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Dec 20, 2023

Firefighting Fundamentals: SCBA Basics

The self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is one of the most important and

The self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is one of the most important and effective pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) that firefighters have. The protection that it provides is priceless.

Knowing how to use the SCBA is one aspect of being proficient with it. Even more important is being proficient in checking the SCBA and keeping it ready to be used at a moment's notice all the time. These are the SCBA basics that every firefighter needs to know and practice. Detailed below are some of the components that need to always be checked and maintained.

Every SCBA manufactured comes with a holding device meant for the regulator. This docking device is attached at some point on the SCBA, be it the waist belt or the shoulder strap, and is designed to hold the regulator when it is not being used in the face piece. By docking the regulator in this holder, we are ensuring the regulator is being kept safe out of the way. Many times when we are doing other tasks on the fireground, the regulator gets in the way when it is hanging down or dangling when bent over. It will get caught in other items such as ladder rungs or otherwise get snagged. When banged against other items, the doffing switch may get activated releasing the breathing air. When the regulator is not being used, dock it. This also helps to prevent contaminates from getting inside and staying inside.

SCBA Inspection and Testing

One component of the SCBA that needs careful attention is the regulator. When there are shared resources within a fire department, we should take extra steps to stop germ sharing at the source. Decontaminating the regulator is one of those ways that we can stop the spread of germs from one firefighter to another. Every SCBA manufacturer will have a recommended procedure and product to use to accomplish this. When you have used the SCBA and are finished with it, be sure to disinfect the regulator.

A common occurrence with SCBA is to find the unit with the straps not fully extended. This has happened because the previous user doffed the unit and did not extend the straps to do so. Taking off an SCBA with the straps retracted is not that difficult–but putting it back on with the straps in the same retracted position is very difficult. No matter where the SCBA is stored–in the jumpseats, side compartment, or in a case–the straps need to be fully extended. This can be doublechecked when the SCBA is checked in at the beginning of a shift or during the regular SCBA inspection time for volunteer fire departments.

There are many items that need to be checked during SCBA inspections. Sometimes the smaller items can be overlooked and forgotten about. One such item is the "O" ring found on the high-pressure hose that connects to the cylinder. This little ring plays a significant role in the operation of the SCBA. Without it, air will leak out from around the threaded or snap connection from the cylinder to the SCBA. No matter how tight you make the connection, air will still leak. The "O" ring must be replaced on a regular basis as it will wear out with usage, so always check for the "O" ring when doing an SCBA inspection.

Every SCBA is equipped with batteries to help it operate vital functions. Batteries can be located within the face piece, the chest gauge, the harness, and in any attachments, such as a communication system. When the batteries fail, so does the device. It is important to check the status of the batteries to ensure they are in good working condition. This can be done when the SCBA is being checked in by the operator. Check with the manufacturer's manual to see how you can test the batteries.

Whenever an SCBA is checked in, it goes through an inspection process to verify its working condition. This inspection is both visual as well as physical and can take as little as five minutes. The major components are always checked firefighters must not neglect the smaller components. One item is the RIT URC valve on the back of the pack. This little device is tucked away in the back and is not always visible when checking t over. This is a small but a vital part. It is a lifeline connection for the firefighter and needs to be clear of any debris, not damaged, and in good working condition. Be sure to check the RIT URC.

Another aspect of the SCBA check in is the hydrostatic date and the manufacture date. These two dates are small aspects of the SCBA check in but can tell the firefighter some important information. The manufacture date will let the firefighter know if the cylinder is within its current lifespan for use. Carbon fiber cylinders are only good for 15 years or more depending upon approval. If the cylinder is beyond this date, it will need to be taken out of service. The hydrostatic test date is the other date that needs to be checked. Every five years the cylinder needs to be re-tested for service. If it is out of date, it is no good to use.

Cold weather operations can produce many side problems for the fire service. One such area is with our SCBA cylinders. When they are stored on the fire apparatus in the station, the air inside is kept warm and will sustain itself in volume. But once the cylinder is exposed to cold weather, the air inside will condense and will show on the cylinder gauge, a decrease in cylinder pressure. At first glance, this may look like the cylinder was not properly filled or missed during inspection time but in fact; it is instead usually due to the cold weather. This decrease in air will contribute to the working time available for the end user. Be mindful of this during the cold/wintertime.

What has been listed here are just the basic components of doing a proper SCBA check in. Not having these smaller parts present or missing will render the SCBA useless and be tagged out of service. Even the most veteran firefighter needs to check these items on their SCBA on a regular basis or every time they are going to use one on duty. Doing so is leading by example for junior firefighters to follow.

Mark van der Feyst has been in the fire service since 1999 and is a firefighter with the Fort Gratiot (MI) Fire Department. He is an international instructor teaching in Canada, the United States, and India, and at FDIC. He is also the lead author of Residential Fire Rescue (Fire Engineering Books & Video). He can be contacted at [email protected].