Selecting and purchasing SCBA can be a complex process. Not only is it capital-intensive, it also represents a long-term investment in arguably the most important piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) that a firefighter puts on. The SCBA is a critical lifeline to the firefighter and should be given careful consideration before making a 12 to 15-year investment. The National
When considering the purchase of new SCBA, it is important to understand the compliance implications of purchasing “refurbished” SCBA from a supplier not authorized by its manufacturer. Several businesses in the United States and Canada advertise and sell SCBA that are “refurbished” or “reconditioned” units from various SCBA manufacturers. U.S. OSHA regulations [29 CFR 1910.134(h)(4)] require that “the employer shall
When it comes to personnel, volunteer fire departments are no different than corporations or nonprofit groups. They all need people in the boat rowing toward the same agreed-upon destination. And while that rowing requires hard skills, like a strong back, it also requires soft skills — such as the ability to work as part of a team. In firefighting, the
A rapid intervention team (RIT) must have a thorough knowledge of basic and advanced search procedures to be effective at reaching the downed firefighter quickly. The time saved at reducing the search time can be time used at completing an RIT bag change and extrication if needed. This search knowledge can only be gained through constant training and understanding of
3M Scott's Snap-Change cylinder connection was yet another industry first when it was introduced in 2004 as part of the 3M™ Scott™ Air-Pak™ NxG2 SCBA. Utilizing a patented quick release design to support rapid cylinder replacement on the fireground, the proven design of the Snap-Change cylinder connection has continued to evolve over the years with the 3M™ Scott™ Air-Pak™ NxG7
When you think of major industrial fires, you think high-intensity chemical explosions, machinery blasts and other large-scale flammable events. However, most fire responses to industrial facilities are not on this scale. Although these types of situations do happen and may create spectacular visuals, it is preferable to extinguish these blazes over time and from a distance using the appropriate equipment,