NFPA1981 Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services

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NOTICE: An asterisk (*) following the number or letter designating a paragraph indicates that explanatory material on the paragraph can be found in Annex A.

A reference in brackets [ 1 following a section or paragraph indicates material that has been extracted from another NFPA document. As an aid to the user, the complete title and edition of the source documents for extracts in mandatory sections of the document are given in Chapter 2 and those for extracts in informational sections are given in Annex C. Extracted text may be edited for consistency and style and may include the revision of internal paragraph references and other references as appropriate. Requests for interpretations or revisions of extracted text shall be sent to the technical committee respon­sible for the source document.

Information on referenced publications can be found in Chapter 2 and Annex C.

Chapter 1 Administration

1.1 Scope.

1.1.1* This standard shall specify the minimum requirements for the design, performance, testing, and certification of new compressed breathing air open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and compressed breathing air combination open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus and supplied air respirators (SCBA/SARs) and for the replacement parts, components, and accessories for these respirators.

1.1.2 This edition of the standard shall also specify the mini­mum requirements for the design, performance and testing of replacement parts, components, and add-on accessories for SCBA and combination SCBA/SARs certified as compliant to earlier editions of this standard.

1.1.3 This standard shall not specify requirements for other types of SCBA.

1.1.4* This standard shall not specify requirements for any accessories that could be attached to the certified product that are not certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

• This standard shall not establish criteria for SCBA for water or underwater operations.
• This standard shall not establish criteria for protection from ionizing radiation.
• This standard shall not be construed as addressing all of the safety concerns associated with the use of compliant SCBA and combination SCBA/SARs. It shall be the responsibility of the persons and organizations that use compliant SCBA and combination SCBA/SARs to establish safety and health practi­ces and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
• This standard shall not be construed as addressing all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with the use of this stand­ard by testing facilities. It shall be the responsibility of the persons and organizations that use this standard to conduct testing of SCBA and combination SCBA/SARs to establish safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to using this standard for any designing, manufacturing, and testing.
• Nothing herein shall restrict any jurisdiction or manu­facturer from exceeding these minimum requirements.

1.2.1 The purpose of this standard shall be to establish mini­mum levels of protection for emergency services personnel from atmospheres that are categorized as immediately danger­ous to life and health (IDLH) atmospheres.

1.2.2* Controlled laboratory tests used to determine compli­ance with the performance requirements of this standard shall not be deemed as establishing performance levels for all respi­ratory protective situations and IDLH atmospheres to which personnel can be exposed.

1.2.3* This standard shall not be interpreted or used as a detailed manufacturing or purchase specification but shall be permitted to be referenced in purchase specifications as mini­mum requirements.

1.3.1 This standard shall apply to all open-circuit SCBA and combination SCBA/SARs used by emergency services organiza­tions for respiratory protection of its personnel during fire- fighting, rescue, hazardous materials, terrorist incident, and similar operations where products of combustion, oxygen defi­ciency, particulates, toxic products, or other IDLH atmospheres exist or could exist at the incident scene.

1.3.1.1* If the SCBA is equipped with an EBSS, the EBSS performance requirements set forth in this standard shall apply only to open-circuit SCBA and combination SCBA/SARs used by the fire service for respiratory protection of its personnel during the applications listed in 1.3.1.

• This edition of the standard shall apply to the design, manufacturing, and certification of new open-circuit SCBA and combination SCBA/SARs and shall apply to replacement parts, components, and add-on accessories for such respirators certi­fied as compliant to earlier editions of this standard.
• This standard shall apply to accessories attached to the SCBA that are certified by NIOSH for use with that specific SCBA or combination SCBA/SARs.
• This standard shall not apply to open-circuit SCBA and combination SCBA/SARs manufactured according to previous editions of this standard; however, organizations shall be permitted to have open-circuit SCBA and combination SCBA/ SARs that are certified as compliant with previous editions of this standard and modified to become compliant with this edition of NFPA 1981.
• This standard shall not apply to closed-circuit SCBA.
• This standard shall not apply to accessories that can be attached to an open-circuit SCBA and combination SCBA/ SARs but are not certified by NIOSH for use with that specific SCBA or combination SCBA/SARs.
• This standard shall not apply to the use of SCBA and combination SCBA/SARs; those requirements are specified in NFPA 1500.

1.4 Units.

• In this standard, values for measurement are followed by an equivalent in parentheses, but only the first stated value shall be regarded as the requirement.
• Equivalent values in parentheses shall not be considered as the requirement because those values might be approxi­mate.

Chapter 2 Referenced Publications

• The documents or portions thereof listed in this chapter are referenced within this standard and shall be considered part of the requirements of this document.
• NFPA Publications. National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471.

NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program, 2018 edition.

NFPA 1852, Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), 2019 edition.

NFPA 1971, Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting 2018 edition.

NFPA 1989, Standard on Breathing Air Quality for Emergency Services Respiratory Protection, 2019 edition.

• Other Publications.

2.3.1 AATCC Publications. American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.

AATCC 135, Dimensional Changes of Fabrics After Home Laun­dering, 2014.

• ANSI Publications. American National Standards Insti­tute, Inc., 25 West 43rd Street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10036.

ANSI/ASA S3.2, American National Standard Method for Meas­uring the Intelligibility of Speech over Communication Systems, 2009, reaffirmed 2014.

• ASTM Publications. ASTM International, 100 Ban- Harbor Drive, P. O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.

ASTM B16/B16M, Standard Specification for Free-Cutting Brass Rod, Bar and Shapes for Use in Screw Machines, 2010, reapproved 2015.

ASTM B117, Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus, 2011.

ASTM D1003, Standard Test Method for Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics, 2013.

ASTM D6413/D6413M, Standard Test Method for Flame Resist­ance of Textiles (Vertical Test), 2015.

ASTM El62, Standard Test Method for Surface Rammability of Materials Using Radiant Heat Energy Source, 2015.

• CENELEC Publications. CENELEC, European Commit­tee for Electrotechnical Standardization, CEN-CENELEC Management Centre, Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000, Brussels, Belgium.

BS EN 136, Respiratory protective devices — Full face masks — Requirements, testing marking, 1998, Corrigendum, 2004.

• EBU Publications. EBU (European Broadcasting Union) Department of Technology & Innovation, L’Ancienne- Route 17A, Postal Box 45, 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, Geneva, Switzerland.

EBU R 068, Alignment level in digital audio production equipment and in digital audio recorders, 2000.

• IEC Publications. International Electrotechnical Commission, 3, rue de Varembe, P.O. Box 131, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland.

IEC 60268-16, Sound System Equipment — Part 16: Objective Rating of Speech Intelligibility by Speech Transmission Index, 2011.

• ISO Publications. International Organization for Stand­ardization, ISO Central Secretariat, BIBC II, 8, Chemin de Blandonnet, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland.

ISO Guide 27, Guidelines for corrective action to be taken by a certification body in the event of misuse of its mark of conformity, 1983.

ISO 9001, Quality management systems — Requirements, 2015.

ISO/IEC 17011, Conformity assessment — General requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies, 2004.

ISO/IEC 17021, Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems, 2011.

ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, 2005, Technical Corrigendum, 2006.

ISO/IEC 17065, Conformity Assessment — Requirements for Bodies Certifying Products, Processes and Services, 2012.

• UL Publications. Underwriters Laboratories Inc., 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2096.

UL 913, Standard for Intrinsically Safe Apparatus and Associated Apparatus for Use in Class I, II, and III, Division 1 Hazardous (Clas­sified) Locations, Sixth edition, 2002.

• S. Government Publications. U.S. Government Publishing Office, 732 North Gapitol Street, NW, Washington DC, 20401-0001.

Statement of Standard for NIOSH CBRNSCBA Testing, 2002.

Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 84, “Respiratory Protective Devices, Tests for Permissibility.”

• Other Publications.

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, Merriam- Webster, Inc., Springfield, MA, 2003.

2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections. (Reserved)

Chapter 3 Definitions

• The definitions contained in this chapter shall apply to the terms used in this standard. Where terms are not defined in this chapter or within another chapter, they shall be defined using their ordinarily accepted meanings within the context in which they are used. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th edition, shall be the source for the ordinarily accepted meaning.
• NFPA Official Definitions.

3.2.1* Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdic­tion.

3.2.2* Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). An organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.

3.2.3 Labeled. Equipment or materials to which has been attached a label, symbol, or other identifying mark of an organ­ization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with product evaluation, that maintains peri­odic inspection of production of labeled equipment or materi­als, and by whose labeling the manufacturer indicates compliance with appropriate standards or performance in a specified manner.

