TM 55-1930-209-14&P-17
(2)
Putting-on-a-vest method
(a)
Extend narrow shoulder straps
(b)
Pick up SCBA by shoulder straps and put on as though putting on a vest.
(c)Lean forward until back is horizontal and adjust straps. Fasten waist belt tight. If further adjustment is required, lean
forward and make adjustments. Use chest strap if desired.
c.
On regulator on user's front left side, close bypass (red) valve on right side of regulator.
d.
On cylinder valve assembly, open valve all the way (at least three turns of knob). Reach this with right hand
behind the back or have someone else open this valve. As this valve is opened, a low-pressure warning bell
should ring momentarily. If this does not ring, SCBA is not serviceable. Use another SCBA.
e.
On regulator, place palm of left hand over facepiece air hose outlet on top of regulator and firmly block it to make
it leakproof. Regulator is spring-loaded, and air will escape automatically if not blocked.
f.
On regulator, open main line (yellow) handwheel all the way and watch regulator pressure gauge. It should read
the same as pressure noted on cylinder valve assembly gauge before putting on SCBA. If not, either cylinder
valve or main line valve is not completely open and must be fully opened.
g.
On cylinder valve assembly, turn off air pressure and watch regulator gauge. Pressure reading should not
change. If it does, correct the leak or use another SCBA.
h.
Again, open cylinder valve assembly valve all the way.
i.
On regulator assembly, close main line valve.
j.
Remove hand facepiece air hose outlet.
k.
Put on face mask:
(1)
Pull out facepiece headband straps so ends are at the buckles.
(2)
Grip the facepiece headband straps with thumbs hooked on the inside and forefingers on the outside of the
straps with the opening towards the face.
(3)
Place chin in bottom of facepiece and pull headbands over the head. Place head pad in the center of the
back of the head.
(4)
Make sure straps are flat against the head.
(5)
First tighten lower straps by pulling back on tabs on strap ends.
(6)
Next tighten side straps in same way.
(7)
Place both hands on head pad and push it towards the neck.
(8)
Adjust neck and side straps again.
(9)
Finally adjust top strap, if necessary, to place facepiece lens in best position for viewing.
I.
Close air breathing tube by squeezing very tightly, take a deep breath and hold it for 10 seconds. Facepiece
should collapse against the face and hold if facepiece is airtight. If not, adjust headband straps until facepiece fit
is airtight.
m.
Exhale air to check exhaust valve. If user feels air moving across face, valve is not working. Do not use this
SCBA.
WARNING
Facepiece must provide airtight fit before entering toxic area. Full sideburns and
beards may make it very difficult to get facepiece to fit.
n.
Connect facepiece breathing tube to regulator by inserting fitting into regulator receptacle and tightening knurled
knob.
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