Scba Firefighter Attack Investigation

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A firefighter was severely injured during shift change by a spare composite Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) bottle which came out of the compartment and hit the floor. The main valve assembly of the tank broke off completely sending the bottle off across the floor spinning and it hit the firefighter, severely injuring him.
Failure to properly secure a SCBA cylinder in the apparatus compartment by strapping or locking device resulted in a firefighter injury. The involved SCBA bottle was actually a 2216 pounds per square inch (psi) cylinder, but was carbon wrapped and looked almost identical to the fire department’s 3000 psi cylinder. The 2216 psi cylinder had been filled to 3000 psi prior to the incident. The unsecured over pressurized 2216 cylinder hit the floor. The main valve assembly of the tank broke off completely sending the bottle off across the floor spinning and …show more content…

Establish a formal investigation team to identify and document what led to an incident of over pressurized and improperly secured SCBA cylinders which resulted in a firefighter injury to include corrective actions. The goal of the investigation must always be to detect and correct operational deficiencies (Travis Ford, 2012). Investigators should conduct interviews to gain subject’s version of events and details of the incident. To ensure all in-service SCBA cylinders are properly secured and meet manufacturer’s recommended psi compliance, the Fire and Emergency Services Organization have a duty to administer an immediate "safety stand-down" check to prevent future injuries. All assigned personnel must demonstrate how to properly identify the difference between 2216 and 3000 psi cylinders. Implement mandatory recertification training of all personnel qualified to fill SCBA

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