Emergency Operations with Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Firefighter I

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SCBA Restrictions and Limitations Physical factors that can effect confidence Poor physical condition – you must be in good physical condition to maximize your work performance and extend your air supply Agility – SCBA can limit movement and affect balance. It is important that firefighters have good balance. Conditioning exercises can minimize the effect of SCBA on your agility Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

SCBA Restrictions/Limitations (continued) Physical factors that can effect confidence Facial features Maintain a good face seal Industry standards do not allow for firefighters to have facial hair that prevents a good seal Eyeglasses and contact lenses can also be a problem if not worn according to industry standards (See standards NFPA 1500 and OSHA CFR 1919.134.) Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Confined Spaces and Inherent Hazards Oxygen deficient atmospheres Atmospheres with less than 18.5% oxygen Grain storage bins Caves and underground tunnels Basements and cellars with limited access or egress Extreme temperatures Cave-ins and collapsed buildings Flooded areas of standing water or other liquids Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Anticipation of Problems Pre-incident planning Training Incident Action Plans (IAPs) – an air management system should be part of the department’s IAP to prevent firefighters from advancing into confined spaces further than their air supply will allow them to safely Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Delay Entrance Until an IAP is developed Stage the Incident Commander (IC) outside hot zones because of inherent hazards at the scene (not obstructing the entrance) Understand the tactical problems that exist Ventilation Rescue Lighting Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Negotiating Restricted Openings Slip out of the SCBA backpack and harness while leaving the face piece in place Put the backpack and harness assembly back on after negotiating the restricted area. While doing so Reduce your profile Push the SCBA in front of yourself while maintaining control at all times Continue to breathe through your face piece (do not remove it) Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Areas of Limited Visibility Move about by staying low (crawling) Feel with a tool as you move slowly, negotiating where you are If you can see the floor, you may be able to “duck walk” or walk in a crouched position. This is faster, but more dangerous than crawling. Always operate in teams of two or more Use a tag line Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Emergency Procedures For SCBA Failure Conserve air and retreat immediately SCBA regulator malfunction Intermittently open and close the bypass (purge) valve to allow air into your face piece Close it after each breath to conserve air, and open it again when you need another breath Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Emergency Procedures For SCBA Failure (continued) Recommended actions Remain calm Control your breathing Alert your team members Withdraw to a safe atmosphere With other members of your team Use available exits or create one if necessary Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Emergency Procedures For SCBA Failure (continued) Recommended actions (continued) Use your radio to declare a “Mayday” Follow your department’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Emergency Procedures For SCBA Failure (continued) Recommended actions (continued) Activate the Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) device You may be able to follow the fire hose by using the couplings to indicate the direction of travel (male indicates the direction of the exit) Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Emergency Procedures For SCBA Failure (continued) Recommended actions (continued) Crawl in one direction, making all right-hand or all left-hand turns; be consistent Make noise; get someone’s attention Lay flat and stay close to the wall so you can be easily found Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Emergency Procedures For SCBA Failure (continued) Recommended actions (continued) If you become separated from your crew Follow your department’s SOP Describe your surroundings Control your environment as best you can (example: keep doors closed unless it is an escape route) Slow your breathing as much as possible to conserve air Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

Resources 0135151112, Essentials of Firefighting (5th Edition), International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA). Photographs used with permission from IFSTA (Title slide, Slides 6 – 10 and 12) Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.