When your fire department needs new self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA equipment or equipment maintenance, Hawkeye Fire & Safety can help. Sometimes referred to as a Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus (CABA) or simply Breathing Apparatus (BA), these air tanks are worn by rescue workers, firefighters, and others to provide breathable air in a hostile environment.
When not used underwater, as SCUBA gear is, they are sometimes called industrial breathing sets. The term “self-contained” means that the breathing set is not dependent on a remote supply (e.g., through a long hose).
Hydrostatic Testing is Available Here
Hydrostatic testing is required on all SCBA cylinders per 49 CFR 180.205. The frequency of the maintenance depends upon the cylinder material. Steel cylinders should be tested every five years. They have an indefinite service life until they fail a hydro test.
Aluminum cylinders (not including hoop-wrapped) should be tested every five years. They have an indefinite service life until they fail a hydro test.
- Hoop-wrapped cylinders should be tested every three years. Hoop-wrapped cylinders have a 15-year service life.
- Fully wrapped fiberglass cylinders should be tested every three years. They have a 15 year service life.
- Fully wrapped Kevlar cylinders should be tested every three years. They have a 15-year service life.
- Fully wrapped carbon fiber cylinders should be tested every five years. They have a 15-year service life.
SCBA Posi-checking for NFPA Compliance
PosiChek runs NFPA-compliant SCBA operational readiness and performance tests and stores the results for printing or retrieval at any time.
Per NFPA 1852, SCBAs must be tested on a calibrated breathing machine before being put into service, and at least once a year thereafter.