3.2.4* Listed. Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with evaluation of products or services, that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic evalua­tion of services, and whose listing states that either the equip­ment, material, or service meets appropriate designated standards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.

• Indicates a mandatory requirement.
• Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised but not required.
• An NFPA Standard, the main text of which contains only mandatory provisions using the word “shall” to indicate requirements and that is in a form generally suitable for mandatory reference by another standard or code or for adoption into law. Nonmandatory provisions are not to be considered a part of the requirements of a standard and shall be located in an appendix, annex, footnote, informational note, or other means as permitted in the NFPA Manuals of Style. When used in a generic sense, such as in the phrase “standards development process” or “standards development activities,” the term “standards” includes all NFPA Standards, including Codes, Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guides.

3.3 General Definitions.

• An item, or items, that could be attached to a certified product, but are not necessary for the certified prod­uct to meet the requirements of the standard.
• Atmosphere-Supplying Respirator. A respirator that supplies the respirator user with breathing air from a source independent of the ambient atmosphere and includes self¹ contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and supplied air respi­rators (SAR). [See also 3.3.10, Combination SCBA/SAR; 3.3.46, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA); and 3.3.51, Supplied Air Respirator (SAR).]
• Breathing Air. See 3.3.13, Compressed Breathing Air.
• Breathing Air Cylinder. The pressure vessel or vessels that are an integral part of the SCBA and that contain the breathing gas supply; can be configured as a single cylinder or other pressure vessel, or as multiple cylinders or pressure vessels.
• Breathing Air/Gas Container. See 3.3.4, Breathing Air Cylinder.
• Certification Organization. An independent third-party organization that determines product compliance with the requirements of this standard with a labeling/listing/follow-up program.
• Certification/Certified. A system whereby a certification organization determines that a manufacturer has demonstrated the ability to produce a product that complies with the require­ments of this standard, authorizes the manufacturer to use a label on listed products that comply with the requirements of this standard, and establishes a follow-up program conducted by the certification organization as a check on the methods the manufacturer uses to determine continued compliance of labeled and listed products with the requirements of this stand­ard. (See also 3.3.33, NIOSH Certified.)
• The formation of a brittle residue when material is exposed to thermal energy.
• Closed-Circuit SCBA. A recirculation-type SCBA in which the exhaled gas is rebreathed by the wearer after the carbon dioxide has been removed from the exhalation gas and the oxygen content within the system has been restored from sources such as compressed breathing air, chemical oxygen, liquid oxygen, or compressed gaseous oxygen.

3.3.10* Combination SCBA/SAR. An atmosphere-supplying respirator that supplies a respirable atmosphere to the user from a combination of two breathing air sources that both are independent of the ambient environment. [See also 3.3.2, Atmosphere-Supplying Respirator; 3.3.46, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA); and 3.3.51, Supplied Air Respirator (SAR).] 3.3.11 Compliance/Compliant. Meeting or exceeding all applicable requirements of this standard.

3.3.12* Component. Any material, part, or subassembly used in the construction of the compliant product.

3.3.13* Compressed Breathing Air. A respirable gas mixture derived from either normal atmospheric air or from manufac­tured synthetic air, stored in a compressed state in storage cylinders and respirator breathing air cylinders, and supplied to the user in a gaseous form.

• See 3.3.4, Breathing Air Cylinder.
• Demand SCBA. See 3.3.32, Negative Pressure SCBA.
• To run or fall in drops or blobs.
• Abbreviation for emergency breathing safety system.

3.3.17.1 UEBSS. Abbreviation for Universal Emergency Breathing Safety System.

• Emergency Breathing Safety System (EBSS). A device on an SCBA that allows users to share their available air supply in an emergency situation.
• End-of-Service-Time Indicator (EOSTI). A warning device on an SCBA that alerts the user that the reserve air supply is being utilized.
• Fabric Component. Any single or combination of natu­ral or synthetic material(s) that are pliable and that are made by weaving, felting, forming, or knitting.
• The component of an SCBA that covers the wearer’s nose, mouth, and eyes.
• Follow-up Program. The sampling, inspections, tests, or other measures conducted by the certification organization on a periodic basis to determine the continued compliance of labeled and listed products that are being produced by the manufacturer to the requirements of this standard.
• Matter in a gaseous state at standard temperature and pressure.
• Light that is scattered as a result of passing through a transparent object.
• Head and Torso Simulator (HATS). A mannequin with built-in ear and mouth simulators that provides a realistic reproduction of the acoustic properties of an average adult human head and torso.
• Heads-Up Display (HUD). Visual display of informa­tion and system condition status visible to the wearer.
• Identical SCBA. SCBA that are produced to the same engineering and manufacturing specifications.
• The entity that directs and controls any of the following: compliant product design, compliant product manufacturing, or compliant product quality assurance; or the entity that assumes the liability for the compliant product or provides the warranty for the compliant product.
• A response to heat by a material resulting in evidence of flowing or dripping.
• Microphone Measurement Point (MMP). A point 1.5 m in front of and on the axis of the lip position of typical human mouth (or artificial mouth) and 1.5 m above the floor.
• Mouth Reference Point (MRP). A point 50 mm in front of and on the axis of the lip position of a typical human mouth (or artificial mouth).
• Negative Pressure SCBA. An SCBA in which the pres­sure inside the facepiece, in relation to the pressure surround­ing the outside of the facepiece, is negative during any part of the inhalation or exhalation cycle when tested by NIOSH in accordance with 42 CFR 84.

3.3.33* NIOSH Certified. Tested and certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Serv­ices in accordance with the requirements of 42 CFR 84, Subpart H.

• Open-Circuit SCBA. An SCBA in which exhalation is vented to the atmosphere and not rebreathed.
• Pink Noise. Noise that contains constant energy per octave band.
• Positive Pressure SCBA. An SCBA in which the pres­sure inside the facepiece, in relation to the pressure surround­ing the outside of the facepiece, is positive during both inhalation and exhalation when tested by NIOSH in accord­ance with 42 CFR 84, Subpart H.
• Pressure Demand SCBA. See 3.3.36, Positive Pressure SCBA.

3.3.38* Product Label. A marking provided by the manufac­turer for each compliant product containing compliant state­ments, certification statements, manufacturer and model information, or similar data.

• Rapid Intervention Crew/Company Universal Air Connection (RIC UAC). A system that allows emergency replenishment of breathing air to the SCBA of disabled or entrapped fire or emergency services personnel.
• Rated Service Time. The period of time, stated on the SCBA’s NIOSH certification label, that the SCBA supplied au­to the breathing machine when tested to 42 CFR 84, Subpart H.
• Reserve Air Supply. The period of time available for emergency egress, self-rescue, or assisted rescue.
• Abbreviation for rapid intervention crew/ company.
• SAR Abbreviation for supplied air respirator. [See 3.3.51, Supplied Air Respirator (SAR).]
• Abbreviation for self-contained breathing appa­ratus. [See 3.3.46, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).]
• SCBA/SAR. Abbreviation for combination open-circuit SCBA and supplied air respirator. [See 3.3.10, Combination SCBA/SAR; 3.3.46, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA); and 3.3.51, Supplied Air Respirator (SAR).]

3.3.46* Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). An

atmosphere-supplying respirator that supplies a respirable air atmosphere to the user from a breathing air source that is inde­pendent of the ambient environment and designed to be carried by the user.

• Service Life. The period for which compliant product may be useful before retirement.
• Service Time. See 3.3.40, Rated Service Time.
• Sound Pressure Level (SPL). The local pressure devia­tion from the ambient (average, or equilibrium) atmospheric pressure caused by a sound wave.
• Speech Transmission Index (STI). A measure of intelli­gibility of speech quality on a scale of intelligibility, whose values vary from 0 (completely unintelligible) to 1 (perfect intelligibility).

3.3.51* Supplied Air Respirator (SAR). An atmosphere- supplying respirator for which the source of breathing air is not designed to be carried by the user; also known as an airline respi­rator. [See also 3.3.2, Atmosphere-Supplying Respirator; 3.3.10, Combination SCBA/SAR; and 3.3.46, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).]

• Synthetic Breathing Air. A manufactured breathing air that is produced by blending nitrogen and oxygen. (See also 3.3.13, Compressed Breathing Air.)
• Abbreviation for universal air connection.
• Universal Air Connection (UAC). The male fitting, affixed to the SCBA, and the female fitting, affixed to the fill­ing hose, to provide emergency replenishment of breathing air to an SCBA breathing air cylinder. Also known as Rapid Inter­vention Crew/Company Universal Air Connection.
• See 3.3.17.1.

