West Clinton Fire District
Best Practice
SCOTT SCBA Inspection Procedure
Best Practice No. 804
1. PURPOSE
This Best Practice defines the procedures for the proper inspection of the SCOTT Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and SCOTT EZ-SCAPE ½ System. The weekly inspection insures the whole apparatus is properly operational when needed at an emergency.
It also defines the mandatory record keeping needed to know when more detailed inspections or replacements are needed.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 requires the monthly inspection of all SCBA’s.
II. DESCRIPTION OF THE SCBA SYSTEM
The Scott SCBA contains many parts that make up the total system. The major components are:
1. The 4.5 L bottle containing compressed air.
2. The face piece that regulates the positive air flow to the firefighter and has a voice
amplifier for communication
3. The low air alarm system when air in the bottle is becoming low
4. The PASS alarm that detects a motionless firefighter
5. The EZ-SCAPE ½ System using a rope for a “Bail Out System”
III, INSPECTION PROCESS
To insure the records reflect the inspection status of each SCOTT SCBA, the 1st Assistant Chief will insure each SCOTT SCBA frame has a unique serial number for record keeping. The Chief will keep all the records obtained during the inspection procedures described in this Best Practice.
There are two inspection times; during normal quick call on Monday nights and more detailed monthly.
1. The quick call inspection looks for damaged, unclean, and low air in bottles. The air
gauge should read at least 35. If lower, the bottle should be replaced and filled to the proper level of 45.
2. Detailed inspections follow the instructions contained in the SCOTT PAK Monthly
Check Instructions. The inspection results for each SCOTT SCBA serial number are recorded on the SCOTT Pak Monthly Maintenance Check Sheet by month of inspection and inspection item.
IV. MAINTENANCE
All Scott 4.5 L fiber glass air bottles whether on a SCOTT SCBA or as a spare bottle must be hydrostatic pressure tested every 5 years. Records by bottle serial number must be maintained to show pressure testing dates and the results by the testing organization. Use the form entitled SCOTT Bottle Hydrostatic Pressure Testing Record to record the testing information.
After each emergency use of a SCOTT air bottle, it must be inspected and have the air topped off to 45 before being returned to service.
The batteries in the PASS alarm must be replaced in the spring and fall when the clocks change. The batteries are three C 1.5 volt and replacement must be noted on the Scott Pak Monthly Maintenance Check Sheet.
The battery in the voice amplifier on the face piece must be replaced in the spring and fall when the clocks change. The battery is one 9 volt and replacement must be noted on the Scott Pak Monthly Maintenance Check Sheet.
The rope in the SCOTT EZ-SCAPE ½ System must be replaced after any emergency use. Once a year, a trained and competent person must open the bag holding the “Bail out rope” to inspect it and then properly replace it in the bag. Records must be maintained by SCBA serial number, date inspected, and who did the inspection.
This Best Practice was approved by the West Clinton Board of Fire Commissioners on March 27, 2013 and becomes effective on March 27, 2013. This Best Practice supersedes any previous Best Practice, Standard Operating Guideline (SOG), or Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) on inspection of Scott Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and the Scott EZ-SCAPE ½ System.
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