CIVILAVIATIONADVISORYPUBLICATION

CAAP45

BREATHINGAPPARATUSOPERATIONALGUIDANCE

BreathingApparatusOperationalGuidance

September2010

Enquiriesregardingthecontentofthispublicationshouldbeaddressedto:
ANADepartment,GeneralCivilAviationAuthority,POBox6558,AbuDhabi,UAE
Thelatestversionofthisdocumentisavailableinelectronicformatat
www.gcaa.ae/publications,whereyoumayalsoregisterforemailnotificationof
amendments.

Breathing Apparatus Operational Guidance

September 2010

CONTENTS

ParaTitle

CONTENTS
1
INTRODUCTION
2
STATUS
3
APPLICABILITY
4
REFERENCES
5
GENERALDUTIESANDPROCEDURES
6
COMMANDANDCONTROLPROCEDURES
7
WHENTOUSEBREATHINGAPPARATUS
8
COMMANDANDCONTROL
9
DUTIESOFTHEAIRPORTFIRECOMMANDER
10
HAZARDIDENTIFICATION
11
RISKANALYSIS
12
RISKASSESMENT
13 CONTROLPROCEDURES
14
BAENTRYCONTROLPOINTS
15 RAPIDDEPLOYMENTPROCEDURES
16
CONTROLPROCEDURES
17
BREATHINGAPPARATUSTEAMS
18
STAGE1CONTROLPROCEDURES
19
MONITORINGPROCEDURES
20
MISCELLANEOUSDUTIES
21
EMERGENCYPROCEDURES
22
SPECIALINCIDENTDUTIES
23
OPERATIONALPROCEDURE
24
STAGE2CONTROLPROCEDURES
25
APPLICATIONOFSTAGE2CONTROLPROCEDURES
26
DUTIESOFAIRPORTFIRECOMMANDER(AFC)
27
NOMINATIONOFENTRYCONTROLOFFICERS(ECOs)
28
DUTIESOFSTAGE2ENTRYCONTROLOFFICER
29
MONITORINGPROCEDURES
30
MISCELLANEOUSDUTIES
31
EMERGENCYPROCEDURES
32
CONTROLPROCEDURES
33
SIZE,COMPOSITIONANDCONDUCTOFBATEAMS
34
DUTIESOFBAWEARERSATANINCIDENT
35
DUTIESOFTHEBATEAMLEADER
36
INCIDENTPROCEDURES/B.A.WEARERPROCEDURE
37
WITHDRAWALOFBATEAMS
38
APPLICATIONOFWITHDRAWALPROCEDURES
39
ENTRAPPEDPROCEDURE
40
EMERGENCYTEAMS
41
DEPLOYMENTOFEMERGENCYTEAM
42
RECORDINGOFDAILYINSPECTIONS
43
THEGENERALCHECK
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MONTHLYTEST
CONTROLOFBREATHINGAPPARATUSTALLIES
DURATIONOFBREATHINGAPPARATUS
STAGE1ANDSTAGE2CONTROLBOARDS
PERSONALLINES
MAINGUIDELINE
BRANCHGUIDELINES
PROCEDUREFORLAYINGAMAINGUIDELINE
BREATHINGAPPARATUSFACEMASKFITTEST
ADDITIONALBREATHINGAPPARATUSINFORMATION
BREATHINGAPPARATUSMAINTENANCE/
BACOMPRESSORROOMS
ABBREVIATIONS

24
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30
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44

Breathing Apparatus Operational Guidance

September 2010


1.
1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this Civil Aviation Advisory Publication (CAAP) is to allow the Airport Fire
Servicetoapplyariskbasedapproachtothewearingofbreathingapparatus.
Breathing Apparatus is used in atmospheres that would be hazardous to health. Often the
workundertakeninBreathingApparatus (BA)willbecomplex,physicallyandpsychologically
demandingandincircumstanceswherethenormalsensoryperceptionsaredenied.
The procedures set out in this CAAP MUST be adopted by all fire fighters at certificated
airportsatallincidentsrequiringtheuseofBreathingApparatus.
Theuseofstandardproceduresisessentialtoensure:
1. ThecompetentuseofBA,
2. Adequatesupportandemergencyarrangements,
3. Thesafetyoftheindividualwearer,
4. ThesafetyofotherBAwearersatthesameincident,
5. Thesuccessfulcompletionofoperationalincidents.

2. STATUS
ThisisthefirsteditionofCAAP45andisdated05September2010.Itwillremaincurrentuntil
withdrawnorsuperseded

3.

APPLICABILITY
Thisguidancedocumentappliestoallaerodrome&heliportRescue&FireFightingServices.

4.

REFERENCES
1. CivilAviationRegulationsPartII,
2. UKHomeOfficeTechnicalBulletins:BreathingApparatusCommand&ControlProcedures.

5.

GENERALDUTIESANDPROCEDURES

5.1

ProficiencyandsafetygohandinhandandnevermoresothanwhenBAisinuse.Toensure
proficient and safe BA operations a number of standard operating procedures have been
adopted. These provide for all BA wearers to carry out their duties in accordance with the
CAAP,andensurethatactionsandreactionswillbecommon,effectiveandspeedilyandsafely
carriedoutwhereverfirefightersareworkingtogetherwhilstwearingBA.

5.2

Standardprocedurescommenceatthefirestationassoonasafirefightercomesondutyand
continuesthroughouttheincident.

Breathing Apparatus Operational Guidance

September 2010

COMMANDANDCONTROLPROCEDURES

6.1

6.2

Tobringanyemergencyincidenttoasuccessfulconclusioneffectivecommandproceduresare
a prerequisite. This is nowhere more apparent than at incidents involving Breathing
Apparatus, where standard procedures are essential throughout the incident at all levels of
command.BAwearersmustbefullysupportedbyappropriateresourcesandthemselvesmust
followthestandardproceduresandinstructionsoftheAirportFireCommanderifriskstotheir
healthandsafetyaretobeminimised.
TheAirportFireCommanderinoverallchargeoftheincidentandintermediatecontrolofficers
shouldallconcentrateeffortandresourcestomaintainingahighdegreeofmanagementover
theBAoperationsandshouldensurethattheproceduresadoptedcomplywiththisCAAP.

7.

WHENTOUSEBREATHINGAPPARATUS

7.1

ThereisariskofpermanentdamagetohealthifBAfailstobeworninanirrespirableortoxic
atmosphere.AtanyincidenttheAFCisresponsibleforensuringthatBAiswornwheneveritis
determinedthatitsusewillfacilitateoperationalactivities.BAshouldbewornwhenever
discomfortandpossibleinjurytoafirefightersrespiratorysystemcanbeavoided(such
circumstancesmayincludedampingdownorturningoverafterafireorsituationsinvolving
MMMFataircraftincidents).

7.2

7.3

Only in most exceptional circumstances should fire fighters that have already inhaled smoke
oxygendeficientortoxicfumessubsequentlyriginBA.Oncesmokeortoxicfumesarepresent
inthelungsittakesanappreciabletimeforthemtobecompletelycleared.
BAisonlywornontheinstructionsoftheAirportFireCommanderatanincident.BAshould
onlybewornwithaDSU,lampandpersonalline.

8. COMMANDANDCONTROL

8.1

Very exceptionally, there may be operational circumstances where application of the full
controlproceduresforBAusewouldbeinappropriate.
Exampleswouldinclude:
1. Firefightersworkingattheheadofaladderinopenairbutwhowouldbeaffected
bytheeffectsofsmokeorfume.
2. Firefightersintheopenairwhomaybeeffectedbysmokeorfumes
3. Firefighters undertaking turning over / damping down duties when an incident is
undercontrol
Insuchcircumstances,theBAwearermustbeunderthegeneralobservationofatleastone
othercrewmember(whomaybeaBAwearer).

Breathing Apparatus Operational Guidance

September 2010

9.

DUTIESOFTHEAIRPORTFIRECOMMANDER

9.1

The Airport Fire Commander will need to conduct an assessment of the developing and
potential risk of the incident before committing BA crews. The main duties are explained
below.TherearevariousspecificreferencestotheAFCelsewhereinthisBreathingApparatus
CAAP.

9.2

The Airport Fire Commander (AFC), depending on the urgency and the developments of the
situation faced may need to make such assessments in stages (for example, where urgent
rescuesarerequiredthesemusttakepriority).However,atalltheneedforlifesafetymustbe
uppermost.TheAFCshouldcarryoutallstagesofriskassessmentassoonaspractical.Therisk
assessmentshouldbecontinuousthroughouttheincidenttoenabletheAFCtoreviewplansin
line with any developing risk. Where practicable and available the risk assessment process
shouldbeaidedbyoffstationvisitstoaircraft.