Chapter 4 Certification

4.1 General.

• The process for certification of SCBA as being compliant with NFPA 1981 shall meet the requirements of Section 4.1, General; Section 4.2, Certification Program; Section 4.3 Inspec­tions and Testing; Section 4.4, Recertification; Section 4.5, Manufacturers’ Quality Assurance Program; Section 4.6, Hazards Involving Compliant Product; Section 4.7, Manufactur­ers’ Investigation of Complaints and Returns; and Section 4.8, Manufacturers’ Safety Alert and Product Recall Systems.
• Prior to certification of SCBA to the requirements of this standard, SCBA shall be NIOSH certified.

4.1.2.1 SCBA shall have NIOSH certification as positive pres­sure.

4.1.2.2* SCBA shall have a NIOSH-certified rated service time of at least 30 minutes.

4.1.2.3 SCBA that are NIOSH certified as positive pressure but capable of supplying air to the user in a negative pressure demand-type mode shall NOT be certified to this standard.

• SCBA and accessories that are certified as compliant with NFPA 1981 shall also be certified by NIOSH as compliant with the Statement of Standard for NIOSH CBRN SCBA Testing.
• All SCBA that are labeled as being compliant with this standard shall meet or exceed all applicable requirements specified in this standard and shall be certified. This certifica­tion shall be in addition to, and shall not be construed to be the same as, the NIOSH certification as specifically defined in 3.3.33.
• All certification shall be performed by a certification organization that meets at least the requirements specified in Section 4.2, Certification Program, and that is accredited for personal protective equipment in accordance with ISO/IEC Guide 65, General requirements for bodies operating product certifica­tion systems.
• Manufacturers shall not claim compliance with a portion (s) or segment (s) of the requirements of this standard and shall not use the name or identification of this standard, NFPA 1981, in any statements about their respective product(s) unless the product(s) is certified as compliant to this standard.
• All compliant SCBA shall be listed by the certification organization. The listing shall uniquely identify the certified product by, at a minimum, style, model number, or part number.
• All compliant SCBA shall also have a product label that meets the requirements specified in Chapter 5.
• The certification organization’s label, symbol, or identi­fying mark shall be attached to the product label, shall be part of the product label, or shall be immediately adjacent to the product label.
• The certification organization shall not issue any new certifications for any SCBA to the 2013 edition of this standard on or after the NFPA effective date for the 2018 edition, which is September 3, 2018.
• The certification organization shall not permit any manufacturer to label any SCBA as compliant with the 2013 edition of this standard on September 3, 2019, except when replacement labels or replacement components that bear the certification organization’s label are required.
• The certification organization shall require manufac­turers to remove all certification labels and product labels indi­cating compliance with the 2013 edition of this standard from all SCBA that are under the control of the manufacturer on September 3, 2019. The certification organization shall verify that this action is taken.

4.2 Certification Program.

4.2.1* The certification organization shall not be owned or controlled by manufacturers or vendors of the product being certified.

• The certification organization shall be primarily engaged in certification work and shall not have a monetary interest in the product’s ultimate profitability.
• The certification organization shall be accredited for personal protective equipment in accordance with ISO/IEC Guide 65, General requirements for bodies operating product certifica­tion systems. The accreditation shall be issued by an accredita­tion body operating in accordance with ISO/IEC 17011, Conformity assessment — General requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies.
• The certification organization shall refuse to certify products to this standard that do not comply with all applicable requirements of this standard.

4.2.5* The contractual provisions between the certification organization and the manufacturer shall specify that certifica­tion is contingent on compliance with all applicable require­ments of this standard.

• The certification organization shall not offer or confer any conditional, temporary, or partial certifications.
• Manufacturers shall not be authorized to use any label or reference to the certification organization on products that are not compliant with all applicable requirements of this standard.

4.2.6* The certification organization shall have laboratory facilities and equipment available for conducting proper tests to determine product compliance.

• The certification organization laboratory facilities shall have a program in place and functioning for calibration of all instruments, and procedures shall be in use to ensure proper control of all testing.
• The certification organization laboratory facilities shall follow good practice regarding the use of laboratory manuals, form data sheets, documented calibration and calibration routines, performance verification, proficiency testing, and staff qualification and training programs.
• The certification organization shall require the manufac­turer to establish and maintain a quality assurance program that meets the requirements of Section 4.5, Manufacturers’ Quality Assurance Program.
• The certification organization shall require the manu­facturer to have a product recall system specified in Section 4.8, Manufacturers’ Safety Alert and Product Recall Systems, as part of the manufacturer’s quality assurance program.
• The certification organization shall audit the manufac­turer’s quality assurance program to ensure that the quality assurance program provides continued product compliance with this standard.
• The certification organization and the manufacturer shall evaluate any changes affecting the form, fit, or function of the compliant product to determine its continued certification to the 2018 edition of NFPA 1981.
• The certification organization and the manufacturer shall evaluate replacement parts, components, and add-on accessories to determine any changes affecting the form, fit, or function for SCBA certified to the 2007 edition or the 2013 edition of NFPA 1981 in order for those certifications to accept replacement parts, components, and add-on accessories tested and certified as compliant to the 2018 edition of this standard.
• Replacement parts, components, and add-on accesso­ries for SCBAs certified to the 2007 edition or the 2013 edition of NFPA 1981 shall be approved by NIOSH in accordance with 42 CFR 84, “Respiratory Protective Devices, Tests for Permissi­bility.”

4.2.9* The certification organization shall have a follow-up inspection program of the manufacturing facilities of the compliant product, with at least two random and unannounced visits per 12-month period to verify the product’s continued compliance.

4.2.9.1 As part of the follow-up inspection program, the certif­ication organization shall select sample product at random from the manufacturer’s production line, from the manufac­turer’s in-house stock, or from the open market.

• Sample product shall be evaluated by the certification organization to verify the product’s continued compliance in order to ensure that the materials, components, and manufac­turing quality assurance systems are consistent with the materi­als, components, and manufacturing quality assurance that were inspected and tested by the certification organization during initial certification and recertification.
• The certification organization shall be permitted to conduct specific testing to verify the product’s continued compliance.
• For products, components, and materials where prior testing, judgment, and experience of the certification organiza­tion have shown results to be in jeopardy of not complying with this standard, the certification organization shall conduct more frequent testing of sample product, components, and materials acquired in accordance with 4.2.9.1 against the applicable requirements of this standard.
• The certification organization shall have in place a series of procedures, as specified in Section 4.6, Hazards Involv­ing Compliant Product, that address report (s) of situation (s) in which a compliant product is subsequently found to be hazard­ous.
• The certification organization’s operating procedures shall provide a mechanism for the manufacturer to appeal deci­sions. The procedures shall include the presentation of infor­mation from both sides of a controversy to a designated appeals panel.
• The certification organization shall be in a position to use legal means to protect the integrity of its name and label. The name and label shall be registered and legally defended.

4.3* Inspections and Testing.

• For both certification and recertification of SCBA, the certification organization shall conduct both the inspection and the testing specified in this section.
• All inspections, evaluations, conditioning, and testing for certification or for recertification shall be conducted by a certification organization’s testing laboratory that is accredited in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025,

General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration labo­ratories.

• The certification organization’s testing laboratory’s scope of accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, shall encom­pass testing of personal protective equipment.
• The accreditation of a certification organization’s test­ing laboratory shall be issued by an accreditation body operat­ing in accordance with ISO/IEC 17011, Conformity assessment — General requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies.
• A certification organization shall be permitted to utilize conditioning and testing results conducted by a product or component manufacturer for certification or recertification provided the manufacturer’s testing laboratory meets the requirements specified in 4.3.3.1 through 4.3.3.5.
• The manufacturer’s testing laboratory shall be accredi­ted in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025,

General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration labo­ratories.

