SCBA Maintenance
All SCBA equipment shall comply with the provisions of the edition of NFPA 1981, Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for the Fire Service that was in effect at the time that the equipment was purchased.
SCBA equipment shall also comply with the applicable rules, regulations, and standards established by other appropriate agencies (OSHA).
Inspection
SCBA equipment shall be inspected periodically to determine its readiness for use and to identify and repair any damage or excessive wear sustained by the unit.
The frequency of inspection is as follows:
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After each use, each SCBA shall be inspected by the user for the following:
Low or empty cylinder: Cylinders should be cleaned, low or empty cylinders should be refilled, or replaced with full units.
Components and face pieces: Shall be cleaned, checked for excessive wear or damage, sanitized, and checked for proper function. Anytime an SCBA has been used in a contaminated atmosphere, the unit shall be completely decontaminated prior to being returned to service.
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Inspection:
Each piece of SCBA equipment assigned to an apparatus shall be inspected monthly. The inspection shall be made to ensure that the SCBA is fully charged, clean, free of damage, and fully operational.
Cleaning, refilling cylinder’s or minor repair shall be done by any member who has been trained on the use of our SCBA’s as needed.
Any unit showing damage or that does not function properly shall be removed from service and tagged with a description of the defect. The defects shall be forwarded to the SCBA Officer.
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Annual inspection:
All SCBA’s shall be inspected and serviced every twelve months by an authorized repair facility.
The inspection and servicing shall include the following:
- Disassembly and cleaning of the regulator and other major components, such as the low-air alarm, face-piece, etc.
- Replacement of all worn parts.
- Reassembly of the SCBA and testing for proper function.
- Function test shall include a flow test.
