Orientation and Annual Refresher Training SCBA Orientation and Annual Refresher Training
Introduction SCBA are one of the most effective and potentially hazardous pieces of equipment used in the fire service. They allow us to go into extremely hazardous situations and may give a false sense of security. It is extremely important to: Know their limitations and uses Understand how they operate Know how to maintain and check them Be familiar with the packs safety features Be able to use the pack in zero visibility environments
Introduction Values and Expectations Use good judgment and promote safety at all times Obey the law; follow appropriate directives and rules Protect your co-workers welfare Work competently Be pro-active
Course Objectives Describe how to recognize medical signs and symptoms that may limit or prevent the effective use of the respirators Describe why the respirator is necessary and how improper fit, usage, or maintenance can compromise the protective effect of the respirator. Describe what the limitations and capabilities of the respirator are.
Course Objectives Cont. Demonstrate how to inspect, put on and remove, use and check the seals of the respirator. Demonstrate how to use the respirator effectively in emergency situations, including situations in which the respirator malfunctions. Demonstrate the procedures for maintenance and storage of the respirator.
OVERVIEW Fundamentals Operations Regulations Respiratory Safety Pack Familiarization Inspection Maintenance Bottle Filling Operations
Regulations OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard NFPA 29 CFR 1910.134-Respiratory protection requirements NFPA 1404-Standard for Fire Service Respiratory Protection Training 1852- Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
Respiratory Safety Hazards in IDLH Atmospheres Toxic gases CO Hydrogen cyanide Other products of combustion Heated gases Diminished Oxygen
Respiratory Safety Limitations and Capabilities of Respirator Provides approximately 45 minutes of supplies air No protection from liquids, vapors or gases that are toxic by absorption Malfunction, misuse, or running out of air may result in severe injury or death Malfunctions can be reduced by proper maintenance Misuse can be avoided by insuring proper fit and by using correct donning procedures Running out of air can be avoided by constant situational awareness
Respiratory Safety Physical Stresses Heart attack is still the NUMBER 1 killer of firefighters Using SCBA increases cardiovascular work and heat stress Sign and symptoms Shortness of breath Extreme fatigue Chest pain Light headedness Confusion Prevention Keep hydrated Keep physically fit Rehab frequently Know your limitations (work rate consumption) Quit before there is a problem
Pack Familiarization Manual on share drive Packs on each table
Pack Familiarization Cylinder valve Purge valve Straps Low air alarms - Vibra-Alert @ 1000 psi
Pack Familiarization HUD display FULL cylinder - two green lights glowing near the center of the display. THREE-QUARTERS cylinder - single green light glowing. ONE-HALF cylinder - yellow light flashing slowly at one second. ONE-QUARTER - red light at the far left flashing rapidly. LOW BATTERY indicator at the far right of the display will light for twenty seconds and then begin to flash slowly at once a second. LOW BATTERY indicator is circular.
Hansen (Low Pressure) Connection Pack Familiarization Hansen (Low Pressure) Connection AKA “Shoulder Connection” Used receive air from hip hose (if access to hip hose for receiving air is not available).
EBSS (Emergency Breathing Support System) Pack Familiarization EBSS (Emergency Breathing Support System) Low Pressure Connection AKA “Hip hose connection” Used to supply or receive emergency air
Universal RIT Connection Pack Familiarization Universal RIT Connection High Pressure Used to receive air from RIT pack
Pack Familiarization One hour bottle Mask with regulator RIT Pack One hour bottle Mask with regulator Multiple low pressure Hansen Connections High Pressure Universal RIT Connection
Inspections SCBA Resource Manual Contains all the information about our respiratory protection program One is located at each station
Inspections Daily, Weekly, Monthly & After Use Instructions located in resource manual & apparatus binders Daily and weekly inspections are documented on the apparatus inspection forms Monthly and after use/in service inspections are documented on a separate form located in the apparatus inspection binders It is imperative to perform and document monthly, after use/in service inspections. Failure to do so may lead to injury, death and/or heavy fines.
DEMONSTRATION Daily Weekly Monthly, After Use/In Service
Cleaning Use a mild liquid soap to clean both SCBA’s and masks Use multi-wash for disinfecting purposes These items are conveniently located in a caddy beneath the sink in the SCBA room, along with 3 buckets for mask washing
Maintenance SCBA’s Masks Maintenance is covered in scheduled checks and by having each pack bench tested every two years Masks Each member is responsible for inspecting and maintaining his or her own mask Regularly inspect the face seal and lens for cracks or holes and inspect the retainer screws for tightness. Assure that all pieces are present and functioning properly.
Repairs Operator repairs should be limited to the following: Replacing the nipple seal gasket Replacing regulator gasket Regulator tear down for disinfection purposes All others should be tagged O.O.S. for a field level maintenance technician
Out of Service (O.O.S.) Equipment OOS Tags Should contain the following: Name Date Description of the problem Utilize available diagrams located in the SCBA room to properly identify O.O.S. parts whenever possible Attach an O.O.S. tag to the appropriate part whenever possible Always store O.O.S. equipment separate from in-service equipment
DEMONSTRATION (Document on Practical Evaluation Sheet) Nipple Seal Gasket Regulator Gasket Regulator Tear Down
Bottle Filling MACO Air Compressor Check and fill oil to the appropriate levels when necessary prior to each use Perform the following on the weekly checks: Allow the compressor to run approx. 25 minutes by opening the main drain slightly After closing the drain, allow the compressor to fill and document the oil pressure and each stage pressure at completion Document all of the above in the compressor log
Operation Demonstrate Donning Respirator Line Personnel: 1 minute 30 seconds Operational Overhead: 1 minute 30 seconds Fire Inspectors: without hesitation
Operations Zero Visibility Demonstrations (Document on Practical Evaluation Sheet) Reopening tank Using purge valve Replacing dislodged mask Doffing and re-donning SCBA while “on air” Hansen Connection (hip hose to shoulder connection) Emergency Hose Connection (hip hose to hip hose connection) Universal RIT Connections
Conclusion Regulations Respiratory Safety Pack Familiarization Inspection Maintenance Bottle Filling Operation