• The manufacturer’s testing laboratory’s scope of accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, shall encompass testing of personal protective equipment.
• The accreditation of a manufacturer’s testing labora­tory shall be issued by an accreditation body operating in accordance with ISO/IEC 17011, Conformity assessment — General requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies.
• The certification organization shall approve the manu­facturer’s testing laboratory.
• The certification organization shall determine the level of supervision and witnessing of the conditioning and test­ing for certification or recertification conducted at the manu­facturer’s testing laboratory.
• Sampling levels for testing and inspection shall be estab­lished by the certification organization and the manufacturer to ensure a reasonable and acceptable reliability at a reasona­ble and acceptable confidence level that products certified to this standard are compliant, unless such sampling levels are specified herein.
• Inspection by the certification organization shall include a review of all product labels to ensure that all required label attachments, compliance statements, certification statements, and other product information are at least as specified for the SCBA in Section 5.1, Product Label Requirements.
• Inspection by the certification organization shall include an evaluation of any symbols and pictorial graphic representa­tions used on product labels or in user information, as permit­ted in 5.1.5, to ensure that the symbols are clearly explained in the product’s user information package.
• Inspection by the certification organization shall include a review of the user information required by Section 5.2, User Information, to ensure that the information has been devel­oped and is available.
• Inspection and evaluation by the certification organiza­tion for determining compliance with the design requirements specified in Chapter 6 shall be performed on whole or complete products.
• SCBA and SCBA components shall be subjected to the tests specified in Table 4.3.9 for each series.
• SCBA shall be initially tested for certification and shall meet the performance requirements of three separate test series of Categories A, B, C, D, E, and F, as specified in Table 4.3.9. All tests within Categories A, B, C, D, E, and F shall be conducted in the order specified and are designed as cumula­tive damage tests.
• SCBA fabric, thread, and lens components shall be initially tested for certification and shall meet the performance requirements of one test series of Category G, as specified in Table 4.3.9. SCBA component testing in Category G shall be conducted on test specimens as specified in each respective test method.
• SCBA shall be initially tested for certification and shall meet the performance requirements of one test series for Cate­gory H, as specified in Table 4.3.9 for each EOSTI identified by the product manufacturer. Additional SCBA shall be permitted to be used, where necessary, to conduct all of the Category H tests.
• After certification, compliant SCBA and components of compliant SCBA shall be tested annually within 12 months of previous tests and shall meet the performance requirements of one test series of Categories A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H, as speci­fied in Table 4.3.9.
• A minimum of seven identical SCBA that are to be certified to this standard shall be selected from the manufactur­er’s production.
• The first SCBA shall be subjected to the tests listed in Category A, the second SCBA shall be subjected to the tests listed in Category B, the third SCBA shall be subjected to the tests in Category C, the fourth SCBA shall be subjected to the tests in Category D, the fifth SCBA shall be subjected to the tests in Category E, the sixth SCBA shall be subjected to the tests in Category F, and the seventh SCBA, at a minimum, shall be subjected to the tests in Category H, as shown in Table 4.3.9. Additional SCBA shall be permitted to be used, where neces­sary, to conduct all of the Category H tests.
• Components from SCBA that are to be certified to this standard shall be subjected to the tests specified in Category G of Table 4.3.9. SCBA component testing in Category F shall be conducted on test specimens as specified in each respective test method.
• The requirement specified in 4.3.13 shall be waived every fifth year when the testing required by 4.3.18 is conduc­ted.
• Compliant SCBA shall be tested and shall meet the performance requirements of three separate test series of Cate­gories A, B, C, D, E, and F, as specified in Table 4.3.9, every fifth year from the date of the initial certification testing speci­fied in 4.3.10.
• SCBA fabric, thread, and lens components shall be tested and shall meet the performance requirements of one test series of Category G, as specified in Table 4.3.9, every fifth year from the date of the initial certification testing specified in 4.3.11. SCBA component testing in Category G shall be conducted on test specimens as specified in each respective test method.
• Compliant SCBA shall be tested and shall meet the performance requirements of one test series for Category H, as specified in Table 4.3.9, for each EOSTI identified by the prod­uct manufacturer, every fifth year from the date of the initial certification testing specified in 4.3.12. Additional SCBA shall be permitted to be used, where necessary, to conduct all of the Category H tests.
• The certification organization shall not allow any modi­fications, pretreatment, conditioning, or other such special processes of the product or any product component prior to the product’s submission for evaluation and testing by the certification organization.

4.3.21.1 The certification organization shall accept from the manufacturer for evaluation and testing for certification only 4.3.26 The manufacturer shall maintain all design and performance inspection and test data from the certification organization used in the certification of the manufacturer’s compliant product. The manufacturer shall provide such data, upon request, to the purchaser or authority having jurisdiction.

•  
• All SCBA models that are labeled as being compliant with this standard shall undergo recertification on an annual basis.
• Recertification shall include inspection and evaluation to all design requirements and testing to all performance requirements as required by 4.3.8 and 4.3.13 on all manufac­turer models and components.
• The manufacturer shall maintain all design and performance inspection and test data from the certification organization used in the recertification of manufacturer models and components and shall provide such data, upon request, to the purchaser or authority having jurisdiction.
• Manufacturers’ Quality Assurance Program
• The manufacturer shall provide and operate a quality assurance program that meets the requirements of this section and that includes a product recall system as specified in 4.2.7.1 and Section 4.8, Manufacturers’ Safety Alert and Product Recall Systems.
• The operation of the quality assurance program shall evaluate and test compliant product production to the require­ments of this standard to ensure that production remains in compliance.
• The manufacturer shall be registered to ISO 9001, Qual­ity management systems — Requirements.
• Registration to the requirements of ISO 9001, Quality management systems — Requirements, shall be conducted by a registrar that is accredited for personal protective equipment.
• Where the registrar specified in 4.5.3.1 is currendy accredited for personal protective equipment in accordance with ISO/IEC Guide 17065, Conformity assessment — Require­ments for bodies certifying products, processes and services, that accreditation shall be permitted until 14 September 2008.
• Not later than 14 September 2008, registrars specified in 4.5.3.1 shall be accredited for personal protective equipment in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021, Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of manage­ment systems.
• Any new accreditations for registrars specified in 4.5.3.1 for personal protective equipment shall only be in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021, Conformity assessment — Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of manage­ment systems.

4.5.4* Any entity that meets the definition of manufacturer specified in Section 3.3, General Definitions, and therefore is considered to be the “manufacturer” but that does not manu­facture or assemble the compliant product shall meet the requirements specified in Section 4.5.

4.5.5* Where the manufacturer uses subcontractors in the construction or assembly of the compliant product, the loca­tions and names of all subcontractor facilities shall be docu­mented, and the documentation shall be provided to the manufacturer’s ISO registrar and the certification organization.

4.6 Hazards Involving Compliant Product.

4.6.1* The certification organization shall establish proce­dures to be followed where situation (s) are reported in which a compliant product is subsequently found to be hazardous. These procedures shall comply with the provisions of ISO Guide 27, Guidelines for corrective action to be taken by a certification body in the event of misuse of its mark of conformity, and as modified herein.

4.6.2* Where a report of a hazard involved with a compliant product is received by the certification organization, the certifi­cation organization shall contact NIOSH National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL), and the validity of the report shall be investigated following the procedures estab­lished by NIOSH/NPPTL.

• With respect to a compliant product, a hazard shall be a condition or create a situation that results in exposing life, limb, or property to an imminendy dangerous or dangerous condition.
• Where a specific hazard is identified, the determination of the appropriate action for the manufacturer to undertake shall take into consideration the severity of the hazard and its consequences to the safety and health of users.
• Where it is established that a hazard is involved with a compliant product, the certification organization, in coordina­tion with NIOSH/NPPTL, shall determine the scope of the hazard, including products, model numbers, serial numbers, factory production facilities, production runs, and quantities involved.
• The investigation shall include but not be limited to the extent and scope of the problem as it might apply to other compliant product or compliant product components manu­factured by other manufacturers or certified by other certifica­tion organizations.
• The certification organization, in coordination with NIOSH/NPPTL, shall also investigate reports of a hazard where compliant product is gaining widespread use in applica­tions not foreseen when the standard was written, such applica­tions in turn being ones for which the product was not certified, and no specific scope of application has been provi­ded in the standard, and no limiting scope of application was provided by the manufacturer in written material accompany­ing the compliant product at the point of sale.
• The certification organization, in coordination with NIOSH/NPPTL, shall require the manufacturer of the compli­ant product or the manufacturer of the compliant product component, if applicable, to assist the certification organiza­tion and NIOSH/NPPTL in the investigation and to conduct its own investigation as specified in Section 4.7, Manufacturers’ Investigation of Complaints and Returns.
• Where the facts indicating a need for corrective action are conclusive and the manufacturer has exhausted all appeal rights, the certification organization, in coordination with NIOSH/NPPTL, shall initiate corrective action immediately, provided there is a manufacturer to be held responsible for such action.

4.6.10 Where the facts are conclusive and corrective action is indicated, but there is no manufacturer to be held responsible, such as when the manufacturer is out of business or the manu­facturer is bankrupt, the certification organization, in coordi­nation with NIOSH/NPPTL, shall immediately notify relevant governmental and regulatory agencies and issue a notice to the user community about the hazard.

