SOG 5-1-07 SCBA

Question 1

Purpose

Answer 1

Apply proper and safe use of SCBA

Question 2

Scope

Answer 2

Provide all firefighters with information to avoid respiratory contact with things that can kill them in the short or long term

Question 3

Facepiece Seal Shift Check Guideline

Answer 3

• Members shall achieve non-leaking facepiece to skin seal with mask at beginning of each shift.
• Facial hair not allowed at points where SCBA facepiece is designed to seal with the face.

Question 4

Apparatus Check Shift Check Guideline

Answer 4

• Driver of each apparatus in Operations division shall be responsible for the unit’s SCBA and shall check the condition of SCBA at the beginning of the shirt, after each use, and at any other time it may be necessary to render the quipment in a ready state of conidition
• Driver will also be held responsible for completing and maintaining the appropriate documentation as necessary. Company officers shall assign a specific SCBA to each crew member. Each crew member will be responsible for the proper use and function of that SCBA

Question 5

Required SCBA Usage

Answer 5

• In a contaminated atmosphere
• In an atmosphere which may suddenly become contaminated
• In an atmosphere which is, or which is suspected of, being oxygen deficient.
• In an atmosphere that contains any product that has a published Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)

Includes All Personnel Operating in The Following Areas:

• In an active fire area
• Directly above an active fire area
• In a potential explosion or fire area, including gas leaks and fuel spills
• Where the products of combustion are visible in the atmosphere including vehicle and dumpster fires
• Where invisible contaminants are suspected to be present or may be released without warning (ie. carbon monoxide during overhaul)
• Where toxic products are present, suspected to be present, or may be released without warning
• In any confined space which has not been tested to establish respiratory safety

Question 6

Investigative Mode (Carried and Ready For Use)

Answer 6

• Nothing showing
• Investigating suspicious odor calls
• Ascending stairs during a high-rise response incident
• Determined necessary by the company officer

Question 7

Removal of SCBAs

Answer 7

-Decision to remove made by IC or by Company Officer in single unit response.

If there is any doubt, SCBA use shall be maintained until atmosphere is established to be safe utilizing the following procedures:

• Each apparatus has a CO detector, use it to monitor for CO
• Monitors have audible alarm set for 35ppm
• IDLH limit for CO is 1200ppm (OSHA)
• PEL is 35ppm (EPA)
• AFD personnel will continue to utilize SCBAs during overhaul and investigative operations until personnel have monitored the atmosphere and received a reading of 35ppm or less of CO

Question 8

Replacement of SCBAs

Answer 8

• If SCBA is found to be operating incorrectly or not at all, it shall be taken out of service, reported, and replaced immediately.
• Replacement SCBA obtained from Equipment/Supply Section of Support Services

Question 9

Fire Investigations

Answer 9

• Upon arrival fire investigators contact IC.
• Fire investigators shall use SCBA while conducting their investigation at the fire scene, when determined necessary by the Incident Commander

Question 10

Annual Evaluations

Answer 10

• Evaluation of all members of the Operations Division in the use of the SCBA will be conducted annually and as required when the Commander in charge of the Battalion, section or division determines it is necessary.
• Each member shall be able to demonstrate high level of proficiency and compatibility with SCBA and effective facepiece seal

Question 11

Individual Facepieces

Answer 11

• Proper care and maintenance of individually assigned facepieces will be the responsibility of the member.
• Commander in charge of battalion will be notified to make final determination for replacement of defective or malfunctioning facepieces.
• Every firefighter will keep the facepiece with their turn out gear for use during floating and acting assignments
• Use of soft contact lenses permitted during SCBA use, provided member has previously demonstrated successful long-term soft contact lens use, defined as the wearing of soft contact lenses for at least six months without any problems.