Essentials of Fire Fighting (4Th Edition-FF1)-Miscellaneous SCBA Notes

COMPONENT ASSEMBLIES

. Holds air cylinder on firefighter's back Backpack and . Harness straps and waist straps distribute weight evenly Harness Assembly . NIOSH and MSHA certify entire unit, removal of waist straps voids warranties . Constitutes that main weight of SCBA Air Cylinder . Weight of cylinders depends on material used Assembly . Includes cylinder, valve, and pressure gauge . Air from cylinder travels through high pressure hose to regulator . Regulator reduces high pressure to slightly above atmospheric pressure . Apparatus diaphragm moves inward (inhalation), tilting the admission valve so that low- pressure air may enter the facepiece Regulator . Exhalation moves the diaphragm to the closed position and air exits the exhalation valve Assembly . During normal operation, mainline valve is fully opened and locked . The by-pass valve controls a direct airline from the cylinder if the regulator fails . Remote pressure gauge should read within 100psi of cylinder gauge

. Includes high-pressure hose, regulator, and low-pressure alarm . Provides some protection from facial and respiratory burns . Holds in the cool breathing air . Facepiece consists of the facepiece lens, exhalation valve, low-pressure hose . Facepiece is made of clear polycarbonate plastic Facepiece Assembly . Held snugly against face with head harness and straps . SCBA with harness mounted regulator has low-pressure hose . Exhalation valve is a simple one-way valve that releases exhaled breath

. Eliminate fogging by using a nosecup or anti-fog chemical

WEARER LIMITATIONS PHYSICAL

. Physical Condition-sound physical condition . Agility-overcome apparatus restriction of movement . Facial Features-ability to get a good facepiece-to-face seal

MEDICAL

. Neurological Functioning-good motor coordination . Muscular/Skeletal Condition-physical strength and size . Cardiovascular Conditioning-good cardiovascular shape . Respiratory Functioning-to maximize operation time

MENTAL

. Adequate Training in Equipment Use-knowledgeable in use of equipment . Self-Confidence-belief in ability . Emotional Stability-maintain control in excited or high-stress situations

EQUIPMENT LIMITATIONS

EQUIPMENT

. Limited Visibility-reduces peripheral vision, fogging . Decreased Ability to Communicate-hinders voice communication . Increased Weight-adds 25-35 pounds to wearer . Decreased Mobility-reduces range of motion

AIR SUPPL Y

. Physical Condition of User-poorer condition = less air supply . Degree of Physical Exertion-more physical exertion = less air supply . Emotional Stability of User-excitement = less air supply . Condition of Apparatus-minor leaks and poor adjustment of regulators = less air supply . Cylinder Pressure before Use-not filled to capacity = less air supply . Training and Experience of User-properly trained personnel can draw the maximum use of air supply

CYLINDERCAPACITIES TIME PSI kPa ft 3 LITERS 30 2,216 15,290 45 1,270 30 4,500 31,000 45 1,270 45 3,000 21,000 66 1,870 45 4,500 31,000 66 1,870 60 4,500 31,000 87 2,460

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

. Be certified physically fit by physician using fire department criteria . Closely monitor how you feel, rest when fatigued . Air supply duration varies with the following a. Firefighter conditioning b. Task performed c. Level of training d. Operational environment e. Degree of excitement f. Other variables (Weather, Sickness, etc) . Never remove SCBA once in a contaminated area . Improved visibility does not mean area is free of contamination . When wearing SCBA, Groups of 2 or more is recommended

DAILY/WEEKLYINSPECTIONS

. Cylinder full . All gauges work . Cylinder gauge and remote gauge within 100psi . Low-pressure alarm should sound briefly when cylinder valve is turned on and when cylinder pressure is released . All hose connections tight and free of leaks . Facepiece clean and in good condition . Harness System in good condition . Harness straps fully extended . All valves operational . After checking bypass valve, make sure it is closed

MONTHLYINSPECTION

. All components for deterioration . Leaks around valves and air cylinder connections . Operation of all gauges, valves, regulator, exhalation valve, and low-pressure alarm

DONNINGCONSIDERATIONS

. No hair between sealing surface of facepiece . Chin centered in chin cup . Harness centered at the rear of head . Tighten facepiece straps simultaneously to the rear . Tighten lower straps of facepiece first, then temple straps, and top strap . Check facepiece for proper seal and operation . Positive pressure checked by gently breaking the facepiece seal (2 fingers under edge of facepiece) . Protective Hood should cover all skin (over all straps) . Helmet worn with all straps secured

DOFFINGCONSIDERATIONS

. Out of contaminated area . Discontinue airflow from regulator to facepiece . Disconnect low-pressure hose from regulator or remove regulator from facepiece . Remove facepiece . Remove backpack assembly . Close cylinder valve . Breath off or release air from regulator . Extend all straps . Refill and replace cylinder . Clean and disinfect facepiece

EMERGENCYSITUATIONS

. Do not panic!

a. Control breathing while crawling b. Communicate with other team members

. Stop and Think (know where your are) . Listen

a. For noise from other personnel b. For hose and equipment operation c. For sounds that indicate location of fire

. Use portable radio to announce last known location . Activate your PASS device in an emergency . Place a flashlight on floor with light toward ceiling . Remember different ways out

a. Follow hoseline out(male coupling is closest to exit, female coupling is closest to fire) b. Crawl in a straight line (knee-to-hand) c. Crawl in one direction (follow wall, use all left- hand turns or right-hand turns d. Call for direction, call out, or make noise for other firefighters to hear e. Break a window or breach a wall to escape

. Lie flat on the floor close to a wall so that you will be easy to find if you cannot continue out