1. SCBA
shall be worn and used by all personnel operating inside a
burning structure, outside in close proximity to a burning structure,
and at all vehicle fires, dumpster fires, and at hazardous materials
incidents.
2. The SCBA mask must be on and operational when smoke or fumes are
encountered.
3. A strict "buddy
system" in teams of two (2) shall apply to all personnel using
SCBA when operating within a structure.
4. When one SCBA alarm sounds,
indicating that 20-25% of air is left, both members of a team shall leave
together immediately. This is mandatory with no exceptions.
1.
Check the unit for safety and
proper operation.
a. Safety check #1. Visually inspect unit and check that the gage
pressure indicates "FULL".
b. Safety check #2. Check regulator operation:
(1) Ensure that red purge
valve is closed (pointer up)
(2) Depress center of
air-saver switch (on regulator top) and release.
(3) Open the tank
cylinder-valve (clockwise) and listen for brief activation of the
vibralert alarm. This
is a prime safety check. If
there is no alarm, do not use the unit.
c. Safety check #3. Check air flow:
(1) Hold face piece
tightly against face and take a deep breath. Air flow should begin. Breath
normally to ensure operation.
(2) Remove the face piece
from face. Air flow should continue.
(3) Depress center of
air-saver switch (on regulator top) and release to stop air flow.
(4) Briefly open can
close red purge valve. Air should flow from regulator.
(5) Push in and close the
tank cylinder-valve (counter-clockwise). Open the purge valve slightly and
listen for activation of the vibralert alarm as the pressure drops.
2.
Don the unit
a. With the valve
assembly pointing upward or away from you, spread out the shoulder straps
and open the winged waist support. Grasp wire frame on sides of pak.
b. Swing unit up and over
your head while bending forward and keeping your elbows close to your
body. Elbows should extend through the loops of the shoulder straps.
Remain bending forward.
c. While leaning forward,
slide unit down back and pull on shoulder adjustment straps to snug unit
on back.
d. Connect the waist
buckle and adjust for firm fit on hips by pulling forward on two (2)
side-mounted belt ends.
e. Loosen shoulder
straps, if necessary, to carry weight on hips.
3. Activate unit (standby)
a. Fully depress the center of the air-saver switch (on the top of the
regulator) and release.
b. Slowly open cylinder valve fully (clockwise) and listen for brief
activation of the vibralert alarm. Air will not flow.
4.
Donning face piece
a.
Adjust head straps to full outward position.
b.
Hold the head harness out of the way with one hand while placing the face
piece on the face with the other hand, making sure that the chin is
properly located in the chin pocket.
c.
Pull head harness over the head and ensure that straps have no twists.
d.
Tighten neck (lowest) straps by pulling toward the rear.
e.
Stroke the head harness down the back of the head. Re-tighten neck straps.
f.
Adjust temple straps, but do not over tighten.
5. Connect and put the regulator into operation.
a.
Install regulator on face piece.
b. If
not already open, turn cylinder valve knob 1½ turns clockwise. Vibralert
alarm on regulator will sound momentarily, then shut off.
c.
Take a deep breath. Air flow should begin.
d.
Check remote pressure gauge for "FULL"
e. Breath normally to
ensure prolonged operation.
6. Changing tanks
a.
When the warning alarm sounds or if the tank is less than half full, the
tank should be changed.
b.
Doff the face piece when in clean air. If you are to change your own
bottle, remove the harness and lay the unit on the ground. If someone else
is to service your unit, bend forward to assist the exchange.
c.
Close the cylinder valve (clockwise).
d.
Bleed residual air from the unit by opening the purge valve momentarily.
e.
Unthread (clockwise) the pressure-reducer hose coupling from the cylinder
valve. Unsnap the cylinder toggle lock strap and release the toggle lever
by pulling upward and then releasing the lock strap.
f.
Grasp the cylinder below the band, push the locking tab below the valve,
lift the cylinder free of the bottom hook and remove cylinder.
g.
Slide full tank into harness under the band. Engage the cylinder hanger in
the hook at the bottom of the back frame.
h.
While holding the lock-strap, push the toggle lever to secure cylinder,
then lock the toggle lever in position by attaching the cylinder band
toggle lock strap to the snap on the toggle lever. Do not force, adjust by
sliding the band assembly along the angled side rails.
i.
Align and tighten hose coupling to cylinder valve. Personally check that
the gauge indicates a full cylinder. This
is a prime safety check.
7. Stowing the unit.
a.
Doff face piece by first lifting the upper buckle release levers outward,
then the lower buckle release levers.
b.
Fully depress the center of the air-saver switch and release to stop the
air flow.
c.
Remove face piece.
d.
Close cylinder valve and briefly open the purge valve to bleed air from
regulator.
e.
Replace with full cylinder.
f.
Arrange regulator and straps in position for quick and easy donning.
g.
Wash face piece with mild detergent in warm water; rinse thoroughly.
Replace face piece adjacent to unit.
