1. Fire Fighter Safety SCBA CHANGE/REFILL2
Fire Fighter Safety
SCBA
CHANGE/REFILL

2. Objectives Explain the procedures for changing SCBA cylinders.
Explain the procedures for refilling SCBA cylinders.

3. Equipment
Fire fighters must know how to use equipment properly and operate it safely.
Equipment must be properly maintained.
Follow manufacturers’ operating instructions and safety procedures.

4. Respiratory Hazards of Fires
Three primary respiratory hazards of fires:
Superheated air and gases
Smoke and by-products of combustion
Oxygen-deficient atmospheres

5. Types of Breathing Apparatus
Open-circuit SCBA
Most common type of SCBA used for structural firefighting
Tank of compressed air
Exhaled air is released into the atmosphere

6. Limitations of SCBA (1 of 3)
Duration of work using SCBA limited by the capacity of the cylinder
SCBA for structural firefighting must carry enough air for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Duration ratings are based on ideal laboratory conditions.

7. Limitations of SCBA (2 of 3)
Generally, an SCBA weighs at least 25 pounds.
Size of unit makes it difficult for user to fit into small places.
Added weight and bulk decrease user’s flexibility and mobility.

8. SCBA Inspection and Maintenance (4 of 4)
If an SCBA inspection reveals any problems that cannot be remedied by routine maintenance, the SCBA must be removed from service for repair.
Only properly trained and certified personnel are authorized to repair SCBA.

9. Servicing SCBA Cylinders
Cylinders must be visually inspected during daily and monthly inspections.
Federal law requires periodic hydrostatic testing and limits the number of years a cylinder can be used.

10. Replacing SCBA Cylinders
A single fire fighter must doff SCBA to replace the air cylinder.
Two fire fighters working together can change cylinders without removing SCBA.
A fire fighter should be able to change cylinders in the dark and while wearing gloves.

11. Refilling SCBA Cylinders
Compressors and cascade systems are used to refill SCBA cylinders.
Proper training is required to fill SCBA cylinders.

12. Replacing an SCBA Cylinder
Place the SCBA on flat surface
Turn off cylinder valve
Open purge valve to bleed off pressure
Disconnect high pressure supply hose

13. Release cylinder from backpack
Insert full cylinder, align outlet, lock in cylinder
Check O-ring
Purge cylinder and connect high pressure hose
Open cylinder valve and check gauges

14. Replace cylinder on Firefighter
Turn off cylinder valve
Bleed off pressure
Disconnect high pressure supply hose
Remove cylinder from backpack

15. Slide full cylinder into backpack
Check O-ring
Lock cylinder in place
Connect high pressure hose
Open cylinder and check gauges

16. Refilling SCBA Cylinders
Check dates
Inspect for visible damage
Follow the cascade system filling procedures

17. Summary
Fire fighters must understand the major parts of SCBA and be able to don the equipment quickly—in 1 minute or less.
Regular inspection and proper maintenance of SCBA is vital to the fire fighter’s safety.