when was your last real scba drill on site

When was yourLAST realSCBA Drill

Does every worker know about ROAM and CARAoperations around SCBA’s including the following

•Legislation•Physiology•Limitations

•Hazardous Environments•Emergency Procedures for Loss of Air

•S.C.B.A. Components•Pre-use Inspections

•Maintenance & Operation of SCBA•Donning Breathing Apparatus•Doffing Breathing Apparatus

Effects of Oxygen Deficiency

% Oxygen Symptoms

19.5% - 16% Fatigue, mild impaired coordination

16% - 12% Increased breathing rate and pulse; impaired coordination, perception or

judgment

12% - 10% Further increased breathing rate, blue lips, mental confusion

10% - 8% Fainting, nausea, vomiting, mental

confusion within minutes, collapse

8% - 6% Collapse, death within 8 minutes

6% - 0% Coma within 40 seconds, death

Are you CLEAN SHAVEN

Effects of Toxic Gasesand Toxic Environments

• Combustion produces toxic gases and irritants– Affect short- and long-term health

• When combustion products combine may form lethal toxins

• Some common gases affect circulatory system

• Commercial occupancies may produce additional toxins– Requires higher level of protection

Example of IDLH - Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)

Hydrogen sulfide gas is commonly found in sewers.

It can be instantly fatal at higher levels in a confined space. IDLH level is 100 ppm.

Disturbing sewage sludge can release more hydrogen sulfide gas.

Supplied air respirators are normally needed to enter sewers.

H2S in parts per million (ppm)

30

200

2000

100

1000

Death in minutes

Smell strong

odor

Instant collapse

Coughing, red eyes

Loss of smell

600

Unconscious in 30 min.

What are supplied air respirators?

Two Types

SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) –air from a tank

Airline respirator– air from a compressor

6

DO NOT IGNORE THIS CRITICAL SAFETY

How often do you conduct SCBA drills? Even if you went through an SCBA drill on your last shift or on your last drill night, it’s time to have another one. You just can’t emphasize enough how important this one piece of equipment is to the health and safety of every site worker. Regardless of your level of experience or training, there’s just no way to master the SCBA without a continuous effort and a personal commitment to improvement.

SCBA Checks• We talk a lot about our operational readiness. If there’s one piece of

equipment that has a direct impact on our personal safety, it’s our SCBA. Most companys have their personnel check their SCBA at the start of each shift. This is not a task that should be delegated to the apparatus operator or another member of the company. Your life depends on how well that unit functions, so it should be your job to check it and maintain it.

Consumption Drills• One of the most misunderstood concepts about SCBA use concerns the

different bottle sizes and the amount of air that each size will provide. All site workers must understand the amount of working time they’ll get off each size bottle. The most common sizes are routinely called 30-minute, 45-minute, and 1-hour bottles. This can be very misleading when determining actual working times.

• A note on safety: Before starting, be sure to monitor each member’s pulse and blood pressure. Conduct a basic pre- and post-drill medical evaluation to obtain information on the fitness level of your crewmembers and identify any warning signs.

Emergency Operations are not the time for drills

Here’s what a consumption drill might look like:• Perform baseline medical evaluations of all members

involved in the drill, including pulse and blood pressure.• Instruct all participants to don full PPE and SCBA.• Record the amount of air in the SCBA bottle of each

participant and their starting times.• Run each participant through a high-energy, cardio-

intensive activity, such as a mask confidence course. Or, allow them to play a team sport such as basketball (still in PPE).

• When each member’s low-air alarm activates, have them stop the drill and record the time. Continue until all members’ low-air alarms have stopped or the member stops performing the required task (out of air or is no longer capable of continuing).

• Calculate the actual working times (how many minutes per bottle each member can expect to get) and provide them to each member.

Last-Breath DrillsAlthough there are many great SCBA drills that can be used to determine consumption rates and improve the user’s confidence with their SCBA, a drill that I think every SCBA user should perform when learning the basics (and then every year as a refresher) is to breathe a bottle all the way down to nothing. This drill is a worker/site survival skill that everyone should experience.

Before ANY DRILL always remember READY

• R – Radio is on, turned to the correct channel; each site worker knows to whom he is reporting

• E – Equipment is appropriate for the assigned duties.

• A – Air for each site worker is checked prior to entry.

• D – Duties are known by each site worker.

• Y – Yes! If the answer to all of the above is affirmative, the team is ready to enter the scene.

