What we do and why we do it

Know how to inspect an SCBA bottle for damage prior to fill Know how to use the compressor Know how to document problems with the compressor Know how to report problems with SCBA bottles and compressor Know the NFPA 1989 rules for compressor use, storage and maintenance

Station 42 SCBA Cylinder Inspection Station

 Has the following: ◦ Master damage cylinder ◦ SCBA Bottle fill log ◦ Current quarterly compressor air quality test results  Will have in the future: ◦ Operator log sheet ◦ Safety notices

 4 Layers of bottle construction ◦ Outer Gel Coat: protects the fiberglass wrap from getting water and contaminants into it. ◦ Fiberglass Wrap: Provides minimal structural integrity, protects the carbon fiber wrap. ◦ Carbon Fiber Wrap: Provides the bulk of the structural integrity of the tank. ◦ Seamless Extruded Aluminum Tank: Creates shape of tank

Cut away view of layers of carbon fiber composite tank

 Visually look for damage to cylinder. ◦ How deep is the damage? ◦ How big is the surface area of damage? ◦ What caused the damage? ◦ Does damage cause deformation of cylinder wall? ◦ Is there damage to neck/threads of cylinder? ◦ Is the valve stem and hand wheel straight/operate smoothly? ◦ Is gauge readable or damaged?

 If no damage above Level I ◦ Check hydro date ◦ Complete Cylinder Fill Log  If damage is Level II or Level III ◦ Do not fill bottle, place OOS ◦ Complete fill log as damaged/no fill ◦ Complete MSA repair form and forward to C-44

 Level I Damage is basically any partial- thickness damage to the gel coat on the exterior of the bottle. It can be caused by abrasions, impacts, cuts or heat.  This would not include any damage to the threads on the bottle nipple, damage to the gauge or PRV or damage which exposes the fiberglass wrap beneath the gel coat

Level II damage is any damage which is exposing or into the fiberglass wrap beneath the gel coat. Additionally, any damage due to its size or MOI which would cause the user to suspect the integrity of the bottle is Level II damage. Error on the side of caution and let the SCBA coordinator evaluate the damage for repair if you are not sure!

 Any damage which exposes the black carbon fiber wrap on the SCBA bottle is not repairable and the bottle must be condemned.  Any damage which causes deformation of the wall of the bottle due to heat, chemicals or physical force would also be applicable.

Station 42 Bauer VT 17

Station 45 Bauer Unicus 26

 Always check the oil before use of the compressor. You must remove the dipstick and wipe clean, reinsert and then check oil level.  Do not store any items on or around compressors that are hazardous or produce vapors.  If CO monitor light is flashing or the compressor wont start, then ventilate the area before trying to start compressor again.

 Always wear hearing protection when compressor is running.  Do not fill anything other than our SCBA bottles.  Do not adjust the flow rate or maximum fill PSI settings on the compressors.  The faster you fill the bottles, the hotter they get. When they cool, the pressure remaining in the bottle will be lower than when filled.

 We are required to record every fill for every bottle. ◦ Inspect bottle before fill. ◦ Verify Hydrostatic testing is current. ◦ Record person, date and pressure bottle filled to. ◦ Record Bottle serial number.

We must ensure that the 4500 PSI tank is ready to accept the pressures and stresses our use will deliver. Cylinder Inspection Log

 SCBA Bottle fills do not require recording in the Compressor use log.  Only record problems with the compressor, then fill out an equipment work order as you would for any other equipment problem.  The Compressor Maintenance people will record air quality tests, filter and oil changes and any repairs.

Compressor Repair and Maintenance Log

 NFPA and 5.2: At least quarterly, the department "shall take breathing air samples and shall submit such samples to an accredited testing laboratory."  NFPA : "A sign or placard shall be posted near the air intake identifying it as an intake source for breathing air."

 NFPA : Requires the organization to keep records of compressor installation maintenance, and purification filter changes, trouble reports and corrective action taken.  It also requires records of the individual SCBA bottle fills themselves, which should be saved for five years.