Follow These 6 Steps for the Proper Use and Maintenance of SCBA:
Step 1: Preliminary Inspection
a) Cylinder Pressure Check: Open the cylinder valve by turning it counterclockwise more than one full turn (do not connect the face mask to the air supply valve). Observe the pressure gauge reading; do not use the SCBA if the pressure is below 27 MPa / 270 Bar.
b) Appearance Inspection: Check the equipment and all its components for cleanliness and integrity. Do not use the SCBA if any of the following conditions are present: scratches, damage, tears, notches, or deformation/discoloration due to aging, heat exposure, or contamination.
Step 2: Donning the SCBA
a) Loosen the shoulder straps.
b) Lift the shoulder straps in reverse with both thumbs and place both arms through the straps, carrying the SCBA on your back.
c) Hold the D-rings on both sides of the shoulder straps, lean forward, and pull the D-rings backward and downward until the shoulder straps and back frame fit snugly against the body.
d) Fasten and tighten the waist belt.
Step 3: Putting on the Full Face Mask
a) Loosen the head straps. Hold the face mask with one hand to ensure the nose and mouth areas fit snugly against the face while pulling the head straps over the head with the other hand.
b) Simultaneously tighten the lower head straps on both sides, followed by tightening the upper head straps.
Step 4: Checking the Face Mask’s Airtightness
a) Cover the air supply valve interface on the face mask with the palm of your hand and inhale. If you are unable to breathe and the mask fits securely without leaks, the airtightness is good.
b) Ensure the cylinder valve is open, then push the air supply valve into the face mask’s air supply port. When you hear a “click” sound, it indicates that both buttons on the quick-connect fitting have reset and properly connected, allowing normal breathing.
Step 5: Monitoring the Pressure Gauge During Use
Observe the pressure gauge while in use. When the pressure gauge needle reaches the red zone (5 ± 0.5 MPa), check if the alarm whistle activates.
Step 6: Testing the Alarm Whistle & Removing the SCBA
a) Press the buttons on both sides of the air supply valve quick-connect fitting to detach the face mask from the air supply valve.
b) Release the strap buckle and remove the face mask.
c) Unfasten the waist belt buckle.
d) Loosen the shoulder straps and remove the SCBA.
e) Close the cylinder valve by turning it clockwise (do not overtighten). Press the yellow button on the air supply valve to release the remaining air in the system, as shown in Step 5.
f) Disinfect the face mask using a solution of one scoop of disinfectant mixed with a bucket of clean water.
g) Refill the cylinder to ensure readiness for the next use.