COMPANY WRITTEN ROAM POLICY

In your COMPANY ROAM policy the basics for the new air management policy it should note:1. Follow the Rule of Air Management.Know how much air you have in your SCBA before you go in, and manage that amount so that you leave the hazardous environment before your SCBA low-air alarm activates.2. Mandatory progress/air report at 50 percent of bottle for teams (CARA is a good acronym, though not required).C – Conditions, including smoke, gas and heat: what you’ve got.A – Actions: what you’re doing.R – Resources: what you need.A – Air: your air status.3. Mandatory progress/air report if your low-air alarm activates while you’re still in the hazard area.Report your status and that your low-air alarm has activated.Report that you are exiting the building and from where .4. If you leave the hazardous atmosphere before your low-air alarm activates, your crew can change bottles and use one additional 45-minute bottle before going to rehab.

5. If your low-air alarm activates inside the hazardous environment, you will have eliminated your crew’s ability to stay within the two appropriate work cycles and will have to go to rehab after only one bottle.

CARA POLICY STATESThe CARA acronym is one idea; you can use whatever works in your company. Basically, your site workers have got to be able to tell you what they’ve got, what they’re doing, what they need, and their air status (when appropriate). If you can get them skilled in doing this in a fast, efficient, and understandable way, your operations will go dramatically smoother.The final element that is useful to cover when going over your company’s air management policy is to answer the questions and debunk the common myths. A few common myths about our air management policy include the following:Myth: You must leave when your bottle is at 50 percent.Fact: You are required to leave the hazard area before your bell rings. The percent at which you leave to accomplish this will vary according to conditions and your depth inside the hazard area.Myth: If your low-air alarm activates inside the hazard area, you have to call a Mayday.Fact: You call a Mayday only if you are unable to get out. The only requirement if your bell rings in the hazard area is to make an appropriate radio report and exit immediately.Myth: You will receive charges (discipline) if your bell rings in the hazard area.Fact: If your low-air alarm activates inside the hazard area, you must make an appropriate radio report to verify that your bell does not indicate an emergency and go to rehab. There is no discipline associated with this.Myth: The policy prevents you from being aggressive and completing your assignment.Fact: With the new 45-minute cylinders, you get the full time you’ve always had with the 30s plus an additional 1½ minutes. Plus, you get your 25 percent reserve saved for true emergencies. Because of the more efficient use of teamwork and enhanced situational awareness, most site workers find they accomplish as much or more work without sacrificing their emergency reserve.Myth: The policy is forcing us to work longer in the hazard area with the new 45-minute bottles.Fact :Nothing has changed with the new 45-minute bottles, provided you are following the policy and keeping your 25 percent reserve as a reserve. We still work through the equivalent of two 30-minute bottles if the policy is followed.

SCBA Mandatory use

1.All worker company Personnel shall wear SCBA when operating in any of the following atmospheres.

a. Any IDLH atmosphere.

b. An oxygen rich or deficient atmosphere.

(Under 19.5%, Over 23.5% oxygen)

c. An atmosphere of particulate, gas or vapor contaminants. ie: H2S/SO2, CO, HCN

SCBA Mandatory use

d. In any permit-required confined space that has not been tested and monitored to establish respiratory safety.

e. Any possible signs of WMD event.

SCBA Mandatory use

2. SCBA shall be used by all personnel who enter into hazardous atmospheres during structural worker site activities or other IDLH or potential IDLH atmospheres, including:

a. In an active worker area. b. Directly above a worker

area. (vertical ventilation)

c. Directly under the active area.

d. In potential explosive or worker area, including gas leaks or fuel spills.

SCBA Mandatory use

e. Where products of combustion are visible in an atmosphere, including vehicle workers and dumpster workers.

f. Where invisible contaminants are present or suspected. This includes the overhaul stage of a worker site.

g. Where toxic products are present, suspected of being present, or may be released without prior warning.

h. In an active chemical spill area where the chemical presents an inhalation hazard.

10 second seal check

• Prior to each use the unit must be checked to ensure that a proper seal is achieved. A 10 second negative pressure seal check is required.

• The best way to do this is with your 2nd stage regulator.

Hazardous atmospheres members may be exposed to

during Routine and Emergency Operations:

• Oxygen deficient• Aerosols• Gaseous• Elevated temperatures•Irritant particles• Toxic gases•Unknown•Overhaul operations

Parts of SCBA System

• Air cylinder

• Regulator

• Backpack frame

• Facepiece

• PASS Alarm

Cleaning the SCBA

• Keep water out of 2nd

stage regulator.

• Use brush, check bell for sheet rock.

• Hang to air dry.

