Hot Filling Hazards with SCBA Air Cylinders
December 2020
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2021-111
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program (FFFIPP) monitors issues related to self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The NIOSH FFFIPP has identified a potential hazard associated with rapid filling of compressed breathing air cylinders and the associated latent pressure/breathing time loss. Rapidly filling a breathing air cylinder, also known as “hot filling,” generates excessive heat and can result in a loss of pressure as the cylinder cools leaving the user with reduced breathing air. Fire departments should ensure that cylinders are stored fully charged to maximize use and capacity.
Hot Filling Hazards with SCBA Air Cylinders
Suggested Citation
NIOSH [2020]. Hot Filling Hazards with SCBA Air Cylinders. By Miles, S., Bowyer, M., and Funke, J., Pittsburgh, PA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2021-111, https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHPUB2021111external icon