face piece after each use
Use cleansers recommended by the manufacturer
Inventory of spare face pieces
Inspection and testing for defects


Follow department SOP’s
Inspect all new units before placing in service
SAFETY PROCEDURES





Repair and conditioning




Have breathing air quality tested quarterly
Ensure all inspections are performed by qualified personnel
Keep accurate records
Remove defective face pieces form service
Follow manufacturer procedures and recommendations
Allow only personnel certified by the manufacturer to repair units
Use exact replacement parts
Storage


Follow department procedures
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for storage
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES IN THE EVENT
OF SCBA FAILURE

THIS TYPE OF TRAINING IS BASED ON YOUR
PARTICULAR SCBA, FOLLOWING THE
MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDATIONS AND
YOUR DEPARTMENT’S SOP’S.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES IN THE EVENT
OF SCBA FAILURE

Use of the emergency bypass or purge valve
In the event of a regulator malfunction, turn off mainline
valve
 Open the bypass or purge valve to provide a flow of air
into the facepiece
 Close the bypass valve after each breath and then open the
valve when the next valve is needed
 Advise your partner of your regulator malfunction and exit
to a non-toxic atmosphere together
 Remove the unit from service and have it checked

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES IN THE EVENT
OF SCBA FAILURE


THIS TYPE OF TRAINING IS BASED ON YOUR
PARTICULAR SCBA, FOLLOWING THE
MANUFACTUER’S RECOMMENDATIONS AND YOUR
DEPARTMENT’S SOP’S
Conservation of air



You should always practice controlled breathing when using SCBA
When your air supply is low, you may practice skip breathing
Skip breathing is an emergency breathing technique used to extend the
use of your remaining air supply
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES IN THE EVENT
OF SCBA FAILURE

Conservation of air cont.
To use this technique, inhale (as in regular breathing), hold
your breath as long as it would take to exhale, then inhale
once again before exhaling
 Take normal breaths and exhale slowly to keep carbon
dioxide in the lungs in the proper balance
 This is an emergency technique: inform your partner of your
low air supply and exit to a non-toxic atmosphere together

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES IN THE EVENT
OF SCBA FAILURE


NOTE: THIS TYPE OF TRAINING IS BASED ON YOUR
PARTICULAR SCBA, FOLLOWING THE
MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDATIONS AND YOUR
DEPARTMENT’S SOP’S.
Breathing from the breathing tube or regulator
This technique is used in the event of a face piece failure
 You may breathe directly from the low-pressure hose (after
disconnecting it from the face piece) or the regulator

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES IN THE EVENT
OF SCBA FAILURE
 Hold
the hose or regulator opening close to your
mouth
 Avoid breathing in fire gases when inhaling
 This is an EXTREME emergency technique; inform
your partner and exit to a non-toxic atmosphere
together IMMEDIATELY!
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES IN THE EVENT
OF SCBA FAILURE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON EMERGENCY BREATHING
SITUATIONS CAN BE FOUND IN IFSTA’S SELF-CONTAINED
BREATHING APPARATUS MANUAL.
ALWAYS PRACTICE IN A NON-TOXIC
ATMOSPHERE ONLY!
 EVALUATION TO BE DONE IN A
NON-TOXIC ATMOSPHERE ONLY!
THE ABOVE DRILL EVOLUTIONS SHALL NEVER BE
DONE IN A TOXIC ATMOSPHERE!


RESCUE PROCEDURES

A firefighter with functioning respiratory protection
Determine if the SCBA is functioning
 Roll the firefighter onto the side, ensuring that the air supply
is not compromised
 Verify that the SCBA is securely fastened on the firefighter
 Grasp the shoulder straps of the firefighter’s SCBA and
drag him from the area

RESCUE PROCEDURES

A firefighter without functioning respiratory
protection
Determine if the SCBA is functioning
 If not, disconnect the lower pressure tube and place inside
the firefighter’s coat or remove the regulator from the face
piece, leaving the face piece in place
 Roll the firefighter onto the side
 Verify that the SCBA is securely fastened on the firefighter
 Grasp the shoulder straps of the firefighter’s SCBA and
drag him from the area

RESCUE PROCEDURES

An individual without functioning respiratory
protection




NEVER remove your face piece to share your SCBA with a victim
Do not put yourself in a position that a conscious victim can pull
your face piece from your face in an attempt to get air
If the civilian victim is conscious, lead them to the nearest exit as
quickly as possible. Remember that the victim does not have
protective clothing and may need to be taken out via a safer
route than you entered
If the victim is unconscious, remove the victim as quickly as
possible using any of the various drags or carries
EMERGENCY USE OF
BYPASS VALVE
Regulator
Gauge
VS 4B-10
Low-Pressure Hose
1. Close the mainline valve.
3
Bypass
Valve
2. Open the bypass valve to inhale.
3. Close the bypass valve to exhale.
2
1
Mainline
Valve
High-Pressure Hose
DONNING/STORING METHODS
Seat Mount
Over the
Head
Coat
Compartment
Mount
VS 4B-11
Side or Rear Mount
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA

