FIRE FIGHTER I

TOPIC: SCBA COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES

TIME FRAME: 0:30

LEVEL OF INSTRUCTION: Level II

AUTHORITY: 1997 NFPA 1001 3-3.1 and CCR, Title 8, Section 5144

BEHAVIORAL OBJECTIVE:

Condition: A written test

Behavior: The student will confirm a knowledge of the SCBA

components and accessories by completing the written test

Standard: With a minimum 80% accuracy according to the information

contained in the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, IFSTA,
Second Edition, Chapter 3

MATERIALS NEEDED: • Writing board with markers/erasers

• Appropriate audiovisual equipment
• Appropriate audiovisual materials
• SCBA including air cylinder and facepiece

REFERENCES: • Essentials of Fire Fighting, IFSTA, Fourth Edition

• Firefighter's Handbook, Delmar, 2000 Edition
• Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, IFSTA, Second
Edition

PREPARATION: Fire fighters must have confidence in their safety equipment.

In order to develop this confidence with the self-contained
breathing apparatus, you must know the basic components
and their functions.

The accessories for a self-contained breathing apparatus

improve communication, reduce facepiece fogging, aid vision,
and increase user safety and are all-important to the fire
fighter.

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 FIRE FIGHTER I

PRESENTATION APPLICATION

I. FOUR BASIC COMPONENTS

A. Backpack assembly
B. Air cylinder
C. Regulator assembly
D. Facepiece assembly
NOTE: Refer to manufacturer's users manual for
specifications.
What is the purpose of
the backpack
assembly?
II. BACKPACK ASSEMBLY
A. Holds unit in place on fire fighter's back
B. Manufactured of metal and/or high temperature
resistant materials
1. Should not fail when burned
C. Adjustable harness straps
1. All straps should be secured
2. Adjust straps to carry most of the weight on the
hips
III. AIR CYLINDER
A. Construction
1. Steel
a) Generally no longer used
2. Aluminum
3. Fiberglass wrapped
a) Aluminum liner shell
b) Hoop-wrapped
c) Full-wrapped
4. Kevlar/carbon composite (this is what MPA
provides)

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PRESENTATION APPLICATION

Cylinder capacities
5. Cylinder pressure gauge
6. High pressure
a) 4,500 psi
7. Low pressure
a) 2,216 psi
b) 3,000 psi for carbon fiber cylinders
How long are SCBA
air supplies designed
to last?
8. Rated duration
a) 30 minutes
1) 45 cubic feet
b) 45 minutes
1) 65 cubic feet
c) 60 minutes
1) 88 cubic feet
B. Cylinder service life
1. Hydrostatic test
a) Ensures cylinder is capable of
withstanding filling to rated capacity
2. Steel and aluminum cylinders
a) Must pass hydrostatic test every 5 years
b) Unlimited service life
3. Fiberglass wrapped and composite cylinders
a) Must pass hydrostatic test every 3 years
b) Maximum service life of 15 years
4. Carbon (This is what MPA carries)
a) Must pass hydrostatic test every 15
years

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PRESENTATION APPLICATION

5. Air quality
a) Grade D per Compressed Gas
Association pamphlet G-7.1-1989
b) Source must be tested every 3 months
What is the function of
the regulator?
IV. REGULATOR
A. Reduces cylinder pressure
B. Two stages
1. Second stage may be mounted on facepiece
C. Bypass valve
D. Low pressure warning device
1. Activated at 450–550 psi
What are the basic
parts of the facepiece?
V. FACEPIECE ASSEMBLY
A. Lens
B. Exhalation valve
1. Maintains positive pressure in mask
C. Head harness
VI. ACCESSORIES
What methods are
used to prevent
fogging?
A. Accessories that reduce facepiece fogging
1. Nose cups
2. Antifogging compounds
a) Some may damage lens
B. Accessories that improve communications
1. Speaking diaphragms

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PRESENTATION APPLICATION

2. Mask mounted amplifiers

3. Radio interfaces
C. Accessories that aid vision
How can vision be
corrected when using
breathing apparatus?
1. Facepiece lens mount
a) Avoid standard eyeglasses
b) Avoid contact lenses
D. Accessories that increase user safety
1. Built-in personal alarm device
a) Activated when air supply is turned on
2. Air supply gauges/monitors in mask
3. Buddy breathing hose connections
a) Allow connection of other users to same
SCBA
b) For emergency use only
4. Emergency air fill connection
a) Allows refilling of cylinder from another
SCBA

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 FIRE FIGHTER I

SUMMARY:

A self-contained breathing apparatus consists of four basic components: backpack assembly,

air cylinder, regulator assembly, and facepiece assembly. SCBA accessories will enhance
the use of the basic components and assist the SCBA to function better. All of these
components contribute to the proper operation of the SCBA. You must understand these
functions in order to develop proficiency and confidence in the use of the SCBA.

EVALUATION:

The student will complete the written test at a time determined by the instructor.

ASSIGNMENT:

Review your notes and read Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, IFSTA, Second Edition,
Chapter 3 in order to prepare yourself for the upcoming test. Study for our next session.

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