OG 1503 Assigned Breathing Apparatus

Issued By: LOGISTICS (D. Smith)
Approved By: Fire Chief William H. Mosher
Date of Issue:  1997/01/29; 1998/11/26; 2008/04/25
Revision Date:  2010/08/31

PURPOSE: 

To ensure breathing apparatus is properly stored, has not been damaged and is ready for use at all times.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this policy is to ensure that breathing apparatus will consistently be ready for use and in proper working condition. 

SCOPE:

This operating guideline applies to career and volunteer members of Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency. 

PROCEDURE: 

To prevent breathing apparatus damage or malfunction, personnel will be assigned breathing apparatus for use while on duty and for which they will be responsible. Members and supervisors are responsible to ensure that the methods for SCBA inspection, use and care described in this policy are complied with.

(1)    Officers will assign breathing apparatus to each member of the apparatus crew. Aerial or engine seat assignment should dictate breathing apparatus assignment.

(2)    In all stations, career firefighters shall conduct a detailed inspection of their assigned SCBA at the start of each shift, and after every use.

(3)    In stations equipped with apparatus which are used by volunteer firefighters, the volunteer firefighters shall conduct a detailed inspection of all SCBA at least once a week, and after every use.

(4)    In stations where career staff inspects SCBA which will be used by volunteer members, those inspections should be scheduled for a day of the week which compliments the weekly inspection by volunteer firefighters. The completion of these inspections should be recorded in the Officer’s daily report.

(5)    All SCBA inspections shall be conducted in accordance with the steps outlined in skill sheet 513 of the Essentials of Firefighting text (available online and from the Training Division).

(6)    In addition to the steps outlined in skill sheet 513, firefighters should also check the visual inspection date of the cylinder on their SCBA, 2 the flow test date (label on the back plate) and the warning light for the HUD transducer battery if the SCBA has one.

(7)    If Firefighters use the small face mask, they MUST replace the regular sized face mask at the end of their shift, or when they are no longer assigned to that unit.

(8)    Firefighters must use only the breathing apparatus assigned to them, unless it fails or necessity dictates on the fire ground.

(9)    If any damage to a breathing apparatus is discovered, it must be reported to the Officer. The damage or malfunctioning portion of the breathing apparatus must be removed and replaced. Damaged SCBA are to be tagged with the damage or malfunction and a work order must be forwarded to the Logistics Division. If any perceived problem occurs with a SCBA, that SCBA must be tagged “out of service” and reported to the Logistics Division without delay.

If a SCBA fails to perform properly while in use at a fire emergency or training exercise, secure the entire SCBA as is, including the cylinder, SCBA back plate & harness assembly and the face piece. Isolate the SCBA, tag it and contain it in a clear plastic bag as soon as possible. Complete and submit an accident report to the Safety Division immediately. It is vital that any SCBA that may not have performed as it was supposed to is secured for investigation.

10.    On apparatus that has more breathing apparatus than assigned members, the operator will be responsible for the condition of the remaining units. Breathing apparatus will be stored in the appropriate mounting device.

11.    SCBA at an emergency scene must be stored when not in use. Do not lay an unused SCBA in snow, water or dirt. Doing this can introduce dirt or moisture into the SCBA components and can contribute to a loss of air. SCBA at the scene must be worn, hung on an approved rack at the rehabilitation sector or placed in their storage rack on the apparatus. In cold weather, close the doors on the apparatus and run the cab heaters. This will reduce the moisture which is affecting the SCBA, and can reduce the chances of a “freeze up” of the first or second stage regulator. 

When the SCBA is worn but the face piece is not, the second stage regulator must not be exposed to water or other contaminants. This can result in an interruption of breathing air when the face piece and regulator are donned. When not in use, place the second stage regulator into the holder which is provided on the SCBA waist belt.

12.    Changing air cylinders in the field can introduce water or contaminants into a SCBA. Precautions are required. SCBA cylinders should only be laid out in a clean and dry location. Put down a clean tarp under cylinders if they must be laid out. When replacing the cylinder on a SCBA, wipe the cylinder valve outlet with a clean dry cloth before connecting. “Crack” the cylinder valve (briefly open and close the cylinder valve) to allow a small amount of air to flow before connecting. This will help remove water or dirt from the connection area.

RELATED POLICIES/ OPERATING GUIDELINES:

•    OG 1001 Vehicle/Equipment Checks & Log Books
•    P-419 Use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus

OPERATING GUIDELINE REVIEW:

This operating guideline shall be reviewed when/if there are changes/amendments to the storage and use of assigned breathing apparatus.