How to Don an SCBA
SCBA stands for Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. This is a portable device used by rescue workers such as fire fighters when they are about to enter an area that might have diminished or poor air circulation or where the air may be contaminated by air borne germs such as in a hospital. It is important to know how to wear any emergency gear before there is an actual emergency. It could mean the difference between life and death.
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Instructions
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Practice putting on your equipment. Most emergency situations require that you don your gear within 35 seconds, so practice this as often as possible and have someone time you.
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Lay the gear out in the order you will be putting it on. Start by placing the SCBA apparatus on the ground. The cylinder must be facing down while the harness should be facing up. The placement of the cylinder valve should be away from the body toward the back.
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Turn the cylinder valve so that it is opened completely. Using two hands, hold the harness is the middle.
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Raise the SCBA device above your head and make sure the straps are free and untangled.
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Lean forward from the waist at a 45 degree angle. Place your arms through the shoulder straps and make sure the SCBA tank is laying flat on your back.
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Close the chest strap by pulling it through the mechanism tightly and lock it in place by pressing the buckle down once it is comfortable and secure. Close the waistband the same way you did the chest strap.
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Slip your helmet off your head and to the side over your shoulder. Be sure to have the chinstrap comfortably around your neck. Push back your Nomex hood.
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Put the face piece on after removing the cover. Put it on so the chin goes in first. Adjust the two neck straps so that they fit comfortably. Pull the hood over your head making certain that no skin is exposed.
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Put the helmet on and pull the chinstrap so that it is secure. Place the regulator into the face piece and breathe in deeply.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider having practice drills using actual equipment before any emergency arises.
Use correct SCBA devices for the situation being entered.
