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Self Contained Breathing Apparatus

When your fire department needs new self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA equipment or equipment maintenance, Hawkeye Fire & Safety can help. Sometimes referred to as a Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus (CABA) or simply Breathing Apparatus (BA), these air tanks are worn by rescue workers, firefighters, and others to provide breathable air in a hostile environment.

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When not used underwater, as SCUBA gear is, they are sometimes called industrial breathing sets. The term “self-contained” means that the breathing set is not dependent on a remote supply (e.g., through a long hose).

Hydrostatic Testing is Available Here

Hydrostatic testing is required on all SCBA cylinders per 49 CFR 180.205. The frequency of the maintenance depends upon the cylinder material:• Steel cylinders should be tested every five years. They have an indefinite service life until they fail a hydro test.

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  • Aluminum cylinders (not including hoop-wrapped) should be tested every five years. They have an indefinite service life until they fail a hydro test.

  • Hoop-wrapped cylinders should be tested every three years. Hoop-wrapped cylinders have a 15-year service life.

  • Fully wrapped fiberglass cylinders should be tested every three years. They have a 15 year service life.

  • Fully wrapped Kevlar cylinders should be tested every three years. They have a 15-year service life.

  • Fully wrapped carbon fiber cylinders should be tested every five years. They have a 15-year service life.

SCBA, Self Contained Breathing Apparatus

SCBA Posi-checking for NFPA Compliance

PosiChek runs NFPA-compliant SCBA operational readiness and performance tests and stores the results for printing or retrieval at any time.


Per NFPA 1852, SCBAs must be tested on a calibrated breathing machine before being put into service, and at least once a year thereafter.

Manufacturers Sites

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