10.

HAZARDIDENTIFICATION

10.1 Some hazards will be relatively easy to identify, such as heat and smoke. Other hazards will
requirefurtherinvestigations.TheAFCmustconsiderthe:
1. Natureoftheincident,
2. Materialsinvolved(orlikelytobecomeinvolved),
3. Thenatureoftheconstructionofthebuilding,
4. Thenatureandconfigurationoftheaircraft,
5. Theimportanceofthebuilding/aircraft(orriskarea)relativetothehazardstothe
livesofthoseenteringtherein.

11

RISKANALYSIS

11.1 Theurgentnatureofsomesituationsmayrequiredecisionsaboutfirefighterdeploymentand
tacticstobemadeimmediately.However,wherereasonableandpracticable,theAFCshould,
whenreachingadecisionaboutthetacticstobedeployed,takeintoaccountthefollowing:
1. Need for rescues to be undertaken, and the likely number of people requiring
rescueorremovingfromtheriskarea,
2. Resourcesimmediatelyavailableandhowquicklyothersupportmightbeobtained,
3. Natureandextentofhazards
4. Thestabilityoftheincident.
5. Location,numberandsuitabilityoftheentrypoints
6. Risktothepublicandproperties
7. Informationavailablefrompeopleatthescene.
8. Meansofaccesstotheriskarea

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12

RISKASSESMENT

12.1 Whenreachingdecisionsoncontroloftherisk,theAFCmustconsider:
1. Whether BA is required to deal with the incident and the appropriate level of BA
control,
2. The adoption of any other appropriate safety precautions required to be
implemented in conjunction with the use of BA for a specific risk (e g chemical
protectiveclothing),
3. Thesittingandnumberofentrycontrolpoints.(ECP),
4. DeploymentofBAteams,emergencyandreliefteams,andtheneedtoensurethey
areaswellbriefedaspossibleonthetaskandthepossiblerisksinvolved,
5. Theuseofguidelines,
6. TheneedforBAcommunications,
7. TheneedtoappointaCommunicationsOfficer,
8. TheimplementationofspecialproceduresforBAwearerdistress,
9. TheexperienceoftheBAcrewsavailable,
10. ThesufficiencyofBAandassociatedequipmentavailabletodealwiththeincident
andtheneedtorequestanyadditionalassistancerequired.

12.2 Anydutiesinsection12.1abovewiththeexceptionof12.1.1)maybedelegatedtoaJunior
OfficerprovidingheiscompetentinBreathingApparatusOperations.

12.3 TheAFC,dependinguponthelikelyextentoftheactivityofBAwearers,shouldappointother
officerstoassistwiththemanagementofthefirefightingandrescueactivityateachECP.

13

CONTROLPROCEDURES

13.1

ToensurethesafeoperationswhilstinBA,itisessentialthateffectivecontrolproceduresare
employed.ControlproceduresMUSTbeimplementedassoonasthedecisionistakentouse
BA.

The responsibility of the Entry Control Officer (EOC) extends only to the control and
managementoftheEntryControlPoint(ECP)totheextentoutlinedinthisCAAP.

13.2

13.3

13.4

13.5

The control procedures in this CAAP are designed from a single progressive system for
managing BA operations. The procedures for Stage I and Stage II is understood by fire
fightersstationedatUAECertificatedAerodromesandhave,thereforebeenlargelyretainedto
differentlevelsofcontrolthatmaybeappliedtodifferingdemandsandresources.
It is recognised that there may, of necessity, be occasional circumstances when full control
proceduresareunabletobeimplemented.Toaddressthis,proceduresforRapiddeployment
offirefightersaresetoutwithinthisCAAP.However,RapidDeploymentproceduresshould
onlybeusedinexceptionalcircumstances.
Where urgent action is required and a limited number of crew members form the initial
attendance.

Breathing Apparatus Operational Guidance

September 2010


13.6

13.7

OnarrivalatanincidenttheAFCwillneedtoassesstheriskandavailableresourcesandapply
the appropriate level of control. Control procedures MUST be in place and be sufficient to
monitor the risk to the safety of BA wearers. The level of control will apply to the whole
incident.
ParticularattentionisgiventotheuseofEntryControlPointsandthedutiesofEntryControl
Officers in implementing the procedures. All fire fighters are required to maintain their
understandinganduseoftheseprocedureswheneverBAisinusefortrainingandoperational
incidents.

14

BAENTRYCONTROLPOINTS

14.1 EntryControlOfficers(ECOs)aretobenominatedforeachEntryControlPoint(ECP).
Theirdutieswilldependupontheproceduresadopted(seestage1&2)thesittingandnumber
ofBAECPsshouldtakeaccountof:
1. Thesizeoftheriskarea,
2. Thelocationofaccesspointstotheriskarea,
3. Thetypeofaircraft,
4. Thewinddirection,
5. Thetypeofbuilding(offices,terminal,hangar,etc),
6. Thephysicallimitationsofthesite,inparticular,theobstructiontofirefightingand
effectivecontrolthatcanexistifthesiteisdividedbymajorroads,railwaysorrivers
orotherphysicalbarriers,
7. Thelikelydevelopmentoftheincident.

14.2

TheECPsshouldbesitedasfollows:
1. Asneartothesceneofoperationscommensuratewithsafetysothatthemaximum
durationoftheBAcanbeused,
2. Insafeairandinsuchapositionthatshouldtheincidentdeteriorateitwillnotbe
necessarytorelocate,
3. Sothat,asfaraspracticable,thepositionoftheECPiseasilylocatedbyallwearers.

14.3

TheAFCshouldbeawareofthelocationofallECPs.

14.4

ThenumberofECPsshouldbetheminimumnecessarytodealwiththeincidenteffectively.

15

RAPIDDEPLOYMENTPROCEDURES

15.1Theobjectivemay be metbymaintainingminimumrecordoflapsedtimesinceentryofthe
breathing apparatus (BA) wearers to a risk area. As far as practicable, the principles of the
standardStageIproceduresshouldbeextendedtoincidentsrequiringtherapiddeployment
procedures.

15.2 APPLICATIONOFRAPIDDEPLOYMENTPROCEDURES
Breathing Apparatus Operational Guidance

September 2010

Rapid Deployment is for use in exceptional circumstances only. The procedures may be
usedonlywhen:
1. ThetotalnumberofBAwearersintheriskareadoesnotexceed2.
2. Itisimmediatelyclearthatpersonsareatgreatriskandinneedofrescue,andare
eitherwithinvieworknowntobewithinashortdistanceoftheentrypoint.
3. Dangerous escalation of the incident can be prevented by immediate and limited
action.

15.3

Where possible another crew member should be nominated as a Rapid Deployment Entry
ControlOfficer(ECO),withresponsibilityforrecordingthewearerdetails.

15.4 AllBAwearersMUSTplacetheirtalliesintheRapidEntryControlBoard(RECB)beforeentering
theriskarea.

15.5 Assoonaspracticableandwithin10minutesRapidDeploymentproceduresshallbereplaced
byBAcontrolprocedures.WhentransferringtoStage1orStage2procedurescareshouldbe
taken to ensure those BA tallies are effectively handled to ensure accurate and prompt
recordingandmonitoringofBAwearersintheriskarea.

16
CONTROLPROCEDURES
16.1 Each Entry Control Point at an incident will be recognised by being given a colour. The
sequenceofcolourswillalwaysbethesame.

RED

WHITE

BLACK

GREEN

16.2 The first entry point set up at an incident will always be designated AIRPORT RED ENTRY
CONTROLPOINT,andremainredthroughouttheincident.
16.3 TheentrycontrolofficerwillbeAIRPORTREDENTRYCONTROLOFFICER.
16.4 Iftherewereaninternalsituationonaircraft,thefirstentrycontrolpoint,sayatthefrontof
theaircraftwouldberedentrycontrolpoint.Ifanotherentrycontrolpointweresetupsayat
therearoftheaircraftthisentrycontrolpointwouldbecomeENTRYCONTROLPOINTAIRPORT
WHITE.

17

BREATHINGAPPARATUSTEAMS

17.1 Allbreathingapparatusteamspassingthroughanentrycontrolpointwillbelistedthecolour
oftheEntryControlPoint.

17.2 IfREDentrypointissetupatthefrontoftheaircraft,allteamspassingthroughwillbeRed
Teams. The first team will be called AIRPORT RED 1 and all other teams will be numbered,
there will be no other teams called AIRPORT RED 1 during the same incident. During an
incidentwheretherearelotsofteamsenteringtheriskarea,teamscouldbenumberedRED
Breathing Apparatus Operational Guidance

September 2010

10

20 or more. If the other Entry Control Point is set up at the rear of the aircraft, this will be
EntryControlPointAirportWhiteandteamswillbecalledAIRPORTWHITE1etc.
Thesameprocedureappliesatbuildingfires.