Dons and activates SCBA, within one minute,
according to manufacturer’s recommendations
 Donning
SCBA from the ground – Over the head
method
 Crouch or kneel at the end opposite the cylinder valve
 Check the air cylinder gauge to ensure that the cylinder
is full
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 Open
the cylinder valve slowly and listen for the
audible alarm as the system pressurizes
 Fully open the cylinder valve after the alarm sounds:
 If
the audible alarm does not sound, or if it sounds but does
not stop, place the unit out of service by tagging it and
notifying an officer; use another unit
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 Check
the regulator gauge and cylinder gauge
pressure to ensure that they read within 100 psi of
each other
 Spread the harness straps out to their respective sides
(This step may not be able to be performed at this
point depending on the SCBA the student is using)
 Grasp the back plate or cylinder with both hands, one
at each side, making sure that the cylinder valve is
pointed away from you
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
Lift the cylinder, letting the regulator and harness hang
freely
 Raise the cylinder overhead, letting the elbows find the
respective loosened harness shoulder strap loops
 Grasp the shoulder straps as the SCBA begins to slide down
the back
 Let the straps slide through the hands as the backpack
lowers into place
 Lean forward to balance the cylinder on the back and
fasten the chest buckle if the unit has a chest strap

DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
Continue leaning forward and tighten the shoulder straps by
pulling them outward and downward. (Note: It is sometimes
necessary to lean forward with a quick jumping motion to
properly position the SCBA on the back while tightening the
straps)
 Fasten and adjust the waist strap until the unit fits snugly
 If the face piece harness is a web-type, grasp the harness
with your thumbs through the straps from the inside and
spread the straps
 Push the top of the harness up your forehead to remove hair
that may be present between the forehead and the sealing
surface of the face piece

DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
Center the chin in the chin cup and
position the face piece harness so it is
centered at the rear of the head
 Tighten the lower harness straps by
pulling them evenly and simultaneously
to the rear
 Tighten the temple harness straps by
pulling them evenly and simultaneously
to the rear
 Tighten the top harness straps by
pulling them evenly and simultaneously
to the rear

DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
Perform user seal check
 Check
the face piece seal by exhaling deeply, sealing the
end of the low pressure hose with your bare hand, and
inhaling slowly (not deeply) holding your breath for 10
seconds. (NOTE: Inhaling very quickly will temporarily seal
any leak and will give a false sense of a proper seal)

If there is evidence of leaking, adjust or re-don face piece
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 Perform
user seal check
 Check
the exhalation valve by inhaling, while sealing the end
of the low-pressure hose with the palm of your hand, and then
exhaling


If the exhalation escapes at the edges of the face piece and
does not go through the exhalation valve, keep the lowpressure hose sealed, press the face piece against your face,
and exhale to free the valve
Use caution when exhaling against a sealed face piece in
order to prevent discomfort and possible damage to the inner
ear from exhaling forcefully
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA



Connect the low-pressure hose to the
regulator. If the unit has a donning
switch, turn it to the PRESSURE, USE or
ON position. If the unit does not have a
donning switch, open the mainline valve
Check for positive pressure by gently
breaking the face piece seal by inserting
two fingers under the edge of the face
piece. You should be able to feel air
moving past your fingers. If you cannot
feel air movement, remove the unit from
service and have it checked
Activate PASS, if not integral part of
SCBA
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA

From the ground – Crossed-arms coat method




Crouch or kneel at the cylinder valve end of the unit.
Check the air cylinder gauge to ensure that the cylinder is full.
Open the cylinder valve slowly and listen for the audible alarm as the
system pressurizes
Open the cylinder valve fully after the alarm sounds


If the audible alarm does not sound, or if it sounds but does not stop,
place the unit out of service by tagging it and notifying an officer; use
another unit.
Check the regulator gauge and cylinder gauge to ensure that they
read within 100 psi of each other
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA





Spread the harness straps out to their respective sides
Cross your arms, left over right
Grasp the shoulder straps at the top of the harness, left hand holding
the left strap and right hand holding the right strap
Lift the SCBA. Using both arms, swing the unit around your right
shoulder, and raising your left arm, continue bringing the unit behind
your head and onto your back. Both hands should still be grasping
the shoulder straps high on the harness.
Maintaining a firm grip on the straps, slide your hands down to the
shoulder strap buckles. Your elbows should be between the straps
and the backpack.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA




Lean slightly forward to balance the cylinder on the back; tighten the
shoulder straps by pulling them outward and downward. (Note: It is
sometimes necessary to lean forward with a quick jumping motion to
properly position the SCBA on the back while tightening the straps.)
Continue leaning forward and fasten the check buckle (if the unit has
a chest strap)
Fasten and adjust the waist strap until the unit fits snugly.
If the face piece harness is a web type, grasp the harness with your
thumbs through the straps from the inside and spread the straps.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA





Push the top of the harness up the forehead to remove hair that may
be present between the forehead and the sealing surface of the face
piece
Center the chin in the chin cup and position the harness so that it is
centered at the rear of the head
Tighten the lower harness straps by pulling them evenly and
simultaneously to the rear
Tighten the temple harness straps by pulling them evenly and
simultaneously to the rear
Tighten the top harness straps by pulling them evenly and
simultaneously to the rear
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 Perform


user seal check:
Check the face piece seal by exhaling deeply, sealing the end of
the low-pressure hose with your bare hand, and inhaling slowly
(not deeply), holding your breath for 10 seconds. (Note: Inhaling
very quickly will temporarily seal any leak and will give a false
sense of a proper seal.)
 If there is evidence of leaking, adjust or re-don the face
piece
Check the exhalation valve by inhaling while sealing the end of
the low-pressure hose with the palm of your hand and exhaling
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA


