SCBA (functions, requirement, spare requirement, pre check tests) self contained breathing apparatus

      

       

 SCBA - self contained breathing apparatus

Purpose :

  To supply fresh air to the wearer onboard

Functions :

• provide sufficient positive pressure fresh air to the wearer.

• provides both audiable and light warning regarding availability of air in the cylinder. 

• prevent inhalation of toxic, poisonous gases & smoke.

• provide means of exhalation of air to the atmosphere.

Requirement :

• for ships between 500T - 2500T,  min 2 sets required.

• for ships between 2500T - 4000T,  min 3 sets required.

• for ships 4000T & above, min 4 sets are required.

• for tankers min 4 sets are required.

• capacity of air bottles should be atleast 1200 litres.

• it should be capable of working 30 mins

• fire proof line with the snap hook of atleast 3metres should be there.the line should have breaking strength of 500kg.

• maximum weight should not increase above 19KG

• SCBA cylinder should be hydraulic pressure tested 5 yearly. 

• whistle sounds at 200 litres.

Spare requirement :

• 100% spare cylinders if vessel having BA compressor onboard.

Vsl must have min 4 SCBA sets and 4 spare cylinders not less than 1200 litres each.

• 200% spare cylinder if vessel does not have compressor onboard.

Vsl must have min 4 SCBA sets and 8 spare cylinders not less than 1200 litres each.

Pre - check tests :

• visual inspection

• cylinder content check

• cylinder pressure leak test

• whistle & light warning test

• face mask seal test

• positive pressure test

• supplementary test.

Positive pressure test :

     Gently lift mask seal away from the seal & ensure a good outward flow of air from the mask.

Face mask leak test :

      Close cylinder valve and breath normally, when pressure  gauge shows zero and the mask is pulled gently onto the face hold breath for 10 sec. 

any leakage will be indicated by the mask moving away from the face.

Cylinder pressure leak test :

        Pressure in pressure gauge should not drop 10bar per min.

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