17.3 ATALLINCIDENTSTHEFIRSTENTRYCONTROLPOINTSETUPWILLBEDESIGNATEDREDAND
ALLBREATHINGAPPARATUSTEAMSPASSINGTHROUGHTHATENTRYCONTROLPOINTWILLBE
REDTEAMS.

18

STAGE1CONTROLPROCEDURES

18.1 Toapplycontrolprocedurestomeetthedemandsofsmallorlimitedincidentsandtomonitor
thesafetyofBreathingApparatus(BA)Wearers.

18.2

STAGEONEPROCEDURES

18.2.1 Theseobjectivesaremetby:

1. EnsuringallfirefightersareawareStage1proceduresarebeingapplied,
2. Appointing an Entry Control Officer (ECO) to implement procedures at the Entry
ControlPoint(ECP),
3. Recording BA wearersentry (using their tallies and monitoring their estimated air
supply),
4. EnsuringeffectivecommunicationsbetweenBAwearersandECOs,
5. Appropriateprovisionforreliefand/oremergencyteams,
6. ApplyingtheproceduresforuseofrelatedBAequipment.

18.2.2 APPLICATIONOFSTAGEONEPROCEDURES
Stage1proceduresapplywhere:

1. ThesizeoftheincidentissmallandtheuseofBAisunlikelytobeprotracted,
2. NomorethantwoECPsareused,
3. ThetotalnumberofBAwearerswithintheriskareadoesnotexceed10.

18.3 DUTIESOFTHEAIRPORTFIRECOMMANDER(AFC)
18.3.1 The AFC is responsible for nominating an ECO to monitor the implementation of Stage 1
proceduresandestablishanECPtotheriskarea.DuringapplicationoftheprocedurestheAFC
is responsible for effectively monitoring the BA wearers / teams within the riskarea and for
ensuringthateffectivebriefinganddebriefingtakesplace.

18.4 DUTIESOFSTAGEONEENTRYCONTROLOFFICERS

18.4.1 Stage 1 ECO duties are restricted to those directly related to the monitoring of breathing
apparatus wearers who have entered the incident using their Entry Control Point. It may be
Breathing Apparatus Operational Guidance

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11

necessary to have an officer close by to give direction as to the fire fighting requirements,
equipmentsupplyorcasualtyhandling.

Foridentificationpurposes,theECOsmustwearablackandyellowBAControlTabard.

19

MONITORINGPROCEDURES

19.1

TheECOshall:
1. TakeuppositionnominatedbytheAFCfortheECP,
2. ProvideanEntryControlBoard(ECB),completewithwaterproofmarker,
3. IndicateclearlythatStageIisinoperationandensuretheECBisclearlysited,
4. Checktheclock,
5. Receive tallies of BA wearers and check that the name of the wearer and the
cylindercontent atthetimeof entryintotheriskareaarecorrect.(Notlessthan
80%),
6. Enterthetimeinoneachtally,
7. Place the tally in a slot in theECB so that the tallies ofeach team ofwearers are
togetherandareindicatedasateambybracketingthetalliesusingthewaterproof
marker.(Theearliesttimeofwhistlebeingplacedoutsidethebracket).
8. CalculatethetimeofwhistleofeachwearerusingtheECBdurationcalculatorand
thenenterthisintheappropriatesectionontheECBoppositethetally.Thetimeof
whistleshouldbecalculatedby:
i. Takingintoaccountthelevelofriskexposure,
ii. Carefullyreferringtothecorrectsectionofthedurationclock,
iii. ActingontheguidanceoftheAFC,ifnecessary,restrictthelengthof
exposure in difficult or strenuous conditions. The BA wearer and
team leader must be advised to withdraw from the risk area at a
predeterminedpressuregaugereading.TheECOshouldcalculatethe
timeofexitandmakeanoteintheremarkcolumnaccordingly,
iv. Whereappropriate,takingintoaccountanylapsedtimesinceentry
of BA wearers who entered the risk area under rapid deployment
procedures.
9. IndicateandrecorddetailsintheremarksandlocationofTeamscolumnonthe
ECBasnecessary.
10. When BA teams exit the risk area, remove their tallies from the ECB and return
themtotherespectivewearers.
11. Ifappropriateensuretheyarefullydebriefed.
12. WhereaBAteamreentersariskarea(annotatetheECB).
13. WherepracticableensureBAwearersareappropriatelyprebriefedpriortoentryin
totheriskarea.
14. KeeptheAFCinformedofalldevelopmentsorrequirementsrelatedtothewearing
ofBAandtheoperationalaspectsoftheincident,usinginformationgainedfromBA
wearersattheincident.

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20

MISCELLANEOUSDUTIES

TheECOshall:
1.

Whenever radio communications are to be used, carry out a radio

communicationscheckpriortoentryintotheriskarea,

2.

Attach BA main guideline tallies to the appropriate line as necessary and

removethemwhenthelineisnolongerrequired,

3.

InformtheAFCofanyprolongedbreakdowninradiocommunicationswithBA
teams,

4.

NotifytheAFCifitisconsiderednecessaryforcrewstostandbyattheECP.

21

EMERGENCYPROCEDURES

TheECOshall:

1. Commitanemergencyteam(s)ifavailableandimmediatelyinformtheAFCofthe
incidentif:
i. AnyteamfailstoreturntotheECPbytheirtimeofwhistle
ii. ADSUisoperated.
iii. It is clear that a dangerous situation is developing which will affect
theBAteam(s).
iv. Itappearsawearerisindistress.
2. Priortoentry,ensuretheemergencyteamsaresuitablybriefed.
Assoonasresourcespermit,aminimumof2BAwearersshouldbekeptavailableattheECP
foremergencypurposes.

22

SPECIALINCIDENTDUTIES

22.1 At incidents involving radiation or hazardous chemicals, liaise with the Decontamination
Officer.WherearadiationcheckisconsiderednecessarybytheAFC,theECOmustensurethat
allpersonnelarefullybriefedonenteringtheriskarea.TheECOmustalsoenterthedosimeter
reading on the reverse of the tally on entry of the wearer, whilst wearing the appropriate
protection,checkthe dosimeter readingwhenthewearerleavestheriskarea.Apermanent
record must be made and passed to the AFC at the conclusion of the incident. A chemical
information data system could be used to identify additional safety measures and
decontaminationproceduresathazardouschemicalincidents.

23

OPERATIONALPROCEDURE

TheECPshouldhaveFirstAidandresuscitationequipmentavailable.

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24

STAGE2CONTROLPROCEDURES
TheECOshallberesponsiblefor:
1. EnsuringallfirefightersareawareStage2proceduresareinoperation,
2. Appointing an Entry Control Officer (ECO) to implement procedures at each Entry
ControlPoint(ECP),
3. RecordingBAwearersentries(usingtheirtallies)andmonitoringtheirestimatedair
supply,
4. EnsuringeffectivecommunicationsbetweenBAwearersandEntryControlOfficers,
5. Providingappropriateprovisionsforreliefandoremergencyteams,
6. ApplicationofproceduresfortheuseofrelatedBAequipment

25

APPLICATIONOFSTAGE2CONTROLPROCEDURES

25.1 Stage2entrycontrolproceduresnormallysupersedeStage1proceduresandareusedwhere
oneormoreofthefollowingapply:

1. The scale of operations is likely to be protracted or demand greater control and

supervisionthanisprovidedbyStage1procedures,
2. MorethantwoECPs,
3. Morethan10BAwearersarecommittedintotheriskareaatonetime,
4. Branchguidelinesareused.

26

DUTIESOFAIRPORTFIRECOMMANDER(AFC)

26.1 The AFC is responsible for the overseeing the implementation of Stage Ii procedures and
establishing Stage II entry control at every ECPinto the risk area. During the transition from
StageItoStageIIprocedurescareshouldbetakentoensurethatthenumberofBAwearers
whoseentrycontroltalliesaresupervisedbeanECO(ononeormoreECBs)doesnotexceed
10(excludingtheemergencyteam)

27

NOMINATIONOFENTRYCONTROLOFFICERS(ECOs)

27.1 Stage2ECOsarerequiredtosuperviseeachECP.TheAFConarrivalatanincidentwillneedto
give careful consideration to the complexity of the incident before confirming the personnel
selected asECOs. In broad terms,the greaterthe complexity of the incident thegreater the
rankneededasECOduties.However,inallcases,theECOmustbeanexperiencedBAwearer.
IncircumstanceswhereitishasnotbeenpossiblefortheAFCtoappointanofficertomanage
operationalrequirementsattheECP,theECOshouldbeaminimumrankofCrewCommander.
AnadditionalControlOfficer(anyrank)shouldbeappointedforeachadditionalgroupof10
BAwearersenteringtheriskareathroughthesameECP.Ifpracticable,andwhereresources
14
Breathing Apparatus Operational Guidance
September 2010

permit,afirefightershouldbeappointedtoassisttheECO,especiallywhenseveralBAteams
arebeingmonitoredatthesametime.

