1. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
Chapter 7
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

2. Introduction
Failure to use the SCBA properly can result in injury or death.
Respiratory systems are extremely vulnerable.
Fire departments must have a mask rule.
Wear and use SCBA in IDLH atmosphere.
SCBA is necessary even during exterior defensive operations.

3. Large volumes of smoke require the use of SCBA, even for exterior operations as shown here at a tire storage facility.

4. Introduction (cont.)
Any inhaled toxic gas can directly cause disease of the lung tissue.
One in 12 firefighters is injured in the line of duty each year.
Smoke inhalation accounts for 18 percent of fatalities.
21 percent of fireground injuries

5. These firefighters in full protective equipment, including SCBA, are ready to begin interior firefighting operations.

6. Oxygen-Deficient Environments
Fire consumes oxygen.
Produces toxic gases
Displaces or dilutes oxygen
Oxygen concentrations below 19.5 percent are oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Affects the human body
Muscular impairment
Mental confusion
Death

7. Effects of Hypoxia (Reduced Oxygen)

8. Elevated Temperatures
Respiratory system sensitive to temperature
Air temperatures as low as 74°C (165°F) can cause death within one minute
Inhaling gases causes:
Pulmonary edema
Asphyxiation
Long-term damage
Temperatures in structure fire reach 540° to 1,300°C (1,000° to 2,400°F).

9. Smoke
Unburned products of combustion, particles of carbon, tar, associated gases
Use of plastics
Inhalation of small amounts may be fatal.
Four causes of damage by smoke:
Asphyxiation
Chemical irritation
Chemical asphyxiation
Any combination of these

10. Effects of Toxic Gases and Toxic Environments
Combustion produces toxic gases and irritants.
When combustion products combine, they may form lethal toxins.
Commercial occupancies require higher level of protection.
Some gases affect circulatory system.
Carbon monoxide
Hydrogen cyanide

11. Toxic Gases Formed as Products of Combustion

12. The light smoke condition present during overhaul will contain large amounts of carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, requiring SCBA protection.

13. Legal Requirements for SCBA Use
Common sense
Regulations for SCBA use
CSA Z
IDLH Atmospheres
Escape from IDLH Atmospheres
NFPA 1500
Workplace Safety & Health

14. Limitations of SCBA Apparatus
Understand limitations
Limitations of the SCBA unit itself
Size
Weight
Air supply
Physical limitations
Psychological limitations

15. SCBA Design and Size SCBA units add weight and bulk to PPE.
SCBA cylinder consumed more quickly than length of time rated for
Limits advance into building
More frequent crew rotations
Other concerns:
Restricted visibility
Added weight and bulk
Firefighter’s voice muffled
Limited air quantity

16. Limitations of the SCBA User
Physical, mental, emotional state cause usage problems.
Physical limitations: added weight and bulk
Psychological limitations
Lack of confidence in SCBA unit
Physical stress and anxiety
Emotional conditions

17. Continuous training with SCBA is one of the keys to effective firefighting operations.

18. Air Supply Management Air supply management
Understand air consumption rates
Point of no return
Heads up display
rule
Various methods of breathing
Use normal breaths and exhale slowly.
Never hold breath.
Controlled breathing is most efficient use of air.

19. An example of an air consumption test.

20. Types of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
Two types of SCBA:
Open-circuit SCBA:
Exhaled air is vented to outside atmosphere.
Most common
Closed-circuit SCBA:
Exhaled air stays in the system for filtering, cleaning, circulation.
Sometimes used for specialized rescue incidents

21. The four components of the open-circuit SCBA are the backpack/harness, cylinder, regulator, and face piece assemblies.

22. Donning and Doffing Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
Most common donning procedures:
Seat-mounted position in the apparatus
Side compartment on the apparatus
Storage case
Over the head method
Coat method
Refer to manufacturer’s instructions.

23. General Considerations
Operational safety checks must be performed.
Conducted on a daily or regular basis
Immediately prior to using the SCBA unit
If any component does not operate properly or is damaged, unit taken out of service immediately.

24. Donning the SCBA Face Piece
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

25. Removing/Doffing the SCBA 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.

26. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Operation and Emergency Procedures
Respiratory protection programs
Firefighters must be proficient in the safe use of SCBA.
Donning and doffing procedures
Individual limitations
Limitations of SCBA unit

27. Safe Use of SCBA Essential to firefighter survival
SCBA unit and protective equipment add weight and bulk.
Heat stress
Individual limitations and abilities

28. Operating in a Hostile Environment
General rules:
Check in when entering or exiting.
Remain low, check the environment and conditions.
Never remove the face piece.
Maintain an awareness of location.
Ventilate as you advance if it does not spread fire.
Check for outside openings.
Maintain direct contact with other team members.
Never enter a hostile environment alone.

29. 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.

30. Firefighters may have to get beneath an obstacle to facilitate their escape, which may also require them to lower their profile.

31. Emergency Procedures
Emergency procedures exist to assist a firefighter in safe escape from hazard.
Remain calm, rely on training and knowledge.
Never remove the face piece of the SCBA.
Standard emergency check procedure stressed
If entangled, do not pull forward.
Use wire cutters to cut one wire at a time.
“Swim” method

32. Emergency procedures check.

33. Inspection and Maintenance of SCBA
Inspection on daily or regular basis
Always follow manufacturer’s instructions.
SCBA units should be checked daily.
Follow step inspection procedure.
SCBA should also be checked following an emergency scene or training.
Monthly SCBA check contains all elements of the daily check.
Irregularities noted and repaired or pull SCBA from service.

34. Annual and Biannual Maintenance
Functional tests
Only manufacturer’s authorized or trained service personnel shall conduct these tests.
Firefighters should refer to the instructions for the SCBA units.

35. Changing SCBA Cylinders
Cylinders changed after use
Cylinder 90 percent full could mean loss of 25 minutes of air supply
Follow 12-step replacement procedure.
Additional steps for two-person SCBA cylinder replacement

36. Servicing SCBA Cylinders
Cylinder service
Air source must be tested and certified.
Hydrostatic test date
Fragmentation containment devices
All manufacturers’ recommendations should be followed.
Fill rates vary.
Cascade system
Compressor/purifier system

37. (B)
(A)
A cascade system is one of the systems available to service SCBA cylinders. These may be (A) fixed or (B) mobile units.

38. Lessons Learned
SCBA unit is to a firefighter as a weapon is to a soldier.
No substitute for proper SCBA training
Prevent failures.
Firefighters must be prepared to go in harm’s way.
Be knowledgeable and proficient in use of SCBA.