4.6.11* Where the facts are conclusive and corrective action is indicated, the certification organization, in coordination with NIOSH/NPPTL, shall take one or more of the following corrective actions:

• Parties authorized and responsible for issuing a safety alert shall be notified when, in the opinion of the certifi­cation organization and NIOSH/NPPTL, such a safety alert is necessary to inform the users.
• Parties authorized and responsible for issuing a product recall shall be notified when, in the opinion of the certifi­cation organization and NIOSH/NPPTL, such a recall is necessary to protect the users.
• The mark of certification shall be removed from the product.
• Where a hazardous condition exists and it is not practical to implement 4.6.11(1), 4.6.11(2), or 4.6.11(3), or the responsible parties refuse to take corrective action, the certification organization, in coordination with NIOSH/ NPPTL, shall notify relevant governmental and regulatory agencies and issue a notice to the user community about the hazard.

4.6.12 The certification organization, in coordination with NIOSH/NPPTL, shall provide a report to the organization or individual identifying the reported hazardous condition and notify them of the corrective action indicated or that no correc­tive action is indicated.

4.6.13* Where a change to an NFPA standard(s) is felt neces­sary, the certification organization, in coordination with NIOSH/NPPTL, shall also provide a copy of the report and indicated corrective actions to the NFPA and shall also submit either a Public Proposal for a proposed change to the next revi­sion of the applicable standard or a proposed Temporary Interim Amendment (TIA) to the current edition of the appli­cable standard.

• Manufacturers’ Investigation of Complaints and Returns.
  • Manufacturers shall provide corrective action in accord­ance with ISO 9001, Quality management systems — Requirements, for investigating written complaints and returned products.
  • Manufacturers’ records of returns and complaints rela­ted to safety issues shall be retained for at least 5 years.
  • Where the manufacturer discovers, during the review of specific returns or complaints, that a compliant product or compliant product component can constitute a potential safety risk to end users and is possibly subject to a safety alert or prod­uct recall, the manufacturer shall immediately contact NIOSH/ NPPTL and the certification organization and provide all infor­mation about their review to assist NIOSH/NPPTL and the certification organization with their investigation.
• Manufacturers’ Safety Alert and Product Recall Systems.

4.8.1 Manufacturers shall establish a written safety alert system and a written product recall system that describes the proce­dures to be used in the event that it decides or is directed by the certification organization or NIOSH/NPPTL to either issue a safety alert or conduct a product recall.

4.8.2 The manufacturers’ safety alert and product recall systems shall provide the following:

• The establishment of a coordinator and responsibilities by the manufacturer for the handling of safety alerts and product recalls
• A method of notifying all dealers, distributors, purchas­ers, users, and the NFPA about the safety alert or product recall that can be initiated within a 1-week period follow­ing the manufacturer’s decision to issue a safety alert or to conduct a product recall or after the manufacturer has been directed by NIOSH/NPPTL or the certification organization to issue a safety alert or conduct a product recall
• Techniques for communicating accurately and under­standably the nature of the safety alert or product recall and, in particular, the specific hazard or safety issue found to exist
• Procedures for removing product that is recalled and for documenting the effectiveness of the product recall
• A plan for repairing, replacing, or compensating purchas­ers for returned product

Chapter 5 Labeling and Information 5.1 Product Label Requirements.

• In addition to the NIOSH certification label, each SCBA shall have an SCBA product label, which shall be permanendy and conspicuously attached to the SCBA.
• Multiple label pieces shall be permitted in order to carry all statements and information required to be on the SCBA product label; however, all label pieces of the product label shall be located adjacent to each other.
• The certification organization’s label, symbol, or identi­fying mark shall be attached to both the NIOSH certification label and the SCBA product label or be part of the product labels and shall be placed in a conspicuous location. All letters shall be at least 2.5 mm (%2 in.) in height, and the label, symbol, or identifying mark shall be at least 6 mm (% in.) in height.
• All worded portions of both required product labels shall be at least in English.
• Symbols and other pictorial graphic representations shall be permitted to be used to supplement worded statements on the product label (s).
• The SCBA product label shall bear the following compli­ance statement legibly printed, and all letters and numbers shall be at least 2 mm (%4 in.) in height:

THIS SCBA MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS OF NFPA 1981, STANDARD ON OPEN-CIRCUIT SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS (SCBA) FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES, 2018 EDITION.

DO NOT REMOVE THIS LABEL

• SCBA components, as listed on the NIOSH certification labels, shall be marked direcdy on the component with the lot number, the serial number, or the year and month of manufac­ture.

affected by any of the potential failure modes, as identified in accordance with 6.1.5.3, of all other breathing air pressure gauges.

• The pressure gauge provided as part of the SCBA manu­facturer’s breathing air cylinder and valve assembly shall be readable by a person other than the wearer of the SCBA when the SCBA is worn in accordance with the SCBA manufacturer’s instructions and with the breathing air cylinder securely retained in the SCBA backframe.
• All SCBA shall be equipped with a full facepiece that covers, at a minimum, the wearer’s eyes, nose, and mouth.
• All electric circuits integral to an SCBA or to any SCBA accessories shall be certified to the requirements for Class I, Groups C and D; Class II, Groups E, F, and G, Division 1 hazardous locations specified in UL 913, Standard for Intrinsi­cally Safe Apparatus and Associated Apparatus for Use in Class I, II, and III, Division 1 Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
• All hardware, brackets, and snaps or other fasteners of SCBA or any NIOSH-certified accessories shall be free of rough spots, burrs, and sharp edges.
• All SCBA shall have a voice communications system that, at a minimum, shall consist of a nonelectronic transmis­sion system.
• The voice communications system shall be designed to project sound without other persons needing a receiver to hear the voice communications.
• If the SCBA incorporates an optional electronic Supplementary Voice Communications System, the Supple­mentary Voice Communications System design shall incorpo­rate an indicator that the system is “on.” This indicator shall be permitted to be positioned outside the user’s field of vision with the SCBA facepiece properly donned.
• The optional Supplementary Voice Communications System’s power source shall display a visual alert signal indicat­ing low power capacity.
• The optional Supplementary Voice Communications System shall be designed to be switched off and on manually without the performance of the SCBA being affected.
• Where the optional Supplementary Voice Communi­cations System is automatically activated, the operation of the on/off control shall override the auto activation of the Supple­mentary Voice Communications System without affecting the performance of the SCBA.
• The optional Supplementary Voice Communications System shall be permitted to be equipped with an adjustable volume (gain) control.
• If the SCBA incorporates a removable regulator, two distinct actions for disconnection shall be required prior to withdrawal of the regulator from the facepiece.
• Withdrawal of the regulator shall not be considered one of the two distinct actions.
• Where a double-release mechanism is utilized, actua­tion of a single-release mechanism shall not cause disconnec­tion of the regulator.

6.1.12* The SCBA shall incorporate data logging in nonvola­tile memory and, at a minimum, the following events and data points shall be identified and recorded with the data log and shall also have a date and time stamp for each event and data point in the data log:

• Initial activation pressure
• Pressure when the HUD deactivates
• SCBA pressure on the high pressure side of the first stage pressure reducer
• Transmission of visual information signals for breathing air cylinder content specified in 6.3.9.5.1

• After initial activation, the SCBA shall record pres­sure as specified in 6.1.12(2) at data logging intervals of no more than 30 seconds.
• The SCBA data logging shall incorporate a pressure resolution of no more than 0.7 bar (10 psi) increments.
• The SCBA shall retain a minimum of 36 hours of data collection before data points are overwritten.
• SCBA data logging shall be permitted to cease when the HUD deactivates.
• The data logging information shall be downloadable by the emergency services organization.
• The SCBA wearer’s breathing rate in liters per minute (L/min) shall be reported by the data logging software at least every 30 seconds with a minimum of 5 L/min resolu­tion.
• The SCBA manufacturer shall provide data logging software that shall be capable of creating and exporting a CSV file format that provides, at a minimum, the data points speci­fied in 6.1.12(1) through 6.1.12 (4).

6.2 End-of-Service-Time Indicator (EOSTI) Design Require­ments.

• All SCBA shall be equipped with a minimum of two inde­pendent EOSTI.
• Each EOSTI shall be activated with no additional proce­dures than those required to activate the SCBA breathing system.
• Each EOSTI shall meet the activation requirements of NIOSH certification as specified in 42 CFR 84.
• Each EOSTI shall consist of at least the following:
  • A sensing mechanism
  • A signaling device
• At least one of the two required EOSTI shall be inde­pendent of any other EOSTI.
• The EOSTI sensing mechanism shall activate the signaling device(s).
• The EOSTI signaling devices shall provide notification to the SCBA user of the activation of the EOSTI by stimulating one or more human senses.
• Each EOSTI shall be permitted to have more than one signaling device, and each signaling device shall be permitted to stimulate more than one human sense.
• Where one EOSTI signaling device stimulates only one human sense, the other EOSTI shall stimulate at least one different human sense.
• The design of EOSTI shall be such that the failure of one EOSTI shall not affect the activation and operation of other EOSTI.
• A failure mode and effects analysis shall be provided to the certification organization for each EOSTI.
• The failure mode and effects analysis shall identify each potential failure mode for each component necessary for the EOSTI to function.
• The failure mode and effects analysis shall demon­strate that the activation and operation of both EOSTI speci­fied in 6.2.1 are not affected by any of the potential failure modes, as identified in accordance with 6.2.5.1.1, of all other EOSTI.
• For purposes of the failure mode and effects analysis, power sources other than the air from the SCBA breathing air cylinder shall be considered as part of the EOSTI.
• The EOSTI alarm shall activate at 35 percent, ±2 percent of full cylinder pressure.