28

DUTIESOFSTAGE2ENTRYCONTROLOFFICER

28.1 The dutiesofaStage2ECOincludeallspecifiedfor aStage1ECO.Additionally,theStage2

ECOsdutiesinclude.

29

MONITORINGPROCEDURES

TheECOshall:

1. EnsuretheECBindicatesthatStage2proceduresarebeingapplied,
2. CheckthetimeofwhistlecalculationsoftheStage1ECObeingrelieved,
3. EnsureBAteamsarerelievedatthesceneofoperationsinsufficienttimetoallow
theirreturntotheECPbytheirtimeofwhistle,
4. Haveavailable(atleast5minutesbeforetheyareduetoenter)sufficientteamsto
allowpreentrychecksandbriefingtobecompletedwithoutdelayingtheirentry,
5. Liaise(byradioorrunneretc)withtheotherECPsandinformthemofthenamesof
BAwearerswholeavetheriskareaotherthanviathecontrolpointatwhichthey
entered,
6. LiaisewithMainControl,ifoneisestablishedandensurethatpersonnelwhohave
collectedtheirtalliesreportimmediatelytomaincontrol,
7. Ensure that if it becomes necessary to use additional ECBs, tallies remain on the
initial ECB under the control of the ECO (tallies must NOT be transferred to a
second ECB until wearers collect their tallies and the initial ECB can be
disestablished),
8. SynchronisetheclockoftheStage2ECBandmainControlclocktotheclockonthe
firstECBused.

30

MISCELLANEOUSDUTIES
TheECOshall:

1. NominateBAcommunicationsteamsandcommunicationsoperators,
2. If appropriate, supervise communications between the leader of a line
communicationsequipmentteamandtheAFCoftheincident,
3. Attach BA main and branch guideline tallies to the appropriate line as necessary
andremovethemwhentheline(s)arenolongerrequired,
Breathing Apparatus Operational Guidance

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15

4. Annotate the ECB with details of which team has been committed with which
guideline.

31
EMERGENCYPROCEDURES
31.1 TheECOshall:

1. Have a fully equipped emergency team rigged and standing by at each ECP
throughouttheperiodthattheECPisinoperation.
2. Committheemergencyteamiflinecommunicationsislost.

31.2 Stage2ECOdutiesarerestrictedtothosedirectlyrelatedtoBAfunctions.Itmaythereforebe
necessary to have an officer close by to give directions as to fire fighting requirements,
equipmentsupplyorcasualtyhandling.

32

CONTROLPROCEDURES

32.1TheAirportFireCommanderofanyincidentwilldeterminewhetherornotbreathingapparatus
istobewornandwilldecidethenumberandpositionoftheEntryControlPointsandthelevel
ofcontrol.
32.2ThelevelofcontroldecidedbytheAirportFireCommanderappliestothewholeincidentand
shallnotbevariedfordifferententrypoints.

32.3TheresponsibilityofEntryControlOfficersextendstothecontrolandmanagementoftheEntry
ControlPointundertheircontrol.

32.4AirportFireandRescuepersonnelactingasanEntryControlOfficerareonlytoberesponsible
forAirportFireandRescueBreathingApparatusteamsandnotthoseoftheCivilDefenseFire
Service.

33
SIZE,COMPOSITIONANDCONDUCTOFBATEAMS
33.1 TheAirportFireCommanderwillneedtoconsidercarefullythesizeandmakeupofBAteams
and must ensure that the leader(s) is fully briefed of what is required of the team. Effective
leadershipisrequiredandtheAFCshouldensure,soasfar,asispractical,thattheteamisled
byanexperiencedBAwearer.Formorecomplex,difficultordangerousincidents,teamleaders
shouldbedrawnfromexperiencedCrewCommandersorabove.BACrewsshouldbeformed
fromteamsfromthesamestationorbrigadesandledbytheirownCrewCommanders.

33.2 TheAFCshouldincreasethesizeoftheBATeaminrelationtotherangeanddemandsofthe
tasks to be carried out. The more difficult or complex task(s) will sometimes benefit from
largerBAteamsbuttoomanyBAwearersinateamcanslowdownoperations.Thesizeofa
teamshouldreflecttheBAwearersexperienceandcompetenceinanticipatedtasks.
Breathing Apparatus Operational Guidance

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Teamsoftwotofourwearerswillusuallyprovideoptimumeffectiveness.

33.3 Innormalcircumstances,BAwearerswhoentertheincidentasateamshouldremainaspart
of the team for the whole time they are in the risk area.Teams maydivide only for specific
tasksandwiththepriorinstructionoftheteamleader.
33.4 Where the duration of the division is likely to be for an extended period of time the Entry
Control Point (ECP) must be informed. A new team leader must be appointed for the newly
separated team. (This would only apply for BA teams of 4 or more wearers). Only in
exceptionalcircumstancesshouldaBAteamdivideonanyoccasion.
33.5 ABAwearerisnottoenterariskareaalone,norisawearertobeleftaloneintheriskarea,
eithertoworkorwithdrawfromtheriskarea.
33.6 Themonitoroperatorofanyairportappliancecanforcomfortandpersonalprotectionwear
BA.However,theBAwearerisnottoenteranyaircraft,buildingorriskarea.

34
DUTIESOFBAWEARERSATANINCIDENT
34.1 ForfirefighterstobeabletocarryoutallBAwearerresponsibilitiesinasafeandprofessional
manneratanincidentinvolvingBreathingApparatus.
FirefightersorderedtowearBreathingApparatusatanincidentshall:

1. Check that the apparatus is functioning correctly by carrying out thecorrecttests

(includingcheckingthetallydetailsforcorrectnessandtheDSUbyoperation)(see
GeneralCheckpage)
2. HandtheirtalliestotheEntryControlOfficer(ECO)attheEntryControlPoint(ECP)
beforeenteringtheriskarea.
3. Regularlychecktheirpressuregaugewhilstintheriskarea.
4. Monitorairconsumption,
5. AllowsufficientdurationtowithdrawtotheECPbeforethelowpressurewarning
whistlesounds,
6. UpdatetheBAteamleader,asappropriate,
7. Maintainregularverbalcontactwithothermembersoftheirteam,
8. CollecttheirtallyfromtheECOinfinalexitfromtheriskarea,
9. Oncollectingtheirtally,ensurethattheinformationofusetoBAteamsentering
theriskarea,ortheofficerincharge(AFC),ismadeknowntotheECO,
10. Aftercollectingtheirtally,reporttotheBAMainControl(ifoneisinoperation)

34.2 IfareplacementcylinderisfittedandtheBAisrequiredforimmediatereusebytheoriginal
wearerthetestsshouldincludethosechecksreferredtoinparagraph1(a),withtheexception
ofthecheckingoftheDSU.
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34.3 FirefightersrequiredtowearBAmustmaintaintheareaofthesealfreefromhair(facialor
head).Failuretodosowillimpairtheefficiencyofthesealandanavoidablesafetyhazardto
theBAwearer.

34.4 GuidanceonwearingproceduresandtheresponsibilitiesofaBAteamleadercanbefoundin
thismanual.

35. DUTIESOFTHEBATEAMLEADER

35.1 AmemberoftheBAteamshouldbedesignatedasteamleaderand,wherepossible,shouldbe
aminimumrankofLeadingFireFighter.

35.2 TheBAteamleadershall:
1. Ensuretheteamleaderisfullybriefedbeforeentryintotheriskarea
2. CoordinategaugechecksandensurethattheteamreturntotheEntryControl
Point (ECP) before any low pressure warning whistle activates, or, if
appropriate, within limits previously agreed with the AFC to prevent undue
exposuretodifficultorstrenuousconditions.
3. Monitor the working conditions and be aware of the potential physiological
effectsthattheymaycausetoteammembersandworkingduration.
4. UpdatetheECOifcommunicationsequipmentisbeingused.
5. Inform the ECO, as soon, as it is practical, of any development of the
operationalincidentthatislikelytobeconsideredsignificantbytheAFC.

