Specifications
COLD WEATHER OPERATION
SUGGESTED PROCEDURES FOR COLD WEATHER
OPERATION
Moisture can cause problems in SCBA if it freezes.
However, moisture can cause freezing problems even if
the surrounding air is above freezing. This is due to air
f
lowing from the cylinder through the regulator drops from
c
ylinder pressure to close to atmospheric pressure very
q
uickly. As it does so it expands, causing the air and the
regulator to become colder. Although the surrounding
temperature may be warmer than 32°F, the temperature
inside the regulator may be lower. Any water inside could
turn to ice and restrict airflow.
1. To keep moisture from entering the mask mounted
regulator. Stow the regulator in the stand-by belt
mount.
2. Use the neck strap. The neck strap keeps the face-
piece upside down on the user's neck. Water does not
collect in the facepiece. If not used correctly, the face-
piece can act as a funnel, catching and directing
water into the regulator.
3. When the SCBA is away from heat, water spray can
freeze on the regulator surface. Ice can build up and
freeze the shut-off button, bypass valve, and the
release tabs. Before entering or re-entering a haz-
ardous atmosphere, make sure the shut-off button,
release tabs, and bypass valve are ice-free and oper-
ating properly. Periodically, check the bypass to be
sure it is ice-free.
4. Moisture can enter through the cylinder valve or cou-
p
ling nut when cylinders are replaced on the SCBA.
W
hen replacing cylinders, be careful to prevent mois-
t
ure or contamination from entering the system.
Remove any ice from these fittings. Wipe the coupling
nut threads and cylinder valve threads dry before dis-
connecting the cylinder. Water can contaminate the
system and freeze.
5. NIOSH certification requires a nosecup at tempera-
tures below 32°F. The nosecup reduces lens fogging
and must be used whenever freezing conditions are
encountered.
6. During cleanup at the station, be careful to keep water
from entering the facepiece or mask mounted regula-
tor when washing fire trucks at the station.
7. Thoroughly dry the facepiece and mask mounted reg-
ulator after cleaning and disinfecting. Follow
Confidence Plus® Cleaning Solution instructions.
19
T
AL 606 (L) Rev. 16 - 10023638