ArticlesSCBA's and LOW TEMPERATURE use and storage
Have you ever worn an SCBA in temperatures below freezing? Are any of your SCBA's (or any SARs) stored outside in freezing temperatures? If you answered YES to either of these questions and you have never heard the phrase "Low Temperature Operation Instructions", you may want to sit down before reading further. You will not find any specific OSHA requirements on these "Low Temperature Operation Instructions", but don't think for a minute that OSHA can not cite an employer when PPE is used outside the conditions prescribed by the manufacturer. In particular I want to bring to your attention the use and storage of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) in freezing temperatures. ALL of the major brands that I have used and trusted have what they call "Low Temperature Operation Instructions" and it is CRITICAL that we abide by these instructions when using the SCBA in temperatures BELOW FREEZING (32ºF/0ºC). To give you a flavor of what is REQUIRED, answer this question... Does NIOSH ever REQUIRE the use of a "nose cup assembly" for a respirator to be "NIOSH Approved"? |
Partner Organizations I am proud to announce that The Chlorine Institute and SAFTENG have extended our"Partners in Safety" agreement for another year (2024) CI Members, send me an e-mail to request your FREE SAFTENG membership
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