6.3 Heads-Up Display (HUD) Design Requirements.

• All SCBA shall be equipped with at least one heads-up display.
• The HUD shall be activated with no additional proce­dures than those required to activate the SCBA breathing system.
• Each time the SCBA breathing system is activated with the breathing air cylinder pressure of 20 bar (290 psi) or greater, the HUD shall provide a visual indication of activation for a minimum of 20 consecutive seconds.
• Where HUD is provided with an external wiring discon­nect, the wring disconnect shall be designed to prevent acci­dental disconnection and shall not be capable of being connected in such a manner as to prevent the pneumatic system and the HUD from operating simultaneously.
• HUD shall provide at least visual displays of alert signals and information.
• All HUD visual displays shall be visible to the SCBA wearer with the SCBA and facepiece properly donned and regardless of the wearer’s head movement.
• HUD shall not use color as the only means of differenti­ating between alert signal displays and informational displays.
• Visual Alert Signals.
• HUD shall display visual alert signals for breathing air cylinder content specified in 6.3.8.5, and for power source condition specified in 6.3.8.6.
• In addition to the mandatory visual alert signals speci­fied in 6.3.8.5 and 6.3.8.6, additional visual alert signals to indi­cate when other status or conditions have occurred shall be permitted.
• All visual alert signals shall be visible for a minimum of 20 consecutive seconds.
• Each visual alert signal shall be identifiable, by the SCBA wearer, from any other visual alert signals or other infor­mational displays provided on HUD or on the SCBA.
• HUD shall display a visual alert signal for breathing air cylinder content when the breathing air in the SCBA cylinder has been reduced to 50 percent of rated service content. This visual alert signal shall visibly flash at a frequency of not less than one per second.
• Where a power source is used for HUD to comply with the requirements of this standard, HUD shall display a visual alert signal for low power source capacity when the remaining power source life will provide a minimum of 2 hours of opera­tion of the HUD at maximum electrical draw.
• The low power source visual alert signal shall be independent from and physically distinguishable from the breathing air cylinder content visual alert signal display.
• The low power source visual alert signal shall be displayed at all times when the power source condition is below the level specified in 6.3.8.6 while the HUD is activated.

6.3.9 Visual Informational Displays.

• HUD shall display visual informational signals for at least breathing air cylinder content as specified in 6.3.9.5.1.
• In addition to the mandatory visual informational signal specified in 6.3.9.5.1, additional visual informational signals to indicate when other status or conditions have occur­red shall be permitted.
• All visual displays of information shall be permitted to flash at a frequency of not less than one per second for a mini­mum of 10 consecutive seconds every 60 seconds.
• Where the visual display is not constandy visible or is not visible for at least 10 consecutive seconds every 60 seconds, the HUD shall be provided with a manual activation of the display. The manual activation shall cause the display to be visi­ble for at least 5 consecutive seconds for each activation.
• HUD shall display a visual informational signal for breathing air cylinder content in at least four increments of the cylinder’s total rated service content from full to 35 percent.
• HUD visual information signals for breathing air cylinder content shall display at 100 percent, 75 percent, 50 percent, and 35 percent.
• Where an analog visual display is used, the gauge shall visually indicate the reserve air zone with a red back­ground.
• Where an electronic visual display is used, the gauge shall visually indicate that reserve air is being utilized with a flash at a frequency of not less than one per second for the remaining duration of the cylinder.
• A display only in units of pressure shall not be permit­ted.

6.4* Rapid Intervention Crew/Company Universal Air Connection (RIC UAC) Design Requirements.

• Each SCBA shall be equipped with an RIC UAC male fitting to allow replenishment of breathing air to the SCBA breathing air cylinder.
• The RIC UAC male fitting shall meet the requirements specified in 6.4.5, and shall be located on each SCBA in a permanendy fixed position.

6.6.11.1 The EBSS access location shall be marked UEBSS in letters that contrast with its background.

6.6.11.1.1 The letters shall be at least 25 mm (1 in.) in height. 6.7 Accessories Design Requirements.

• Items attached to or integrated with SCBA that are not required for the SCBA to meet the requirements of this stand­ard shall be considered as accessories.
• All accessories attached to or integrated with SCBA shall be certified by NIOSH in accordance with 42 CFR 84 for use with that specific SCBA.
• Any accessories attached to SCBA shall not interfere with the function of the SCBA or with the function of any of the SCBA’s component parts.
• Where SCBA are provided with an accessory or accesso­ries that are attached to or integrated with the SCBA, the SCBA, with accessories installed, shall meet all of the design and performance requirements of this standard.
• In all cases, such accessories shall not degrade the performance of the SCBA.

Chapter 7 Performance Requirements 7.1* Airflow Performance.

• SCBA shall be tested for airflow performance as speci­fied in Section 8.1, Airflow Performance Test, and the SCBA facepiece pressure shall not be less than 0.0 mm (0.0 in.) water column and shall not be greater than 89 mm (314 in.) water column above ambient pressure from the time the test begins until the time the test is concluded.
• SCBA shall be tested for activation of EOSTI during the airflow performance testing specified in Section 8.1, Airflow Performance Test, and each EOSTI shall activate as specified in
• and shall continue to operate throughout the remainder of the airflow performance test.
• The SCBA shall be tested for proper functioning of the HUD breathing air cylinder content informational display and visual alert signals during the airflow performance testing specified in Section 8.1, Airflow Performance Test, and the HUD shall display the visual information for the breathing air cylinder content as specified in 6.3.9.5 and shall display the visual alert signal as specified in 6.3.8.5.

7.2 Environmental Temperature Performance.

7.2.1 SCBA shall be tested for environmental temperature performance as specified in Section 8.2, Environmental Temperature Tests.

• SCBA shall be tested for cold environment as specified in 8.2.5.5, Test 1, and the SCBA facepiece pressure shall not be less than 0.0 mm (0.0 in.) water column from the time the test begins until the time the test is concluded, the SCBA facepiece pressure shall not be greater than 89 mm (3V₂) water column above ambient pressure from the time the test begins until the time the test is concluded, and the data logging func­tions specified in 6.1.12(1) through 6.1.12(4) shall be operat­ing properly.
• SCBA shall be tested for hot environment as specified in 8.2.5.6, Test 2, and the SCBA facepiece pressure shall not be less than 0.0 mm (0.0 in.) water column from the time the test begins until the time the test is concluded, the SCBA facepiece pressure shall not be greater than 89 mm (314 in.) water column above ambient pressure from the time the test begins until the time the test is concluded, and the data logging func­tions specified in 6.1.12(1) through 6.1.12(4) shall be operat­ing properly.
• SCBA shall be tested for hot-to-cold environment as specified in 8.2.5.7, Test 3, and the SCBA facepiece pressure shall not be less than 0.0 mm (0.0 in.) water column from the time the test begins until the time the test is concluded, the SCBA facepiece pressure shall not be greater than 89 mm (314 in.) water column above ambient pressure from the time the test begins until the time the test is concluded, and the data logging functions specified in 6.1.12(1) through 6.1.12(4) shall be operating properly.
• SCBA shall be tested for cold-to-hot environment as specified in 8.2.5.8, Test 4, and the SCBA facepiece pressure shall not be less than 0.0 mm (0.0 in.) water column from the time the test begins until the time the test is concluded, the SCBA facepiece pressure shall not be greater than 89 mm (314 in.) water column above ambient pressure from the time the test begins until the time the test is concluded, and the data logging functions specified in 6.1.12(1) through 6.1.12(4) shall be operating properly.

7.2.2 SCBA shall be tested for activation of EOSTI during the environmental temperature performance as specified in Section 8.2, Environmental Temperature Tests.

