PROCEDURE:INSPECT AND CLEAN SCBA/SABA
RISKRANKING: LOW
HAZARD
1.Improperly cleaned SCBA or SABA.
2. Failing to inspect SCBA or SABA.
POTENTIAL EFFECT
1.Workers could receive face rash if sanitizing solutions are not properly rinsed off equipment.
2.Workers SCBA/ SABA may not be ready for use if not properly inspected.
CONTROL
1.Follow manufacturer’s instructions and Haltech Testing Inc. procedure for cleaning and inspecting SCBA or SABA.
HAZARD ASSESSMENT:
SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
Safety Glasses with side shields, hard hat, steel toe boots, FR Clothing (if required), and personal gas monitor (if required).
PROCEDURE:
INSPECTION:
1 .Check the hose and the mask; stretch the hose, check for tightness, cracks, tear, and holes. Check face piece to ensure its not scratched, check for missing, cracked or broken parts. Extend face piece and harness straps and look for signs of wear.
2.Test for air leaks between the cylinder and regulator outlet. First — block the regulator outlet with rubber protective cover. Open both the cylinder valve and regulator main-line valve. Note the cylinder pressure. After observing the regulator pressure, close the cylinder valve and watch the regulator pressure gauge. If the needle drops more than I 00 psi in 30 seconds, leaks are present and unit must be repaired. Close the main-line valve.
3.Check the warning alarm by pressurizing the system. Open cylinder valve for a moment, then close it. Place rubber protective cover over the regulator outlet to block it leak-tight. Open the main-line valve. Slowly remove rubber protective cover from the regulator outlet and observer drop in pressure on the regulator gauge and the point at which the audio alarm rings. If the audio alarm doesn’t alarm, air pack is to be removed from service and repaired. Close the main-line valve.
Procedure:INSPECT AND CLEAN SCBA/SABA
- 1- Date of Preparation: August 31, 2004
Date of Revision: August 31, 2004
4.Check diaphragm function by first ensuring both cylinder and regulator valves are closed and the system is not pressurized. Gently inhale through the regulator outlet and hold your breath for 5 seconds. If the negative pressure is maintained, there is no leakage. Gently exhale through the regulator outlet
for 5 seconds. If the positive pressure is maintained, there is no leakage. Do no use unit if air flow is detected through the regulator in either test.
5.Don pack and operate it normally — venting off pressure relief valves or continuing flow of air through the regulator when the user is not inhaling, indicates the regulator requires repair. Check for unusual sounds such as whistling, chattering, clicking or rattling; if detected, the regulator must be repaired and air pack removed from service.
CLEANING:
1 .Add package of manufacturers recommended cleaner/sanitizer to one gallon of warm water (max of 50°C). Alcohol must not be used as a germicide because it deteriorates the rubber.
2.Remove breathing tube from face piece. Don not lose gasket inside the coupling nut between these two items. Thoroughly wash the face piece and tube in the MSA solution (a soft brush or sponge may be required to scrub the soiled unit). Thoroughly rinse the inside and outside of the face piece and breathing tube in warm water (max of 50°C). Stretch the breathing tube to remove excess water from between the corrugations.
3.Allow the face piece and breathing tube to air-dry. Do not force-dry the parts by placing them near a heater or in direct sunlight because the rubber will deteriorate when mask and hose are dried. Connect them and place them into a clean, clear plastic dust proof bag.
4.Sponge off the inside of the suitcase with the cleaner/sanitizer recommended by manufacturer. Make sure the case is dry before storing in order to prevent mildew.
5.Ensure air pack is in the ready position. Never store unit with the regulator pressurized. Ensure stored air pack unit is protected from dust, sunlight, heat, extreme cold, excessive moisture and chemicals.
6.Ensure compressed air quality analysis is kept adjacent to the air pack.
7.Ensure third party annual inspections are completed for each air pack. Documentation is to be kept in the area safety files.
Procedure:INSPECT AND CLEAN SCBA/SABA
-2 - Date of Preparation: August 31, 2004
Date of Revision: August 31, 2004