SCBA Add. 5 Cleaning and disinfecting the regulator

Question 1

Remove the breathing regulator from the facepiece by rotating the regulator 1/4 turn in what direction?

Answer 1

1.2

Clockwise.

Question 2

Remove any obvious dirt from the external surfaces of the regulator using what?

Answer 2

1.3

70% Isopropyl Alcohol with a sponge or soft cloth.

Question 3

Inspect the inside of the regulator assembly through the regulator opening. If excessive dirt or soil is present, what shall be done?

Answer 3

1.4

Return the entire SCBA with a completed RT-2 to MSU, noting reason. Do not insert any foreign objects into the opening.

Question 4

Depress the manual shut-off, close the purge knob by turning fully clockwise and spray a minimum of __ full pumps of 70% Isopropyl Alcohol into the regulator opening. Make sure to also wet the immediate area around the opening. Swirl to completely cover internal components. Turn regulator opening face down and shake excess liquid out. Allow for __ minutes of contact time to disinfect prior to rinsing.
Fill in the Blanks

Answer 4

1.5
-6 full pumps
-10 minutes
Note: Alcohol and water should only be applied to the regulator surface and exhalation port. Alcohol and water should not be directed into the spray bar ports.

Question 5

After using the alcohol the regulator shall be rinsed with what?

Answer 5

1.6
Rinse regulator with drinking water using a spray bottle or softly running water. The inside of regulator must be thoroughly rinsed after applying the 70% alcohol. Failure to thoroughly rinse may cause a number of adverse effects. Rinsing is a key
component to the SCBA integrity after disinfecting.

Question 6

Can the regulator be used immediately after cleaning and rinsing?

Answer 6

2.1
It is strongly recommended that the regulator be thoroughly dry before use. However, in emergency circumstances the regulator may be used immediately after cleaning and rinsing as instructed above only if the following requirements are satisfied:
• Shake all excess water out of regulator. Open SCBA cylinder valve, then open purge valve to remove any moisture from the regulator spray bar. Close the purge valve.
• Prevent exposure to temperatures below 32° F / 0° C while in storage and prior to use.
• Before entering hazardous environment, reattach regulator to facepiece and verify that the breathing apparatus is operating normally and that visibility is not impaired by fogging or condensation on the facepiece lens.

Question 7

If it is necessary to keep the respirator at a temperature at or below freezing before next use, what must be done after cleaning them and prior to storage?

Answer 7

3.1

Special care MUST be used to verify that all components of the respirator including the regulator are thoroughly dried.