• SCBA shall be tested for cold environment as specified in 8.2.5.5, Test 1, and each EOSTI shall activate as specified in 6.2.2 and shall continue to operate throughout the remainder of the airflow performance test.
• SCBA shall be tested for hot environment as specified in 8.2.5.6, Test 2, and each EOSTI shall activate as specified in
• and shall continue to operate throughout the remainder of the airflow performance test.
• SCBA shall be tested for hot-to-cold environment as specified in 8.2.5.7, Test 3, and each EOSTI shall activate as specified in 6.2.2 and shall continue to operate throughout the remainder of the airflow performance test.
• SCBA shall be tested for cold-to-hot environment as specified in 8.2.5.8, Test 4, and each EOSTI shall activate as specified in 6.2.2 and shall continue to operate throughout the remainder of the airflow performance test.
• SCBA shall be tested for the proper functioning of the HUD breathing air cylinder content informational display and the visual alert signal during the environmental temperature performance as specified in Section 8.2, Environmental Temperature Tests.
• SCBA shall be tested for cold environment as specified in 8.2.5.5, Test 1, and the HUD shall display the visual informa­tion for the breathing air cylinder content as specified in
• and shall display the visual alert signal as specified in 6.3.8.5.
• SCBA shall be tested for hot environment as specified in 8.2.5.6, Test 2, and the HUD shall display the visual informa­tion for the breathing air cylinder content as specified in 6.3.9.5 and shall display the visual alert signal as specified in 6.3.8.5.
• SCBA shall be tested for hot-to-cold environment as specified in 8.2.5.7, Test 3, and the HUD shall display the visual information for the breathing air cylinder content as specified in 6.3.9.5 and shall display the visual alert signal as specified in 6.3.8.5.
• SCBA shall be tested for cold-to-hot environment as specified in 8.2.5.8, Test 4, and the HUD shall display the visual information for the breathing air cylinder content as specified in 6.3.9.5 and shall display the visual alert signals as specified in 6.3.8.5.
• Vibration Resistance Performance.
• SCBA shall be tested for vibration resistance as specified in Section 8.3, Vibration Test, and the SCBA facepiece pressure shall not be less than 0.0 mm (0.0 in.) water column from the time the test begins until the time the test is concluded, the SCBA facepiece pressure shall not be greater than 89 mm (3!/> in.) water column above ambient pressure from the time the test begins until the test is concluded, the SCBA shall not have movement of the CCA fittings causing a break of any width in the line, and the data logging functions specified in 6.1.12(1) through 6.1.12(4) shall be operating properly.
• SCBA shall be tested for activation of EOSTI during the vibration testing specified in Section 8.3, Vibration Test, and each EOSTI shall activate as specified in 6.2.2 and shall continue to operate throughout the remainder of the airflow performance test.
• The SCBA shall be tested for proper functioning of the HUD breathing air cylinder content informational display and visual alert signals during the vibration testing specified in Section 8.3, Vibration Test, and the HUD shall display the visual information for the breathing air cylinder content as specified in 6.3.9.5 and shall display the visual alert signal as specified in 6.3.8.5.
• Fabric Flame Resistance Performance. All fabric compo­nents of SCBA that are used to secure the SCBA to the wearer shall be tested for flame resistance as specified in Section 8.4, Fabric Flame Tests, and shall have an average char length of not more than 100 mm (4 in.), shall have an average afterflame of not more than 2.0 seconds, and shall not melt or drip.
• Fabric Heat Resistance Performance. All fabric compo­nents of SCBA that are used to secure the SCBA to the wearer shall be tested for heat resistance as specified in Section 8.5, Fabric Heat Tests, and shall not melt or ignite.
• Thread Heat Resistance Performance. All thread used in SCBA components shall be tested for heat resistance as speci­fied in Section 8.6, Thread Heat Test, and shall not melt or ignite.
• Corrosion Resistance Performance.
• SCBA shall be tested for corrosion resistance as specified in Section 8.7, Accelerated Corrosion Test, and any corrosion shall not prohibit the proper use and function, as specified in the manufacturer’s instructions, of any control or operating feature of the SCBA.
• SCBA shall be tested for corrosion resistance as specified in Section 8.7, Accelerated Corrosion Test, and the SCBA face- piece pressure shall not be less than 0.0 mm (0.0 in.) water column from the time the test begins until the time the test is concluded, the SCBA facepiece pressure shall not be greater than 89 mm (3!4 in.) water column above ambient pressure from the time the test begins until the time the test is conclu­ded, and the data logging functions specified in 6.1.12(1) through 6.1.12(4) shall be operating properly.
• SCBA shall be tested for activation of EOSTI during the corrosion resistance testing specified in Section 8.7, Acceler­ated Corrosion Test, and each EOSTI shall activate as specified in 6.2.2 and shall continue to operate throughout the remain­der of the airflow performance test.
• The SCBA shall be tested for proper functioning of the HUD breathing air cylinder content informational display and visual alert signals during the corrosion resistance testing speci­fied in Section 8.7, Accelerated Corrosion Test, and the HUD shall display the visual information for the breathing air cylin­der content as specified in 6.3.9.5 and shall display the visual alert signal as specified in 6.3.8.5.

7.8 Particulate Resistance Performance.

• SCBA shall be tested for particulate resistance as speci­fied in Section 8.8, Particulate Test, and the SCBA facepiece pressure shall not be less than 0.0 mm (0.0 in.) water column and shall not be greater than 89 mm (3!/> in.) water column above ambient pressure from the time the test begins until the time the test is concluded.
• SCBA shall be tested for activation of EOSTI during the particulate resistance testing specified in Section 8.8, Particu­late Test, and the EOSTI shall activate as specified in 6.2.2 and shall continue to operate throughout the remainder of the airflow performance test.
• SCBA shall be tested for proper functioning of the HUD breathing air cylinder content informational display and visual alert signals during the particulate resistance testing specified in Section 8.8, Particulate Test, and the HUD shall display the visual information for the breathing air cylinder content as specified in 6.3.9.5 and shall display the visual alert signal as specified in 6.3.8.5.

7.9* Facepiece Lens Abrasion Resistance Performance. SCBA facepiece lenses shall be tested for abrasion resistance as speci­fied in Section 8.9, Facepiece Lens Abrasion Test, and the aver­age value of the tested specimens shall not exhibit a delta haze greater than 14 percent.

7.10* Nonelectronic Communications Performance Require­ments. The SCBA voice communications system shall be tested for communications performance as specified in Section 8.10, Nonelectronic Communications Test, and shall have a Speech Transmission Index (STI) average value of not less than 0.55.

7.11 Heat and Flame Resistance Performance.

• SCBA shall be tested for heat and flame resistance as specified in Section 8.11, Heat and Flame Test, and the SCBA facepiece pressure shall not be less than 0.0 mm (0.0 in.) water column from the time the test begins until the time the test is concluded, the SCBA facepiece pressure shall not be greater than 89 mm (3!4 in.) water column above ambient pressure from the time the test begins until the time the test is conclu­ded, and the data logging functions specified in 6.1.12(1) through 6.1.12(4) shall be operating properly.
• SCBA and SCBA accessories shall be tested for heat and flame resistance as specified in Section 8.11, Heat and Flame

Test, and no components of the SCBA and no accessories shall have an afterflame of more than 2.2 seconds.

