These notes are
meant to aid individuals in the selection and use of SCBAs. Read the manual
that comes with your SCBA before using it. If you don't have a manual,
contact the manufacturer and request one. While you are at it, request
a training video for your particular model. You'll find it invaluable for
training new crew members.
What is Hydrotesting?
Hydrotesting means pressure testing an SCBA cylinder to
make sure it is in good condition. A bottle must be within hydrotest dating
for it to be filled with breathing air. The date of hydrotest is stamped
near the neck of the bottle. (There will likely be a number of test dates.
Look for the most recent.), or labeled on the cylinder if it is a composite,
(or wrapped) cylinder. Add the following number of years to determine if the
bottle is within hydrotest: 5 years for metal bottles; 3-5 years for
composites depending on the type.
Where’s the Hydrotest Date?
Locating the hydrostatic testing date on an SCBA Cylinder can be
sometimes confusing. With the various types of SCBA Cylinders that are
manufactured, the first thing that should be done is to determine what
type of cylinder you have. Generally there are 3 types of SCBA cylinders
you may find depending on your organizations specifications.
- Metallic SCBA Cylinders (May be of Aluminum or Steel
Construction)
These cylinders must be hydrostatic tested every 5 years, and have
an unlimited lifetime.
- Fiber Wrap composite cylinders. (May be wrapped in Kevlar, or
Fiberglass, and may be fully wrapped or partially wrapped)
These cylinders must be hydrostatic tested every 3 years, and have a
15 year maximum lifetime.
- Composite Carbon Fiber Wrapped cylinders. (Wrapped in a
composite Carbon Fiber)
These cylinders must be hydrostatic tested every 5 years, and have a
15 year maximum lifetime.
Note: Because of their construction, composite bottles do
not have numbers stamped into them. The hydrotest dates can be shown in a
variety of ways. Sometimes a small embossed metal tag is epoxied to the
bottle. Other vendors use a rubber stamp or other low-tech means.
The hydrotest date on a new bottle is easy to see. It
generally follows all the identification numbers stamped on the bottle and
has a "
On older Metallic bottles there may be several hydrotest
dates stamped around the valve stem. You have to look carefully to find
which one is the most recent.
SCBA Inspections
SCBA Cylinders must be routinely inspected. Daily, weekly and Monthly
inspections are highly recommended and may be required depending on the
guidelines that your organization is bound by, (OSHA, NFPA, TCFP). It is
recommended that you contact the parties responsible for your organizations
SCBA to determine what your specified responsibilities are for SCBA
Inspections.
Below are some guidelines for SCBA Cylinder Inspections
Scott Fiber Composite Cylinders
Scott Carbon Fiber Composite
Cylinders