If the exhalation escapes at the edges of the face piece and
does not go through the exhalation valve, keep the low-pressure
hose sealed, press face piece against your face, and exhale to
free the valve.
Use caution when exhaling against a sealed face piece in order
to prevent discomfort and possible damage to the inner ear from
exhaling forcefully.
 Connect
the low-pressure hose to the regulator. If the unit
has a donning switch, turn it to the PRESSURE, USE or ON
position. If the unit does not have a donning switch, open
the mainline valve.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 Check
for positive pressure by gently breaking the face
piece seal by inserting two fingers under the edge of the
face piece. You should be able to feel air moving past your
fingers. If you cannot feel air movement, remove the unit
had have it checked.
 Activate PASS, if not integral part of SCBA
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 From
the ground-regular coat method
 Crouch
or kneel at the cylinder valve end of the unit
 Open the cylinder valve slowly and listen for the audible
alarm as the system pressurizes.

If the audible alarm does not sound, or if it sounds but does not
stop, place the unit out of service by tagging it and notifying an
officer; use another unit.
 Fully
open the cylinder valve after the alarm sounds.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 Check
the regulator gauge and cylinder gauge to ensure
that they read within 100 psi of the same pressure.
 Spread the harness straps out to their respective sides and
position the upper portion of the straps over the top of the
back plate.
 At the top of harness, grasp the left strap with your left
hand; grasp the lower portion of the same strap with your
right hand. (When kneeling at the valve end of the cylinder,
the left harness strap will be to your right)
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 Lift
the SCBA. Using both arms, swing the unit around the
left shoulder, and onto the back. Both hands should still be
grasping the shoulder strap.
 Maintaining your grip on the strap, with your left hand,
release your right hand; insert your right arm between the
right shoulder strap and the backpack frame.
 Lean forward to balance the cylinder on your back and
fasten the chest buckle if the unit has a chest strap.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 Continue
leaning forward and tighten the shoulder straps by
pulling them outward and downward. (Note: It is sometimes
necessary to lean forward with a quick jumping motion to
properly position the SCBA on the back while tightening the
straps.)
 Fasten and adjust the waist strap until the unit fits snugly.
 If the face piece harness is a web-type, grasp the harness
with the thumbs through the straps from the inside, and
spread the straps.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA






Push the top of the face piece harness up the forehead to remove
hair that may be present between the forehead and the sealing
surface of the face piece.
Center the chin in the chin cup and position the face piece harness so
that it is centered at the rear of the head
Pull the lower harness straps evenly and simultaneously to the rear to
tighten them.
Pull the temple harness straps evenly and simultaneously to the rear
to tighten them.
Pull the top harness straps evenly and simultaneously to the rear to
tighten them.
Perform user seal check:
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA


Check the face piece seal by exhaling deeply, sealing the end of the
low-pressure hose with your bare hand, and inhaling slowly (not deeply)
holding your breath for 10 seconds. (Note: Inhaling very quickly will
temporarily seal any leak and will give a false sense of a proper seal.)
 If there is evidence of leaking, adjust or re-don the face piece.
Check the exhalation valve by inhaling while sealing the end of the lowpressure hose with the palm of your hand, and exhaling.
 If the exhalation escapes at the edges of the face piece and does
not go through the exhalation valve, keep the low-pressure hose
sealed, press face piece against your face, and exhale to free the
valve.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
Use caution when exhaling against a sealed face piece in
order to prevent discomfort and possible damage to the
inner ear from exhaling forcefully.
Connect the low-pressure hose to the regulator. If the unit has a
donning switch, turn it to the PRESSURE, USE or ON position. If
the unit does not have a donning switch, open the mainline valve.
Check for positive pressure by gently breaking the face piece
seal by inserting two fingers under the edge of the face piece.
You should be able to feel air moving past your fingers. If you
cannot feel air movement, remove the unit and have it checked.
Activate PASS, if not integral part of SCBA




DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA

From the ground – alternate coat method




Crouch or kneel at the cylinder valve end of the unit.
Check the air cylinder gauge to ensure that the cylinder is full.
Open the cylinder valve slowly and listen for the audible alarm as the
system pressurizes.
Fully open the cylinder valve after the alarm sounds.


If the audible alarm does not sound, or if it sounds but does not stop,
place the unit out of service by tagging it and notifying an officer; use
another unit.
Check the regulator gauge and cylinder gauge to ensure that they
read within 100 psi of each other.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA





Spread the straps out to their respective sides and position the upper
portion of the straps over the top of the back plate.
Grasp the top of the left shoulder strap with your left hand; grasp the
regulator with your right hand.
Life the SCBA; swing it around the left shoulder and onto the back;
maintaining control of the regulator with your right hand.
Transfer the regulator to your left hand; insert your right arm through
the right shoulder strap; grasp the end of the waist strap with your
right hand and loosely connect the waist strap.
Lean forward to balance the cylinder on your back and then fasten
the chest buckle, if the unit has a chest strap.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 Continue
leaning forward and tighten the shoulder straps by
pulling them outward and downward. (Note: It is sometimes
necessary to lean forward with a quick jumping motion to
properly position the SCBA on the back while tightening the
straps.)
 Fasten and adjust the waist strap until the unit fits snugly.
 If the face piece harness is a web-type, grasp the harness
with your thumbs through the straps from the inside, and
spread the straps.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 Push
the top of the harness up the forehead to remove hair
that may be present between the forehead and the sealing
surface of the face piece.
 Center the chin in the chin cup and position the harness so
that it is centered at the rear of the head.
 Tighten the lower harness straps by pulling them evenly and
simultaneously to the rear.
 Tighten the temple harness straps by pulling them evenly
and simultaneously to the rear.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 Tighten
the top harness straps by pulling them evenly and
simultaneously to the rear.
 Perform user seal check:

