Module 7 - IAFF

Student Text IAFF Training for Hazardous Materials: Technician©
The use of APRs in emergency response is difficult because
of the severe limitations on atmospheric conditions/monitoring
and identification necessary for safe use.
Between PP SCBA or PP SAR, one is not necessarily
“better” than the other. Each has its benefits and limitations
and each jurisdiction will need to decide the type of system
it prefers.
If PP SCBA is to be used, longer duration cylinders (45 or
60-minute) are recommended. This will allow personnel
adequate entry, work, and decontamination time.
Use standard risk analysis and OSHA regulations to determine
whether respiratory protection is needed. OSHA
requirement 1910.120 (q) (3) (iv) states that:
Employees engaged in emergency response and exposed to hazardous
substances presenting an inhalation hazard or potential inhalation
hazard shall wear positive pressure SCBA … Until such time as the
person in charge of the ICS determines through the use of air
monitoring that a decreased level of respiratory protection will not
result in hazardous exposure to employees.
In other words, SCBA is assumed necessary unless it can
be definitively proven that no airborne hazards exist.
Other Considerations
OSHA has, in 1910.134 (1998 edition), spelled out very
specific requirements for selection, use, testing, cleaning
and maintenance of respiratory equipment. The law requires
that employers develop a complete written respiratory
protection program and communicate the program to
their employees. It also requires that each employee wear a
respirator (SCBA are considered respirators), be medically
certified to wear it, and have an annual fit test for the
facepiece.
The law is specific in its requirements and provides clear
methods of complying. Any department using SCBA
should be following this standard, for fires as well as
hazardous materials operations.
Module 7: Personal Protective Equipment 7-19