SCBA PPT BRAVO SQUAD Types of self contained

SCBA PPT BRAVO SQUAD

Types of self contained breathing apparatus 2 different types of SCBA are open and closed circuit system Open circuit: exhaled air is vented to the outside atmosphere Closed circuit: the exhaled air stays in the system for filtering, cleaning, and circulation Backpack and harness: the backpack holds the air cylinder and the harness allows the unit to be worn Cylinder: includes cylinder, valve, and cylinder pressure gauge Regulator: includes the high pressure hose from the cylinder, the regulator, and end of service time indicator (EOSTI) Face piece assembly: includes face piece, exhalation valve, and head harness

Legal Requirements Common sense dictates that firefighters should use SCBA on every fire scene from start to finish. OSHA 29 CFR 1910. 134 (code of federal regulations) establishes the standard for all entries into IDLH atmospheres. Standard establishes requirements for complete respiratory protection program and medical evaluation of employees designed to wear and use SCBA NFPA 1500 - standard of fire department occupational safety and health program covers many safety ad health-related issues for firefighters including respiratory protection Difference between OSHA regulations is government authority must adopt standard as policy for fire department

Cylinder Assembly Aluminum: • contains 44 cubic ft of compressed air • weighs 22 pounds • unlimited service life Fiberglass (hoop-wrapped) • very strong • 44 cubic ft compress air • 16 pounds • service life limited to 15 years Fiberglass (full-wrapped) • Wrapped w/ fiberglass, strong • 44 -88 cubic ft compressed air • 16 -26 pounds • 15 years

Cylinder assembly (contin. ) Kevlar/carbon composites • Wrapped in Kevlar or carbon fibers for strength • 44 - 88 cubic ft • 12 -22 pounds • 15 years SCBA failures • Based on lab testing • Hard to carry for firefighters when searching for victims • Firefighters may only be able to work for 20 -30 minutes Cylinder testing • USDOT regulates hydrostatic testing, determines whether its strong enough • Labels are put on it to ensure they are good to use Air quality for SCBA use • Minimum quality of air is grade D • Cascade systems- compressor, purifier, air quality monitor, storage system

Regulator assembly Regulators reduce the high pressure air from the cylinders to a low, slightly above atmosphere pressure money controls the flow of air to the face piece Has diaphragm that’s activated by the user allowing the air to enter SCBA units maintain positive pressure air flow They also have color coded valves to control both normal (yellow) and emergency operation (red-manual activation) The pressure gauge on either the regulator body or shoulder straps should read within 100 psi of that on the cylinder valve When on ¼ air supply, an alarm sound or vibration from normal or backup sources Face piece assembly Different sizes and tested annually, protects face and eyes, provide fresh air, directly attached to regulator or with hose The exhalation valve prevents toxic gases from entering