SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS (SCBA) EVALUATION IN SUPPORT OF THE FIRE SERVICE

Program Activities

SCBA Evaluation

The evaluation begins with an inspection of the SCBA determine if the SCBA was in a NIOSH-approved configuration during the incident. If safe, the unit is pressurized and tested. The condition of each major component is assessed and photographed. A sample of any air remaining in the cylinder is analyzed.

If the SCBA is found to be in a safe condition, a series of performance tests are conducted to determine if the SCBA was in a NIOSH-approved configuration in accordance with 42 CFR Part 84. Further testing is conducted to determine conformance to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Air Flow Performance requirements of NFPA 1981, Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for the Fire Service.