SCBASCBA

Orientation and Annual Refresher Training

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

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

Course ObjectivesCourse 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.

Course Objectives Cont.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.

OVERVIEWOVERVIEW

Fundamentals– Regulations– Respiratory Safety– Pack Familiarization– Inspection– Maintenance– Bottle Filling

Operations

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

Respiratory SafetyRespiratory Safety

Hazards in IDLH Atmospheres– Toxic gases

CO Hydrogen cyanide Other products of combustion

– Heated gases– Diminished Oxygen

Respiratory SafetyRespiratory 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

Respiratory SafetyRespiratory 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

Pack FamiliarizationPack Familiarization

Manual on share drivePacks on each table

Pack FamiliarizationPack Familiarization

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

Pack FamiliarizationPack 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.

Pack FamiliarizationPack 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).

Pack FamiliarizationPack FamiliarizationEBSS (Emergency Breathing Support System)

Low Pressure Connection AKA “Hip hose connection” Used to supply or receive emergency air

Pack FamiliarizationPack Familiarization

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

Pack FamiliarizationPack Familiarization

RIT Pack

One hour bottleMask with regulatorMultiple low pressure Hansen ConnectionsHigh Pressure Universal RIT Connection

InspectionsInspections

SCBA Resource Manual– Contains all the information about our

respiratory protection program– One is located at each station

InspectionsInspections

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.

DEMONSTRATIONDEMONSTRATION

DailyWeeklyMonthly, After Use/In Service

CleaningCleaning

Use a mild liquid soap to clean both SCBA’s and masks

Use 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

MaintenanceMaintenance

SCBA’s– 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.

RepairsRepairs

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

Out of Service (O.O.S.) Out of Service (O.O.S.) EquipmentEquipment

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

DEMONSTRATIONDEMONSTRATION(Document on Practical Evaluation Sheet)(Document on Practical Evaluation Sheet)

Nipple Seal GasketRegulator GasketRegulator Tear Down

Bottle FillingBottle FillingMACO Air CompressorMACO 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

OperationOperation

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

OperationsOperationsZero Visibility DemonstrationsZero Visibility Demonstrations

(Document on Practical Evaluation Sheet)(Document 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

ConclusionConclusion

RegulationsRespiratory SafetyPack FamiliarizationInspectionMaintenanceBottle FillingOperation