PPE CASE – Evaluation of a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Involved in a Fatality in the Fire Service
Worcester Fire Department requested the evaluation of a Scott® Safety Air-Pak® Model 4.5, 45 minute, 4500 psi unit
January 2020
NPPTL Report Number TN-23616
NIOSH received an SCBA used by a firefighter involved in a fatality. The tested components of the SCBA were 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.
This report provides a summary of NPPTL’s inspection and evaluation methods, and findings for a SCBA that was used by the Worcester Fire Department firefighter during a fatal event. The SCBA was the Scott® Safety Air-Pak® Model 4.5, 45 minute, 4500 psi unit. The NIOSH Division of Safety Research (NIOSH DSR) and the Worcester Fire Department was advised that NIOSH NPPTL would provide a written report of the investigation and any applicable test results.
Worcester Fire Department requested the evaluation of a Scott® Safety Air-Pak® Model 4.5, 45 minute, 4500 psi unit [PDF – 8 MB]
Suggested Citation
NIOSH [2020]. PPE CASE: Evaluation of a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Involved in a Fatality in the Fire Service. By Jay Tarley and Angie Andrews. Evaluation and Testing Branch, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, NPPTL TN-23616.