Check the face piece seal by exhaling deeply, sealing the end of
the low-pressure hose with your bare hand, and inhaling slowly
(not deeply), holding your breath for 10 seconds. (Note: Inhaling
very quickly will temporarily seal any leak and will give a false
sense of a proper seal.)
 If there is evidence of leaking, adjust or re-don the face
piece.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA

Check the exhalation valve by inhaling while sealing the end of
the low-pressure hose with the palm of your hand, and exhaling.
 If the exhalation escapes at the edges of the face piece and
does not go through the exhalation valve, keep the lowpressure hose sealed, press face piece against your face,
and exhale to free the valve.
 Use caution when exhaling against a sealed face piece in
order to prevent discomfort and possible damage to the
inner ear from exhaling forcefully.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA


Connect the low-pressure hose to the regulator. If the unit has a
donning switch, turn it to the PRESSURE, USE or ON position. If the
unit does not have a donning switch, open the mainline valve.
Check for positive pressure by gently breaking the face piece seal by
inserting two fingers under the edge of the face piece.

You should be able to feel air moving past your fingers. If you cannot
feel air movement, remove the unit and have it checked.
 Activate
PASS, if not integral part of SCBA.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 From
a back-up mount
 Uncover
the SCBA
 Remove face piece and place it nearby
 Open the cylinder valve slowly and listen for the audible
alarm as the system pressurizes.
 Fully open the cylinder valve after the alarm sounds.

If the audible alarm does not sound, or if it sounds but does not
stop, place the unit out of service by tagging it and notifying and
officer; use another unit.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA





Check the regulator gauge and cylinder
gauge to ensure that they read within 100
psi of each other
Back up against the cylinder back plate
Place your arms through the shoulder straps.
Lean slightly forward to balance the unit on
your back and release the cylinder
according to the type of mounting device.
Step forward to clear the unit from the mount
while fastening the chest buckle, if the unit
has a chest strap.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 Tighten
the shoulder straps
 Fasten and adjust the waist strap until the unit fits snugly.
 If the face piece harness is a web-type, grasp the harness
with the thumbs through the straps from the inside, and
spreads the straps.
 Push the top of the face piece harness up the forehead to
remove hair that may be present between the forehead and
the sealing surface of the face piece.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 Center
the chin in the chin cup and position the face piece
harness so that it is centered at the rear of the head.
 Pull the lower harness straps evenly and simultaneously to
the rear to tighten them.
 Pull the temple harness straps evenly and simultaneously to
the rear to tighten them.
 Pull the top harness straps evenly simultaneously to the rear
to tighten them.
 Perform user seal check:
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 Check
the face piece seal by exhaling deeply, sealing
the end of the low-pressure hose with your bare hand,
and inhaling slowly (not deeply), holding your breath
for 10 seconds. (Note: Inhaling very quickly will
temporarily seal any leak and will give a false sense
of a proper seal.)
 If there is evidence of leaking, adjust or re-don
the face piece.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA

Check the exhalation valve by inhaling while sealing the end of
the low pressure hose with the palm of your hand, and exhaling.
 If the exhalation escapes at the edges of the face piece and
does not go through the exhalation valve, keep the low
pressure hose sealed, press face piece against your face,
and exhale to free the valve.
 Use caution when exhaling against a sealed face piece in
order to prevent discomfort and possible damage to the
inner ear from exhaling forcefully.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 Connect
the low-pressure hose to the regulator. If the unit
has a donning switch, turn it to the PRESSURE, USE or ON
position. If the unit does not have a donning switch, open
the mainline valve.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA



Check for positive pressure by gently breaking the face piece seal by
inserting two fingers under the edge of the face piece. You should be
able to feel air moving past your fingers. If you cannot feel air
movement, remove the unit and have it checked.
Activate PASS, if not integral part of SCBA.
Donning from a seat-mount en route


Check the air cylinder gauge to ensure the cylinder is full prior to
response, if possible
Open the cylinder valve slowly and listen for the audible alarm as the
system pressurizes
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 Fully
open the cylinder valve after the
alarm sounds.

If the audible alarm does not sound, or if it
sounds but does not stop, place the unit out
of service by tagging it and notifying an
officer; use another unit.
 Check
the regulator gauge and cylinder
gauge to ensure that they read within
100 psi of each other
 Place your arms through fully extended
shoulder straps.
 Tighten the shoulder straps
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA





Fasten and adjust the waist strap until the unit fits snugly. (Be careful
not to entangle with apparatus seat belt)
Re-check shoulder and waist straps when you dismount the apparatus.
If the face piece harness is a web-type, grasp the harness with the
thumbs through the straps from the inside, and spread the straps.
Push the top of the face piece harness up the forehead to remove
hair that may be present between the forehead and the sealing
surface of the face piece.
Center the chin in the chin cup and position the face piece harness so
that it is centered at the rear of the head
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA




Pull the lower harness straps evenly and simultaneously to the rear to
tighten them.
Pull the temple harness straps evenly and simultaneously to the rear
to tighten them
Pull the top harness straps evenly and simultaneously to the rear to
tighten them
Perform user seal check:

Check the face piece seal by exhaling deeply, sealing the end of the
low pressure hose with your bare hand, and inhaling slowly (not deeply)
holding your breath for 10 seconds. (Note: Inhaling very quickly will
temporarily seal any leak and will give a false sense of a proper seal.)
 If there is evidence of leaking, adjust or re-don the face piece
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA

Check the exhalation valve by inhaling while sealing the end of the
low pressure hose with the palm of your hand, and exhaling.



