PPE CASE – Evaluation of a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Involved in a Fatality While Operating at a Structure Fire and Conducting Overhaul
Watertown Fire Department Request for a Scott® Safety Air-Pak Model X3
October 2018
NPPTL Report Number TN-22547
NIOSH evaluated an SCBA involved in a fatal event while the fire fighter operated at a structure fire and conducted overhaul. The SCBA was not found to contribute to the incident.
A qualified service technician must inspect, repair, test, clean, and replace damaged components of any SCBA involved in an incident before it may be returned to service.
This report provides a summary of NPPTL’s inspection and evaluation methods, as well as findings, for an SCBA that was being used by a fire fighter while operating at a structure fire and conducting overhaul. The SCBA used was a Scott® Safety Air-Pak Model X3, 30-minute, 4500 psi unit. The Watertown Fire Department was advised that NIOSH NPPTL would provide a written report of the investigation and any applicable test results.
Watertown Fire Department Request for a Scott® Safety Air-Pak Model X3 [PDF – 8 MB]
Suggested Citation
NIOSH [2018]. PPE CASE: Evaluation of a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Involved in a Fatality While Operating at a Structure Fire and Conducting Overhaul. By Matt Duling and Jay Tarley. Evaluation and Testing Branch, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, NPPTL TN-22547.