Selection of SCBA in SJRFD
In accordance with NFPA 1852, all self-contained breathing apparatus that are to be considered for use in the SJRFD, will be subjected to a “field evaluation procedure” as laid down in the document: St. John’s Regional Fire Department SCBA Evaluation and Tender Document 2014 located - G:\SCBA . This procedure will evaluate products which both meet industry standards as interpreted by the National Fire Protection Association in relation to respiratory protection programs, and all NFPA Standards referencing SCBA.
All purchases of SCBA will be in accordance with the findings of the evaluation procedure; the terms of the public tendering act; and specifically refer to equipment that meets NFPA 1852, latest version.
Use of SCBA
All members of Suppression shall have access to SCBA while on duty.
All on duty personnel shall be responsible for:
a. checking, maintaining and cleaning the SCBA assigned for his/her use,
b. ensuring the SCBA is ready for use at all times in accordance with the procedures as indicate in: St. John’s Regional Fire Department SCBA Daily Checklist 2014 and “the program”.
The OIC of each shift will be responsible to enter verification of the daily check in the daily log (Appendix A) which includes the numbers and locations of the SCBA complete with cylinder, and the numbers and locations of the spare cylinders.
When using SCBAs, personnel shall wear the appropriate PPE with face piece and regulator in place, and breathing from the supplied air system.
Personnel shall fit the SCBA face piece so as to achieve a non-leaking face piece to skin seal. Facial hair shall not be allowed where the SCBA face piece seal contacts the wearer’s face.
Note:
Individual wearers shall be accountable for compliance with this requirement.
It shall be a fundamental rule in the SJRFD that no person be permitted to enter any potentially toxic atmosphere, unless properly equipped with SCBA.
SCBA should be used by all personnel operating:
a. In an environment which is or has the potential to suddenly become contaminated.
b. In an atmosphere which is known or suspected to be oxygen deficient.
c. In or directly above the fire area.
d. In a potential explosion or fire area including gas leaks and fuel spills.
e. When products of combustion are visible, including vehicle fires, dumpster fires, trash fires.
f. At any scene where a hazardous material has been released and air quality has not been determined.
g. When toxic products are present or suspected to be present, or may be released without warning.
Premature removal of SCBA must be avoided at all times. This is particularly significant during overhaul when smoldering materials may produce increased quantities of carbon monoxide and other toxic products.
In routine fire situations, the decision to remove SCBA shall be made by the Incident Commander, in consultation with the Sector Officers, based on an evaluation of atmospheric conditions. Prior to removal, the fire area shall be thoroughly ventilated.
The OIC will also be responsible for updating/checking the Accountability/Entry Control form #07-01-01 and the Incident Critique Form #07-02-15 from each incident with the details of use of SCBA to ensure process is being followed. Equipment used and hazards identified will also be updated in the Incident Narrative in the FDM system.
All members of the Suppression Division should be evaluated yearly and shall be able to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the use, care and maintenance of the SCBA. The evaluation should be conducted under conditions which simulated job requirements. Evaluations should be carried out by the Training Division and properly documented.
After Use
1. All SCBA should be disassembled and cleaned as per instructions contained in the program.
2. The SCBA should be checked for any damage, the harness assembly cleaned and the cylinder changed.
3. Particular attention should be taken towards cleaning the electronic components of the SCBA.
4. After cleaning, SCBA should be hung to dry and made accessible in the event of another emergency.
Out of Service Procedure
Should a problem occur with an SCBA, the following procedures should be initiated in order to effectively place an SCBA “out of service” until repaired:
1. The SCBA shall be identified by using the “Out of Service” tag, removed from the apparatus in its entirety and reported to the OIC who will in turn notify the Technical Division. The Technical Division will have the SCBA replaced immediately.
2. Replacement of SCBA will be obtained from the Technical Division during regular office hours.
3. After hours, weekends, and holidays, the OIC of the station of origin shall notify the Technical Division by e-mail on which SCBA has been removed from service and the general problem with the SCBA. The OIC will then be responsible for ensuring the out of service SCBA is transferred in a proper SCBA case to Mount Pearl where it will be removed from the case and placed outside the Fire Equipment Technician’s (FET) office. SCBA repair tag must be on each set sent to the Equipment Technician for repair.