If the exhalation escapes at the edges of the face piece and does not
go through the exhalation valve, keep the low-pressure hose sealed,
press face piece against your face, and exhale to free the valve.
Use caution when exhaling against a sealed face piece in order to
prevent discomfort and possible damage to the inner ear from exhaling
forcefully.
Connect the low pressure hose to the regulator. If the unit has a
donning switch, turn it to the PRESSURE, USE or ON position. If the
unit does not have a donning switch, open the mainline valve.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA



Check for positive pressure by gently breaking the face piece seal by
inserting 2 fingers under the edge of the face piece. You should be
able to feel air moving past your fingers. If you cannot feel air
movement, remove the unit and have it checked.
Activate PASS, if not integral part of SCBA.
Donning the face piece with face piece-mounted regulator

If the face piece is a web-type, grasp the harness with the thumbs
through the straps from the inside and spread the straps
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA





Push the top of the face piece harness up the forehead to remove
hair that may be present between the forehead and the sealing
surface of the face piece
Center the chin in the chin cup and position the face piece harness so
that it is centered at the rear of the head
Pull the lower harness straps evenly and simultaneously to the rear to
tighten them
Pull the temple harness straps evenly and simultaneously to the rear
to tighten them
Pull the top harness straps evenly and simultaneously to the rear to
tighten them
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 Perform
user seal check:
 Check
the face piece seal by exhaling deeply, sealing the
end of the low pressure hose with your bare hand, and
inhaling slowly (not deeply), holding your breath for 10
seconds. (Note: Inhaling very quickly will temporarily seal
any leak and will give a false sense of a proper seal).

If there is evidence of leaking, adjust or re-don the face piece.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 Check
the exhalation valve by inhaling while sealing the end
of the low-pressure hose with the palm of your hand, and
exhaling.


If the exhalation escapes at the edges of the face piece and
does not go through the exhalation valve, keep the low pressure
hose sealed, press face piece against your face, and exhale to
free the valve.
Use caution when exhaling against a sealed face piece seal by
inserting two fingers under the edge of the face piece. You
should be able to feel air moving past your fingers. If you
cannot feel air movement, remove the unit from service and have
it checked.
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA

Doffs SCBA according to manufacturer’s
recommendations.

With harness mounted regulator






Close the mainline valve
If the unit has a donning switch, make sure that it is in donning mode
Disconnect the low pressure hose from the regulator
Take off the helmet, or loosen and push it and the hood, back off the
head.
Loosen the face piece harness strap buckles
Take off the face piece and extend the harness straps fully
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 Unbuckle
the waist belt and fully extend the adjustment
 Disconnect the chest buckle if the unit has a chest strap
 Lean forward
 Release the shoulder strap buckles and hold them open
while fully extending the straps
 Grasp the shoulder straps firmly with the respective hands
and slip the shoulder strap from the shoulder opposite the
regulator and remove the arm from the shoulder strap
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 Grasp
the regulator with the free hand and allow the other
strap to slide off the shoulder
 Lower the SCBA to the ground making sure you do not drop
the regulator or allow it to strike anything
 Close the cylinder valve
 Relieve the excess pressure from the regulator following
manufacturer’s recommendations
 Turn off PASS device
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA

With face piece mounted regulator







Take off the helmet, or loosen and push it and the hood, back off
your head
If the unit has a donning switch, make sure that it is in donning mode
Depending upon the make of SCBA and manufacturer’s instructions,
disconnect the regulator from the face piece
Loosen the face piece harness strap buckles
Unbuckle the waist belt and fully extend the adjustment
Disconnect the chest buckle, if the unit has a chest strap
If the unit is so equipped, attach the regulator to the harness clip, or
control the regulator by holding it while performing the next steps
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA






Lean forward
Release the shoulder straps buckles and hold them open while fully
extending the straps
Grasp the shoulder straps firmly with the respective hands and slip
off the shoulder strap from the shoulder opposite the regulator, and
remove the arm from the shoulder strap
Grasp the regulator with the free hand and allow the other strap to
slide off the shoulder
Lower the SCBA to the ground making sure you do not drop the
regulator or allow it to strike anything
Close the cylinder valve
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA



Relieve the excess pressure from the regulator following
manufacturer’s recommendations
Turn off PASS device.
With harness mounted regulator






