Product/Service

Fire Department Services

Source: Air Quality Laboratories, Inc. (AQL)
AQL has developed the AQL TEST KIT as an easy and economical means of collecting samples from a compressed breathing air source that meets the requirements of CGA/ANSI G-7.1-1997
BREATHING AIR TESTING - COMPRESSED
Firefighters involved with interior structural firefighting rely on the air in their SCBA as their life line due to the unknown and Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) atmosphere they work in.  For this reason both OSHA and NFPA have imposed special respiratory and operational requirements for interior structural firefighting.  In addition to specific Respiratory Protection Program requirements the quality of the breathing air in the SCBA must meet a least Grade D (Grade E if also used for SCUBA) criteria.   The required characteristics that should be monitored, per NFPA, on a quarterly basis are:

GRADE D & GRADE E AIR QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS

  • OXYGEN

  • CARBON DIOXIDE

  • TOTAL HYDROCARBONS

  • METHANE

  • CARBON DIOXIDE

  • OIL MIST & PARTICULATES

  • WATER

  • ARGON

  • NITROGEN

Because of the health and safety importance of the Accredited breathing air analyses that are routinely performed, analytical results are available on the next business day following sample receipt at the laboratory. After the review and approval of the analytical data, if it is determined that any tested characteristic exceeds the appropriate Breathing Air Standard the client or data user is immediately notified. If all characteristics meet the appropriate standard the Analytical Report and Certificate of Compliance is sent to the client.

Compressed breathing air sample collection is a critical aspect and relates to the data quality produced in the laboratory. Sensitive laboratory instrumentation cannot reconstitute the integrity of a sample improperly collected. AQL has developed the AQL TEST KIT as an easy and economical means of collecting samples from a compressed breathing air source that meets the requirements of CGA/ANSI G-7.1-1997.

Contact AQL to start your Breathing Air Testing Program today.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM

A written Respiratory Protection Program (RPP) the addresses all aspects of the Fire Departments respiratory procedures is required by OSHA and NFPA. In addition to addressing Breathing Air Quality requirements the RPP documents policy and procedures for such topics as:

  • SELECTION OF RESPIRATORS
  • MEDICAL EVALUATIONS
  • FIT TESTING PROCEDURES
  • PROPER USE OF SCBA
  • SCBA WRITTEN STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
  • TRAINING
  • SCBA IN SERVICE INSPECTION
  • MAINTENANCE
  • PROGRAM EVALUATION
  • RECORD KEEPING
MULTIPLE PROGRAM DISCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE

Air Quality Laboratories, Inc. (AQL), 961 Doral Drive, Bartlett, IL 60103-3030. Tel: 630-830-4018; Fax: 630-830-4185.