SOP Manual - Cleveland Fire Department

Cleveland Fire Department
Operations Manual
Fit Testing
A. All personnel using a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) must pass an appropriate
qualitative (QLFT) and quantitative (QNFT) fit test annually.
B. Fit testing is required prior to initial use, whenever a different respirator facepiece is used and at
least annually thereafter. An additional fit test is required whenever the employee reports, or the
employer or PLHCP makes visual observations of, changes in the employee’s physical condition
that could affect respirator fit (e.g., facial scarring, dental changes, cosmetic surgery, or an obvious
change in body weight).
C. The fit test shall be administered using an OSHA-accepted QLFT and QNFT protocol, as
contained in the mandatory section 1910.134 Appendix A.
Use of Respirators
A. Personnel who have facial hair or any condition that interferes with the face-to-facepiece seal or
valve function shall not wear SCBA.
B. Personal protective equipment shall be worn in such a manner that does not interfere with the seal
of the facepiece to the face of the user.
C. Personnel shall perform a user seal check each time they put on an SCBA facepiece using the
procedures in the OSHA standard 1910.134 Appendix B-1 or equally effective manufacture’s
procedures.
D. Procedures for respirator use in IDLH atmospheres are stated above. In addition to these
requirements, interior structural Firefighting requires the use of SCBA’s and a protective practice
know as “2in and 2out”. (Note that this is not meant to preclude firefighters from performing
emergency rescue activities before an entire team has assembled.)
The use of SCBA is mandatory for all personnel working under the following conditions:
A. Where the atmosphere is known to be hazardous.
B. Where the atmosphere is suspected of being hazardous.
C. Where the atmosphere may rapidly become hazardous.
D. Where smoke is visible in the atmosphere, including vehicle and dumpster fires.
E. Where toxic products are present, suspected of being present (Ex:.meth labs), or could be rapidly
released without warning.
F. In unvented, confined spaces unless specific tests are performed to assure the atmosphere is safe.
G. In any below-grade areas where an emergency exists, unless specific tests are performed to assure
the atmosphere is safe.
Effective: June 1, 1997 Revised: 5/14/2009 Page | 302
Approved by: Chief Chuck Atchley