Section 501.06

I. Scope:

This standard establishes guidelines for the inspection and maintenance of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). It was created to:

A. Provide a reasonable degree of assurance that an in-service SCBA will function properly.

B. Require that any SCBA that does not function properly be removed from service, tagged and repaired.

C. Comply with the applicable rules, regulations and standards concerning SCBA equipment.

II. General:

A. All SCBA equipment shall comply with the provisions of the edition of NFPA 1981, Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for the Fire Service that was in effect at the time that the equipment was purchased.

B. SCBA equipment shall also comply with the applicable rules, regulations and standards created by other appropriate agencies.

III. Inspection:

SCBA equipment shall be inspected periodically to determine its readiness for use and to discover and repair any damage or excessive wear sustained by the unit. The frequency of inspection is as follows:

A. Before and after each use:

1. Before and after each use, SCBA assigned to an apparatus should be inspected for the following:

a. Cylinder pressure: The minimum pressure should not fall below 2000psi.

b. Low-air alarm: This should sound when the cylinder valve is opened.

c. Facepiece: This should be clean and free of debris and should seal properly to the wearer’s face.

d. Exhalation valve, bypass valve and operation: All should function normally.

a. Low or empty cylinder: Cylinders should be cleaned, low cylinders should be re-filled and empty cylinders should be replaced with fully charged ones.

b. Components and facepieces: Shall be cleaned, checked for excessive wear or damage, sanitized and checked for proper function.

c. Caution: Anytime an SCBA has been used in a contaminated atmosphere, the unit shall be completely decontaminated prior to being returned to service.

1. Each piece of SCBA equipment assigned to an apparatus shall be inspected annually to determine any condition that may contribute to the deterioration of a cylinder or harness. Checks should be made for rust, corrosion, moisture, damage and evidence of oil or hydrocarbon contamination.

2. Every piece of the SCBA harness equipment assigned to the department, shall be inspected every two years by an approved facility as per NFPA 1981, Standard on Open-Circuit Self Contained Breathing Apparatus.

A. All breathing air produced for use shall comply with the testing and quality requirements. Tests shall be conducted every 6 months by an independent testing service to determine whether the air quality meets or exceeds these requirements. The test results shall be filed and a copy posted near the compressor.

B. The breathing air that is produced by the department’s compressor meets the air quality standard for SCBA equipment.

C. Any air cylinder suspected of containing contaminated air or air that does not meet the department’s air quality standards should be emptied and purged.

D. Any air cylinder that is not used within a period of three months or as required, shall be emptied and refilled.

E. All SCBA cylinders shall be maintained at 90 percent of their rated storage capacity (2216 cylinders no lower than 2000psi). Cylinders containing less than 90 percent of their rated capacity shall be segregated from full cylinders until they are refilled.

F. The SCBA officer shall ensure that all members are capable of properly operating the breathing air compressor and cascade systems. Proper operating procedures and precautions shall be made available or posted in a conspicuous location at each fill station.

G. Prior to filling a cylinder, personnel shall visually inspect all cylinders to ensure that none are damaged or defective and that they are within the current hydrostatic test date. Defective or out-of-date cylinders shall not be filled and removed from service.

H. All cylinders shall be refilled in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer.

I. Breathing air compressors shall not be operated in a contaminated atmosphere. Prior to operation, personnel shall ensure that the intake area is free of obvious contaminants. Air shall not be taken while any apparatus motor is running near the intake area.

1. A complete inventory of all SCBA units, cylinders, cascades, fill stations, special tools, spare parts and related equipment.

3. Records shall be kept for each cylinder. The records shall include serial numbers, hydrostatic test dates and a history of inspection and repair.

4. Maintenance and repair records shall be kept for the breathing air compressor, cascade systems, fill station and any ancillary equipment used to produce or store breathing air.

B. The SCBA officer shall ensure that a permanent file of all semi-annual air quality tests are kept.

A. The Fire Chief shall appoint an officer to the collateral duty of SCBA officer.

B. The SCBA officer shall be responsible for the management and oversight of the SCBA inspection and maintenance program, including the cascade systems, breathing air compressor and the mobile cascade system carried on the department’s Rescue Unit. The SCBA officer shall ensure the timely repair of any defective piece of SCBA equipment.

C. All officers shall be responsible for the care and maintenance of the SCBA, cascade systems and the compressor assigned to the department.

D. Every member assigned to fire suppression duty shall be responsible for knowing how to use and care for the SCBA equipment assigned to his apparatus.

E. It is the duty of each member to promptly report and correct any deficiencies found with any piece of SCBA equipment. If the equipment cannot immediately be repaired, the equipment shall be taken out of service and tagged.