35.3 The BA team leader is responsible for the conduct of the team during the time the team is
withintheriskarea.Theteamleaderwillbasedecisionsforactionon:
1. Thetrainingandexperiencegainedfrompreviousincidents
2. Informationreceivedbycommunicationsfromoutsidetheriskarea.
3. Sensoryperceptioninsidetheriskarea(e.g.noise,temperature)
4. InformationfromBAandassociatedequipment(e.g.gauges,whistles,thermal
imagecameras).
5. OtherBAteammembers.

35.4 BAteamleadersdutiesalsoextendtodecisionsaboutwhentowithdrawfromtheriskarea
andrespondingtoDSUs(seeemergencyprocedures).
35.5 BA wearers are often at the forefront of fire fighting activity. BA team leaders and crew
membersshouldthereforebealerttothepotentialforflashoverand/orbackdraught.

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36
INCIDENTPROCEDURES/B.A.WEARERPROCEDURE

36.1 InadditiontothegeneralCommandandControlproceduressetoutinthismanual,therearea
numberofparticularpointstonoteinrelationtooperationalsafetyatanincident.

36.2 Inadditiontothedutiesofawearer,BAwearersshould;

1. Don and start up their BA set in safe air, and check the set and facemask for
securityoffitandthemainvalveisfullyopened.
2. Checklampsandfirefightingequipmentbyoperationimmediatelybeforeentering
theriskareaandatintervalsappropriatetotheincident.
3. Checkcommunicationsequipmentimmediatelybeforeenteringtheriskareaandat
regularintervalswhilstinuse.
4. Checkpressuregaugesbeforeentryandagreethereadingshownonthetallywith
theEntryControlOfficer(ECO)(unlessrapiddeploymentproceduresareinuse).
5. Monitorpressuregaugesatregularintervalsthroughoutthetimeintheriskarea(in
addition,BAteamleadersshouldcheckthegaugesofallteammembersatregular
intervals).
6. As far as practicable, comply with the instructions given by the AFC and ECO and
anyinstructionsgivenbytheteamleader.
7. Withdrawfromtheriskareaontheinstructionsoftheteamleader(seewithdrawal
ofBAteamspage).
8. CollecttalliesfromtheECOaswearersexitfromtheriskarea.

WearersshouldnotwearBAifthepressuregaugeindicatescontents
lessthan80%ofthefullcapacity

37
WITHDRAWALOFBATEAMS

37.1 Thedecisionaboutwhentowithdrawalfromariskareaisaveryimportantone.Thecentral
aimmustbetoensurethatallBAteammembersreturntotheEntryControlPoint(ECP)bythe
estimated time of whistle, subject to circumstances which develop since the time of entry
whichnecessitateanearlywithdrawal.However,thetimingofwithdrawalfromtheriskarea
musttakeintoaccount.

1. Unusual physiological or psychological stress or discomfort experienced from

rapidtemperatureincrease.
2. ThedepthofpenetrationintotheriskareawhenusingBAguidelines.
3. Deterioratingsituation

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38
APPLICATIONOFWITHDRAWALPROCEDURES
38.1 TheAFC,ECOsandBAteamleadersdutiesextendtoensuringthatBAwearersmustnotbe
exposed to an inappropriate level of risk. BA wearers are also responsible for ensuring that
teamleadersaremadeawareofanyrelevantdevelopmentsthatmightleadtotheneedforan
earlywithdrawalfromtheriskarea.

38.2 BA team leaders must not rely solely on cylinder contents when reaching a decision about
when to withdraw their team but should take into account information received from all
sources.BAteamleadersmustwithdrawtheirteamifanymember:
1. Hasuncontrolledlossofpressure
2. Appears to be unwell, confused or in discomfort (especially when exposed to
rapidtemperatureincrease).
3. Hasagauge,whichhasbecomefaultyorunreadable.
4. HasbeenexposedtoanirrespirableatmosphereduetoaBAfailure.
5. Hasalowpressurewarningwhistleactivation.

38.3 Teamwithdrawalshouldalsooccurwhen:
1. Theteamleader,actingonpersonalinitiative,experience,andassessmentoron
advice of team members, decides that conditions in the risk area have
deteriorated to the extent that BA team members are exposed to an
inappropriatelevelofrisk.
2. A team member reaches a pre determined pressure gauge reading set by the
AFCfollowingassessmentofphysiologicalriskandotherrelevantinformation.
3. The emergency evacuation signal sounds (ACME Thunder Whistle continuous
shortblasts)

38.4 For the teams of three or less, the whole team should withdraw whether or not the task is
completed.However, attheBAteamleaderdiscretionpart oftheteammaywithdrawfrom
theriskarea,forexample:
1. Where the team members number four or more a team could split with only
twomembershavingtowithdraw.
2. Where a low pressures warning whistle activates prematurely due to set
malfunction.
3. Aminorleaktothefacemask.

38.5 On no account should a BA team divide following entry into the risk area to undertake a
separate task, and on no account should a BA wearer attempt to leave a risk area
unaccompanied. The AFC should immediately be advised of any decision to withdraw
prematurelyfromtheriskarea.

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39
ENTRAPPEDPROCEDURE

39.1 ToallowaBAwearertomaximisethedurationofaBAsetintheeventofbecomingtrapped.
TheaimoftheentrappedprocedureistoallowaBAwearertomaximisethedurationofaBA
setintheeventofbecomingtrappedandbeingunabletowithdrawfromtheriskarea.

NoprovisionexistsforconservingtheairsupplyinopencircuitBAotherthanbythewearer
moderatingdemandforairbyusingtheleastpossibleenergy.

WhenawearerofacompressedairBAbecomesawarethatitisnotpossibletoescapetherisk
area,thefollowingactionshouldbetaken:
1. OperatetheDSU.
2. Relax as much as possible in the circumstances by assuming a reclining or
seatedposture
3. Breathecalmlyandgently.
4. TrytomakeradiocontactwiththeECOorotherBAteams.
5. Ifachargedbranchisavailableandcanbeoperated,anycombustiblematerial
inthevicinityshouldbesaturatedinordertoretardthefirespread.

Anysupplementarysupplyfunctionshouldnotbeoperated.Thecylindervalveshouldnotbe
adjusted,otherthancheckingthatitisfullyopen.

39.2 Thelowpressurewarningwhistlewilloperatewhenthecylinderpressurehasfallentoapoint
where the Safety Margin remains. (The air consumed by the operation of the low cylinder
pressurewarningwhistleis4litresperminute)

39.3 BAteammembersshouldencourageeachothertoremainconsciousandalertatalltimes.

40

EMERGENCYTEAMS

40.1 To provide prompt emergency assistance to breathing apparatus (BA) wearers, Emergency
teams of BA wearers must be established at all incidents where Stage 2 BA Entry Control
Proceduresareinoperationandatotherincidentsassoonaspersonnelresourcespermit.
40.2 TheEntryControlOfficer(ECO)isresponsibleforinformingtheOfficerinCharge(AFC)ofthe
needforanemergencyteam.TheAFCshallnominateanemergencyteamofBAwearersfrom
thoseavailableattheincident.Thecompositionoftheemergencyteamswilldependuponthe
natureoftheincident,thelocationofBAwearersandthenumberofBAwearersinthelargest
teams.AminimumnumberoftwoBAwearerswillberequiredforeveryemergencyteamand
thesewillbeequippedwithcylinderswithatleastequivalentmaximumdurationtotheBAof
thewearerscommittedtotheriskarea.
40.3 Theemergencyteamshallbesuitablyequippedfortheincidentathand.Thismayincludefor
example.
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1. RadioCommunicationsequipment.
2. Resuscitationequipment
3. AnadditionalBAset.
4. Anyotherspecialistequipmentprovidedforthispurpose.
40.4 Allequipmentshouldbetestedandreadyforimmediateuse.WhereBAwearersatanincident
arewearingprotectiveclothinginadditiontotheirBA,theemergencyteamwillbesimilarly
protected.

41
DEPLOYMENTOFEMERGENCYTEAM

41.1 Toprovideapromptemergencyassistancetobreathingapparatus(BA)wearers,thefollowing
proceduresshouldbeapplied:
1. Theemergencyteamsshouldrig(butnotstartup)inB.A.andstandbyatthe
ECP until instructed to enter the incident by the ECO or until relieved of that
dutyortheconclusionofB.A.operations,
2. Priortoentry,theECOwillensurethatallmembersoftheemergencyteamare
fully briefed about the emergency. The likely location of the wearer(s) in
distress (if this is known) and will collect the wearers tallies and record their
actionsontheEntryControlBoard(ECB),
3. When available, existing B.A. guide lines or communications lines should be
followed(Ifworkingonahoselinethismayalsobeusedtotracethestepsof
the distressed team but care should be taken that the correct hose lines is
followed),
4. Followingdeployment,theECOshouldinformtheAFCoftheincidentandcall
forareplacementemergencyteam.

