My first impression was that the SCBA was a little heavy but after analyzing the systems you see where the weight has been shifted as an advantage. The G1 harness weighs 15.5 pounds with the battery, 25.5 pounds with a 30 minute 4,500 psi cylinder and the mask weighs just under 1.5 pounds.

How much does it cost to outfit one firefighter? It cost, on average, about $7285 to outfit one firefighter to fight a house fire in accordance with the National Fire and Protection Agency (NFPA) standards. Here is a list of the average equipment and average cost.

A turnout coat is the type of jacket that firefighters wear. Turnout coats can weigh as much as 20 pounds and consists of several layers of fire-resistant materials to provide protection from heat and moisture.

All composite SCBA cylinders have a maximum service life of 15 years, provided they are hydrostatically re-tested on a regular basis in accordance with DOT regulations. At the end of the 15 year service life, composite cylinders must be removed from service and destroyed (to ensure that they cannot be used again).

Several years ago, I was in a tactics class when the instructor posed an interesting question: “How long does a 30-minute SCBA bottle last?” We all took turns answering. “Thirty minutes,” said one student. “Twenty minutes,” said another.

Well the minimum pressure at the morning daily check before swapping is 4,050psi but 4500 is a full bottle. With normal exertion, they’ll last maybe 20-30 minutes in a fire. They’ll go faster the faster/harder you’re working, and even the less in shape you are will see your bottle go down faster than your buddies.

The SCBA facepiece lens is often considered the weakest component of a firefighter’s ensemble in high heat conditions, but the level of thermal performance of the facepiece lens has not been well understood.”

The SCBA supplies the compressed oxygen from the oxygen cylinder to the wearer through cylinder valve, pressure reducer, demand valve, etc. Carbon dioxide in exhales air is absorbed by the absorbing canister, and oxygen is re-supplied through breathing bag.

every 3 years

Hydrostatic (Hydro) Testing is a process where components such as piping systems, gas cylinders, boilers, and pressure vessels are tested for strength and leaks. Hydro tests are often required after shutdowns and repairs in order to validate that equipment will operate under desired conditions once returned to service.

The cost of hydrostatic testing usually depends on the extent of the plumbing system being inspected. Most hydrostatic tests cost between $250 to $500. Bigger plumbing systems can cost thousands of dollars to be inspected.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires all cylinders to be hydrostatically tested every 3, 5, or 10 years. The time allowed by law is determined by a variety of factors such as the type of material, the gas it contains, its age, and special permits the cylinder may have been manufactured under.

A hydrostatic test is performed by using water as the test medium, whereas a pneumatic test uses air, nitrogen, or any non-flammable and non- toxic gas. At SLAC pressure tests must be hydrostatic unless pneumatic tests can be justified. Hydrostatic is the preferred method of pressure test at SLAC.

Oxygen cylinders can have pressures as high as 2250 pounds per square inch gauge (psig). The Compressed Gas Association (CGA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) provide guidance on the safe transportation, storage, and use of high pressure oxygen cylinders.

Cylinder Testing Frequency Steel and aluminum cylinders should be tested every five years. These cylinders have an indefinite service life provided they pass hydrostatic testing. Aluminum cylinders (not including hoop-wrapped) should be tested every five years.

CYLINDER HYDROSTATIC TESTING During a hydrostatic test, a pressure vessel is placed inside a closed system, usually a test jacket filled with water, and a specified internal water pressure is applied to the container inside this closed system.

Cylinders constructed from aluminum or steel must be tested every 5 years. All composite SCBA cylinders have a maximum service life of 15 years, provided they are hydrostatically re-tested on a regular basis in accordance with DOT regulations.