What steps should be taken when a regulator shows signs of damage or poor performance?

What steps should be taken when a regulator shows signs of damage or poor performance?

• A. Remove from service, tag out, and arrange repair by qualified personnel.
• B. Continue operation with reduced expectations until replacement is available.
• C. Record the issue but do not tag out.
• D. Note the issue and continue using until the end of shift.

Answer: (C)

When a regulator shows signs of damage or poor performance, you must take immediate action to protect the breathing air supply. Remove the unit from service right away, apply a tag-out so others do not attempt to use it, and arrange repair by qualified personnel. The regulator is a critical safety component that determines the pressure and flow of breathing air; a fault can cause insufficient or unpredictable air delivery, which can put the wearer at serious risk. Tag-out communicates that the equipment is not to be used until it has been inspected and repaired by someone trained to service SCBA equipment. If a known-good spare is available, you can use that to maintain safe operation while the damaged regulator is being repaired. Continuing to use the regulator despite damage, or merely noting the issue without preventing use, or using it until the end of the shift, are unsafe practices that can lead to hazardous breathing conditions.

When a regulator shows signs of damage or poor performance, you must take immediate action to protect the breathing air supply. Remove the unit from service right away, apply a tag-out so others do not attempt to use it, and arrange repair by qualified personnel. The regulator is a critical safety component that determines the pressure and flow of breathing air; a fault can cause insufficient or unpredictable air delivery, which can put the wearer at serious risk. Tag-out communicates that the equipment is not to be used until it has been inspected and repaired by someone trained to service SCBA equipment. If a known-good spare is available, you can use that to maintain safe operation while the damaged regulator is being repaired. Continuing to use the regulator despite damage, or merely noting the issue without preventing use, or using it until the end of the shift, are unsafe practices that can lead to hazardous breathing conditions.