1. Orientation and Annual Refresher Training
SCBA
Orientation and Annual Refresher Training

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. OVERVIEW Fundamentals Operations Regulations Respiratory Safety
Pack Familiarization
Inspection
Maintenance
Bottle Filling
Operations

7. Regulations OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard NFPA
29 CFR 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

8. Respiratory Safety Hazards in IDLH Atmospheres Toxic gasesCO
Hydrogen cyanide
Other products of combustion
Heated gases
Diminished Oxygen

9. 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

10. 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

11. Pack Familiarization
Manual on share drive
Packs on each table

12. Pack Familiarization Cylinder valve Purge valve Straps
Low air alarms psi

13. 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.

14. 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).

15. 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

16. Universal RIT Connection
Pack Familiarization
Universal RIT Connection
High Pressure
Used to receive air from RIT pack

17. 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

18. Inspections SCBA Resource Manual
Contains all the information about our respiratory protection program
One is located at each station

19. 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.

20. DEMONSTRATION
Daily
Weekly
Monthly, After Use/In Service

21. 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

22. 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.

23. 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

24. 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

25. DEMONSTRATION (Document on Practical Evaluation Sheet)
Nipple Seal Gasket
Regulator Gasket
Regulator Tear Down

26. 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

27. Operation Demonstrate Donning Respirator
Line Personnel: 1 minute 30 seconds
Operational Overhead: 1 minute 30 seconds
Fire Inspectors: without hesitation

28. 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

29. Conclusion Regulations Respiratory Safety Pack Familiarization
Inspection
Maintenance
Bottle Filling
Operation