42

RECORDINGOFDAILYINSPECTIONS

42.1 Atthestartofeachwatch/shift,itistheresponsibilityofallnominatedBAwearerstomake
surethattheappropriatetestsaremadetothebreathingapparatussetsallocatedtothemas
againsttheirnameontheridingpositions.
42.2 Oncompletion,thetallybelongingtothatsetmustregisterthewearersname,andthe
cylindercontents.
42.3 Thesetsrecordbookmustbecompletedassoonaspracticableinblackorblueink,showing
thedate,cylindernumber,contentsinbars,remarksandsignedforbythenominatedwearer.
RedinkistobeusedafterHeatandSmokeExercisesandactualIncidents.
42.4 A wearer who has been unable to record that the tests have been carried out should be
awarethatbywearingthesethehasindicatedthatitisworkingsatisfactorily.
42.5 Anydefectstotheapparatusshouldbereportedtotheofficerinchargeofthedutywatch.

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43

THEGENERALCHECK

43.1 The testing of breathing apparatus is only to be carried out by personnel qualified to wear
breathingapparatus.
43.2 The general check should be carried out by all fire fighters nominated to wear breathing
apparatusatthefollowingtimes:
1. Atthestartofeachwatch,orasnecessaryatothertimesduringthewatch,
2. Afterthesethasbeenserviced,
3. Afterdrillorincident
43.3 Thegeneralcheckconsistsofthefollowing:
1. Carry out a good visual check of the apparatus and cylinder for damage,
includingBackplate,HarnessandallStitchingandfasteners,
2. Slackenoffallstraps,
3. Checkallfingertightconnections,
4. Remove the facemask from its bag and examine for damage (mask, visor and
headstrapsespeciallyaroundbuckles).Checkmushroomvalvesareinplaceon
theinnermask(oral/nasalmask),
5. Turnthedemandvalveintotestposition,
6. Openthecylindervalvefully,(ifthecylindercontentsislessthan80%change
thecylinder)fit facemaskand adjustthestraps(bottompair,middlepair,and
topstrap).Positivepressurewillactivateonfirstinhalation,
7. Taketwodeepbreaths,holdingthethird,listenforanyaudibleleaks,
8. Checkfunctionofsupplementarysupply,
9. Closethecylindervalvefully,moveheadupanddownandsidetosidetocheck
forleakswhilemonitoringthepressuregauge.Thenslowlybreathdowntheset
untilthelowpressurewarningsignalactivatesat55bar,alowpressurewarning
whistlewillalsooperateatthissetting.Drawthefacemaskfirmlyontotheface
toensurethereisnoinwardleakintothefacemask,
10. RemovethemaskandcleanwiththeB.A.wipesshouldbeprovided,thenplace
themaskintoitsprotectivebag,
11. CheckthemanualoperationoftheDSU,
12. Filloutthetally(rank,nameandcylinderpressure),
13. Checkthetorchbyoperationandinspectthesetspersonallinefully,
14. Checktheappliancemountingsontowhichtheapparatusisstowed,
15. FillintheBreathingApparatuslogbookpertainingtothatset,
16. ReportanydefectstotheDutyOfficer.

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44
MONTHLYTEST
44.1 Thistestshouldinclude:
1. Aminimumwearingdurationof50bars(itselfprecededbyafullgeneralcheck),
2. Thistestcanbepartofanormalwearatanincidentordrillprovideditisofat
leasttheminimumdurationstatedabove,
3. Removethecylinderfromthenapparatus,
4. Examiningthecylinderstrap(s)fordamageandwear,
5. Examiningalltheapparatusstraps(harness)fordamageandwear,
6. Examiningtheattachmentpointsforthepersonalline,
7. Checkthecylinderconnection,
8. Refittingacylinderfilledwithatleast80%,
9. Carryoutafullgeneralcheckoftheapparatus,
10. Recordthetestinthesetslogbookasamonthlytest,

45

CONTROLOFBREATHINGAPPARATUSTALLIES

45.1 Personnelwearingbreathingapparatusarenottoenterariskareawithoutfirsthandinginthe
breathingapparatustallytotheEntryControlOfficer.
45.2 PersonnelwithdrawingfromtheriskareashouldreporttotheEntryControlOfficerwiththeir
facemaskinposition. TheEntryControlOfficerwillinstructthemtoremovetheirfacemask
andclosedowntheirsetsbeforereturningtheirtally.
45.3 Ifateamwithdrawstocollectapieceofequipment,orpassamessageetc,butdonotremove
their facemask, close down their sets or collect their tallies but immediately reenter the
aircraft/building,thisispartoftheirinitialworking
45.4 Ateamwithdrawingfromtheriskarea,closingdowntheirsets,acceptingtheirtally,maythen
servicetheirsets.Iftheydothisandthenhavetomakeanotherentryintotheriskarea,thisis
anewentryandfreshrecordsarerequired.
45.5 If, after withdrawing, closing down and reporting to the Entry Control Officer, a team is
requiredtoreentertheaircraft/buildingtoperformaspecifictaskandtheofficerinchargeis
satisfiedthatthecontentoftheircylinderissufficient,eventhoughtheirpressuregaugemay
recordlessthan80%oftheircontents,thisisareentryandfreshrecordsarerequired.Inany
casewearersarenottoreenteranareawithacylindercontentoflessthan100bars.

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Onthefront

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

NameofAirport
Setnumberpermanentlymarked
Cylindercontentsinlitrespermanentlymarked
Spaceforname
Spaceforcylinderpressure
Spacefortimein
Durationandnofreshrecordsarerequired.

AIRPORT NAME

NAME

COMP AIR

No. 22
CYL. PRESS TIME IN

On the rear

TheTallyisattachedtotheDSU

1.

Space for dosimeter reading in and out

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46

DURATIONOFBREATHINGAPPARATUS

46.1 Therateofconsumptionofairofopencircuitbreathingapparatuscanvaryoverawiderange.
Thisrangeofvariationdependsuponanumberoffactors,whichincludetheworkrateofthe
wearer,theirphysiqueandtheenvironmentalconditionsinwhichtheyareworking.
46.2

To enable the duration of open circuit breathing apparatus to be estimated an average

consumptionrateof40litresperminutecanbeused.

1. FULLDURATION
Theperiodduringwhichthebreathingapparatusisexpectedtoproviderespiratory
protectionfromthemomentthecylindervalveisopenuntilthecylindercontents
areexhausted.
2. WORKINGDURATION
Theperiodduringwhichthebreathingapparatusisexpectedtoproviderespiratory
protection from the moment the cylinder valve is opened until the low pressure
warningwhistlesounds.
3. SAFETYMARGIN
Theperiodduringwhichthelowpressurewarningwhistleoperates.

46.3 Formulaforcalculatingthedurationofbreathingapparatusisasfollow

D=PXC10

NX40

Where

D=Theremainingworkingduration(inminutes)

P=Thepressureinthecylinder(bars)

N=Themaximumfilledpressureofthecylinder(bars)
C=Thecapacity(inlitres)ofthecylinderwhenpressurisedtoNbars.

47

STAGE1ANDSTAGE2CONTROLBOARDS

47.1 The same design board is used in both stage 1 and stage 2 control procedures. The control
boardcomprisesofaPerspexcoveredboardabout300mminwidthand800mminheight.

Theuppersectionoftheboardcontainsacalculatorforcalculatingtheworkingdurationofthe
breathingapparatusitalsohasaclock.

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The remainder of the board comprises, under Perspex cover, 12 divisions into which the
breathing apparatus tallies can be inserted. Two divisions are permanently marked and are
intended for the tallies of the emergency teams only. Corresponding spaces permit entries
undertheheadings;

1. Timeofwhistle
2. Locationofteams
3. Remarks

47.2 Entrycontrolboardsshouldbecheckedatthestartofeachwatch.
Theexaminationshouldinclude;
1. Checkingthattheboardisclean.Nopastentriesondisplay.
2. Examinefordamageorexcessivewear.
3. CheckthattheboardhasawaterproofmarkersuitableforPerspex.
4. Checkthattheclockisworkingandthetimeiscorrect.
5. Checkthattheboardisontheappropriateappliance.
6. Checkthatthereisablackandyellowtabard.

