S'C'B'A' MAINTENANCE

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S.C.B.A. MAINTENANCE

• By Lt. Eric Miller
• Parksville Fire Department

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Objectives

• Review of SCBA system
• Review the maintenance of the system and its
  components
• Hands on experience checking over and maintaining
  an SCBA system
• Review of the fill station and how it works

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Parts of SCBA System

• Air cylinder
• Regulator
• Backpack frame
• Facepiece
• PASS Alarm

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Maintenance of the SCBA System

• The five components of the system combine to
  allow a firefighter to safely operate in a
  dangerous environment.
• Proper maintenance of all parts is required to
  ensure the system does not fail.

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Air Cylinder

• Visual inspection of the cylinder, gauge, and
  valve to check for damage, dents, cracks or other
  anomalies.
• Check the cylinder to ensure it has at least 4000
  psi. If below, have the cylinder filled.
• Prior to filling, check the hydrostatic test date
  to ensure within limits. All cylinders we have
  must be hydrostatically tested every three years.

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Regulator

• Takes the high pressure air of the cylinder, and
  steps it down to a usable pressure.
• 1st stage or pressure reducer connected to
  backpack frame, and is not serviceable by field
  level technician.
• 2nd stage mounts to the face piece.

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Regulator

• High pressure and low pressure hoses can be
  checked for nicks, cuts, or abrasions that could
  cause failure. Check O ring at cylinder
  connection.
• Hose connections can be checked for air leaks.

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Regulator

• Leaking or damaged hoses or O rings can be
  serviced by field level technician
• Minor repairs can be done to regulator, ie
  replace gaskets, springs, diaphragm

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Backpack Frame

• Provides the mounting platform to hold the air
  cylinder in place, and attachment for pressure
  reducing and regulator assembly, and remote
  pressure gauge.
• Shoulder and waist straps allow the system to be
  carried comfortably on the body
• Two styles wire frame model, and solid aluminum
  frame contoured to wearers back

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Backpack Frame

• All straps should be checked for cuts or
  abrasions that could result in failure
• Heavily worn or damaged straps should be replaced
• Frame should be inspected for broken welds, and
  worn or broken mounting hardware

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Facepiece

• Protects the wearer from exposure to heat, toxic
  gases, and unburned products of combustion
• Allows the wearer to see in a smoke filled
  environment
• In conjunction with the regulator, provides a
  source of fresh air

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Facepiece

• Examine face piece for cracks or scratches that
  could cause failure, especially around the
  regulator mount
• Check temple and neck straps for excessive wear,
  or loss of elasticity. If worn, or no stretch in
  them, have them replaced

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Facepiece

• Check skirt of mask to ensure no cuts or tears
  that could cause failure
• Check nose cup and inhalation check valves
• Check voice amplifier for operation
• After use, clean by spraying disinfectant on the
  interior and wait at least 10 minutes before
  wiping the mask dry

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PASS Alarm

• Audible warning device that signals for
  assistance when a fire fighter goes down or
  becomes incapacitated.
• Should always be activated BEFORE entering an
  IDLH environment.
• Operation should be tested weekly and battery
  replaced at regular interval.

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Field Function Test of Air Pack

• Ensure that the unit is clean no loose debris,
  system wiped down to clean off any debris or
  unburned products of combustion
• Turn on air cylinder ensure pressure at
  cylinder gauge and remote gauge is equal or
  fairly close if big difference tag and take out
  of service
• Listen for activation of low air warning system

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Field Function Test of Air Pack

• Attach mask to regulator
• Place mask on face and inhale to start air flow,
  ensuring smooth air flow in system
• Check purge valve to ensure proper operation
• Turn off air cylinder and bleed down system
  listen for activation of low air warning system
• Activate donning switch

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Field Function Test of Air Pack

• Extend all straps.
• Check PASS alarm for proper function.
• Extend straps on face piece.
• Check voice amplifier for operation.
• Bag face piece to keep it clean and dust free.
• Log inspection in the SCBA log book.

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Fill Station

• The fill station is located in the workshop area
  of the hall.
• The actual compressor is located in the back
  room.

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Filling An Air Cylinder

• Turn on compressor.
• Open main valve on fill station. Allow system to
  charge.
• Adjust Regulator Output Pressure to 4500 psi.
• Open door to fill station and place bottle in
  fragmentation container. Secure bottle with
  retainer clip then attach whip to bottle. Ensure
  that bleeder valve is closed.

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Filling An Air Cylinder

• Open valve on fill station and slowly fill to
  4500 psi.
• When all bottles are filled, shut off valves.
• Open fill station door. Shut off air bottle
  valves, and open bleeder valve allowing excess
  air pressure to drain down.
• Remove air bottles, and repeat filling process as
  required.

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Filling An Air Cylinder

• Once all cylinders are filled, shut off
  compressor.
• Drain the system down to ensure all pressure is
  taken off of springs.
• Ensure all filled bottles are entered on the log.
  Place completed log in SCBA Committee basket in
  training office for entry into computer.

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Fill Station Safety

• Always wear safety glasses when using the fill
  station. High pressure air, along with dust or
  other airborne particles can harm your eyes.
• Secure the bottle in the fragmentation container
  with retainer clips. Should an air bottle fail
  while being filled, the retainer clips will
  confine most of the debris within the container.

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Summary

• The SCBA system contains five components
• Air cylinder
• Regulator
• Backpack
• Facepiece
• PASS Alarm

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Summary

• Proper care and maintenance of the system will
  reduce or eliminate the possibility of failure
  when being used in a hazardous environment.

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Where to Get More Information

• IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting Manual
• IFSTA SCBA Manual
• Scott Field Level Maintenance Program
• SCBA Edukit
• SCBA Committee
• Senior members of the department.

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• The End !!!