Close the mainline valve
If the unit has a donning switch, make sure that it is donning mode
Disconnect the low pressure hose from the regulator
Take off the helmet, or loosen and push it and the hood back off the
head
Loosen the face piece harness strap buckles
Take off the face piece and extend the harness straps fully
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 Unbuckle
the waist belt and fully extend the adjustment
 Disconnect the chest buckle if the unit has a chest strap
 Lean forward
 Release the shoulder strap buckles and hold them open
while fully extending the straps
 Grasp the shoulder straps firmly with the respective hands
and slip the shoulder strap from the shoulder opposite the
regulator, and remove the arm from the shoulder strap
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA
 Grasp
the regulator with the free hand and allow the other
strap to slide off the shoulder
 Lower the SCBA to the ground making sure you do not drop
the regulator or allow it to strike anything
 Close the cylinder valve
 Relieve the excess pressure from the regulator following
manufacturer’s recommendations
 Turn off PASS device
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA

With face piece mounted regulator







Take off the helmet, or loosen and push it and the hood, back off
your head
If the unit has a donning switch, make sure that it is in donning mode
Depending upon the make of SCBA and manufacturer’s instructions,
disconnect the regulator from the face piece
Loosen the face piece harness strap buckles
Unbuckle the waist belt and fully extend the adjustment
Disconnect the chest buckle, if the unit has a chest strap
If the unit is so equipped, attach the regulator to the harness clip, or
control the regulator by holding it while performing the next steps
DONNING AND DOFFING SCBA








Lean forward
Release the shoulder straps buckles and hold them open while fully
extending the straps
Grasp the shoulder straps firmly with the respective hands and slip
off the shoulder strap from the shoulder opposite the regulator, and
remove the arm from the shoulder strap
Grasp the regulator with the free hand and allow the other strap to
slide off the shoulder
Lower the SCBA to the ground making sure you do not drop the
regulator or allow it to strike anything
Close the cylinder valve
Relieve the excess pressure from the regulator following
manufacturer’s recommendations
Turn off the PASS device
IS THE SCBA IN SAFE CONDITION?

Periodic inspection and care
 Checks
the face piece
 Checks the low pressure hose
 Checks the exhalation valve by inhaling slowly with the
thumb or palm over the end of the hose connection and then
exhales slowly
 Connects the low pressure hose to the regulator and checks
the performance of the regulator, by inhaling deeply and
quickly, checking to make sure that the regulator supplies a
full flow
CLEANING AND SANTIZING THE SCBA

Cleans and sanitizes – SCBA components
 Immediately
after use
 Per manufacturer’s recommendations
 Selects
proper cleaning solutions and cleaning equipment
 Completes cleaning and sanitizing properly
 Properly
documents cleaning & sanitizing per
departmental SOP
CLEANING SCBA
AFTER USE
Wash
VS 4B-14
Sanitize
Air-Dry
RECHARGING AIR CYLINDERS

Filling cylinders from a cascade system
 Checks
the hydrostatic test date for compliance with
standards
 Inspects the SCBA cylinder for damage such as deep
nicks, cuts, gouges, or discoloration from heat
 Places the SCBA cylinder in a fragment-proof charging
station
 Connects the charging hose to the cylinder
RECHARGING AIR CYLINDERS
 If
the charging hose has a bleed valve, makes sure that
the bleed valve is closed
 Opens the SCBA cylinder valve
 Opens the valve at the charging hose, at the cascade
system manifold, or the valves at both locations, if the
system is so equipped (Note: Some cascade systems
may have a valve at the charging hose, at the
manifold, or at both places).
RECHARGING AIR CYLINDERS
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
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Opens the valve of the cascade cylinder that has the least
pressure, but that has more pressure than the SCBA cylinder
Adjusts the airflow from the cascade so the cylinder gauge
needle rises slowly by about 300 to 600psi per minutes
When the pressures of the SCBA and the cascade cylinder
equalize, closes the cascade cylinder valve
If the SCBA cylinder is not yet fully charged, repeats steps 8
through 10 using the cascade cylinder with the next highest
pressure
Repeats steps 8 through 10 until the SCBA cylinder is fully
charged
RECHARGING AIR CYLINDERS
Closes the valve or valves at the cascade system manifold
and/or charging line, if the system is so equipped
 Opens the hose bleed valve and bleeds off excess pressure
between the cylinder valve and the valve on the charging
hose. (Caution: Failure to do so could result in O-ring
damage)
 Disconnects the charging hose from the SCBA cylinder
 Removes the SCBA cylinder from the charging stand and
returns the cylinder to proper storage

RECHARGING AIR CYLINDERS

Filling from a compressor/purifier
Checks the hydrostatic test date
 Inspects the SCBA cylinder for damage such as deep nicks,
cuts, gouges or discoloration from heat
 Places the SCBA cylinder in a fragment proof charging
station
 Connects the charging hose to the cylinder
 Makes sure that the bleed valve is closed
 Opens the SCBA cylinder valve

RECHARGING AIR CYLINDERS
Sets the cylinder pressure adjustment on the compressor (if
applicable) to the desired full cylinder pressure. (Note: If
there is no cylinder pressure adjustment, watches the
pressure gauge on the cylinder during charging to
determine when it is full)
 Opens the fill valve on the compressor/purifier unit
 Adjusts the airflow (300 to 600 psi) to avoid excessive
heating of the cylinder

RECHARGING AIR CYLINDERS
When the cylinder is full, closes the fill valve on the
compressor/purifier
 Closes the SCBA cylinder valve
 Opens the hose bleed valve and bleeds off excess pressure
between the cylinder valve and the valve on the charging
hose
 Disconnects the charging hose from the SCBA cylinder
 Removes the SCBA cylinder from the charging stand and
return the cylinder to proper storage

