Each member of the Emergency Services Division shall be accountable for one (1) SCBA and shall check that SCBA for condition at the beginning of each shift and after each use, or at any other time necessary.
Company officers shall assign a specific SCBA to each member of the crew. Each crew member will be responsible for the proper use and function of that SCBA. If a SCBA is found to be functioning improperly, it shall be taken out of service, tagged, reported and replaced as soon as possible. The Company officer is responsible for assuring that all SCBA on the apparatus is checked each shift.
SCBA shall be worn with the face piece in place, using tank air, by all personnel when operating:
* In a contaminated atmosphereSCBA shall be worn and ready for use by all personnel operating:
* In an oxygen deficient atmosphere
* Where both contamination and oxygen deficiency are suspected
* In an unventilated, confined space
* Above an involved fire area
* In an area subject to explosion or sudden contamination
* Above ground levelTHE BASIC DECISION ON USING SCBA IS BASED ON THREE ABSOLUTE RULES:
* Below ground level
* In an area where the atmosphere may become contaminated
* NOBODY IS EVER ALLOWED TO BREATHE SMOKE
* USE SCBA UNTIL ATMOSPHERE IS CONFIRMED TO BE SAFE
* IF IN DOUBT ---USE IT
Resist the tendency to prematurely remove SCBA during routine fire situations. We all must be aware of the respiratory hazards that exist in the ordinary, as well as, the extraordinary fire situation. It is generally true that carbon monoxide levels increase during overhaul, due to the incomplete combustion of smoldering materials.
Do not remove your SCBA until the atmosphere has been determined to be safe to operate within. Either use your SCBA or change the atmosphere.
The determination to remove SCBA will be made by the company officer in routine situations. In complex situations, particularly when toxic materials are involved, the Incident Commander and/or Safety Officer should be consulted on this decision.
An evaluation of all members in the use of SCBA shall be conducted at least annually. Each member shall be able to demonstrate a high level of proficiency and compatibility with the SCBA under conditions comparable to those the member is expected to function under as a job requirement.