Purpose:  The purpose of this procedure is to assure that all personnel are

prepared to perform emergency operations while maintaining the highest degree of personal safety.

Scope:    This procedure shall apply to all personnel working at fires or other emergencies.

Enforcement:   Each member of the Sharon Township Fire Dept. bears full responsibility for adherence to this procedure.  Authority to deviate form this procedure rest with the Officer-In-Charge and or the Incident Commander, who bears full responsibility for the results of any deviation.

The Use of self‑contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is an essential part of the complete personal protective equipment provided for each member of the Sharon Township Fire Dept.  Therefore it will be required that all members utilize  (SCBA) whenever the need for respiratory protection exist, or the quality of the atmosphere is questionable.

It shall be the policy of the Sharon Township Fire Department that personnel not be exposed to any hazardous atmosphere without the benefit of SCBA. Instances of exposure shall promptly and thoroughly investigated by the Safety officer. The Safety officer shall make appropriate recommendations to prevent a reoccurrence and submit them in writing to the Chiefs office.

Definitions:  The use of SCBA shall mean the wearing of SCBA with face piece in place, connected to the regulator and breathing air from the SCBA cylinder.

Hazardous Atmosphere: Shall mean any atmosphere that is contaminated with smoke, gases, or other by‑products of combustion; or any atmosphere that contains any known contaminants not normally found in clean air. An atmosphere that is oxygen deficient or suspected of being oxygen deficient shall also be considered hazardous.

Procedure:  The use of SCBA is mandatory for all personnel working under the following conditions;

·        Where the atmosphere is known to be hazardous.

·        Where the atmosphere is suspected of being hazardous.

·        Where the atmosphere may rapidly become hazardous.

This could include personnel in any or all of the following positions;

·        Active fire area;

·        Potential fire or explosive area;

·        Where smoke is visible in the atmosphere, including vehicle, rubbish, and dumpster fires.

·        Confined spaces

·        Areas suspected of containing Carbon Monoxide, including but not limited to areas under overhaul after a fire.

Premature removal of SCBA must be avoided especially during

overhaul operations.  Prior to removal of SCBA, the atmosphere must be free from all visible smoke and the area must be thoroughly ventilated with provisions for continuous ventilation during overhaul operations.

Each member is responsible for restoring the SCBA used during an emergency to service. This shall include;

• Replacing the air cylinder with a full one.
• Cleaning the face piece and harness.
• Testing unit for proper operation.
• Testing the PASS device.

·       Stowing the SCBA in its assigned position.

Back to SOG Index