In order for work in RPE to be safe and the combat mission successfully completed, each member of the unit needs to know and comply with certain safety requirements when working, checking and connecting systems.
Maintenance and the procedure for checking RPE 1 and 2, as well as other work, are carried out in accordance with the standards and deadlines, as well as special documentation.
The results of the relevant work are recorded in special registration logs.
Basic concepts of RPE operation
PPE is a device that is designed to protect the senses (breathing and vision) of a person in special conditions.
Insulating protective equipment not only protects the respiratory organs from the effects of harmful substances, but also supplies the protector with breathable air (for example, a compressed air apparatus, oxygen insulatinggas mask, etc.).
Each product has an individual protective time.
Basic requirements for firefighters PPE
- Long protection time (at least 60 minutes).
- Wide range of operating temperatures (from -40 to 60 °C), and for the northern regions from -50 to 60 °C.
- An oxygen gas mask must protect human organs for at least 6 hours.
- The given gas mask must work in the temperature range from -40 to 60 °С.
Breathing apparatuses are subdivided depending on the climatic version into devices for general and special purposes. The procedure for checking 1 RPE is individual for each type of protective equipment.
Putting on, taking off and storage of PPE
Putting on and taking off protective equipment is made only after the command is given by the senior member of the team. When working with a gas mask, you need:
- Remove the helmet and hold it in a comfortable position.
- Start the lung machine (to do this, take a few breaths from the protective equipment system).
- Release the air from under the mask.
- Put on a protective helmet.
When working with a breathing apparatus, you should:
- Take off the helmet and hold it between your knees.
- Put on a protective mask.
- Put on the rescue device bag.
- Put on a helmet.
Important! It is forbidden to turn on devices without observing the procedure for checking 1 RPE. preparatory andthe executive command of the senior officer is: “GZDS link, turn on gas masks (apparatuses).”
Types and purpose of checks
The main checks of protective equipment include:
1. Working. This type of maintenance is carried out to check the serviceability of individual parts of the device and the correct functioning of it. It is performed directly by the owner of the PPE under the guidance of a senior officer. Checking is carried out before each inclusion in RPE. When conducting such a check, you must:
- conduct a visual inspection of the front part for damage to the elements;
- test the airway system for tightness, serviceability of the pulmonary apparatus and the pressure at which the alarm device is triggered;
- Last of all, the air pressure in the cylinder is checked by measuring instruments.
2. Check procedure 1 RPE includes:
- testing the he alth of the front part;
- inspection of the machine for faults;
- undermask pressure measurement;
- checking the tightness of pressure lines, air duct system;
- inspection of the gearbox.
3. Check No. 2 - the type of maintenance that is carried out during the operation of RPE, and also at least once a month, if RPE was not used during this time.
4. Check No. 3 - the type of maintenance carried out on time, inin full and with a specified frequency, but at least once a year. All RPEs in operation and in reserve, as well as those requiring complete disinfection of all components and parts, are subject to verification.
The tightness of the pressure lines is investigated in accordance with the procedure for testing 1 RPE SCUD.
Check No. 2 is carried out after check No. 3, disinfection, replacement of regenerative cartridges and cylinders, fixing the product to the gas and smoke protector. This check should be done at least once a month and after each use.
The tightness of the air duct system is checked in stages:
- First, the fitting of the rescue device is connected to the adapter;
- then the main breathing machine turns off;
- then the cylinder valve opens and the air system of the device is filled;
- after closing the valve, the system is kept for another 1 minute;
- if the pressure does not exceed 1 MPa, the system is working.
Important! If malfunctions are detected, any means of protection is withdrawn from the combat crew and sent to the GZDS base for repair. A spare apparatus is issued for replacement.
Rules for storing PPE at posts and cars
After the inspection of 1 RPE, the procedure for which is established by law, protective equipment is placed in special storage places. Serviceable and defective devices should be stored in special lockers or cells in the correct position. Each place is equipped with a sign indicating the inventory number and information about the owner.
Each apparatus stored at the GDZS post must be clean and usable.
When checking, pay attention to the expiration date of individual parts of the device (for example, regenerative cartridges, oxygen cylinders).
When transporting PPE to the point of inspection or repair, special boxes with cells are used.
Working check DASA
Immediately before each inclusion in the breathing apparatus, the gas and smoke protector checks 1 RPE.
The procedure for conducting DSIA is to go through the following steps:
- Conducting an external examination of the mask, the reliability of the connection of the lung machine.
- Next, the tightness of the air duct system is tested. At the same time, tightly apply the mask to the face and take a small breath. The system is considered he althy if there is a lot of resistance during inhalation.
- After the above operations, the serviceability of the lung machine, outlet valve, pressure values is checked.
- The final stage is the report to the flight commander.
Checking security using settings
With the help of settings, for example, KU 9V, you can check 1 PPE "Omega". The procedure is divided into several points:
- Checking the he alth of the mask and devices by inspection.
- Testing the operation of the lung machine, the magnitude of the exhalation valve actuation,excess pressure in the space under the mask. To do this, turn off the machine, open the valve, move the lever to the non-working position with a slight movement. Then smoothly operate the pump until the pressure rises. After that, move the lever to the working position and observe the readings of the manometer. When the pressure stops rising, the exhalation valve opens. Normal indicators are: excess pressure in the space under the mask from 200 to 400 Pa, valve actuation value 600 Pa.
- At the end of testing, pressure readings are recorded and the tightness of the apparatus systems is checked. To do this, the installation hose is connected, the cylinder valve is opened. Next, you should take readings from the high pressure gauge in the cylinder (0.45-0.9 MPa is considered the norm).
- To test the additional air supply device and the moment the alarm device is triggered, the additional supply is turned on. It is considered serviceable if there is a characteristic sound of air bleeding and a special sound signal.
- To check the air pressure, open the cylinder valve and record the pressure gauge readings. The normal working pressure is 25.3 MPa (for DSW - 260 kgf/cm2).
Working parameters of RPE "Profi"
This breathing apparatus has the following performance characteristics:
- protective action time under normal conditions - 60 minutes, in emergency - up to 40 minutes;
- curb weight - 16 kg, with rescue device - 17 kg;
- workingcylinder pressure - 10 atm;
- outlet breathing resistance - 350 MPa;
- working time when the alarm device is triggered - at least 10 minutes;
- average service life is 10 years.
The procedure for checking 1 RPE "Profi-M" is similar to the above.
Regulatory documentation for RPE testing
Each subdivision of the GZDS is obliged to check 1 RPE. The procedure, Order No. 3 of January 9, 2013, which was developed and signed by the Ministry of Civil Defense, is carried out by all services in the country.
The personnel of the service must know and follow these rules and orders, carefully monitor the condition of personal protective equipment.
The provisions of the orders apply to the personnel of the centers for civil defense, emergency situations and disaster management, specially authorized bodies (Ministry of Emergency Situations and their units).
Responsibility for the condition of instruments, apparatus and training of personnel lies with the senior in rank in the unit.