OBSCURED VISBILITY
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Enters area crawling
Operates in a team of at least 2, keeping in contact
with other team members
Has some sort of guideline that will guide them back
to the point of entrance, if necessary
Proceeds to wall and follows it nothing doors, and/or
windows as they are found
SCBA FAILURE

Use of the emergency by-pass or purge valve
 In the event of a regulator malfunction, turns off mainline
valve
 Opens the by-pass or purge valve
 Closes the by-pass valve after each breath and then opens
the valve when the next breath is needed
 Advises partner of regulator malfunction and exits to a nontoxic atmosphere together
 Removes the unit from service and has it checked
SCBA FAILURE

Conservation of air
Always practices controlled breathing when using SCBA
 When air supply is low, practices skip breathing
 Skip breathing is an emergency breathing technique used to
extend the use of remaining air supply
 Inhales (as in regular breathing), holds breath as long as it
would take to exhale, then inhales once again before
exhaling

SCBA FAILURE
 Takes
normal breaths and exhales slowly to keep
carbon dioxide in the lungs at the proper balance
 This is an emergency technique: Informs partner of low
air supply and exits to a non-toxic atmosphere together
SCBA FAILURE

Breathing from the breathing tube or regulator
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This technique is used in the event of a face piece failure
Breathes directly from the low pressure hose (after disconnecting
it from the face piece) or the regulator
Holds the hose or regulator opening close to mouth
Avoids breathing in fire gases when inhaling
This is an EXTREME emergency technique; informs partner and
exits to a non-toxic atmosphere together IMMEDIATELY
MAXIMIZING AIR CAPACITY
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Uses the provided SCBA in accordance with
instructions and training
Knows the SCBA protection limits and safety
Knows air supply duration
Calculates a point of no return
Ensures proper face piece fit
MAXIMIZING AIR CAPACITY

Follows basic safety guidelines:
Before entering a hazardous atmosphere, dons and checks
the unit for operation
 Always works in pairs
 Stays in contact with a wall, hoseline, lifeline/guideline or
partner(s)
 Works to control breathing
 Is extremely cautious if forced to use the bypass valve
 Does not take off the face piece
 Reports any malfunctions or apparent damage

MAXIMIZING AIR CAPACITY
 Protects
the SCBA from damage
 Inspects and maintains SCBA in accordance with
department policy
AIR CYLINDER
EXCHANGE

Has other firefighter kneel or bend over so cylinder
can be changed

Obtains a full air cylinder and place it nearby

Closes the cylinder valve

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Has other firefighter release the pressure from the
high-pressure hose following manufacturer’s
recommendations
Disconnects the high pressure hose from the cylinder
and places it so dirt or other foreign matter will not
get in it
AIR CYLINDER EXCHANGE
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Releases the clamp and removes the empty bottle
Places new cylinder valve opening and the high-pressure hose
fitting for debris and the condition of the O-ring
Clears any debris from the cylinder valve opening by quickly
opening and closing the cylinder valve or by wiping debris
away
If the O-ring is distorted or damaged, replaces it
Connects the high pressure hose to the cylinder valve opening
and properly tightens it
Opens the cylinder valve and checks gauges on the cylinder
and the regulator
AIR CYLINDER EXCHANGE – SCBA
NOT WORN

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
Doffs the unit following proper procedures
Obtains a full air cylinder and places it near unit
Closes the cylinder valve
Releases pressure from high-pressure hose following
manufacturer’s recommendations
Disconnects the high pressure hose from the cylinder
and places it so dirt and other foreign matter will not
get in
AIR CYLINDER EXCHANGE – SCBA
NOT WORN




Releases the clamp and removes the empty bottle
Places new cylinder in backpack, properly
positioning the outlet
Locks the cylinder in place
Check the cylinder valve opening and the high
pressure hose fitting for debris and the condition of
the O-ring
AIR CYLINDER EXCHANGE – SCBA
NOT WORN