Head

Harness

Head

Straps

Voice

Emitter

Regulator Adapter

Port

Nose

Cone

Head

Straps

Purge Valve

(Emergency

Bypass)

Regulator Quick

Disconnect with

HUD Connector

Heads Up

Display

(HUD)

Face Piece Lock Tab

Mechanism

Air Saver

Switch or the

Don/Doff Switch

Cleaning the Face Piece1. Remove accessories (HUD receiver

and ClearCommand amp) before starting

2. Water temperature below 120 degrees

3. Rinse large debris off with water4. Wash with disinfectant provided

at stations (no alcohol on facepiece)

5. Confidence Plus- ½ oz in a gallon of water or use spray bottles provided.

6. Rinse with water7. Towel and AIR DRY- hung upside

down.

Air Cylinder

• Visual inspection of the cylinder, gauge, and valve to check for damage, dents, cracks or other anomalies.

• Check the cylinder to ensure it has at least 4000 psi. If below, have the cylinder filled.

• Prior to filling, check the hydrostatic test date to ensure within limits. All cylinders we have must be hydrostatically tested every three years.

Regulator

• Takes the high pressure air of the

cylinder, and steps it down to a

usable pressure.

• 1st stage or pressure reducer

connected to backpack frame,

and is not serviceable by field

level technician.

• 2nd stage mounts to the face

piece.

Regulator

• High pressure and low pressure

hoses can be checked for nicks,

cuts, or abrasions that could cause

failure. Check “O” ring at cylinder

connection.

• Hose connections can be checked

for air leaks.

Regulator

• Leaking or damaged hoses or “O”

rings can be serviced by field level

technician

• Minor repairs can be done to

regulator, ie: replace gaskets,

springs, diaphragm

Backpack Frame

• Provides the mounting platform to hold the air cylinder in place, and attachment for pressure reducing and regulator assembly, and remote pressure gauge.

• Shoulder and waist straps allow the system to be carried comfortably on the body

• Two styles – wire frame model, and solid aluminum frame contoured to wearers back

Backpack Frame

• All straps should be checked for

cuts or abrasions that could result

in failure

• Heavily worn or damaged straps

should be replaced

• Frame should be inspected for

broken welds, and worn or broken

mounting hardware

Facepiece

• Protects the wearer from exposure

to heat, toxic gases, and unburned

products of combustion

• Allows the wearer to see in a

smoke filled environment

• In conjunction with the regulator,

provides a source of fresh air

Facepiece

• Examine face piece for cracks or

scratches that could cause failure,

especially around the regulator

mount

• Check temple and neck straps for

excessive wear, or loss of elasticity.

If worn, or no stretch in them, have

them replaced

Facepiece

• Check skirt of mask to ensure no cuts or tears that could cause failure

• Check nose cup and inhalation check valves

• Check voice amplifier for operation

• After use, clean by spraying disinfectant on the interior and wait at least 10 minutes before wiping the mask dry

PASS Alarm

• Audible warning device that signals

for assistance when a fire fighter

goes down or becomes

incapacitated.

• Should always be activated

BEFORE entering an IDLH

environment.

• Operation should be tested weekly

and battery replaced at regular

interval.

Field Function Test of Air Pack

• Ensure that the unit is clean – no

loose debris, system wiped down to

clean off any debris or unburned

products of combustion

• Turn on air cylinder – ensure

pressure at cylinder gauge and

remote gauge is equal or fairly

close – if big difference tag and

take out of service

• Listen for activation of low air

warning system

Field Function Test of Air Pack

• Attach mask to regulator

• Place mask on face and inhale to

start air flow, ensuring smooth air

flow in system

• Check purge valve to ensure

proper operation

• Turn off air cylinder and bleed

down system – listen for activation

of low air warning system

• Activate donning switch

Field Function Test of Air Pack

• Extend all straps.

• Check PASS alarm for proper

function.

• Extend straps on face piece.

• Check voice amplifier for operation.

• Bag face piece to keep it clean and

dust free.

• Log inspection in the SCBA log

book.

User Limitations

• Physical condition – maximize work effort

• Agility – restrictive movements

• Facial Features – seal issues

• Contact Lenses – otherwise glasses inserts are provided

• Respiratory – any smokers?

• Mental – training, confidence, “cool”

Psychological Problems

• Hyperventilation

Physiological problems

• Claustrophobia

Factors that affect fit of mask

• Weight gain/loss

• Facial hair

• Shape of face

• Good seal

Equipment Limitations

• Limited visibility – peripheral vision is reduced, fogging

• Communication – failures of lapel mics, amplifiers not turned on.

• Weight – 25-35 extra pounds

• Mobility – backpack and straps reduce ability to move freely

• Equipment malfunction – Know what to do if your equipment suddenly malfunctions

Environmental Limitations

• Cold Weather – water spray from worker activities can cause SCBA to freeze up and not function properly.

• Chemicals – while the SCBA protects your respiratory system, many chemicals are absorbed through your skin.

• Extreme Heat – Elevated temperatures such as fire may damage SCBA beyond use.

