Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

1. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

2. Objectives (1 of 2) • List two conditions requiring respiratory protection. • List and explain the effects of oxygen deficiency and toxic gases on the human body. • List one legal requirement for use of SCBA. • List two types of SCBA. • List four components of the SCBA used by the authority having jurisdiction.

3. Objectives (2 of 2) • Demonstrate two different SCBA donning procedures. • Demonstrate routine inspection of SCBA. • Demonstrate after-use maintenance and servicing. • Demonstrate the servicing of an SCBA cylinder with the air-filling system.

4. Introduction (1 of 3) • SCBA an important item of PPE. • SCBA allows firefighters to work in oxygen deficient atmospheres. • Human body very vulnerable to oxygen deficient atmosphere. • Respiratory protection policy must exist. • SCBA required in an IDLH area.

5. Introduction (2 of 3) • Many changes in SCBAs since the 1970s • Decrease in weight • Must be positive pressure • Improved design • SCBA maintenance programs • PASS devices • Better training programs • Increased regulations

6. Introduction (3 of 3) • Improvements • Technology • Regulations • Mandates • SCBA improvements are only as effective as the training and proficiency firefighters develop in using SCBA.

7. Conditions Requiring Respiratory Protection • Oxygen deficiency • High temperatures • Smoke • Unburned products of combustion • Toxic environment

8. Oxygen-Deficient Environments • Humans and fire both require oxygen to survive. • Oxygen deficiency is detrimental to the human body.

9. Elevated Temperatures and Smoke • Inhalation of heated gases can cause fluid to build up in the lungs and create long-term, irreversible damage. • Combustion by-products are very irritating to the body. • High temperatures can also cause severe burns to the respiratory system.

10. PPE for Oxygen-Deficient Environment

11. Effects of Toxic Gases and Environments (1 of 2) • Toxic gases are produced by combustion. • These gases affect various body systems. • Hazardous materials can increase the risk to firefighters. • CO is one of the most lethal gases produced by fire. • CO attaches to blood 218 times easier than O2.

12. Effects of Toxic Gases and Environments (2 of 2) • CO prevents distribution of O2 in the body, causing hypoxia. • Without SCBA, a firefighter will not survive. • Repeated exposure to toxins has long-term effects.

13. Legal Requirements for SCBA • OSHA - Respiratory Protection Standard Title 29 CFR 1910.134 • 29 CFR 1910.134 standard for all entries into IDLH atmospheres • NFPA standards (1500, 1404, 1981) • NIOSH 42 CFR Part 84

14. Organizations Concerned with SCBA Design and Use Organizations Concerned with SCBA Design and Use

15. Limitations of SCBA (1 of 2) • SCBA design and size • Increases weight and girth • Decreases mobility • Requires good physical conditioning • Must be aware of how long air will last • Limits visibility • Voice muffled and hard to understand

16. Limitations of SCBA(2 of 2) • Limitations of SCBA user • Factors such as facial hair or weight loss can alter mask effectiveness. • Lack of confidence can lead to anxiety. • Training/experience will improve confidence and ability. • Increased physical stress causes anxiety. • Emotional state may affect respiratory rate and air consumption.

17. Physically Demanding Tasks

18. Types of SCBA • Two types of SCBA in use • Open-circuit SCBA • Closed-circuit SCBA • Both built according to NIOSH and NFPA standards

19. Open-Circuit SCBA (1 of 2)

20. Open-Circuit SCBA (2 of 2) • SCBA has four assembly components. • Backpack and harness • Cylinder • Regulator • Face piece assembly

21. SCBA Harness Assembly

22. Open-Circuit SCBA — Cylinders (1 of 2) • SCBA cylinders vary in material and type. • USDOT regulates compressed gas cylinders. • Quality of the compressed breathing gas has a direct effect on the performance of the SCBA.

23. Open-Circuit SCBA — Cylinders (2 of 2) SCBA Air Cylinder Capacities

24. SCBA Regulator (1 of 2) • Regulator is attached to the face piece or waist strap. • Regulator has a pressure gauge. • Regulator is activated by user’s breathing action.

25. SCBA Regulator (2 of 2) • The regulator maintains constant positive pressure airflow to the face piece. • Units have low air supply warning alarm. • NFPA 1981 requires two types of alarms.

26. SCBA Face Pieces • Annual face piece fit test is required. • Exhalation valve keeps toxic gases out.

27. Closed-Circuit SCBA • Not used for regular firefighting operations • Commonly used for hazmat operations and below-grade rescues • Contains cylinder, filter system, regulator, and valves

28. Open-Circuit Supplied Air Respirator (SAR) • Air supply cylinder is remote from user. • It provides user with long- duration air supply. • It is used for hazmat operations and confined space rescues.

29. Donning and Doffing SCBA (1 of 2) • Perform safety check first. • Use one of two methods. • Over the head method • Coat method • SCBA is also mounted in seats. • Never stand to don while apparatus is moving. • After securing SCBA, don face piece.

30. Donning and Doffing SCBA (2 of 2) • The proper donning of a face piece is essential. • After exiting hazardous area, remove SCBA. Remove face piece while waiting for assignment. • Local protocol may require rehab after assignment.

31. Over the Head Method

32. Coat Method

33. Seat-Mounted SCBA

34. SCBA Operation and Emergency Procedures • Firefighters must be proficient in: • Safe use of SCBA • Donning and doffing procedures • Individual limitations • Limitations of SCBA

35. Safe Use of SCBA (1 of 2) • Firefighters must be physically fit for respirator use. • Accountability system should be in place. • Must work in teams of two at a minimum. • OSHA “two in/two out” regulation. • PASS device must be activated.

36. Safe Use of SCBA (2 of 2) • SCBA operations should include rehab time. • Stay hydrated during rehab. • Air consumption will vary for all. • Never remove the face piece in a contaminated environment. • Low air alarm on one team member means the whole team exits.

37. PASS Devices

38. Operating in a Hostile Environment (1 of 2) • Always check in/out with accountability officer. • Always remain low. • Check the environment. • Never remove a face piece. • Be aware of your location at all times.

39. Operating in a Hostile Environment (2 of 2) • Ventilate as you advance. • Check outside openings. • Maintain contact with team members. • Never enter a hostile environment alone.

40. Restricted Openings • Never remove face piece! • Loosen straps and rotate SCBA under arm. • Remove harness and hold SCBA as a last resort. • Do not lose contact with SCBA. • Maintain control of unit. • Practice procedures regularly.

41. SCBA Use in Restricted Openings

42. Emergency Procedures with SCBA • Remain calm. • Immediately exit hazardous area. • Activate PASS device. • Announce your emergency over the radio. • If regulator or face piece fails, use bypass valve. • Buddy breathing is only a last resort.

43. Inspection and Maintenance of SCBA • Have SCBA ready to go at all times. • Routinely inspect SCBA. • Remove unit and check it after each use. • Monthly operational check should be done. • Service less than full cylinder.

44. Servicing SCBA Cylinders • Test and certify air source. • Cylinders must have current hydrostatic test date. • Fill stations must have fragmentation containment devices. • Always follow manufacturer’s recommendations. • Remember, fill rates will vary.

45. Fragmentation Containment Device

46. Summary • SCBA is one of the most important PPE items. • Both SCBA and the user have limitations. • Firefighters must be familiar and comfortable with use of SCBA. • Firefighters need to be proficient in the proper and rapid donning of SCBA • Routine inspections and maintenance are important.