4. It shall be the responsibility of the FET to ensure all paperwork is filed and documented on each and every repair/work order and that the appropriate information is entered into the computer system.
5. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES will a contaminated SCBA be sent to the FET. All SCBA must be rendered clean and safe prior to transfer to Mt. Pearl.
SCBA sets showing “Low Battery” should be removed from service and reported to the Technical Division who will in turn replace the set.
Care and Maintenance
To ensure the safety of firefighters and the proper care of SCBAs, the following procedures shall be followed:
Cleaning the Face Piece
a. Make a cleaning solution of lukewarm water (50 degrees C) and mild detergent (soap).
b. Immerse face-piece until the exhalation valve is covered.
c. Agitate the face-piece and gently clean with a soft brush.
d. Rinse the face-piece in fresh lukewarm water (50 degrees C).
e. Remove all soap residues from the exhalation valve.
f. Run water directly onto the exhalation valve.
Disinfecting the Face Piece
a. Confidence Plus is the recommended disinfectant for SCBA masks. It is pre-mixed in a spray bottle by the FET , and is ready to be used by staff with no further mixture required.
b. All components of the SCBA mask shall be sprayed with Confidence Plus and rinsed.
c. SCBA Mask should be allowed to air dry
d. To ensure the exhalation valve is functioning, hold the face-piece firmly against your face and exhale forcefully several times.
Note:
Never clean the face piece with the Regulator attached.
Cleaning the Regulator
a. Make a cleaning solution of lukewarm water and mild detergent (soap).
b. Have a bucket of fresh lukewarm water available for rinsing.
c. Install the Second Stage Regulator cleaning cap.
d. With Regulator facing downward, clean the exterior surfaces with a soft brush.
e. With Regulator facing downward rinse the exterior surfaces with fresh lukewarm water.
f. Remove Second Stage cleaning cap.
g. If water enters the Second Stage while cleaning, flow the Regulator and bypass to expel all moisture.
Note:
1. Do not allow water or cleaning solution to enter the Breathing system.
2. Do not submerge the Regulator in water or cleaning solution.
3. Always hold the Regulator with the outlet facing downward during washing and rinsing.
4. The protective cap shall be used to seal the Second Stage Regulator.
Cleaning of Harness
a. When the cylinder is removed for cleaning of the SCBA harness, the first stage plug should be immediately screwed in. Make every effort to ensure contaminants/moisture do not enter the orifice.
b. Check all straps and attachments points on the harness
c. Clean with brush using a mild detergent
d. Rinse with clean water
Servicing and Overhaul
Servicing:
1. Upon receipt of each SCBA regardless of the reason, the FET will immediately inspect the SCBA and its cylinder for irregularities following the procedure as indicated in the St. John’s Regional Fire Department SCBA Maintenance and Repair Policy: 07-02-07 and have its standing entered in the work order log including its final status and disposition.
2. Each SCBA that is entered into any service procedure will be tested on the Posi-Check unit before being returned to service and that information will be entered into the log by the FET.
3. Each SCBA cylinder that is received for refilling will be surveyed for obvious deficits before being serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and St. John’s Regional Fire Department SCBA Maintenance and Repair Policy: 07-02-07.
4. All SCBA work will be performed in accordance with instructions contained in the Service Manual provided by the manufacturer.
Overhaul:
1. All SJRFD SCBA will be overhauled when such a procedure is:
2. All overhaul procedures on SCBA will be performed in accordance with instructions contained in the Service Manual provided by the manufacturer, and only performed by personnel who have been vetted to do so by the manufacturer.
3. Each SCBA that undergoes any type of overhaul procedure will be tested on the Posi-Check unit before
Retiring From Service and Condemned
All SCBA and SCBA cylinders that are considered unserviceable for any reason:
1. Are to be removed from service and are to have their identification numbers recorded in the log
2. Are to be rendered inoperative, tagged “Out of Service” and be either placed in storage or disposed of in accordance with the instructions as contained in the Service Manual provided by the manufacturer, and St. John’s Regional Fire Department SCBA Maintenance and Repair Policy: 07-02-07.
NOTE:
All Operational Guidelines are provided as a guideline only and may be altered by the OIC to meet extenuating circumstances. |