Visual Inspections

WARNING! 

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Do NOT examine the SCBA before it is decontaminated, cleaned, and disinfected if there is a risk of exposure to hazardous contaminants. Obey the applicable decontamination procedures, clean and disinfect the SCBA first, then examine it.

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If the SCBA shows damage, deterioration, or any of the conditions listed in Visual Inspections, remove the SCBA from service and return it to an MSA trained and certified repair technician.

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Never substitute, modify, add, or omit parts. Use only exact replacement parts in the configuration as specified by MSA.

Failure to follow these warnings can result in serious personal injury or death.

Perform visual inspections and functional tests (See Functional Tests) upon receipt and after each use. For SCBA in regular use, inspect at the beginning of each duty period. Regardless of usage, the interval between inspections of SCBA for emergency use shall not exceed 1 month consistent with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134. Examine the entire SCBA after it is cleaned and disinfected.

NFPA-1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety, Health, and Wellness Program; ASTM F3387, Practices for Respiratory Protection; and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 describe the three levels of inspection procedures to be performed. Refer to these documents to establish an inspection program or use an inspection program prepared by a health professional.