How often should cylinders be replaced?

How often should cylinders be replaced?

• A. 10 yrs
• B. 15 yrs
• C. 20 yrs
• D. 25 yrs

Answer: (B)

High‑pressure SCBA cylinders have a finite service life due to material fatigue and safety limits. For standard firefighter SCBA cylinders, the typical replacement interval is 15 years from the date of manufacture. After that date, the cylinder must be retired and replaced, even if it appears to be in good condition or passes tests. Regular hydrostatic testing (often every 5 years) checks for structural integrity, but it does not reset or extend the overall 15‑year life. Some cylinder types may have different lifespans, but 15 years is the common standard you’ll see in practice.

High‑pressure SCBA cylinders have a finite service life due to material fatigue and safety limits. For standard firefighter SCBA cylinders, the typical replacement interval is 15 years from the date of manufacture. After that date, the cylinder must be retired and replaced, even if it appears to be in good condition or passes tests. Regular hydrostatic testing (often every 5 years) checks for structural integrity, but it does not reset or extend the overall 15‑year life. Some cylinder types may have different lifespans, but 15 years is the common standard you’ll see in practice.