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 @ 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 SCBA’s 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 • 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.

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(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

29. Conclusion • Regulations • Respiratory Safety • Pack Familiarization • Inspection • Maintenance • Bottle Filling • Operation