Factors that Affect the Service Life of the SCBA
CAUTION!
The service life of the SCBA is greatly reduced when the regulator bypass is used.
Failure to follow this caution can result in minor or moderate injury.
The following factors can affect the duration or service life of the equipment:
|
•
|
Your average degree of physical activity |
|
•
|
Your general physical condition |
|
•
|
The degree to which your breathing rate is increased by excitement, fear, or other emotional factors |
|
•
|
Your degree of training or experience with this or similar equipment |
|
•
|
Whether the cylinder is fully charged |
|
•
|
The concentration of carbon dioxide in the compressed air more than the 0.04 percent level normally found in atmospheric air |
|
•
|
Atmospheric pressure: the service life of the SCBA is based on 1 atm (101,325 Pa) of pressure. If used in a pressurized tunnel or caisson at 2 atm (202,650 Pa), the service life of the SCBA will be half as long as when it is used at 1 atm (101,325 Pa). At 3 atm (303,975 Pa), the service life will be one-third as long. |