D/109 SCBA CHECKS BEFORE USE

M.V AM GHENT 23-Jul-2019 Rev 0 Page 1 of 3

Action: Post

Note
Post this near each SCBA station.
Follow the below instructions each time prior donning the apparatus.
Carry out this test with another officer in assistance.

1. Equipment Inspection
Inspect the condition of following:
 Harness straps / buckles / fittings.
 Tubing for any cracks / cuts / damage.
 Inhalation / exhalation valves,
 Facemask / visor is clean, dry and clear.
 Connect the facemask to cylinder airline.
 Open cylinder valve and listen for ‘audible leaks’ (For Positive Pressure sets,
switch-off the positive pressure switch when checking).

2. High Pressure Test

To check actual cylinder pressure and identify if any leakage:
 Open the cylinder valve, and check that the bottle pressure is full.
 Close the valve and observe the pressure gauge (Pressure must not drop by
more than 10 bars (or atm) in 1 minute).

3. Low Pressure Test

Check correct operation of the low-pressure audible warning whistle:
 Gently depress the inhalation valve to drain the air slowly from the line whilst
observing the pressure gauge.
 The audible warning whistle must sound when the gauge needle moves into
the ‘Red Sector’ . The ‘Red Sector’ is marked from 50 to 0 bar.
 Re-open the cylinder valve. Whistle sound may also be heard momentarily as
gauge needle rises past the ‘Red Sector’.

4. Face Mask Seal Test

Check effective air-tightness of the seal between facemask and wearer’s face:
 Don the facemask, tighten all straps uniformly and breathe normally.
 Close the cylinder valve and continue breathing.
 The whistle must sound as the air exhausts out.
 When all the air is exhausted, the facemask must visibly collapse / be pulled
onto the wearer’s face when breathing in.
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5. Prior to Entering
 If all the above tests are satisfactory, don the equipment, re-open cylinder
valve and be ready to proceed.
Wearer may not hear the audio warning whistle, hence at all times, monitor the
pressure gauge.

6. Working Duration
Working duration depends on the wearer and the amount of effort expended by the wearer.
As a rough rule, a trained wearer in fit condition and working reasonably hard will
consume about 40 Ltrs / minute.
An inexperienced wearer under similar conditions may well consume double this amount.

E.g.: A cylinder of 6 Ltrs, charged to 200 bars will hold 6 x 200 = 1200 Ltrs of air.
Cylinder Capacity (Ltr) 6
Working Pressure (Bar) 200
Quantity of Free Air in Cylinder (Ltr) 6 x 200= 1200
Average Consumption (Ltr / Minute) 40
Total Duration 1200 / 40 = 30 minutes
Safety Reserve* 10 minutes
Working Duration Final 30-10 = 20 minutes

* When hearing the low pressure whistle alarm, wearer must immediately evacuate the
space.
Volume of air contained in the cylinders shall be at least 1,200 Ltrs, or shall be capable of
functioning for at least 30 minutes.
All air cylinders for breathing apparatus shall be interchangeable.
For full details, refer to the maker’s instruction manual.

Each crewmember shall be able to wear the SCBA without assistance.

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