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SEL Number: 01AR-01-SCBT
Title: SCBA, CBRN, Tactical


Last Updated: 3/18/2024 8:55:53 AM

Previous SEL Number: 01AR-01-SCBT

Description: CBRN
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear
SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
- Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus certified as compliant with NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
1986 Standard on Respiratory Protection Equipment for Tactical and Technical Operations and certified by NIOSH
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
as compliant with the CBRN
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear
approval criteria. This type of open-circuit SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
and combination SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
/SARs can be used by emergency services organizations for respiratory protection during tactical law enforcement, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, confined space entry, terrorist incident response, and similar operations where oxygen deficiency, particulates, toxic products, products of combustion, or other IDLH atmospheres exist or could exist at the incident scene. This type of SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
/SAR
Specific Absorption Rate
is not suitable for fire-fighting operations (See 01AR-01-SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
for fire-fighting SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
). Worn with multiple ensemble configurations.

ImportantFeatures: SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
consists of a harness, air cylinder, first stage regulator, low pressure hose, second stage regulator, end-of-service-time indicator (EOSTI) and facepiece. SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
are typically rated for 30, 45, and 60 minutes of usage time, but may be rated for other usage times in accordance with 42 CFR
Code of Federal Regulations
Part 84. Variations exist in harness design, types of cylinders, and facepieces.

NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
1986 Standard on Respiratory Protection Equipment for Tactical and Technical Operations is vital for anyone responsible for the safety of responders in tactical operations. It specifies the minimum requirements for the design, performance, testing, and certification of new compressed breathing air open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
) and compressed breathing air combination open-circuit SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
, including the supplied air respirators (SARs) that are also known as "combination SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
/SARs." Requirements also cover the replacement parts, components, and accessories for these respirators. It applies to respirators utilized by personnel engaged in law enforcement, tactical operations, confined space rescue, disaster response, or similar challenges.
This second edition, 2023 edition, includes:
• The cold temperature exposure conditions language has been revised for consistency with NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
1987, Standard on Combination Unit Respirator Systems for Tactical and Technical Operations.
• Various test methods, including chemical challenges, have been updated and clarified.
• The defined terms breathing air cylinder and cylinder have been replaced with breathing air pressure vessel throughout the standard.
The Standard also addresses:
• Certification and recertification, manufacturers' quality assurance, safety alerts, and recall systems
• Labeling and information
• Design requirements, including optional HUD design requirements and optional Rapid Intervention Crew/Company Universal Air Connection (RIC UAC) design requirements
• Performance requirements; airflow, environmental temperature, vibration resistance, corrosion resistance, etc.
• Test methods
• Annexes with explanatory material and a surrogate cylinder preparation procedure

Operating Considerations: Worn in compliance with Incident Commander guidance and with NFPA-certified ensemble appropriate for threat. CBRN
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear
SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
are intended for circumstances where the substance involved creates an immediate threat, is unidentified, of unknown concentration, oxygen-deficient, or determined to be immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH). Such situations would occur where there is still an on-going release with likely gas/vapor exposure, the responder is close to the point of release, and most victims in the area appear to be unconscious or dead from exposure. Stay times in the hazard zone are likely to be short and limited by the breathing air available from the CBRN
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear
SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
. Some CBRN
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear
agents may not present immediate effects from exposure, but can result in delayed impairment, illness, or death. Direct contact with CBRN
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear
agents requires proper handling of the SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
after each use and between multiple entries during the same use. Decontamination and disposal procedures must be followed. If contaminated with liquid chemical warfare agents, dispose of the SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
after decontamination.

NIOSH
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Cautions and Limitations Statement: SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
should not be used beyond 6 hours after initial exposure to chemical warfare agents to avoid possibility of agent permeation.

CBRN
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear
SCBA
Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
facepieces must be specifically fit tested for individual first responders in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR
Code of Federal Regulations
Part 1910.134. Other use considerations are provided in OSHA Title 29 CFR
Code of Federal Regulations
Sections 1910.120 and 1910.134, and NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program. Selection, care, and maintenance are covered in NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
1852, Standard on Selection, Care and Maintenance of Open-Circuit, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.

Training Requirements: Core Training: NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
470, Chapter 6, 8, 10 as applicable, OSHA 1910.120, OSHA 1910.134, NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
1404.
Initial Training: Extensive (>2 days)
Sustainment Training: Extensive (>2 days)

Mandatory Standards:


Applicable Standards and References:


MSSL:
  • Law Enforcement: SWAT/Tactical Team