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PPE CASE – Evaluation of Three Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Involved in a Fatality in the Fire Service
San Antonio County Fire Department Request for three Scott® Safety Air-Pak® Model AP50 4.5 units
June 2017
NPPTL Report Number TN-21618
NIOSH received three SCBAs used by three fire fighters involved in a fatality. Two of the SCBAs were not found to contribute to the fatality. The other respirator was damaged in the event and could not be tested.
A qualified service technician must inspect, repair, test, clean, and replace damaged components of any SCBA. involved in an incident before it may be returned to service.
This report provides a summary of NPPTL’s inspection and evaluation methods, and findings for the three SCBAs that were being used by the San Antonio Fire Department fire fighters during a fatal event. The SCBAs being used were the Scott® Safety Air-Pak® Model AP50 4.5, 45 minute, 4500 psi unit. The San Antonio Fire Department was advised that NIOSH NPPTL would provide a written report of the investigation and any applicable test results.
San Antonio County Fire Department Request for three Scott® Safety Air-Pak® Model AP50 4.5 units [PDF – 12 MB]
Suggested Citation
NIOSH [2017]. PPE CASE: Evaluation of Three Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Involved in a Fatality in the Fire Service. By Jay Tarley and Jeremy Gouzd. Evaluation and Testing Branch, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, NPPTL TN-21618.