FIRE FIGHTER I

TOPIC: INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF SCBA

TIME FRAME: 1:00

LEVEL OF INSTRUCTION: Level II

AUTHORITY: 1997 NFPA 1001 3-3.1 and CCR, Title 8, Section 5144

BEHAVIORAL OBJECTIVE:

Condition: A written test

Behavior: The student will confirm a knowledge of the inspection and

maintenance of SCBA by completing the written test

Standard: With a minimum 80% accuracy according to the information

contained in the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, IFSTA,
Second Edition, Chapter 6

MATERIALS NEEDED: • Writing board with markers/erasers

• Appropriate audiovisual equipment
• Appropriate audiovisual materials
• A complete SCBA

REFERENCES: • Essentials of Fire Fighting, IFSTA, Fourth Edition

• Firefighter's Handbook, Delmar, 2000 Edition
• Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, IFSTA, Second
Edition

PREPARATION: You should consider SCBA to be a critical element of your

personal protective equipment. Like any other piece of
equipment, the SCBA requires proper inspection and
maintenance on a regular basis. It is also important to ensure
that the SCBA is returned to service properly after each use.

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PRESENTATION APPLICATION

How frequently should

SCBAs be inspected?
I. FREQUENCY
A. Routine inspections
1. Daily
2. After each use
B. Maintenance inspections
1. Monthly
2. Annually
II. ROUTINE INSPECTION
What should be
checked on the
backpack assembly?
A. Backpack assembly
1. Check straps
a) Not frayed
b) Extended ready for donning
c) Buckles and snaps operational
2. Frame
a) No visible damage
b) Clean
B. Cylinder
1. Damage
a) No scratches or gouges
2. Gauge
a) Full cylinder
When should a
cylinder be replaced?
1) Replace if less than 90% of capacity

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PRESENTATION APPLICATION

b) Note pressure
1) For comparison to remote gauge
c) Cylinder secure in harness
d) Hose securely connected
What should be
checked on the
regulator assembly?
C. Regulator assembly
1. Check that all hose connections are secure
2. Charge system
a) Open cylinder valve slowly
3. Low-pressure alarm should sound
4. Check all valves for proper operation
5. Compare remote gauge with cylinder gauge
How close should the
readings of the two
gauges be?
a) Should be within 100 psi of each other
6. Listen for leaks
D. Mask assembly
1. No cracks or scratches
2. Clean
3. Straps
a) No cracking or tearing
b) Extended ready for donning
How does the
exhalation valve get
checked?
4. Check operation of exhalation valve
a) Place mask on face and exhale

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PRESENTATION APPLICATION

5. Accessories
a) Nose cup
b) Spectacle kit
c) Radio/amplifier hookup
What should be done
after the routine
inspection is
complete?
E. Return SCBA to in-service condition
1. Close all valves
2. Bleed off excess pressure in accordance with
manufacturer's recommendations and
directions
3. Ensure breathing apparatus is in a safe
condition for immediate use
III. MONTHLY INSPECTION
A. In accordance with manufacturer's
recommendations and agency policy
B. Perform routine inspection
C. Disconnect all hoses
1. Check all threads for damage
2. Check O-rings
D. Low-pressure hose, if present
How should the hose
be inspected?
1. Stretch and look for cracks
E. Check all components for deterioration
F. Check operation of all valves and gauges
G. Reassemble unit and don to verify proper operation
H. Clean and sanitize unit

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PRESENTATION APPLICATION

Who should complete

an annual inspection?
IV. ANNUAL INSPECTION
A. Should only be done by trained personnel
1. Designated by agency
2. Certified by manufacturer of SCBA
V. MAINTENANCE RECORDS
A. In accordance with manufacturer's
recommendations
B. Follow department policies and procedures

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SUMMARY:

Routine inspection of SCBAs should be completed daily and after each use. Maintenance
inspections are completed monthly and annually. It is essential that you are proficient and
thorough in completing these inspections in order to ensure proper operation of your
breathing apparatus.

EVALUATION:

The student will complete the written test at a time determined by the instructor.

ASSIGNMENT:

Review your notes and read Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, IFSTA, Second Edition,
Chapter 6 in order to prepare yourself for the upcoming test. Study for our next session.

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