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Completed Breathing Apparatus Control Board

BA CONTROL - STAGE

ENTRY CONTROL
POINT NO.
Hard work may reduce

IDENTIFICATION

TIME OF
WHISTLE

No.
NAM

225

CC
NAM

225

FF
NAM

225

CC
NAM

225

FF
NAM

225

FF
NAM

225

FF
NAM

CM

225

COMP AIR
CYL. PRESS

28
COMP AIR
CYL. PRESS

29
COMP AIR
CYL. PRESS

28
COMP AIR
CYL. PRESS

29
COMP AIR
CYL. PRESS

28
COMP AIR
CYL. PRESS

27
COMP AIR
CYL. PRESS

26

TIME IN

09:00
No.
TIME IN

09:00

09:2 09:2

LOCATION
OF TEAM

REMARK

Front Port
DoorLefthand

09:2

No.
TIME IN

09:00
No.
TIME IN

09:00

09:2 09:2

Front Port
Door Right-hand

09:2

No.
TIME IN

09:00
No.
TIME IN

09:00
No.
TIME IN

09:00

Emergency Team
Emergency Team

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IdentificationofBreathingApparatusEntryControlOfficer

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48
PERSONALLINES
48.1 Thepersonallineis6meterslong.OneendofthelineshouldbefastenedtoaDring,which
ispassedthroughashapedslotintherearofthepersonalpouchtopermitthisfastening.A
snap hook or other suitable device, such as a Karabiner, is fastened to the other end of the
personalline.AfurtherDringispermanentlyfastenedtothepersonalline1.25metersfrom
the snap hook at the running end. In normal stowage this second D ring is secured to the
short length of strap by a clip. The strap is secured to the removable ring anchoring the
standingendofthepersonallinetothebreathingapparatusharness.Thismethodoffastening
permitsthepersonallinetobepaidoutintwoseparatelengths,ashortlengthof1.25metres,
whichmaybe,extendedtothefulllengthoftheline6metres.
48.2 Thelineisstowedinapouchattachedtotheharnessofthebreathingapparatusset,whichis
providedwithinternalpockets.Thesmallerofthemainpocketsaccommodatesthe1.25metre
oflineandthelargestpockettheremainingline.Thesmallestofthepocketshousesthesnap
hook.Lineisalwaystobestowedinahaphazardfashiontoavoidtangles.Onthedogleadtype
ofpersonallinethe1.25metrelengthisidentifiedbyaknotinthelineandstowedbyaspring
loadedrecoilsystem.
48.3 Thepersonallineshouldbeexaminedaspartofthedailycheckofthebreathingapparatusyou
havebeenallocatedtowear.
48.4 Thepersonallineallowsmembersofabreathingapparatusteamtoattachthemselvestoeach
otherortoaguidelineusingthe1.25metrelengthofthelineandalsopermitsasearchtobe
extendedfromthemainlinetothefullextentofthepersonalline.
48.5 When a guideline is being laid, all the members other than the team leader are to attach
themselves to the member in front of them by the short length of the personal line.
Alternatively,allmembersoftheteam,otherthantheteamleader,mayattachthemselvesto
theguidelineusingtheshortlengthoftheirpersonalline.
48.6 Afterthelinehasbeenlaidtheleaderoftheteamfollowingitmustbeattachedtoitbythe
shortlengthoftheirpersonalline.Theothermembersoftheteammustbeattachedbytheir
shortlengthoftheirpersonallinetotheteammemberinfrontortotheguideline.
48.7 Whenattachedindividuallytotheguidelineteammembersshouldalsoremainwithinphysical
contactdistanceoftheremainingmembersoftheteam.

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49

MAINGUIDELINE

1. Length60metres.
2. Diameter6mmto8mm.
3. Tabsarefittedinpairstothelineat2.5metreintervalsalongthelengthofthe
line.Ineachpaironeofthetabs(thetabnearerthepayoutend)isknottedandis
50mminlength,thesecondtabis125mminlengthandisunknotted.Thelength
betweentheknottedandtheunknottedtabis150mm.
4. Acontainerisprovidedintowhichtheguidelineisstowedinrandomfashion.
5. Thecontainerisprovidedwithaholenormallyinthelidtopermitdeploymentof
theguideline.
6. Thecontainerisdesignedtobesecurelyattachedtoabreathingapparatuswearer
orbreathingapparatusset.
7. Guidelinesareonlytobeusedontheinstructionoftheofficerincharge.
8. Guidelinesshouldbemarkedwhenlaidout:
a. GuidelineA
b. GuidelineB
9. A Main guideline is provided to enable a team of breathing apparatus wearers in
the risk area to retrace their steps to the entry control point and to enable a
subsequentteamlocatethemorthesceneofoperations.
10. Guidelinesshouldalwaysbeconsideredwheretherearenoothermeansoftracing
thewayoutoftheriskareaduetoconditionswithintheriskarea.
11. Personal lines should always be used when a main guideline has been laid on a
route to be travelled separately. This does not preclude their use in other
circumstances.
12. Amainguidelineshouldalwaysbestowedinsuchawaythattherunningendpays
outfirst.
13. Onlyonemainguidelineshouldberunalongasinglerouteleadingfromtheentry
point to the scene of operations. (This guideline may consist of a number of
guidelinesjoinedtogether).
14. Tosearchoffaguidelineapersonallinemaybedeployedtothelimitofitslength.
Where the area to be searched is a greater distance from the guideline than the
lengthofasinglepersonallinewillpermit,abranchlineshouldbeused.

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50

BRANCHGUIDELINES

1. Branch guidelines are to be used where the distance of the area to be searched
fromthemainguidelineisgreaterthanthelengthofthepersonalline.
2. ThereshouldbenomorethanfourbranchlinesfromanyEntryControlpoint.
3. Branch line tallies are to be designated 1, 2, 3 & 4 by the Entry Control
Officer. They are to be marked by the branch line tallies. (The number of holes
representingthenumberofthebranchline).
4. BranchlinetalliesaretobeaffixedtothebranchlinebytheEntryControlOfficer
beforetheyaretakenintotheriskarea.
5. Branchguidelinesaretobeattachedtothemainguidelinesecurely.
6. Detailsofmainandbranchguidelinestowhichindividualsarecommittedmustbe
recordedontheEntryControlBoard.
TheEntryControlOfficerisresponsiblefortheremovalofmainandbranchlinetallieswhen
thelinestheyareattachedtoareremovedfromtheriskarea.

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51

PROCEDUREFORLAYINGAMAINGUIDELINE

1. Theguidelineshouldbesecuredtotheteamleaderofthenominatedteamtolay
theguideline.
2. Unlesstheguidelineistobeusedtoextendanexistingguidelineitistobesecured
to a suitable object outside the risk area under the control of the Entry Control
OfficerandbytheEntryControlOfficerbeforetheteamenterstheriskarea.
3. AnymainorbranchlinetalliesaretobefittedbytheEntryControlOfficerbefore
theteamenterstheriskarea.
4. The guideline is to be paid out by the team leader or other team member
whicheverismoreconvenient.
5. Theguidelineistobesecuredatintervalstoasuitableobjectontheroutebyother
teammembersoftheguidelineteambetweenshoulderandwaistheight.
6. Whenitisknownorexpectedthatpenetrationmaybedeepanadditionalguideline
maybecarriedbyanotherteammember.
7. Whenateamlayingaguidelinehastowithdrawbeforetheirobjectiveisreached,
theteamleadershouldensurethecontainerholdingtheguidelineisfastenedtoa
convenientpoint.Soitcanbeusedbyanotherbreathingapparatusteamthatmay
besentintorelievethemandcarryonwiththeobjective.
Outgoingteamsmustalwayshaveprecedenceontheguidelineoverteamsenteringtherisk
area.

52

BREATHINGAPPARATUSFACEMASKFITTEST

52.1 Introduction

BAInstructorsshouldnotethatthisguidanceandmodifiedproceduresspecificallyrelatesto
theissueofthefitofBAfacemasksanddoesnotaddressotheraspectsofBAproceduresor
commandandcontrol.

52.2 FaceMaskDonningProcedure

1. ThisdonningprocedureisappropriatetoalloccasionsthatBAisdonned,including
training,operationalincidentsandwhentakingoverasetatthestartofashiftor
othertimeasappropriatesduringgeneralchecks.
2. Correctfacemaskfitisessentialifthebestpossiblefacesealistobeachieved.The
idealfitisachievedwhenallstrapsaretensionedandthechinandtemplestrapsof
themaskruninthedirectionofthemaskstraptongues.Inordertogetthebest
possiblefitthefollowingpointsshouldbetakenintoaccount:
3. Theareaaroundthefacemasksealshouldbefreefromhair.
4. Loosenallheadharnessstraps,includingthecentrestrap,totheirfullextent.

