A-SHIFT

Probation Task Book

Block 1
(SCBA)

Tasks:
2.1) Demonstrate emergency procedures in the event of SCBA failure
or air depletion, describe all components of a SCBA and their purpose.
2.3) Demonstrate controlled breathing and skip breathing while
wearing the SCBA and on air.
2.4) Demonstrate use of SCBA to exit through restricted passages
showing ability to negotiate a restricted area while remaining on air.
(Allowed to remove the backpack if necessary.)
2.5) Replace SCBA cylinders on another person while wearing an SCBA
and while the SCBA is not in use. Describe proper bottle filling
procedures.

Components of a SCBA and their

purpose

COMPONENTS
Seven Major Sub-Assemblies
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Carrier and Harness

Audi-Alarm
Air Cylinder
First Stage Regulator
Second Stage Regulator
Facepiece
Redundant Alarm

Carrier and Harness

Vulcan Style

Airframe Style

1. Backplate
and harness

2. Air cylinder
assembly

Audi-Alarm
MSA bell alarm at base of pack, activates at 25%
cylinder volume

FIRST STAGE
REGULATOR
Two versions exist:
Standard and PR14, both
perform the same function

Standard

PR14

Second
Stage
Regulator
MMR second stage regulator
shown in belt holster position.
Regulator is Pressure Demand.

Bypass valve

Second stage regulator

3. Regulator
assembly

First stage regulator

4. MSA 45 High
pressure bottle

Facts
High Pressure: Green Band 4500psi
Low Pressure: Yellow Band 2216psi 0r 3000psi
EOFD #6 Bottles
High-Pressure Cylinders Labe
H-45
Pressure
4500 psig (pounds per square inch gauge)
4050 psi Minimum pressure in service
If an air cylinder is pressurized to 4,500 psi at 96F and later the temperature drops
to 32F, the pressure gauge will indicate 4,000 psi (4,500/1.13). Stated differently, a
drop in temperature of 10 degrees Fahrenheit (5.5 degrees Celsius) causes a
pressure decrease of about 82 psi.
Weight
9 lbs. 7 oz.
NIOSH Service Life Rating
45 minuet air supply

Carbon Cylinders
MSAs carbon cylinders reduce cylinder weight by 6 to 10 pounds (over
hoop
wound and aluminum cylinders) thanks to their lightweight, high
performance material (carbon fibers have a high strength-to-weight ratio).
Available in both high- and low-pressure models, carbon cylinders
incorporate the same proven technology found in earlier MSA fully-wound
composites. The seamless aluminum liner is continuously inspected as it
is precision formed in 6 steps; the neck is formed by a computercontrolled spinning process. The cylinder is wound thousands of times
with high-strength carbon fibers impregnated with epoxy resin. A final
over-wrap of fiberglass fibers enhances abrasion resistance. Then, a glowin-the-dark luminescent band is applied for improved night visibility.

Head piece
harness strap

Head harness net

Facepiece seal

Facepiece lens

Nose Cup
Facepiece frame
Second stage
regulator connection

5. Facepiece assembly

Heads-Up Display (HUD)

Four green lights indicate a cylinder volume of 76% or

greater
Three green lights between 51% and 75%,
Two flashing amber lights between 26% and 50%
One flashing red light indicates when the cylinder volume is
25% or lower

Remove HUD and voice box when cleaning

*Do not submerge in water when washing*

End-of-service-time indicator
(ESTI)

Rapid intervention crew

universal air coupling (RIC
UAC) and remote pressure
gauge

Follow these general consideration

when donning SCBA facepieces.
Straps fully extended
No hair in face seal
Chin cup and harness centered
Straps pulled simultaneously to
rear
Sealed, connected, and exhaling
properly
Protective hood over harness or
straps
Helmet secured with chin strap

Follow these general considerations

when doffing SCBA facepieces.
Clear of contaminated area
Discontinue air flow
Disconnect from facepiece
Remove protective hood
Loosen straps; remove
facepiece
Remove backpack; protect
regulator
Close valve
Relieve pressure

Follow these general considerations when

doffing SCBA facepieces.
Turn off PASS
Extend straps
Check pressure
Clean facepiece
Clean other parts
Secure in proper
storage

SCBA
Emergency Procedures

Emergency Procedures
Declare mayday and activate pass device

Notifies partner of SCBA problem

Does not remove face piece

Hand goes to face piece and regulator, checking by pass

valve

Using bypass or cylinder valve to control air flow

(depending on free flow or no flow)

Correct problem if possible

Move to exit as quickly as possible

Basic Mayday
Transmit on the radio that your declaring a
mayday (repeat three times) and report your
assignments.

Reports nature or Mayday and current location

(last known location) with LUNAR

Manually activate PASS device

Listen for acknowledgement of Mayday, if no

response, repeat.

LUNAR
L-Location
U-Unit
N-Name
A-Assignment and Air Supply
R-Resources Needed
http://flashovertv.firerescue1.com/videos/2493276819001-lun
ars-role-in-a-mayday
/

Skip Breathing
Reilly Breathing Technique