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Section 402.03
Air Compressor Use
I. Scope:
This standard establishes guidelines for the safe and proper procedure for operating the Department’s SCBA Air Compressor System. It was created to:
A. Prevent accidents, injuries or deaths that might result from the improper or unsafe methods of operating the Department’s SCBA Air Compressor System.
B. Prevent damage to any SCBA, air compressor equipment or rescue unit storage cylinders that might result from unsafe operation or misuse.
II. Safety:
A. High pressure air is extremely hazardous and must be dealt with very carefully.
B. The following safety precautions are mandatory:
1. Only members specifically trained in the operation of the air compressor system are permitted to recharge air cylinders using the air compressor.
2. Other than topping up the compressor oil, only qualified persons may conduct maintenance on the compressor.
3. Hearing and eye protection must be worn when recharging air cylinders.
4. All cylinder valves are to be opened slowly; opening too quickly may burst supply lines.
5. There is to be no horseplay with high pressure air; it can cause embolisms and severe skin and eye damage, or even death.
6. The compressor room is to be kept clean at all times.
7. SCBA cylinders not on vehicles are to be stored in the supplied cylinder box, in the compressor room.
8. The Fire Chief is to be informed of any problems such as outdated test dates on air cylinders or deficiencies in the compressor, cascade system or refill station.
9. Any SCBA sets that are malfunctioning or in need of repair, shall be tagged out of service followed by notification to an officer along with the appropriate report form filled out.
III. To Start The Compressor:
A. Mark down the hours from the compressor into the log book.
B. Check the oil to ensure the level is between the two safe marks on the dipstick.
C. If the oil level is okay you will screw the dipstick snugly then move to Step E.
D. If oil is required:
1. Unscrew the dipstick and remove.
2. Use compressor oil only.
3. Add oil in small amounts, approximately 2-3 ounces at a time, giving the oil time to travel down the tube before checking again. The dipstick should be screwed in snugly to determine the oil level.
4. When the desired level has been reached, snugly screw the dipstick down.
5. Move to Step E.
E. Ensure that the walk-in door to the compressor room is open during compressor operation.
F. Ensure all valves are in the “OFF” or “CLOSED” position.
G. Turn the Master Electrical Switch on the west wall to the “ON” position.
H. Turn the compressor switch to the “AUTO” position. (Should the compressor knock for more than 15 seconds, turn the compressor switch to the “OFF” position and wait 30 seconds, then try the “AUTO” position again. If it still knocks for more than 15 seconds, DO NOT USE COMPRESSOR. Follow the procedure “To Shut Down The Compressor” below and report this to an officer)
I. When the compressor is operating turn on the exhaust fan in the compressor room. The switch is marked EF-3 and is located on the south wall beside the door.
J. Proceed to fill cylinders ensuring necessary SOG’s are followed.
IV. To Shut Down the Compressor:
A. Turn the compressor switch to the “OFF” position.
B. Turn the Master Electrical Switch on the west wall to the “OFF” position.
C. Turn the exhaust fan switch labeled EF-3 to the “OFF” position.
D. Ensure all cylinder and system valves are in the “OFF” or “CLOSED” position.
E. Log compressor hours into the log book.
VI. Responsibilities:
A. All members must understand their responsibilities and duties when working with high pressure air systems.
B. All members shall ensure that this guideline is closely followed.
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