Basic Firefighter

SCBA

Michael Corsello – Peyton Fire

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Respiratory Hazards
Lungs and Respiratory tract are the most
vulnerable parts of the body
4 Common Hazardous Atmospheres
Oxygen Deficiency
Elevated Temperatures
Smoke
Toxic Atmospheres
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Oxygen Deficiency
Normally 21% Oxygen in air
Hypoxia occurs quickly
17% O2 – impaired muscular activity
12% O2 – dizziness, headache, rapid fatigue
9% O2 – unconciousness
6% O2 – death within a few minutes
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Elevated Temperatures
Inhalation of heated air causes serious
decreases in blood pressure
Can cause pulmonary edema
Damage is not immediately reversible
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Smoke
Composed of minute particles suspended
in heated gases
Particles and gas may be irritating or lethal
Toxic Atmospheres
In addition to smoke, non-fire related
environments can be quite hazardous
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Toxic Atmospheres
Many hazardous compounds are rated by
the NIOSH IDLH (Immediately Dangerous
to Life and Health)
Toxic environments may be encountered in
any situation, not just in a live fire
During salvage and overhaul, there may be
a more hazardous environment then during
the fire
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Some common fire

Related gases and
Their IDLH values
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SCBAs or Self Contained Breathing
Apparatus are covered by NFPA and
OSHA regulations (NFPA1500 & 1404)
Use of SCBAs are limited by air supply
and limitations of the wearer
Physical
Medical
Mental
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Physical limitations of the wearer
Fitness – wearer must be in good physical
condition to maximize ability to function
Agility – wearing an SCBA limits mobility
and balance
Facial Features – the shape and contour of
the face affects the seal of the mask
Facial Hair – reduces ability to obtain a seal
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Medical
Neurologic – good motor skills are required
to operate effectively in an SCBA
Muscular/Skeletal – requires strength and
size to operate in an SCBA
Cardiovascular/Respiratory – poor
cardiovascular health can lead to stroke or
heart attacks, while respiratory health
limits operation time in an SCBA
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Mental
Training – wearer must be familiar with all
aspects of SCBA operation and use
Self-Confidence – belief in ones ability has
a positive affect on actions to be
performed
Emotional – ability to maintain self-control
in a high-stress environment minimizes
errors and lengthens time in an SCBA
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Limitations of Equipment
Visibility – the mask limits peripheral vision
and is prone to fogging
Communication – the facepiece hinders
vocal communication
Weight – an SCBA adds 25-35lbs of weight
Mobility – an SCBA reduces the freedom of
movement in many ways
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Limitations of Air Supply
A single bottle has a limited amount of air
Increased exertion drastically shortens
bottle duration
Poor physical/mental condition shortens
bottle duration
Cylinder pressure before use determines
air supply
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2 basic types
Open Circuit
Closed Circuit (rebreather)
Open Circuit is most common
Exhaled air is lost to the environment
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4 basic component assemblies
Backpack and harness assembly – the frame and
straps holding everything together
Air Cylinder assembly – bottle, valve and pressure
gauge
Regulator assembly – high-pressure hose / low
pressure alarm
Facepiece assembly – lens, exhalation valve, head
harness and possibly low-pressure hose
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Cylinder pressure gauge and remote
pressure gauge should be within 100psi
Estimated Bottle Durations
2216psi, 45ft3 – 30min
4500psi, 45ft3 – 30min
3000psi, 66ft3 – 45min
4500psi, 66ft3 – 45min
4500psi, 87ft3 – 60min
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Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS)
Required as per NFPA1500
Standardized under NFPA1982
Train on operation every 6mos
Always turn on and test the device before entering
a hazardous environment
Train to listen for an activated PASS
Turn PASS off to communicate with downed
firefighter once located
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Donning
Before donning, perform all safety checks
Cylinder pressure
Gauge equilibrium
Harness and Facepiece assembly – all straps
fully EXTENDED
Check all valves – TURN ON CYLINDER BEFORE
DONNING!!
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Methods for Donning
Over-The-Head
Holding SCBA upside down, raise over head
and allow to slide over the back, with arm
straps falling into place over the shoulders
Helmet MUST be worn prior to raising SCBA
over head
Coat Method
Put SCBA on as it were a coat or backpack
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Donning the facepiece
Facepiece MUST make a positive seal with
face
Seal MUST be checked every time
facepiece is donned
All straps MUST be tightened and secured
fully to ensure an effective seal
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Doffing
Ensure that area is safe and SCBA is no longer
required
Disconnect low-pressure hose or regulator
Remove the facepiece
Remove backpack
Shut off cylinder valve
Relieve pressure from regulator
Extend all straps
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Maintenance (NFPA1404 / NFPA1500)
SCBAs must be inspected after each use, weekly,
monthly and annually
Check cylinder pressure, gauge operation, low-
pressure alarm, hoses / connections, facepiece,
harness system and all valves
More detailed inspections monthly and annually
Hydrostatic testing
Steel/Aluminum – every 5 yrs
Composite – every 3 yrs
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Safety
Keep in good physical condition
Control facial hair
Stay calm – train at skip-breathing
Work in a consistent, methodical manner
Train continually
Maintain your gear
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Operations
Confined Spaces
Stay low
If unable to pass an obstruction, doff harness
with facepiece in place while maintaining hold
on regulator – push SCBA FIRST, then follow
through – re-don harness and tighten straps
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Operations
All team members operate together, if one
person has to exit, everyone exits
Don’t hesitate to exit a scene if anything
seems unsafe – as a team
The low-pressure alarm is the FINAL
indicator to leave
Ensure all team members stay together
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SCBA Malfunction
In case of an SCBA regulator failure, breathe by
operating the bypass valve
Open the bypass, take a breath
Close the bypass to conserve air
With the entire team, get to safety
In case of a facepiece seal failure, start positive-
pressure ventilation
Open the bypass far enough to push air out of the mask
With the entire team, get to safety
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Remember
Safety First