Air Supply Limitations

• “30 minute” bottle = 45 cubic feet, 20 – 25 minutes working time.

• “45 minute” bottle = 66 cubic feet, less than 40 minutes working time.

• “1 hour” bottle = 88 cubic feet, less than 45 minutes working time. (Haz-Mat & TDG)

• SABA – Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus for Confined Space rescue, has 10 or15 minute escape pack

AIR CYLINDER

Level 1 damage: OK to continue using.

Level 2 damage: Circle damage with permanent marker and send in for repair.

Level 3 damage: Not repairable.

Must be taken out of service.

FIRST STAGE REGULATOR

Audi-larm

Note: NO URC on STFD

• Audi-Larm Rings at 25% of service pressure remaining -approximately 1,125 psi

• O-ring must be seated at connection from cylinder to coupling nut. Daily check!

• URC must be checked for tightness. Place out of service if loose.

Second Stage

Regulator

Carrier andHarness

1000 pound rating on top loop. Not

for hoisting.

500 pound rating on each side

handle.

URC

Universal Rescue Connection

STFD has onlychest URC.

ICM or ICM-Tx - PASS device

All Gauges should read within 5% of each other. Place out-of-service if difference is +/- 225 psi.

Heads-Up

Display (HUD)

To remove HUD for cleaning or

to change batteries, turn

this thumbscrew.

Buddy Breathing vs.

Transfill.

Buddy Breathing is

sharing a regulator.

Note: Offset placement of regulator to

mask

Emergency Operations

Transfilling uses hose or RIT/RIC kit to URC to equalize the pressures of both cylinders.

RIT/RIC Kit

• Every apparatus will have a RIT/RIC kit

• 3 or 6 foot trans-fill hose

• Mask is attached to 2nd stage regulator

• May crack open bypass for unconscious

• It is normal to have a slight positive pressure to the mask when bottle is turned on.

Storage Case

• Two methods to don unit:

– “Over the head”

– “Coat”

– Choice is a matter of personal preference and training

• Refer to donning instructions for the particular SCBA unit

Donning the SCBA Face Piece

• Most SCBA face pieces donned in a similar manner– Difference in style of head straps,

regulator location

• Essential to protect firefighter from toxic gases

• Firefighter must be fitted for the face piece to be used with a particular manufacturer’s SCBA

• Prohibit anything that may interfere with proper fit and seal of face piece– Examples: eye glasses, beards,

sideburns

Removing/Doffing theSCBA Unit

• Generally to remove SCBA donning procedure is reversed

• If awaiting another assignment, remove face piece– Allow normal breathing, conserve air

• Do not wear the mask without air flowing into it

• Regulator or face piece must not be contaminated

• After assignment complete, report to rehabilitation

Restricted Openings

• Probe tight spot with a tool

• Be sure conditions on other side of obstacle are safe

• Shift pack to left side

• “Swim” through obstacle backwards

• “Forward dive” technique

• Do not remove SCBA unless absolutely necessary

Legislation

• What and WHEN does your provincial, state and company policy require you to wear a SCBA such as H2S areas, confined space etc. Are there policies and procedures in place and signed off?

Quiz

1. SCBA is an acronym for

A. Self Contained Bubbling Apparatus

B. Self Contained Burping Apparatus

C. Self Contained Breathing Apparatus

D. None of the above

Quiz

2. CO is the symbol for

A. Carbon Monoxide

B. Chlorine

C. Carbon Dioxide

D. None of the above

Quiz

3. When in doubt

A. Run

B. Wear a SCBA

C. Go home

D. None of the above

Quiz

4. Several factors affect the firefighter’s ability to use SCBA effectively, mental, physical and

A. Historical

B. Medical

C. Want to

D. None of the above

Quiz

5. What % does the human body start to respond by increasing its respiratory rate.

A. 21%

B. 14%

C. 18%

D. None of the above

Quiz

6. Elevated Temperatures, Smoke, Toxic Gases, and Oxygen Deficiency are what?

A. Hazardous environments

B. Bad day at work

C. Found in the bathroom

D. None of the above

Quiz

7. What is the Red knob on the regulator used for.

A. Turn SCBA off

B. Look pretty

C. Bypass

D. None of the above

Quiz

8. What is the name of the device that holds the air on a SCBA

A. Cylinder

B. Tank

C. Bottle

D. All of the above

Quiz

9. The locking band is a part of the what of a SCBA?

A. Cylinder

B. Regulator

C. Backpack Harness

D. None of the above

Summary

• The industry site workers must be familiar and comfortable with the use, emergency procedures, inspection, and maintenance of an SCBA.

• The industry site workers must be proficient in the proper and rapid procedures for donning and doffing SCBA.