Daily SCBA Checks for Confined Space Safety
Before any confined space entry, the breathing apparatus must be right, not assumed, not guessed, but checked properly. In this episode, we walk through a full daily and general inspection of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to ensure it’s safe, functional, and ready to protect the wearer.
Watch the full video:
A safe confined space entry depends heavily on the reliability of breathing apparatus. If something fails an O-ring leak, a damaged hose, a faulty whistle, there’s no second chance.
Daily SCBA checks ensure:
- The equipment seals correctly
- Air supply is stable and within safe limits
- No damage compromises the system
- Failures are caught before the wearer enters the space
Skipping, rushing, or assuming these checks can lead to equipment malfunction when it matters most.
Practical Steps / Key Takeaways
Key elements of the daily and general SCBA check:
- Visual inspection of backplate, harness, fabric, straps, and fixtures
- Cylinder-to-set connection and O-ring integrity
- Pressure reducing valve and high-pressure line condition
- Gauge check glass, whistle port, zero position
- Medium pressure line and demand valve checks
- Mask inspection: visor, harness, spade ends, seal, inhalation/exhalation valves
- Cylinder condition, dates & charging pressure (testing dates + expiry)
- High-pressure leak test by isolating the cylinder
- Whistle test at 55 bar ±5
- Face mask positive pressure and seal test
- Final shutdown and accurate logbook entry
These steps catch damage early and ensure the BA set is safe to use when lives depend on it.
We don’t teach SCBA checks as a tick-box exercise. We teach teams why each step matters, where sets typically fail, what warning signs are most often missed, and how real-world confined space work stresses breathing apparatus.
Good checks aren’t about compliance alone. They’re about confidence: knowing the set will work, knowing the wearer is protected, and knowing you’ve done everything possible to prevent a breathing emergency underground or in a confined environment.
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Looking after your kit
Even the best kit needs regular inspection and servicing. we have a team of fully trained PPE inspectors who can take the worry out of the process. Our servicing team are fully certified to carry out the servicing requirements for many of the leading rescue devices currently on the market.
