Chapter 7

Chapter 7 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus11IntroductionFailure 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.22Large volumes of smoke require the use of SCBA, even for exterior operations as shown here at a tire storage facility.

33Introduction (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

44These firefighters in full protective equipment, including SCBA, are ready to begin interior firefighting operations.

55Oxygen-Deficient EnvironmentsFire consumes oxygen.Produces toxic gasesDisplaces or dilutes oxygenOxygen concentrations below 19.5 percent are oxygen-deficient atmospheres.Affects the human bodyMuscular impairmentMental confusionDeath66Effects of Hypoxia (Reduced Oxygen)

77Elevated TemperaturesRespiratory system sensitive to temperatureAir temperatures as low as 74C (165F) can cause death within one minuteInhaling gases causes:Pulmonary edemaAsphyxiationLong-term damageTemperatures in structure fire reach 540 to 1,300C (1,000 to 2,400F).88SmokeUnburned products of combustion, particles of carbon, tar, associated gasesUse of plasticsInhalation of small amounts may be fatal.Four causes of damage by smoke:AsphyxiationChemical irritationChemical asphyxiationAny combination of these99Effects of Toxic Gasesand Toxic EnvironmentsCombustion 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 monoxideHydrogen cyanide1010Toxic Gases Formed as Products of Combustion

1111The light smoke condition present during overhaul will contain large amounts of carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, requiring SCBA protection.

1212Legal Requirements for SCBA UseCommon senseRegulations for SCBA useCSA Z 94.4-02 6.3.2.4.2 IDLH Atmospheres6.3.2.4.3 Escape from IDLH AtmospheresNFPA 1500Workplace Safety & Health

1313Limitations of SCBA ApparatusUnderstand limitationsLimitations of the SCBA unit itselfSizeWeightAir supplyPhysical limitationsPsychological limitations

1414 SCBA Design and Size SCBA units add weight and bulk to PPE.SCBA cylinder consumed more quickly than length of time rated forLimits advance into buildingMore frequent crew rotationsOther concerns:Restricted visibilityAdded weight and bulkFirefighters voice muffledLimited air quantity 1515

Limitations of the SCBA User

Physical, mental, emotional state cause usage problems.Physical limitations: added weight and bulkPsychological limitationsLack of confidence in SCBA unitPhysical stress and anxietyEmotional conditions1616Continuous training with SCBA is one of the keys to effective firefighting operations.

1717Air Supply ManagementAir supply managementUnderstand air consumption ratesPoint of no returnHeads up display10-10-10 ruleVarious methods of breathingUse normal breaths and exhale slowly.Never hold breath.Controlled breathing is most efficient use of air.

1818An example of an air consumption test.

1919Types of Self-ContainedBreathing ApparatusTwo types of SCBA:Open-circuit SCBA:Exhaled air is vented to outside atmosphere.Most commonClosed-circuit SCBA:Exhaled air stays in the system for filtering, cleaning, circulation.Sometimes used for specialized rescue incidents2020The four components of the open-circuit SCBA are the backpack/harness, cylinder, regulator, and face piece assemblies.

2121Donning and Doffing Self-Contained Breathing ApparatusMost common donning procedures:Seat-mounted position in the apparatusSide compartment on the apparatusStorage caseOver the head methodCoat methodRefer to manufacturers instructions.2222

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

2323Donning the SCBA Face PieceEssential to protect firefighter from toxic gasesFirefighter must be fitted for the face piece to be used with a particular manufacturers SCBA.Prohibit anything that may interfere with proper fit and seal of face piece.Examples: eye glasses, beards, sideburns

2424Removing/Doffing theSCBA UnitGenerally to remove SCBA donning procedure is reversedIf 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.2525Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Operation and Emergency ProceduresRespiratory protection programs Firefighters must be proficient in the safe use of SCBA.Donning and doffing proceduresIndividual limitationsLimitations of SCBA unit

2626Safe Use of SCBAEssential to firefighter survivalSCBA unit and protective equipment add weight and bulk.Heat stressIndividual limitations and abilities2727Operating in a Hostile EnvironmentGeneral 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.2828Restricted OpeningsProbe 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 techniqueDo not remove SCBA unless absolutely necessary.2929Firefighters may have to get beneath an obstacle to facilitate their escape, which may also require them to lower their profile.

3030Emergency ProceduresEmergency 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 stressedIf entangled, do not pull forward.Use wire cutters to cut one wire at a time.Swim method

3131Emergency procedures check.

3232Inspection and Maintenance of SCBAInspection on daily or regular basisAlways follow manufacturers 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.

3333Annual and Biannual MaintenanceFunctional testsOnly manufacturers authorized or trained service personnel shall conduct these tests.Firefighters should refer to the instructions for the SCBA units.3434Changing SCBA CylindersCylinders changed after useCylinder 90 percent full could mean loss of 25 minutes of air supplyFollow 12-step replacement procedure.Additional steps for two-person SCBA cylinder replacement3535Servicing SCBA CylindersCylinder serviceAir source must be tested and certified.Hydrostatic test dateFragmentation containment devicesAll manufacturers recommendations should be followed.Fill rates vary.Cascade systemCompressor/purifier system3636A cascade system is one of the systems available to service SCBA cylinders. These may be (A) fixed or (B) mobile units.

(A)(B)3737Lessons LearnedSCBA unit is to a firefighter as a weapon is to a soldier.No substitute for proper SCBA trainingPrevent failures.Firefighters must be prepared to go in harms way.Be knowledgeable and proficient in use of SCBA.3838