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California OSHA Requirements for SCBA

A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is an atmosphere-supplying respirator designed for the breathing air source to be carried by the user. SCBAs are commonly worn by firefighting personnel or anyone who must enter an area considered to be immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH). California OSHA defines requirements for equipment and users in the California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 5144, Respiratory Protection.

  1. SCBA Units

    • SCBAs used by firefighters must have a rated service time of at least 30 minutes. This means that the attached bottle must contain enough pressure to supply 30 minutes of breathing air. All compressed air cylinders have to meet United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) criteria. SCBAs must be equipped with an automatic warning device such as a Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) that produces an audible signal to the wearer when the remaining service time falls to below 25 percent. Approved SCBA units should be equipped with either a "buddy breathing" device or a quick-connect fitting to allow wearers to share air in an emergency situation. SCBAs used for firefighting are required to be positive pressure type.

    Medical Evaluation

    • SCBA use can be very strenuous. California OSHA requires employees to pass a medical evaluation that includes a questionnaire, a brief medical review and a general physical before they can be fit tested.

    Fit Testing

    • A mandatory fit test is required before initial SCBA use. Fit testing is also required whenever a different size, make or model face piece is worn. Testing may be quantitative or qualitative. Quantitative testing measures leakage into the full-face SCBA respirator to provide an assessment of fit. Qualitative testing is a pass/fail test that relies on the wearer's response to a test agent for proof of fit. Employees cannot have facial hair or any condition that interferes with the respirator face-to-face-piece seal.

    Training

    • California OSHA requirements for SCBA use mandate comprehensive training. Employees must demonstrate they know the limitations and capabilities of SCBA units, how to inspect, put on, remove and use them properly, how to respond to emergency situations and how to clean and store all equipment. Training is required once each 12 month period. Employees are also evaluated on day-to-day performance.

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