SCBA PPT

BRAVO SQUAD
Types of self contained breathing apparatus

 2 different types of SCBA are open and closed circuit system

 Open circuit: exhaled air is vented to the outside atmosphere
 Closed circuit: the exhaled air stays in the system for filtering, cleaning, and circulation
 Backpack and harness: the backpack holds the air cylinder and the harness allows the
unit to be worn
 Cylinder: includes cylinder, valve, and cylinder pressure gauge
 Regulator: includes the high pressure hose from the cylinder, the regulator, and end of
service time indicator (EOSTI)
 Face piece assembly: includes face piece, exhalation valve, and head harness
Legal Requirements

 Common sense dictates that firefighters should use SCBA on every fire scene from start
to finish.
 OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 (code of federal regulations) establishes the standard for all
entries into IDLH atmospheres.
 Standard establishes requirements for complete respiratory protection program and
medical evaluation of employees designed to wear and use SCBA
 NFPA 1500- standard of fire department occupational safety and health program covers
many safety ad health-related issues for firefighters including respiratory protection
 Difference between OSHA regulations is government authority must adopt standard as
policy for fire department
Cylinder Assembly

 Aluminum:

• contains 44 cubic ft of compressed air

• weighs 22 pounds
• unlimited service life
 Fiberglass (hoop-wrapped)
• very strong
• 44 cubic ft compress air
• 16 pounds
• service life limited to 15 years
 Fiberglass (full-wrapped)
• Wrapped w/ fiberglass, strong
• 44-88 cubic ft compressed air
• 16-26 pounds
• 15 years
Cylinder assembly (contin.)

 Kevlar/carbon composites
• Wrapped in Kevlar or carbon fibers for strength
• 44- 88 cubic ft
• 12-22 pounds
• 15 years
 SCBA failures
• Based on lab testing
• Hard to carry for firefighters when searching for victims
• Firefighters may only be able to work for 20-30 minutes
 Cylinder testing
• USDOT regulates hydrostatic testing, determines whether its strong enough
• Labels are put on it to ensure they are good to use
 Air quality for SCBA use
• Minimum quality of air is grade D
• Cascade systems- compressor, purifier, air quality monitor, storage system
Regulator assembly

 Regulators reduce the high pressure air from the cylinders to a low, slightly above atmosphere pressure money controls
the flow of air to the face piece
 Has diaphragm that’s activated by the user allowing the air to enter
 SCBA units maintain positive pressure air flow
 They also have color coded valves to control both normal (yellow) and emergency operation (red-manual activation)
 The pressure gauge on either the regulator body or shoulder straps should read within 100 psi of that on the cylinder
valve
 When on ¼ air supply, an alarm sound or vibration from normal or backup sources
 Face piece assembly
 Different sizes and tested annually, protects face and eyes, provide fresh air, directly attached to regulator or with hose
 The exhalation valve prevents toxic gases from entering