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
Clears any debris from the cylinder valve opening by
quickly opening and closing the cylinder valve or by
wiping debris away
If the O-ring is distorted or damaged, replace it
Connects the high pressure hose to the cylinder
opening and properly tightens it
Open the cylinder valve and checks gauges on the
cylinder and the regulator
EXITING THROUGH AREAS WITH
RESTRICTED OPENINGS
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
SCBA should only be removed as a last resort under
emergency conditions
Remove or loosen only those parts of the SCBA unit
necessary to negotiate the restricted opening
Never remove the face piece to reduce the profile
Loosens straps and rotates the SCBA unit under the
arm along the rib cage
EXITING THROUGH AREAS WITH
RESTRICTED OPENINGS
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As a last resort, performs the “full escape” by removing the
harness assembly and holding the SCBA unit in front of you
Always maintains contact with the SCBA unit
Holds onto the shoulder straps and regulator assembly or
regulator on a waist mounted unit
Maintains control of the unit. Does not move it away or allow
the face piece to be pulled away
Once through the restricted passage, re-dons the SCBA
HOMEWORK
1. Adequate Training in Equipment Use
a) Physical b) Medical c) mental
2. Neurological Soundness
a)
Physical b) Medical c) mental
3.
Agility
a) Physical b) Medical c) mental
4. Confidence in Self and Equipment
a) Physical b) Medical c) mental
5. Cardiovascular Soundness
a) Physical b) Medical c) mental
6. Proper Conditioning
a) Physical b) Medical c) mental
7. Emotional Stability
a) Physical b) Medical c) mental
HOMEWORK
8. No Claustrophobia or Other Phobias
a) Physical b) Medical c) mental
9. Muscular/Skeletal Soundness
a) Physical b) Medical c) mental
10. Regular Facial Features and Contours
a) Physical b) Medical c) mental
11. Respiratory Soundness
a) Physical b) Medical c) mental
HOMEWORK
___ 12. Holding the air cylinder on the firefighter's back
___ 13. Holding breathing air under compression
___ 14. Supplying air from the cylinder to the regulator
___ 15. Reducing the pressure of the cylinder air to slightly above
atmospheric pressure and controlling the flow of air to meet the respiratory
requirements of the wearer
A. Air cylinder
C. Regulator
B. High-pressure hose
D. Backpack and harness assembly
HOMEWORK
___ 16. Providing a direct air supply from the cylinder in the event of regulator
failure
___ 17. Showing the air pressure remaining in the cylinder
___ 18. Controlling air supply from the cylinder during normal operation
___ 19. Sounding an alarm when the cylinder pressure decreases to a preset level
A. Mainline valve
B. Regulator (remote) and cylinder pressure gauges
C. Audible alarm
D. Bypass valve
HOMEWORK
___ 20. Providing protection from facial burns; acting as a barrier to heat and
toxic gases; and providing a chamber of cool, non-contaminated breathing air
___ 21. Supplying air from the regulator to the face piece
___ 22. Releasing exhaled breath without admitting any of the contaminated
outside atmosphere
A. Low-pressure hose
B. Facepiece
C. Exhalation valve
HOMEWORK
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Select facts about SCBA operation, use, and maintenance. Write the correct letters on the blanks.
23. When refilling an SCBA cylinder, why should excess pressure between the cylinder valve and the
fill hose be bled off before disconnecting the fill hose from the SCBA cylinder?
a. To prevent the cylinder from rupturing
b. To prevent damage to the O-rings
c. To prevent serious injury to the operator d. To prevent heat buildup at the cylinder
24. Firefighter A says that when refilling SCBA cylinders, the cylinder should be placed in a
temperature-controlled fill station during the refilling operation to prevent it from heating too fast.
Firefighter B says that cylinders should be placed in a fragment-proof fill station.
Who is correct?
a. Firefighter A
b. Firefighter B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B
25. Firefighter A says that as soon as visibility in an area improves, the SCBA facepiece should be
removed to provide better visual orientation and to enhance communications.
Firefighter B says that when exiting a constricted opening, the firefighter should doff the facepiece
and backpack and pass them through the opening to a team member.
Who is correct?
a. Firefighter A
b. Firefighter B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B
26 When filled completely, the typical 30-minute-rated, 2,216 psi cylinder contains ___ cubic feet of
breathing air.
a. 30 b. 45
c. 35
d. 40
HOMEWORK
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27. The difference between the weight of ordinary street clothes and fire fighting
gear plus SCBA unit has been measured at an extra 47 pounds. The breathing unit
alone can weigh from ___ pounds, depending on size and type.
a. 10 to 20
b. 20 to 30 c. 25 to 35
d. 25 to 45
28. SCBA waist straps are designed to properly distribute the weight of the
cylinder or pack to the ___.
a. Shoulders
b. Hips
c. Pelvis d. Upper back
29. Within which of the following ranges should the compressor/purifier airflow
pressure be kept to avoid excessive heating of the cylinder?

a. 200 to 300 psi
b. 300 to 600 psi

c. 750 to 1,200 psi d. 800 to 1,500 psi

30. How often does DOT require that composite cylinders be tested?

a. Every 5 years b. Every 4 years c. Every 3 years d. Every 2 years
HOMEWORK
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31. What should be done if one team member's low-pressure alarm sounds
during the suppression of a fire?
a. Both members of the team should exit the fire area immediately.
b. The team member with air should share his or her air supply with the team
member low on air.
c. The team should begin controlled breathing and realize that they have
approximately 15 minutes to exit the fire area.
d. The team member who is low on air should exit the fire area immediately
after informing partner of intentions.
32. The remote pressure gauge should read within ___ psi of the cylinder
gauge if the increments are in psi.
a. 100
b. 200 c. 300 d. 400
33. All regulators have an audible alarm (low-pressure alarm) that sounds when
cylinder pressure decreases to approximately ___ of the maximum rated
pressure of the cylinder.
a. One third b. One-fourth c. One-fifth
d. One-sixth
34. At what percent cylinder capacity does NFPA 1404 consider a cylinder full?
a. No less than 80 percent c. No less than 90 percent
b. No less than 85 percent d. No less than 95 percent
HOMEWORK
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___ 35. When is the appropriate time to check the SCBA facepiece fit for
positive pressure?
a. During weekly inspections b. After each use
c. On entering the hazardous atmosphere d. On donning the facepiece
___ 36. What should the firefighter do with SCBA cylinders that are out of
hydrostatic test date?
a. Discard to be recycled.
b. Overhaul in the fire department shop and then sent to the manufacturer for
hydrostatic testing.
c. Inspect, hydrostatic test, and then return to service.
d. Remove from service and tag for further inspection and hydrostatic testing.
___ 37. Approximately how many seconds must a firefighter remain motionless
before the PASS device emits a loud, pulsating shriek?
a. 10
b.20 c. 30 4. 60