Care and Maintenance
The following checks are to be carried out on the breathing apparatus:
- Check the pressure of air cylinders and recharge if the pressure drop is more than 10% (of full pressure)
- Tally the mark on the cylinder with the cylinder certificate
- Check the harness for damages and replace, where required
- Buckle and strap the face mask for ease of operation
- Wash the face mask with light soapy solution and rinse with fresh water
- Smear rubber parts with a thin layer of paraffin wax
- Check the operation of the demand and exhale valve
- Check for any audible leaks within the system and rectify, if required
- Carry out a low pressure test to check if the audible alarm is functional
- Carry out the face mask sealing test
- Check the condition of the life line and replace, if found damaged
- Pressure testing of cylinders to be carried out as per flag state requirements.
Clothing and Accessories
The following checks are to be carried out on the fireman’s outfit: Ensure that fire resistant jackets and trousers are free from tear and damages
- Ensure that fasteners of jackets and trousers are in good condition
- Ensure that boots and hand gloves are free from damages
- Ensure that the helmet is free from cracks and the visor is clean
- Ensure that the safety lamp is intrinsically safe to operate in hazardous atmospheres
- Ensure that charged batteries last for at least 3 hours continuously
- Ensure that spare batteries and bulbs are available onboard
- Ensure that the insulation of the fire axe handle is not damaged to prevent electric shocks
- Sharpen the edges of axes and smear with paraffin jelly to prevent corrosion.