• SCBA shall be tested for heat and flame resistance as specified in Section 8.11, Heat and Flame Test, and no compo­nent of the SCBA shall separate or fail in such a manner that would cause the SCBA to be worn and used in a position not specified by the manufacturer’s instructions.
• The SCBA facepiece shall be tested for heat and flame resistance as specified in Section 8.11, Heat and Flame Test, and the facepiece lens shall not obscure vision below the 20/100 vision criterion.
• SCBA shall be tested for activation of EOSTI during the heat and flame resistance testing specified in Section 8.11, Heat and Flame Test, and each EOSTI shall activate as speci­fied in 6.2.2 and shall continue to operate throughout the remainder of the airflow performance test.
• SCBA shall be tested for functioning of the HUD breathing air cylinder content informational display and visual alert signals during the heat and flame resistance testing speci­fied in Section 8.11, Heat and Flame Test, and the HUD shall display the visual information for the breathing air cylinder content as specified in 6.3.9.5 and shall display the visual alert signal as specified in 6.3.8.5.
• Carbon Dioxide (C0₂) Content Performance. SCBA facepieces shall be tested for C0₂ content as specified in Section 8.12, Facepiece Carbon Dioxide Content Test, and the C0₂ content in the inhalation air shall not be greater than 1.0 percent by volume.
• Additional SCBA EOSTI Performance.
• EOSTI Independent Activation.
• Each EOSTI shall be tested for independent activa­tion as specified in Section 8.13, EOSTI Independent Activa­tion Test, and the activation of the alarm of each EOSTI shall be independent of any other EOSTI.
• After activation of the unblocked EOSTI, the alarm signal shall remain active at least until the cylinder pressure drops below 20 bar (290 psi).
• EOSTI Alarm Recognition. Each EOSTI shall be tested for alarm recognition as specified in Section 8.14, EOSTI Recognition Test, and the EOSTI alarm signal shall be recog­nized in 10 seconds or less.
• Additional SCBA HUD Performance.
• Where HUD incorporates exposed wiring, the wire’s entry into any associated components shall be tested for connection strength as specified in Section 8.15, HUD Wiring Connection Strength Test, and the HUD shall remain func­tional.
• Where a power source is used for HUD to comply with the requirements of this standard, HUD shall be tested for proper functioning of visual alert signals and visual informa­tion displays as specified in Section 8.16, HUD Low Power Source Visual Alert Signal Test, and HUD shall continue to function at maximum current draw for a minimum of 2 hours following the activation of the low power source visual alert signal and shall display the visual alert signals specified in 6.3.8.5 and 6.3.8.6 and shall display the visual information for the breathing air cylinder content as specified in 6.3.9.5.
• HUD shall be tested for wearer visibility as specified in Section 8.17, HUD Visibility Test, and each informational display and visual alert signal shall be observable, distinct, and identifiable in both darkness and bright light.
• Where the HUD displays are external to the facepiece and the gap between the HUD display and the facepiece lens is greater than 1 mm (!/« in.), HUD displays shall be tested for wearer visibility while obscured as specified in Section 8.18, HUD Obscuration Test, and each informational display and visual alert signal shall be observable, distinct, and identifiable.
• HUD shall be tested for disabling glare as specified in Section 8.19, HUD Disabling Glare Test, and the test subject shall be able to read at least 9 out of 10 selected letters when each visual alert signal is activated.
• RIC UAC Performance Requirements.
• SCBA shall be tested for cylinder refill breathing performance as specified in Section 8.20, Cylinder Refill Breathing Performance Test, and the SCBA facepiece pressure shall not be less than 0.0 mm (0.0 in.) water column and shall not be greater than 89 mm (314 in.) water column above ambi­ent pressure from the time the test begins until the time the test is concluded.
• SCBA shall be tested for RIC UAC system fill rate performance as specified in Section 8.21, RIC UAC System Fill Rate Test, and the maximum allowable fill time shall be 3.0 minutes.
• The RIC UAC system connection shall be tested for accessibility as specified in Section 8.23, Cylinder Connections and Accessibility Test, and the RIC UAC shall be connected in a maximum of 15 seconds and shall disconnect in a maximum of 15 seconds.
• Breathing Air Cylinder Performance Requirements.
• The SCBA backframe and cylinder retention device shall be tested for breathing air cylinder and valve assembly retention security as specified in Section 8.22, Breathing Air Cylinder and Valve Assembly Retention Test, and the cylinder and valve assembly shall not change position by more than 25 mm (1 in.).
• The SCBA cylinder valve connection shall be tested for accessibility, attachment, and detachment as specified in Section 8.23, Cylinder Connections and Accessibility Test, and the cylinder and valve assembly shall fully attach to the SCBA in less than 30 seconds, and the cylinder and valve assemble shall fully detach from the SCBA in less than 30 seconds.
• The SCBA RIC UAC connections shall be tested for accessibility, attachment, and detachment as specified in Section 8.23, Cylinder Connections and Accessibility Test, and the breathing air fill hose shall fully attach to the RIC UAC connection in less than 15 seconds, and the breathing air fill hose shall fully detach from the RIC UAC connection in less than 15 seconds.
• Supplementary Voice Communications System Perform­ance Requirements. The SCBA voice communications system, as identified by the SCBA manufacturer, shall be tested for communication performance as specified in Section 8.25, Supplementary Voice Communications System Performance Test, and shall have a Speech Transmission Index (STI) average value of not less than 0.60.
• Heat and Immersion Leakage Performance Require­ments. SCBA electronics shall be tested for resistance to heat and water ingress as specified in Section 8.24, Heat and Immer­sion Leakage Test, and the electronics shall function properly in accordance with the SCBA manufacturer’s instructions for normal use, all power source compartments or enclosures shall remain dry, and the data logging functions specified in 6.1.12(1) through 6.1.12(4) shall be operating properly.
• Low Power Capacity. Where power sources are used to comply with the requirements of this standard, electronic devi­ces shall be tested for proper functioning during low power capacity as specified in Section 8.26, Low Power Capacity Test, and shall continue to properly function at maximum power consumption for a minimum of 2 hours following the activa­tion of the low power source visual alert signal.
• Emergency Breathing Safety System Cold Temperature Performance Requirements.
• The donor and receiving SCBA shall be tested inde- pendendy for airflow performance as specified in Section 8.27, Emergency Breathing Safety System Cold Temperature Performance Test, and the SCBA facepiece pressure shall not be less than 0.0 mm (0.0 in.) water column and shall not be greater than 89 mm (3’/> in.) water column above ambient pressure from the time the test begins until the time the test is concluded.
• Each SCBA shall be tested independently for activation of EOSTI during the airflow performance testing specified in Section 8.1, Airflow Performance Test, and each EOSTI shall activate as specified in 6.2.2 and shall continue to operate throughout the remainder of the airflow performance test.
• Each SCBA shall be tested independently for proper functioning of the HUD breathing air cylinder content infor­mational display and visual alert signals during the airflow performance testing specified in Section 8.1, Airflow Perform­ance Test, and the HUD shall display the visual information for the breathing air cylinder content as specified in 6.3.9.5 and shall display the visual alert signal as specified in 6.3.8.5.
• The SCBA classified as the donor shall start at full cylin­der pressure, and the SCBA classified as the receiving SCBA shall have a pressure of 7 bar, +0.6 bar/-0 bar (100 psi, +10 psi/-0).
• Both SCBA shall be connected through the EBSS and shall be tested for cold environment as specified in Section 8.27, Emergency Breathing Safety System Cold Temper­ature Performance Test, and the SCBA facepiece pressure shall not be less than 0.0 mm (0.0 in.) water column and shall not be greater than 89 mm (3 14 in.) water column above ambient pressure from the time the test begins until the time the test is concluded.
• The donor SCBA shall be tested for activation of EOSTI during the environmental temperature performance as specified in Section 8.27, Emergency Breathing System Cold Temperature Performance Test.
• The donor SCBA shall be tested for the proper func­tioning of the HUD breathing air cylinder content informa­tional display and the visual alert signal during the environmental temperature performance as specified in Section 8.27, Emergency Breathing System Cold Temperature Performance Test.
  • Lens Radiant Heat Resistance Performance.
    • SCBA shall be tested for lens radiant heat resistance as specified in Section 8.28, Lens Radiant Heat Test. SCBA face- piece pressure shall not be less than 0.0 mm (0.0 in.) water column and shall not be greater than 89 mm (3 in.) water column above ambient pressure from the time the test begins until the time the test is concluded.
    • The duration of the test as specified in Section 8.28, Lens Radiant Heat Test, shall not be less than 80 percent of the NIOSH-rated duration for the lowest volume cylinder offered for the SCBA.
  • Elevated Temperature Heat and Flame Resistance Performance.
    • SCBA shall be tested for lens heat and flame resistance as specified in Section 8.29, Elevated Temperature Heat and Flame Resistance Test. SCBA facepiece pressure shall not be less than 0.0 mm (0.0 in.) water column and shall not be greater than 89 mm (3 14 in.) water column above ambient pressure from the time the test begins until the time the test is concluded.
    • The duration of the test as specified in Section 8.29, Elevated Temperature Heat and Flame Resistance Test, shall not be less than 80 percent of the NIOSH-rated duration for the lowest volume cylinder offered for the SCBA.

7.23* Strength of Interface Between Facepiece and Second Stage Regulator Performance.

7.23.1 The SCBA facepiece and second stage regulator shall be tested for strength of interface as specified in Section 8.30, Strength of Interface Between Facepiece and Second Stage Regulator Test, and all components, with the exception of wiring components, shall remain connected.

Chapter 8 Test Methods 8.1 Airflow Performance Test.

• This test method shall apply to complete SCBA.
• Each sample shall be tested as specified in 4.3.9.
• Specimen Preparadon.
• Specimens for conditioning shall be complete SCBA.
• Prior to testing, specimens shall be conditioned for a minimum of 4 hours at an ambient temperature of 22°C, ±3°C (72°F, ±5°F), and relative humidity (RH) of 50 percent, ±25 percent.

8.1.3.3* The air used in the SCBA breathing air cylinders shall comply with the air quality requirements of NFPA 1989.

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• A test headform as specified in Figure 8.1.4.1, or equiv­alent, shall be used.
• A pressure probe shall be attached to the test head- form to monitor facepiece pressure.