PPE CASE – Evaluation of a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for Potential Contribution to a Fatal Event in the Fire Service

Christopher, Illinois Fire Department Request for an MSA Model Firehawk® M7

August 2019
NPPTL Report Number TN-23126

NIOSH evaluated an SCBA used by a firefighter involved in a fatal event. The SCBA was not found to contribute to the fatality.

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.

Cover page for TN-23126

This report provides a summary of NPPTL’s inspection and evaluation methods and findings for the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) used by the Christopher Fire Department firefighter during a fatal event. The SCBA being used was an MSA Model Firehawk® M7, 4500 psi, 30-minute unit. The Christopher Fire Department was advised that NIOSH NPPTL would provide a written report of the investigation and any applicable test results.


Christopher, Illinois Fire Department Request for an MSA Model Firehawk® M7 [PDF – 4 MB]

Suggested Citation

NIOSH [2019]. PPE CASE: Evaluation of a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for Potential Contribution to a Fatal Event in the Fire Service. By Jay Tarley and Matt Duling. Evaluation and Testing Branch, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, NPPTL TN-23126.