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Basic FirefighterSCBA

Michael Corsello

Peyton Fire

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SCBA IntroOxygen Deficiency

Normally 21% Oxygen in air

Hypoxia occurs quickly

17% O2 impaired muscular activity

12% O2 dizziness, headache, rapid fatigue

9% O2 unconciousness6% O2 death within a few minutes

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SCBA IntroElevated Temperatures

Inhalation of heated air causes serious

decreases in blood pressureCan cause pulmonary edema

Damage is not immediately reversible

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SCBA IntroSmoke

Composed of minute particles suspended

in heated gasesParticles and gas may be irritating or lethal

Toxic Atmospheres

In addition to smoke, non-fire relatedenvironments can be quite hazardous

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SCBA IntroToxic Atmospheres

Many hazardous compounds are rated by

the NIOSH IDLH (Immediately Dangerousto Life and Health)

Toxic environments may be encountered inany situation, not just in a live fire

During salvage and overhaul, there may bea more hazardous environment then duringthe fire

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SCBA Intro

Some common fire

Related gases and

Their IDLH values

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SCBA IntroSCBAs or Self Contained Breathing

Apparatus are covered by NFPA and

OSHA regulations (NFPA1500 & 1404)Use of SCBAs are limited by air supplyand limitations of the wearer

Physical

Medical

Mental

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SCBA IntroPhysical limitations of the wearer

Fitness wearer must be in good physical

condition to maximize ability to functionAgility wearing an SCBA limits mobilityand balance

Facial Features the shape and contour ofthe face affects the seal of the mask

Facial Hair reduces ability to obtain a seal

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SCBA IntroMedical

Neurologic good motor skills are required

to operate effectively in an SCBAMuscular/Skeletal requires strength andsize to operate in an SCBA

Cardiovascular/Respiratory poor

cardiovascular health can lead to stroke orheart attacks, while respiratory healthlimits operation time in an SCBA

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SCBA IntroMental

Training wearer must be familiar with all

aspects of SCBA operation and useSelf-Confidence belief in ones ability hasa positive affect on actions to beperformed

Emotional ability to maintain self-controlin a high-stress environment minimizeserrors and lengthens time in an SCBA

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SCBA IntroLimitations of Equipment

Visibility the mask limits peripheral vision

and is prone to foggingCommunication the facepiece hindersvocal communication

Weight an SCBA adds 25-35lbs of weightMobility an SCBA reduces the freedom ofmovement in many ways

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SCBA IntroLimitations of Air Supply

A single bottle has a limited amount of air

Increased exertion drastically shortensbottle duration

Poor physical/mental condition shortens

bottle durationCylinder pressure before use determinesair supply

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SCBA Intro2 basic types

Open Circuit

Closed Circuit (rebreather)

Open Circuit is most common

Exhaled air is lost to the environment

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SCBA Intro

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SCBA Intro4 basic component assemblies

Backpack and harness assembly the frame and

straps holding everything togetherAir Cylinder assembly bottle, valve and pressuregauge

Regulator assembly high-pressure hose / low

pressure alarmFacepiece assembly lens, exhalation valve, headharness and possibly low-pressure hose

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SCBA IntroCylinder pressure gauge and remotepressure gauge should be within 100psi

Estimated Bottle Durations2216psi, 45ft3 30min

4500psi, 45ft3 30min

3000psi, 66ft

3

45min4500psi, 66ft3 45min

4500psi, 87ft3 60min

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SCBA IntroDonning

Before donning, perform all safety checks

Cylinder pressureGauge equilibrium

Harness and Facepiece assembly all strapsfully EXTENDED

Check all valves TURN ON CYLINDER BEFOREDONNING!!

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SCBA IntroMethods for Donning

Over-The-Head

Holding SCBA upside down, raise over headand allow to slide over the back, with armstraps falling into place over the shoulders

Helmet MUST be worn prior to raising SCBA

over headCoat Method

Put SCBA on as it were a coat or backpack

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SCBA IntroDonning the facepiece

Facepiece MUST make a positive seal with

faceSeal MUST be checked every timefacepiece is donned

All straps MUST be tightened and securedfully to ensure an effective seal

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SCBA IntroDoffing

Ensure that area is safe and SCBA is no longer

requiredDisconnect low-pressure hose or regulator

Remove the facepiece

Remove backpack

Shut off cylinder valveRelieve pressure from regulator

Extend all straps

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SCBA IntroMaintenance (NFPA1404 / NFPA1500)

SCBAs must be inspected after each use, weekly,

monthly and annuallyCheck cylinder pressure, gauge operation, low-pressure alarm, hoses / connections, facepiece,harness system and all valves

More detailed inspections monthly and annuallyHydrostatic testing

Steel/Aluminum every 5 yrs

Composite every 3 yrs

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SCBA IntroOperations

Confined Spaces

Stay lowIf unable to pass an obstruction, doff harnesswith facepiece in place while maintaining holdon regulator push SCBA FIRST, then follow

through re-don harness and tighten straps

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SCBA IntroOperations

All team members operate together, if one

person has to exit, everyone exitsDont hesitate to exit a scene if anythingseems unsafe as a team

The low-pressure alarm is the FINALindicator to leave

Ensure all team members stay together

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SCBA IntroSCBA Malfunction

In case of an SCBA regulator failure, breathe byoperating 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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SCBA IntroRemember

Safety First