Hot Filling Hazards with SCBA Air Cylinders

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program (FFFIPP) monitors issues related to self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The NIOSH FFFIPP has identified a potential hazard associated with rapid filling of compressed breathing air cylinders and the associated latent pressure/breathing time loss. Rapidly filling a breathing air cylinder, also known as “hot filling,” generates excessive heat and can result in a loss of pressure as the cylinder cools leaving the user with reduced breathing air. Fire departments should ensure that cylinders are stored fully charged to maximize use and capacity.