SCBA

1
SCBA

• Orientation and Annual Refresher Training

2
Introduction

• SCBA are one of the most effective and
  potentially hazardous pieces of equipment used in
  the fire service. They allow us to go into
  extremely hazardous situations and may give a
  false sense of security.
• It is extremely important to
• Know their limitations and uses
• Understand how they operate
• Know how to maintain and check them
• Be familiar with the packs safety features
• Be able to use the pack in zero visibility
  environments

3
Introduction

• Values and Expectations
• Use good judgment and promote safety at all times
• Obey the law follow appropriate directives and
  rules
• Protect your co-workers welfare
• Work competently
• Be pro-active

4
Course Objectives

• Describe how to recognize medical signs and
  symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective
  use of the respirators
• Describe why the respirator is necessary and how
  improper fit, usage, or maintenance can
  compromise the protective effect of the
  respirator.
• Describe what the limitations and capabilities of
  the respirator are.

5
Course Objectives Cont.

• Demonstrate how to inspect, put on and remove,
  use and check the seals of the respirator.
• Demonstrate how to use the respirator effectively
  in emergency situations, including situations in
  which the respirator malfunctions.
• Demonstrate the procedures for maintenance and
  storage of the respirator.

6
OVERVIEW

• Fundamentals
• Regulations
• Respiratory Safety
• Pack Familiarization
• Inspection
• Maintenance
• Bottle Filling
• Operations

7
Regulations

• OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard
• 29 CFR 1910.134-Respiratory protection
  requirements
• NFPA
• 1404-Standard for Fire Service Respiratory
  Protection Training
• 1852- Standard on Selection, Care, and
  Maintenance of Open-Circuit Self-Contained
  Breathing Apparatus

8
Respiratory Safety

• Hazards in IDLH Atmospheres
• Toxic gases
• CO
• Hydrogen cyanide
• Other products of combustion
• Heated gases
• Diminished Oxygen

9
Respiratory Safety

• Limitations and Capabilities of Respirator
• Provides approximately 45 minutes of supplies air
• No protection from liquids, vapors or gases that
  are toxic by absorption
• Malfunction, misuse, or running out of air may
  result in severe injury or death
• Malfunctions can be reduced by proper maintenance
• Misuse can be avoided by insuring proper fit and
  by using correct donning procedures
• Running out of air can be avoided by constant
  situational awareness

10
Respiratory Safety

• Physical Stresses
• Heart attack is still the NUMBER 1 killer of
  firefighters
• Using SCBA increases cardiovascular work and heat
  stress
• Sign and symptoms
• Shortness of breath
• Extreme fatigue
• Chest pain
• Light headedness
• Confusion
• Prevention
• Keep hydrated
• Keep physically fit
• Rehab frequently
• Know your limitations (work rate consumption)
• Quit before there is a problem

11
Pack Familiarization

• Manual on share drive
• Packs on each table

12
Pack Familiarization

• Cylinder valve
• Purge valve
• Straps
• Low air alarms - Vibra-Alert _at_ 1000 psi

13
Pack Familiarization

• HUD display
• FULL cylinder - two green lights glowing near the
  center of the display.
• THREE-QUARTERS cylinder - single green light
  glowing.
• ONE-HALF cylinder - yellow light flashing slowly
  at one second.
• ONE-QUARTER - red light at the far left flashing
  rapidly.
• LOW BATTERY indicator at the far right of the
  display will light for twenty seconds and then
  begin to flash slowly at once a second. LOW
  BATTERY indicator is circular.

14
Pack Familiarization

• Hansen (Low Pressure) Connection
• AKA Shoulder Connection
• Used receive air from hip hose (if access to hip
  hose for receiving air is not available).

15
Pack Familiarization

• EBSS (Emergency Breathing Support System)
• Low Pressure Connection
• AKA Hip hose connection
• Used to supply or receive emergency air

16
Pack Familiarization

• Universal RIT Connection
• High Pressure
• Used to receive air from RIT pack

17
Pack Familiarization

• RIT Pack
• One hour bottle
• Mask with regulator
• Multiple low pressure Hansen Connections
• High Pressure Universal RIT Connection

18
Inspections

• SCBA Resource Manual
• Contains all the information about our
  respiratory protection program
• One is located at each station

19
Inspections

• Daily, Weekly, Monthly After Use
• Instructions located in resource manual
  apparatus binders
• Daily and weekly inspections are documented on
  the apparatus inspection forms
• Monthly and after use/in service inspections are
  documented on a separate form located in the
  apparatus inspection binders
• It is imperative to perform and document monthly,
  after use/in service inspections. Failure to do
  so may lead to injury, death and/or heavy fines.

20
DEMONSTRATION

• Daily
• Weekly
• Monthly, After Use/In Service

21
Cleaning

• Use a mild liquid soap to clean both SCBAs and
  masks
• Use multi-wash for disinfecting purposes
• These items are conveniently located in a caddy
  beneath the sink in the SCBA room, along with 3
  buckets for mask washing

22
Maintenance

• SCBAs
• Maintenance is covered in scheduled checks and by
  having each pack bench tested every two years
• Masks
• Each member is responsible for inspecting and
  maintaining his or her own mask
• Regularly inspect the face seal and lens for
  cracks or holes and inspect the retainer screws
  for tightness. Assure that all pieces are present
  and functioning properly.

23
Repairs

• Operator repairs should be limited to the
  following
• Replacing the nipple seal gasket
• Replacing regulator gasket
• Regulator tear down for disinfection purposes
• All others should be tagged O.O.S. for a field
  level maintenance technician

24
Out of Service (O.O.S.) Equipment

• OOS Tags Should contain the following
• Name
• Date
• Description of the problem
• Utilize available diagrams located in the SCBA
  room to properly identify O.O.S. parts whenever
  possible
• Attach an O.O.S. tag to the appropriate part
  whenever possible
• Always store O.O.S. equipment separate from
  in-service equipment

25
DEMONSTRATION(Document on Practical Evaluation
Sheet)

• Nipple Seal Gasket
• Regulator Gasket
• Regulator Tear Down

26
Bottle FillingMACO Air Compressor

• Check and fill oil to the appropriate levels when
  necessary prior to each use
• Perform the following on the weekly checks
• Allow the compressor to run approx. 25 minutes by
  opening the main drain slightly
• After closing the drain, allow the compressor to
  fill and document the oil pressure and each stage
  pressure at completion
• Document all of the above in the compressor log

27
Operation

• Demonstrate Donning Respirator
• Line Personnel 1 minute 30 seconds
• Operational Overhead 1 minute 30 seconds
• Fire Inspectors without hesitation

28
OperationsZero Visibility Demonstrations(Documen
t on Practical Evaluation Sheet)

• Reopening tank
• Using purge valve
• Replacing dislodged mask
• Doffing and re-donning SCBA while on air
• Hansen Connection (hip hose to shoulder
  connection)
• Emergency Hose Connection (hip hose to hip hose
  connection)
• Universal RIT Connections

29
Conclusion

• Regulations
• Respiratory Safety
• Pack Familiarization
• Inspection
• Maintenance
• Bottle Filling
• Operation