Respiratory Protection Usage 115-03

Question 1

When should personnel use self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)?

Answer 1

-During all interior structural firefighting operations and when operating exterior to a structure within warm and hot zones until the incident commander (IC) has given permission to remove SCBA
-adjacent apartments or structures were smokers reported
- During overhaul and interior post fire operations were carbon monoxide and or hydrogen cyanide exceed permissible levels
- vehicle fires
-dumpster fires
-hazmat incident went inside the hot or warm zone
-confined space entry operations
-carbon monoxide emergencies or concentration is above 35 ppm


SCBA is essential for ensuring the safety of personnel in hazardous environments.

Question 2

In what situations is SCBA required when smoke is reported?

Answer 2

In adjacent apartments or structures where smoke is reported

This ensures that personnel are protected from smoke inhalation during firefighting efforts.

Question 3

What is the permissible short term exposure limit (STEL) for Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) in ppm?

Answer 3

5ppm

The STEL for HCN is set at 5ppm, with a specific value noted as 4.7ppm.

Question 4

What CO level must be maintained for personnel to operate without SCBA?

Answer 4

Below 35ppm

This level must be maintained to ensure safety during operations.

Question 5

What must be monitored during overhaul and interior post-fire operations?

Answer 5

CO/HCN levels

Monitoring is essential when levels exceed permissible limits.

Question 6

Who should be informed of the CO/HCN level during operations?

Answer 6

IC and personnel operating in the area

Communication is critical for safety.

Question 7

Under what conditions can personnel operate without SCBA?

Answer 7

When HCN and CO levels are below permissible limits

Specific levels must be adhered to for safety.

Question 8

When are personnel required to wear SCBA during investigations?

Answer 8

Inside a confined area, space, or compartment until testing is complete

This is necessary until concentrations are deemed safe.

Question 9

What is required at all vehicle fires until completely extinguished?

Answer 9

Monitoring of atmosphere

This includes ensuring all smoke has dissipated.

Question 10

What must occur during hazardous materials incidents?

Answer 10

Wear SCBA inside hot and warm zones

Safety protocols are strict in these environments.

Question 11

At what CO concentration level must SCBA be worn during CO emergencies?

Answer 11

At or above 35ppm

This threshold is critical for personnel safety.

Question 12

When can personnel remove SCBA?

Answer 12

When the atmosphere is deemed safe by the IC

Permission from the IC is necessary for removal.

Question 13

Fill in the blank: The atmosphere must be below both the _______ and CO levels in order for personnel to operate without SCBA.

Answer 13

HCN

Both levels must be met for safety.