Air Pack Info...

    This week's training takes us to the warm and cozy 83's where Captain Rick Scott reviewed the finer points of using our Scott air packs. Overall Rick gave a pretty good training. I know, I know -I was surprised too!

Here's some good things to remember...

During your morning pack checks:
     Check your lights and electronic sounds. This includes the Heads Up Display (HUD) and your PASS alarm.
     Check your Vibra-Alert in your regulator.
     Make sure that both the Air bottle pressure gauge and the harness pressure gauge read within 100 psi of each other.

And don't forget to check your buddy breather, too!

The Heads Up Display


The lights will all be on when the system check is initiated.

When two green lights remain during use, your bottle is full or close to 100%

One green light means 75%

When the green lights expire and the yellow light comes on then you are at 50%

The Vibra-Alert will come on when the red light comes on denoting 25% of your air is left. At This point we are to be out of the structure in a safe environment.

*At this point we should be out of the structure in a safe environment*

The red light to the far right is the low battery alert.

Here are a few problems that Capt Scott has been noticing


     First of all, if you have a problem on your pack that needs attention, Rick says to tell your officer so they can enter it into Filemaker. This is important because they can track issues for each specific pack.

     Air masks are expensive. It's much cheaper to protect them with the bag we were issued. If you don't have one or need an extra one, enter it into Filemaker. We are encouraged to order an extra one.

     On older pack models, there is a problem with the frame breaking at one of the welds. This is probably caused by having too much pressure on the bottle strap.

     Check your pack for this and if you see it, enter it into Filemaker and have it switched out. The newer design places this weld at a different spot higher in the frame so this is no longer an issue.
     There have been a number packs that have received damage to the wiring which runs from the power management area (where the batteries are) upward toward the shoulder straps. This is caused by inadvertently pulling on them during drills when we drag each other around the tower. Please avoid this by using the built-in handle at the top of the pack or by being more careful.

     Speaking of dragging each other around, some of the bottles are sustaining abrasive damage to the carbon fiber wrap. This layer is very thin and is easily worn away by concrete. Just take it easy.
     Finally, keep the packs clean. Wash them off after a fire and wipe dry. Use a brush of you have to. This pack apparently was not up to snuff...

We can now change our own batteries. Pretty easy really. Follow closely...

Step 1: Find a screwdriver, flat or phillips.

Step 2: Unscrew the battery compartment cover

Step 3: Replace the six AA batteries inside with SIX NEW ONES. There are pictures inside showing
you how they go in.

Step 4: Replace the cover, turning an additional 1/4 turn after it gets snug.

We also trained a bit on the new air bottle fill station at the 83's and the Pack Tracker which will be carried on both the BC and Safety buggies. Be sure to get familiarized and do some training!

-MAG