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5. Place the facemask against the face by sliding it up to ensure that the chin is
securely placed in the chin cup. Ensure that hair does not compromise the
facemasksealarea.Thismaybemoreeasilyachievedifthewearerleansforward
whilstfittingthemask.
6. With multiple adjustable straps are fitted adjust the bottom and middle straps
progressivelyandevenlyinpairstoensurethattheheadharnessissquareonthe
back of the head, finishing with the top strap. The fit should be secure and
comfortablebutnotovertight.
7. BA wearers should visually check that their partners head harness is correctly
positioned onthehead,withthestrapsinlinewiththe mask tongues andevenly
tensioned, before fire hoods and helmets are donned. Repeat steps above if
necessary.

52.3 FacemaskSealTest

1. The effective of the facemask seal should be tested on every occasion that BA is
donnedwiththeintentionofbreathingfromit.
2. Proceduresfortestingthefacemasksealareasfollows;
3. In operational situations these tests should be conducted immediately after the
wearer has donned the set and carried out the test of the positive pressure by
breakingthefacemaskseal.
4. Holdbreathandturnofftheairsupplytothemaskkeepingahandonthecylinder
valve.
5. Observethepressuregaugeforapproximately8secondswhilstmovingtheheadup
and down and side to side. There should be no discernible movement of the
pressuregauge.
6. Breath steadily to exhaust the residual air in the system while observing the
pressuregaugeandnotingtheactivationofthelowpressurewhistle.
7. When the air is exhausted, gauge shows empty, inhale to cause the mask to
collapseontotheface.
8. Holdthebreathforapproximately8secondstoensurethatthefacemaskremains
firmlysuckeddownontotheface.
9. Turnontheairsupplyfullyandtaketwoorthreenormalbreaths.
10. If a leak is identified during these tests the facemask should be refitted with
particular attention to correct adjustment of the harness without, however, over
tighteningtheharness.

52.4 PositivePressureProtection

1. Providedthat theBA facemasksaredonned correctlyandthe facemasksealtests

arefullyappliedpositivepressurecanbeexpectedtoprovidecompensationforany
slight mistmatch between the face seal and the face during use and will thus
ensureadequateprotectiontothewearer.
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2. Intheeventthatafacemasksealleakisidentified,despiterigorousapplicationof
theaboveprocedures,airportsshouldseektoprovideanalternativemask,which
provides an adequate fit for the individual. If a suitable alternative mask is not
readily available, airports should consult with their BA supplier to seek a suitable
modification.

52.5 NewBAWearer

1. For the purpose of this CAAP, new BA wearers are considered to be new
employees, personnel returning to operational duties after a significant period of
time involved in nonBA duties, personnel whose facial features have altered
significantlythroughweightchangedentalworkorsimilar.
2. Sufficient training shall be provided to ensure that individuals can apply the
facemask donning procedure correctly. Each individual shall then complete the
facemasksealtestidentifiedinthisguidance.Allsuchtrainingshallberecordedin
theindividualsPersonalTrainingRecord.
3. Theguidanceprovidedonfacemaskdonningproceduresandfacemasksealtesting
shouldbeformallyincorporatedintoyourBreathingApparatusinitial,refresherand
BAinstructortraining.

53

ADDITIONALBREATHINGAPPARATUSINFORMATION

53.1 The role of the Breathing Apparatus Entry Control Officer (BAECO) is essential to the safe
controlandsupportofBAoperations.TheskillsandknowledgetocarryouttheBAECOrolein
terms of maintaining proper records on the Entry Control Board, communicating with BA
teams,andthebriefinganddebriefingofBAteams,isanintegralpartofbothBAtrainingand
refreshertraining.

53.2 TrainingfortheroleofBAECO(tomonitorthesafetyofdeployedBAteamswithinriskareas)
shouldincludethelimitationsofthecurrentcalculationofairusageandcreatetheoperational
understanding that the calculated time of whistle is only for guidance based on the average
consumption of air. Whilst BA duration tables were historically based on approximately 40
litres per minute the actual average consumption rates could vary between 4072% greater
thanthisfigure,dependentonworkrateandconditions.BAdurationtablesarenotthesole
measure of ensuring BA wearer safety, Airport Fire and Rescue Services should consider the
useofappropriateairconsumptionfiguresinBAtrainingandatoperationalincidents.

53.3 The most appropriate way of ensuring a consistent approach to BA Wearing and Command
and Control Procedures at all incidents is to ensure that knowledge of BA procedures is
coherent throughout each Airport Fire & Rescue Service. Each Airport is responsible for
ensuring that the appropriate policies and procedures are in place to ensure that a level of
consistencyinrelationtoBAtrainingandassessmentofcompetence,ismaintainedandthat
thepolicyisdelivered.

53.4 Initial/refreshertrainingandassessmentshouldbeundertakenbypersonnelwhoaredeemed
competentasBAinstructors. Theseinstructorsshould have undergoneadditionaltrainingto
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fulfil the particular requirements of the role and been appropriately assessed. The
maintenance of competency within the role should be subject to regular assessment and
instructors should be required to maintain a portfolio of evidence to enable them to
demonstrate the maintenance of their competence. Such coordinated training should be in
addition to and not replace, effective Station based assessment and training which clearly
supportsthemaintenanceofskills.

53.5 ThewearingofBAisasafetycriticalcontrolmeasureinhazardousoperations.Therefore,all
operational firefighters expected to wear BA as well as those who direct and supervise BA
operations need to be able to demonstrate competence in the relevant practices and
procedureswhichtheywillbeexpectedtoundertakewithintheirrole.WhilstwearingBAat
operational incidents assists in maintaining competence, it may not be in itself considered
sufficienttodemonstratecontinuingcompetence.
53.6 A Maintenance of Competency Scheme (MOCs) is based on the assessment of competence
within the workplace, is the recognized framework for ensuring the competence of all
firefightingpersonnelwithintheirrole.Duetothebroadrangeofactivitiesandcomplexities
associated with the wearing of Breathing Apparatus, the safety critical implications of the
activity and the difficulties of monitoring all aspects of such operations, assessment through
simulationwillcontinuetoformanimportantandintegralpartofensuringcompetencewithin
thisactivity.

53.7 TheGCAAFire&RescueSectionrecommendsthatbreathingapparatuswearersattenda23
day refresher course at twoyearly intervals, and that any firefighter who has not worn
breathingapparatusatafireduringanyperiodof12monthsshouldhaverefreshertrainingin
heatandsmoke.

53.8 CompleteBreathingApparatusSetshallconsistofthefollowingcomponents:

1. Backplate,Shoulderharness,andwastebelt,
2. PressureReducer,Pneumatichoses,andPressuregauge,
3. Facemaskandlungdemandvalve,
4. PersonallineattachedsecurelytotheBAset,
5. Safetylamp/torchattachedtotheset,
6. BAcylinderwithcylindercover.

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54

BREATHINGAPPARATUSMAINTENANCE/BACOMPRESSORROOMS

54.1 Great care should be taken in the ventilation, dust control and air conditioning of breathing
apparatus maintenance rooms. Within the maintenance rooms critical SAFETY maintenance
willtakeplaceandcriticalSAFETYequipmentwillbestored.
54.2 Stringentaccesscontrolintothisfacilityshouldbeinplace.NOfirefightingkitistobeworn
inside this room. It must remain a clean work room. The washing and servicing of breathing
apparatus sets after training or operational use should not be undertaken within the
maintenanceroom.
54.3 All recordspertaining to maintenance of breathing apparatus shall be securely stored within
thisroom.
54.4 A record of all maintenance undertaken should be recorded in the sets records and a BA
Maintenanceroomlogbook.
54.5 Only those persons trained, certificated and competent shall undertake breathing apparatus
maintenance. All BA maintenance shall be conducted in accordance with manufactures
specificationsandrequirements.
54.6 Thecompressorroom,housestheBreathingApparatusCompressorwhichwilldrawairfrom
within the room and compress it to a pressure of 200/300bars to recharge the breathing
apparatus cylinders. The purity of this air is VITAL to the Health & Safety of firefighters
requiredtowearbreathingapparatus.
Therefore, this room must be controlled to a very high standard, with adequate safety
precautionsinplace.
54.7 Airpuritytestingandcompressormaintenanceshallbeundertakenbyacompetentperson.A
recordofeachcylinderrechargedshallbemaintained.Allcompositematerialcylindersareto
bevisuallyinspectedbeforerecharging.Thisinspectionshallberecorded.
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Airpuritytestrecordsshallbemaintainedandbeavailableatalltimes.

55

ABBREVIATIONS

AFC

BA

ECO

DSU

ECO

ECB

=AirportFireCommander
=BreathingApparatus
=EntryControlPoint
=DistressSignalUnit
=EntryControlOfficer
=EntryControlBoard

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