Respiratory ProtectionRespiratory Protection

2015 Annual 2015 Annual RefresherRefresher

Classroom, Classroom, Written exam, Written exam,

& Practical& Practical

Demonstrate:

1. Why SCBA is necessary?2. What are limitations – equipment ,

environment and user?3. Maintence & Use4. Knowledge of policy

BUCKLEY FIREBUCKLEY FIREThe ONLY Approved

Respiratory Equipment:

MSA FireHawk SCBA& N95

SCBA Mandatory use

1.All Fire Department Personnel shall wear SCBA when operating in any of the following atmospheres.

a. Any IDLH atmosphere. b. An oxygen rich or deficient atmosphere. (Under 19.5%, Over 23.5% oxygen)

c. An atmosphere of particulate, gas or vapor contaminants. ie: asbestos, CO, HCN

SCBA Mandatory use

d. In any permit-required confined space that has not been tested and monitored to establish respiratory safety.

e. Any possible signs of WMD event.

Gross Decon shall be performed prior to removal of face piece.

SCBA Mandatory use2. SCBA shall be used by all personnel

who enter into hazardous atmospheres during structural firefighting activities or other IDLH or potential IDLH atmospheres, including:

a. In an active fire area. b. Directly above a fire area.

(vertical ventilation)c. Directly under the active area.d. In potential explosive or fire area, including gas leaks or fuel spills.

SCBA Mandatory usee. Where products of combustion are visible

in an atmosphere, including vehicle fires and dumpster fires.

f. Where invisible contaminants are present or suspected. This includes the overhaul stage of a fire.

g. Where toxic products are present, suspected of being present, or may be released without prior warning.

h. In an active chemical spill area where the chemical presents an inhalation hazard.

SCBA Mandatory use• SCBA use is mandatory if you are

working in atmospheres where CO, HCN and other toxic gasses are suspected to be above safe levels.

• Fiberglass dust and other particles in the air, or suspected in the air, require SCBA use.

N95When transporting an individual with suspected or confirmed infectious tuberculosis or meningococcal bacterium or other infectious air borne illness, (H5N1, H1N1) even if individual is masked.

Not used for overhaul.

Hazardous atmospheres members may be exposed to

during Routine and Emergency Operations:• Oxygen deficient• Aerosols• Gaseous• Elevated temperatures• Flashover• Irritant particles• Toxic gases•Unknown•Overhaul operations

Cleaning the SCBA• Keep

water out of 2nd stage regulator.

• Use brush, check bell for sheet rock.

• Hang to air dry.

Cleaning the Face Piece

1. Remove voice amp before starting2. Water temperature below 120

degrees3. Rinse large debris off with water4. Wash with MSA disinfectant wipes

provided at station (no alcohol on facepiece)

5. Confidence Plus- ½ oz in a gallon of water or use spray bottle of Spirit II.

6. Rinse with water7. Towel and AIR DRY- hung upside

down.

User Limitations

• Physical condition – maximize work effort

• Agility – restrictive movements• Facial Features – seal issues• Contact Lenses – otherwise glasses

inserts are provided• Respiratory – any smokers?• Mental – training, confidence, “cool”

Equipment Limitations• Limited visibility – peripheral vision is

reduced, fogging• Communication – failures of lapel

mics, amplifiers not turned on.• Weight – 25-35 extra pounds• Mobility – backpack and straps reduce

ability to move freely• Equipment malfunction – Know what

to do if your equipment suddenly malfunctions

Environmental Limitations• Cold Weather – water spray from fire

fighting activities can cause SCBA to freeze up and not function properly.

• Chemicals – while the SCBA protects your respiratory system, many chemicals are absorbed through your skin. DECON.

• Extreme Heat – Elevated temperatures such as flashover may damage SCBA beyond use.

Air Supply Limitations

• “30 minute” bottle = 45 cubic feet, 20 – 25 minutes working time (or less).

• “45 minute” bottle = 66 cubic feet, less than 40 minutes working time.

• “1 hour” bottle = 88 cubic feet, less than 45 minutes working time.

AIR CYLINDER

Level 1 damage: OK to continue using.

Level 2 damage: Circle damage with permanent marker and send in for repair.

Level 3 damage: Not repairable.

Must be taken out of service.

FIRST STAGE REGULATOR

Audi-larm

• Audi-Larm Rings at 25% of service pressure remaining - approximately 550 psi

• O-ring must be seated at connection from cylinder to coupling nut. Daily check!

Second Stage

Regulator

Carrier and Harness

URC

Universal Rescue Connections

Buckley has chest URC.

SCBA made after 2002 have URC 4 inches from the cylinder valve.

PASS device

All Gauges should read within 5% of each other. Place out-of-service if difference is +/- 110 psi.

Analog Digital

Buddy Breathing vs.

Transfill.

Buddy Breathing is

sharing a regulator.

Note: Offset placement of regulator to

mask

Emergency Operations

Transfilling uses hose or RIT/RIC kit to URC to equalize the pressures of both

cylinders.

RIT/RIC Kit• Each engine has a RIT/RIC kit• 3 or 6 foot trans-fill hose• Mask is attached to 2nd stage

regulator• May crack open bypass for

unconscious• It is normal to have a slight positive

pressure to the mask when bottle is turned on.

Setup is exactly the

same on each engine.

Time for a quiz…Time for a quiz…

Then go Donn some SCBA!!!Then go Donn some SCBA!!!