Newberry County
Board of Rural Fire Control
STANDARD OPERATING
PROCEDURE
SCBA MONTHLY
INSPECTION
PURPOSE:
This SOP outlines the procedures to ensure that equipment is in the “ready to use status”. It also ensures that personnel stay familiar with that equipment.
PRIMARY STEPS:
1.
REMOVE AND INSPECT SCBA BEFORE DONNING.
2.
DONN THE SCBA.
3.
CONFIRM CORRECT FACE SEAL.
4.
DOFF THE SCBA.
5.
CLEAN AND REPLACE THE SCBA INTO CARRYING CASE.
PROCEDURES:
Step 1 REMOVE AND INSPECT SCBA BEFORE DONNING
a. Remove unity and face mask from case.
b. Visually inspect equipment.
1. Check condition of tank, mask, straps and hoses.
2. Report any cracks in straps or hoses, scratches in mask, dents in tank, ect.
c. Ensure the demand valve mode selector is in the “donning” (off) position.
d. Check the cylinder pressure located at the cylinder valve. If gauge registers full, proceed.
Step 2 DONN THE SCBA
a. Donn the cylinder and backpack, connect/adjust straps and waist belt to ensure correct fit.
b. Open cylinder valve/
1. Whistle alarm must sound. Confirm operation.
c. Donn the face mask and adjust straps to correct fit.
d. Attach demand valve to facemask. Ensure the Red by pass valve is in the tip (12:00), and then turn 90 degrees and lock into wearers’ 3:00 position.
e. Turn the demand ¼ turn clockwise until locked into the “on” position. Purge button must not protrude from demand.
Step 3 CONFIRM CORRECT FACE SEAL
a. Confirm that the mask seal is correct. A correct seal is achieved only when there is no sound of air leaking through the demand valve while you hold your breath.
b. Breathe normally for 1 to 2 minutes to confirm correct operation.
c. Perform by-pass valve check.
1. Turn the facemask mounted red by-pass hand wheel clockwise.
2. A constant flow of air should flow into facemask.
3. Turn the by-pass valve off.
Note: By-pass valve will be used in an emergency situation should the demand valve become damaged or inoperative during use.
d. Check the chest mounted pressure gauge.
1. Gauge should read full.
2. If not full, notify your supervisor and tag the cylinder for refilling.
Step 4 DOFF THE SCBA
a. Doffing
1. Turn the demand valve mode selector to the OFF (doffing) position.
2. Loosen head harness straps and remove facemask.
3. Turn cylinder valve clockwise to OFF position.
4. Remove demand valve from facemask.
5. Undo the waist belt and loosen shoulder straps. Remove apparatus.
6. Release any air trapped in the system by partially turning the demand valve ON and then OFF again.
7. Whistle alarm must sound as air pressure is reduced to zero.
Step 5 CLEAN AND REPLACE SCBA INTO CARRYNG CASE
a. Wipe out inside of facemask thoroughly with 3M non-alcoholic wipes.
It is imperative to disinfect the facial contact rubber surface inside facemask.
b. Replace facemask into protective plastic bag.
c. Replace backpack/tank assembly and facemask neatly into storage case and return to stores location.