FIRE DEPARTMENT

SCBA STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

REQUIREMENTS

SOPs outlining the critical procedures for SCBA Training, Selection / Use and Maintenance should be available. The SOPs are an element of the department's Respiratory Protection Program and must be followed and enforced to ensure program effectiveness. The SOPs provide written documentation that when followed will increase the consistent respiratory protection of personnel and secure department compliance with OSHA / State regulations and NFPA recommendations. Procedures should be detailed but concise. The following outlines provide basic content for the three primary SCBA SOPs.

SCBA TRAINING

• Respiratory Hazards
• SCBA Protection Limits
• Construction Details and Safety Features
• Air Supply Duration & "Point of No Return"
• Procedures for Use
• Practical Applications
• Care & Storage, Inspections, Maintenance
• Emergency Conditions

SCBA SELECTION and USE

• Positive-pressure SCBA Selection
• Medical Clearance
• Facepiece Fit Testing, Qualitative or Quantitative Using AQL Testing Services
• Donning and Doffing SCBA
• Safety Procedures
• Incidents Requiring Mandatory Use of SCBA / Safety Officer
• Fireground Procedures
• Command Responsibilities
• Personnel Responsibilities
• Atmosphere Monitoring to Determine Safe Conditions for Approval of SCBA Removal
• Special Issues - Low Temperature, High Temperature, Confined Spaces

SCBA MAINTENANCE

• Manufacturers Recommendations
• Equipment Inventory Identification
• Inspection Frequency and Procedures
• Cleaning Procedures
• Storage Procedures
• Preventative Maintenance
• Equipment Repairs
• "Out of Service" Equipment
• Testing Procedures
  • SCBA Performance
  • Cylinder Hydrostatic
  • Compressor /Cascade Breathing Air Quality Program Using AQL Testing Services
• Record Keeping

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