FIN 2017-08-08 Item 2C - Purchase - Self Contained Breathing Apparatus and Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus Replacement for Fire Department

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Self -Contained Breathing Apparatus Purchase Project Recommendation Report Introduction 'file Tukwila Fire Department employs the use of Self -Contained Breathing Apparatus (SOBA} in its firefighting operations. Tile SCBAs are made Lip of three main components: the harness, air cylinder, and facepiece, as well as multiple minor components: Heads -up display (HUD), voice amplifier, and air-transfill hose, The current inventory of SCBAs have main components that are over 15 years old and some pieces have parts available to fix thern. The facepieces are consistently failing due to the aging and degradation of the rubber materials. The majority of air cylinders will also reach the end of their service life, in July of 2018, Methodology For this report, we surveyed fire departments throughout King County that had recently purchased or are Currently in the process of purchasing new SCBAs. We were provided samples of their evaluation processes that we could incorporate into our own evaluations. We also observed formal presentations from the sales representatives for both the MSA SOBA and the Scott SCBA. We also provided opportunities for all firefighters to have hands-on scenarios followed by a standardized evaluation form and opportunities for individual input. VISA Currently use MSA and are familiar with overall operations. The proposed 2018 ed. of NFPA 1981-2 requires no hardware updates without buddy - breather, only software updates. Updated facepiece has no outside attachments to get caught on and break. MSA trans -fill will equalize air between SCBAs regardless of air pressure. In-house technicians can make repairs and service SCBAs. - Offer 4500 psi bottles rated for 45 minutes. - 15 -year warranty on all parts which includes electronic parts and bottles. Scott - Do not currently use Scott, and transition to a new style will require more initial training. - The proposed 2018 ed. of NF13A 1981-2 requires hardware retrofitting to be compliant. Upgrades to facepiece require outside attachments which add to weight of mask. Scott gives air to Scott, but will not give air to MSA, and trans -fill will only work if supply air pressure is higher than the bottle needing air. SCBAs are serviced through a contract with the vendor. Offer 5500 psi bottles rated for 45 minutes, however current fill stations do not support 5500 psi, and the increase to a 5500 psi bottle does not increase work tirne. I 0 -year warranty on all parts and 15 -year warranty on the I" stage regulator. 15