When the new budget takes effect, as sure as the leaves turn colors in the Fall, new equipment starts to arrive in our department. The latest addition to our SCBA inventory is SCOTT’s new AirPak Fifty with a secondary low air alarm.

We received four of these new 4.5 packs this past month and a total of eight carbonized composite cylinders. These cylinders, although they appear different, can be used in any 4.5 SCOTT pack. The new cylinders are a white/gray-blue color and weigh about one pound less than the present 4.5 30 minute bottle. Like all composite bottles, Federal DOT hasn’t made up it’s mind how long these bottles can be kept in service. Right now it’s 15 years, or five hydro-test periods.

As for the Secondary Low Air Alarm, this system is comprised of a bell which sounds when there is a minimum of 25% volume of air left in the tank. When the air volume reaches the 25% mark, not only does the Vibralert on your facepiece regulator go off, but this Secondary Low Air Alarm bell sounds as well. The bell hangs over your left shoulder in a similar fashion as the Remote Air Gauge which hangs over your right shoulder. This bell will sound until the cylinder is out of air.

These new packs are going to Engine Company 341 in keeping with the department’s plan to equip each fire apparatus with a minimum of four 4.5’s. A short training class will be given to ET341 on these new SCBAs.

A 2.2 aluminum cylinder was turned in for repair due to a leak in the cylinder gauge. Upon charging the cylinder to capacity, no leak was found in the gauge, however, a leak was discovered in the neck of the bottle. The bottle is being hydro-tested by an outside facility to confirm our findings.

Be alert for any loss of air problems with your cylinders. Please drop off these bottles at the SCBA Workshop (downstairs of Station 641) by the cage door. Please do not place them in the rack at the side door. We have to log in all repairs to assure we know where our equipment is going. Thanks for your help.  Be Safe.