Emergency Operations with Self Contained Breathing Apparatus SCBA

Emergency Operations with Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Firefighter I

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SCBA Restrictions and Limitations Physical factors that can effect confidence – Poor physical condition – you must be in good physical condition to maximize your work performance and extend your air supply – Agility – SCBA can limit movement and affect balance. It is important that firefighters have good balance. Conditioning exercises can minimize the effect of SCBA on your agility Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 3

SCBA Restrictions/Limitations (continued) Physical factors that can effect confidence – Facial features • Maintain a good face seal • Industry standards do not allow for firefighters to have facial hair that prevents a good seal • Eyeglasses and contact lenses can also be a problem if not worn according to industry standards (See standards NFPA 1500 and OSHA CFR 1919. 134. ) Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 4

Confined Spaces and Inherent Hazards • • Oxygen deficient atmospheres Atmospheres with less than 18. 5% oxygen Grain storage bins Caves and underground tunnels Basements and cellars with limited access or egress Extreme temperatures Cave-ins and collapsed buildings Flooded areas of standing water or other liquids Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 5

Anticipation of Problems • Pre-incident planning • Training • Incident Action Plans (IAPs) – an air management system should be part of the department’s IAP to prevent firefighters from advancing into confined spaces further than their air supply will allow them to safely Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 6

Delay Entrance • Until an IAP is developed • Stage the Incident Commander (IC) outside hot zones because of inherent hazards at the scene (not obstructing the entrance) • Understand the tactical problems that exist – Ventilation – Rescue – Lighting Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 7

Negotiating Restricted Openings • Slip out of the SCBA backpack and harness while leaving the face piece in place • Put the backpack and harness assembly back on after negotiating the restricted area. While doing so – Reduce your profile – Push the SCBA in front of yourself while maintaining control at all times – Continue to breathe through your face piece (do not remove it) Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 8

Areas of Limited Visibility • Move about by staying low (crawling) • Feel with a tool as you move slowly, negotiating where you are • If you can see the floor, you may be able to “duck walk” or walk in a crouched position. This is faster, but more dangerous than crawling. • Always operate in teams of two or more • Use a tag line Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 9

Emergency Procedures For SCBA Failure • Conserve air and retreat immediately • SCBA regulator malfunction – Intermittently open and close the bypass (purge) valve to allow air into your face piece – Close it after each breath to conserve air, and open it again when you need another breath Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 10

Emergency Procedures For SCBA Failure (continued) Recommended actions – Remain calm • Control your breathing • Alert your team members – Withdraw to a safe atmosphere • With other members of your team • Use available exits or create one if necessary Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 11

Emergency Procedures For SCBA Failure (continued) Recommended actions (continued) – Use your radio to declare a “Mayday” – Follow your department’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 12

Emergency Procedures For SCBA Failure (continued) Recommended actions (continued) – Activate the Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) device – You may be able to follow the fire hose by using the couplings to indicate the direction of travel (male indicates the direction of the exit) Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 13

Emergency Procedures For SCBA Failure (continued) Recommended actions (continued) – Crawl in one direction, making all right-hand or all left-hand turns; be consistent – Make noise; get someone’s attention – Lay flat and stay close to the wall so you can be easily found Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 14

Emergency Procedures For SCBA Failure (continued) Recommended actions (continued) – If you become separated from your crew • Follow your department’s SOP • Describe your surroundings • Control your environment as best you can (example: keep doors closed unless it is an escape route) • Slow your breathing as much as possible to conserve air Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 15

Resources • 0135151112, Essentials of Firefighting (5 th Edition), International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA). • Photographs used with permission from IFSTA (Title slide, Slides 6 – 10 and 12) Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission. 16