SCBAOrientation and Annual Refresher Training

IntroductionSCBA 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 usesUnderstand how they operateKnow how to maintain and check themBe familiar with the packs safety featuresBe able to use the pack in zero visibility environments

IntroductionValues and Expectations

Use good judgment and promote safety at all timesObey the law; follow appropriate directives and rulesProtect your co-workers welfareWork competently Be pro-active

Course ObjectivesDescribe how to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of the respiratorsDescribe 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.

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.

OVERVIEWFundamentals

RegulationsRespiratory SafetyPack FamiliarizationInspectionMaintenanceBottle FillingOperations

RegulationsOSHA Respiratory Protection Standard

29 CFR 1910.134-Respiratory protection requirements

NFPA

1404-Standard for Fire Service Respiratory Protection Training1852- Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

Respiratory SafetyHazards in IDLH Atmospheres

Toxic gasesCOHydrogen cyanideOther products of combustionHeated gasesDiminished Oxygen

Respiratory SafetyLimitations and Capabilities of Respirator

Provides approximately 45 minutes of supplies airNo protection from liquids, vapors or gases that are toxic by absorptionMalfunction, misuse, or running out of air may result in severe injury or deathMalfunctions can be reduced by proper maintenanceMisuse can be avoided by insuring proper fit and by using correct donning proceduresRunning out of air can be avoided by constant situational awareness

Respiratory SafetyPhysical Stresses

Heart attack is still the NUMBER 1 killer of firefightersUsing SCBA increases cardiovascular work and heat stressSign and symptomsShortness of breathExtreme fatigueChest painLight headednessConfusionPreventionKeep hydratedKeep physically fitRehab frequentlyKnow your limitations (work rate consumption)Quit before there is a problem

Pack FamiliarizationManual on share drivePacks on each table

Pack FamiliarizationCylinder valvePurge valveStrapsLow air alarms - Vibra-Alert @ 1000 psi

Pack FamiliarizationHUD 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.

Pack FamiliarizationHansen (Low Pressure) ConnectionAKA Shoulder ConnectionUsed receive air from hip hose (if access to hip hose for receiving air is not available).

Pack FamiliarizationEBSS (Emergency Breathing Support System)Low Pressure ConnectionAKA Hip hose connectionUsed to supply or receive emergency air

Pack FamiliarizationUniversal RIT ConnectionHigh PressureUsed to receive air from RIT pack

Pack FamiliarizationRIT PackOne hour bottleMask with regulatorMultiple low pressure Hansen ConnectionsHigh Pressure Universal RIT Connection

InspectionsSCBA Resource Manual

Contains all the information about our respiratory protection programOne is located at each station

InspectionsDaily, Weekly, Monthly & After Use

Instructions located in resource manual & apparatus bindersDaily and weekly inspections are documented on the apparatus inspection formsMonthly and after use/in service inspections are documented on a separate form located in the apparatus inspection bindersIt 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.

DEMONSTRATIONDailyWeeklyMonthly, After Use/In Service

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

MaintenanceSCBAs

Maintenance is covered in scheduled checks and by having each pack bench tested every two yearsMasks

Each member is responsible for inspecting and maintaining his or her own maskRegularly 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.

RepairsOperator repairs should be limited to the following:

Replacing the nipple seal gasketReplacing regulator gasketRegulator tear down for disinfection purposesAll others should be tagged O.O.S. for a field level maintenance technician

Out of Service (O.O.S.) EquipmentOOS Tags Should contain the following:

NameDateDescription of the problemUtilize available diagrams located in the SCBA room to properly identify O.O.S. parts whenever possibleAttach an O.O.S. tag to the appropriate part whenever possibleAlways store O.O.S. equipment separate from in-service equipment

DEMONSTRATION(Document on Practical Evaluation Sheet)Nipple Seal GasketRegulator GasketRegulator Tear Down

Bottle FillingMACO Air CompressorCheck and fill oil to the appropriate levels when necessary prior to each usePerform the following on the weekly checks:Allow the compressor to run approx. 25 minutes by opening the main drain slightlyAfter closing the drain, allow the compressor to fill and document the oil pressure and each stage pressure at completionDocument all of the above in the compressor log

OperationDemonstrate Donning Respirator

Line Personnel: 1 minute 30 secondsOperational Overhead: 1 minute 30 secondsFire Inspectors: without hesitation

OperationsZero Visibility Demonstrations(Document on Practical Evaluation Sheet)Reopening tankUsing purge valveReplacing dislodged maskDoffing and re-donning SCBA while on airHansen Connection (hip hose to shoulder connection)Emergency Hose Connection (hip hose to hip hose connection)Universal RIT Connections

ConclusionRegulationsRespiratory SafetyPack FamiliarizationInspectionMaintenanceBottle FillingOperation