SCBA Flow Testing

[lt607tfd]

In an effort to implement annual flow testing of our SCBA's, I am looking for OSHA, NIOSH, and/or NFPA standards/requirements that mandate annual flow testing of SCBA's. I need this information to show the powers that be that we are not making this up and this needs to be a line item in the annual budget. Thanks in advance. J

[Rigin1]

I beleive 29 CFR, Parts 1910, 1915, and 1926 cover respiratory protection for OSHA.

Rigin

[lt607tfd]

Yeah, but I cannot find any specific jargon referring to annual flow test of the harness.
Thanks.

[dabman]

NFPA 1981 Chapter 4 gives the requirement for annual flow testing. OSHA 1910.134 doesn't address the requirement, but does address annual fit testing for users. I'm not sure if NIOSH covers annual testing or not.

[lt607tfd]

Thanks for the replies. NIOSH doesn't address anything directly, and neither does OSHA. I will look in NFPA.

[Firegod32]

OSHA-take a look at 29 CFR 1910.134 for the respiratory protection stuff. You will not find a direct requirement as such. However, under the General Duty Clause of the 29 CFR's, you can recieve a citation from OSHA on this because it is something that is required by the manufacture. This is the same way that manufactures are citing general industry for their forklift drivers not wearing seatbelts. For that matter, fire departments can be cited under the same requirement. If you think that they cannot cite as such, think again. NIOSH does not have requirements for the testing of the respirators to my knowledge.

But if compliance is all that these guys are interested in, there are bigger problems. The purpose of the flow test is to make sure the airpack is operating a designed. To me, the life safety aspect FAR outweighs the physical requirements.

If your people use Scott airpacks, I would encourage your department to send a couple of people to the Specialist Level Maintenace class that Scott does (or used to do). I learned quite a bit about the packs in this class.

[Patrick631]

OSHA says to follow the manufactures recomendations. If you are using Scott Air-Paks they say to have them tested at least once every two years according to use. This does not stop you from doing it more often. NFPA is the only one saying to do it every year, and NFPA is a national standard. If something were to happen a lawyer would bring that out in court and it would not be pretty.

Hope this helps.

Patrick

[lt607tfd]

Thanks for all the info...

We don't use Scott packs, we use Survivair. We have two technicians on the department.

All our packs are almost a year old. Not only do we understand the importance of flow testing annually, but it is required by the manufacturer for warranty issues.

It all boils down to the political BS that should not be an issue in the fire service. It is a shame one has to do things to cover his back side, but that is exactly what we are trying to do.

Thanks again and be safe.

[Bones42]

I use Survivair also and can't find anything requiring annual flow testing other than the manufacturer's web site. Don't follow their policies, don't get their warranties. It's a shame we have to fight with politicians about things that keep us safe.