What we do and why we do it
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Know how to inspect an SCBA bottle for
damage prior to fill
Know how to use the compressor
Know how to document problems with the
compressor
Know how to report problems with SCBA
bottles and compressor
Know the NFPA 1989 rules for compressor
use, storage and maintenance
Station 42 SCBA Cylinder
Inspection Station
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Has the following:
◦ Master damage cylinder
◦ SCBA Bottle fill log
◦ Current quarterly compressor air quality test results
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Will have in the future:
◦ Operator log sheet
◦ Safety notices
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4 Layers of bottle construction
◦ Outer Gel Coat: protects the fiberglass wrap from
getting water and contaminants into it.
◦ Fiberglass Wrap: Provides minimal structural
integrity, protects the carbon fiber wrap.
◦ Carbon Fiber Wrap: Provides the bulk of the
structural integrity of the tank.
◦ Seamless Extruded Aluminum Tank: Creates shape
of tank
Cut away view of layers of carbon fiber
composite tank
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Visually look for damage to cylinder.
How deep is the damage?
How big is the surface area of damage?
What caused the damage?
Does damage cause deformation of cylinder wall?
Is there damage to neck/threads of cylinder?
Is the valve stem and hand wheel straight/operate
smoothly?
◦ Is gauge readable or damaged?
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If no damage above Level I
◦ Check hydro date
◦ Complete Cylinder Fill Log
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If damage is Level II or Level III
◦ Do not fill bottle, place OOS
◦ Complete fill log as damaged/no fill
◦ Complete MSA repair form and forward to C-44
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Level I Damage is basically any partialthickness damage to the gel coat on the
exterior of the bottle. It can be caused by
abrasions, impacts, cuts or heat.
This would not include any damage to the
threads on the bottle nipple, damage to the
gauge or PRV or damage which exposes the
fiberglass wrap beneath the gel coat
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Level II damage is any damage which is
exposing or into the fiberglass wrap beneath
the gel coat.
Additionally, any damage due to its size or
MOI which would cause the user to suspect
the integrity of the bottle is Level II damage.
Error on the side of caution and let the SCBA
coordinator evaluate the damage for repair if
you are not sure!
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Any damage which exposes the black carbon
fiber wrap on the SCBA bottle is not
repairable and the bottle must be
condemned.
Any damage which causes deformation of the
wall of the bottle due to heat, chemicals or
physical force would also be applicable.
Station 42 Bauer VT 17
Station 45 Bauer Unicus 26
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Always check the oil before use of the
compressor. You must remove the dipstick
and wipe clean, reinsert and then check oil
level.
Do not store any items on or around
compressors that are hazardous or produce
vapors.
If CO monitor light is flashing or the
compressor wont start, then ventilate the
area before trying to start compressor again.
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Always wear hearing protection when
compressor is running.
Do not fill anything other than our SCBA
bottles.
Do not adjust the flow rate or maximum fill
PSI settings on the compressors.
The faster you fill the bottles, the hotter they
get. When they cool, the pressure remaining
in the bottle will be lower than when filled.
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We are required to record every fill for every
bottle.
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Inspect bottle before fill.
Verify Hydrostatic testing is current.
Record person, date and pressure bottle filled to.
Record Bottle serial number.
Cylinder Inspection Log
We must ensure that the 4500 PSI tank is ready to accept the pressures and
stresses our use will deliver.
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SCBA Bottle fills do not require recording in
the Compressor use log.
Only record problems with the compressor,
then fill out an equipment work order as you
would for any other equipment problem.
The Compressor Maintenance people will
record air quality tests, filter and oil changes
and any repairs.
Compressor Repair and Maintenance Log
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NFPA1989.5.1 and 5.2: At least quarterly, the
department "shall take breathing air samples
and shall submit such samples to an
accredited testing laboratory."
NFPA1989.7.1: "A sign or placard shall be
posted near the air intake identifying it as an
intake source for breathing air."
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NFPA1989.7.4: Requires the organization to
keep records of compressor installation
maintenance, and purification filter changes,
trouble reports and corrective action taken.
It also requires records of the individual SCBA
bottle fills themselves, which should be saved
for five years.