Seven Safety Precautions For Breathing Apparatus

Seven Safety Precautions For Breathing Apparatus

Here are seven basic safety measures to follow that will help assure that your SCBA will be ready, willing and able when it is needed:

1. Always follow the instructions that are supplied by the manufacturer for the model you are using. If you don’t have them or are uncertain about the correct procedures, contact the manufacturer or the distributor.
2. No one should use a SCBA until he is fully trained in its operation.
3. Before donning a SCBA, make certain that all the connections are secure and the cylinder is fully charged.
4. Always pick up a SCBA by its carrying harness or frame. If you pick it up by the facepiece or regulator assembly, you may damage the lens, the breathing hoses or the regulator components.
5. If you are wearing the SCBA but not using it, never allow the facepiece to hang loose. Most units have hooks or straps to secure the facepiece when it is not in use.
6. When you finish using your SCBA, place all buckles in their proper locations. This will help prevent scratching or otherwise damaging facepiece lenses.
7. It is important to never drop or throw down a SCBA. Mishandling can cause malfunctions to the apparatus that could endanger the user’s life the next time it is used. It can also cause lost time and money for repairs and replacements.