PPE CASE 

Personal Protective Equipment Conformity Assessment Studies and Evaluations 

Evaluation of a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Involved in a 

Fatality and a Near Miss While Operating at a Structure Fire 

NIOSH Division of Safety Research DSR Clinton Fire 

Department Request for two MSA Model G1 

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducts a

Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program, which is executed 

by its Division of Safety Research. In support of this Program, NIOSH’s 

National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) inspects and 

evaluates the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) that was being 

used by the fire fighter during a fatality. 

This report provides a summary of NPPTL’s inspection and evaluation 

methods, as well as findings, for two SCBAs that were being used by 

two fire fighters while operating at a silo fire. The SCBAs used were 

both MSA Model G1, 4500 psi, 45-minute units. The NIOSH Division 

of Safety Research (NIOSH/DSR) and the Clinton Fire Department 

were advised that NIOSH NPPTL would provide a written report of 

the investigation and any applicable test results. 

What NIOSH Did to Protect the Worker 

NIOSH evaluated two SCBAs 

involved in a fatality and 

near miss while the fire 

fighters operated at a 

structure fire. The SCBAs 

were not found to contribute 

to the fatality or near miss. 

A qualified service 

technician must inspect, 

repair, test, clean, and 

replace damaged 

components of any SCBA 

involved in an incident 

before it may be returned to 

service. 

Upon receipt of the SCBAs, NPPTL managed the custody of evidence throughout the entire inspection and 

evaluation process at its Morgantown, West Virginia facility. NPPTL staff inspected all SCBA components and 

documented their findings with written and photographic evidence. NIOSH assigned Task Number TN-22941 to 

identify the units. NPPTL also tested the SCBAs to determine conformance to the NIOSH approval requirements 

as outlined in Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 84 (42 CFR 84). Further testing was conducted to 

provide an indication of the conformance of the SCBA to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Airflow 

Performance requirements of NFPA 1981, Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus for the 

Fire Service, 2013 Edition. If the inspection or evaluation data suggested that the SCBA units may have 

contributed to the fatality and near miss event, NPPTL would have engaged in corrective action to ensure that 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

no other users of the product would experience a fatal event. In this case, no such corrective action was 

necessary. NPPTL then managed the disposition of the SCBA. 

Chain of Custody 

The SCBA units were delivered to NIOSH NPPTL investigators, from the NIOSH Division of Safety Research 

(DSR), who were assigned to investigate the Clinton Fire Department fatality and near miss event. They 

delivered the units to Lab H1513 for secure storage at the NIOSH facility in Morgantown, West Virginia on 

February 14, 2019. The SCBA units remained in secure storage in Lab H1513 throughout the inspection and 

testing process. 

SCBA Inspection 

On February 18, 2019, NPPTL employees Jay Tarley and Angie Andrews inspected the SCBA units. The units were 

identified as Clinton Fire Department SCBAs and visually examined the devices, component by component, in the 

condition received to determine the conformance of the units to the NIOSH-approved configuration. The units 

were MSA Model G1, 4500 psi, 45-minute units, with NIOSH Approval Number TC-13F-0787CBRN. 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 2 
 

As received (pictured below) SCBA unit 1 

• SCBA unit 1 was hand delivered to Lab H1513 by NIOSH DSR investigators

• Cylinder was received empty, closed, and completely threaded to the cylinder attachment

• Bypass was partially open

• Facepiece was included

Figure 1: SCBA unit 1 as received 

Figure 2: SCBA unit 1 as received 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 3 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Components and Observations for SCBA unit 1 (Figure 2) (“Right” or “left” are from the user’s 

perspective) (see Figures in Appendix) 

Facepiece (Figures 5-9) 

• Facepiece seal P/N: 10161810; M/N: 7-2771-1: CE 0158; EN 

136:1998 CL3+ 

• Medium size 

• Nosecup; M/N: 7-2774-1 

• Other markings in nosecup: 10144170 vmq< 

• Nosecup valve: 10144193 

• Lens scratched and dirty 

• MMR housing was dirty but in good condition 

• HUD present 

• Hairnet was in good condition with dirt present 

• All straps and buckles functioned properly 

Mask Mounted Regulator (MMR) (Figures 10-11) 

• MMR label on front: MSA; M/N: 7-2779-1 

• Overall condition was dirty with signs of physical damage 

• Cracked and missing housing next to bypass 

• MMR was secured to low pressure line 

• Bypass partially open 

• Inside flange had normal wear and in good condition 

• Sealing area was fair and dirty 

• Regulator could be attached and removed 

• Outer rubber casing dirty with minor scratches 

Low Pressure Regulator Hose (Figure 12) 

• Secured at all attachment points 

• Line was in good condition 

• Line passed through the shoulder strap to the reducer 

Pressure Reducer Assembly (Figures 13-14) 

• Overall condition was good 

• All airline connections were secure 

• All lines going to the pressure reducer were in good condition 

• 4500 Psi; 2615321 

PASS Control Module (Figures 15-16) 

• Lines to control module looked good 

• Gauge lens was readable 

• Protective casing was good and in place 

• Protective casing mfr date medallion 3/2015 

• P/N: 10144966; M/N: 7-2816-1 

High Pressure Hose and Cylinder Attachment (Figures 17-19) 

• High pressure reducer S/N: 7-2843-1 JS 

• High pressure line scratches, dirty 

• High pressure hose marking FW1128-04-329 

• Cylinder quick connect attachments were dirty 

• Pressure relief valve P/N: 10036292 

• Hose going into power module is damaged 

ExtendAire II EBSS (Emergency Breathing Support System) 

(Figures 20-21) 

• Quick Connect snap tite 9847-22; 3215 

• P/N: 10157416; M/N: 7-2941-1 

• Other markings: C162-1; 1534; FD 17-1082-10-04 

• Fair condition; covered with soot 

• Rubber cover; P/N: 10149646 

• Sleeve was frayed 

PASS Power Module (Figures 22-24) 

• SEI label:07-2015; 10148687 4500 psi; RFID 

• PASS met requirements of NFPA 1982: Standard on Personal 

Alert Safety Systems (PASS) 2013 edition 

• FCC ID: P9R-10154953, RPN 10069330, QOQWT32AE 

• SCBA containing power module; M/N: 7-2810-1 

• Overall condition was good, but dirty with debris 

• Not held securely to backframe; backframe broken 

• Power module battery was not in box 

Backframe Assembly (Figures 25-27) 

• SEI label 1981-2013 edition 

• NIOSH Approval Number label: TC-13F-0787CBRN 

• Extensive physical damage, broken in multiple places 

• Cylinder retaining strap damaged/bent 

• Dirt and debris were found everywhere 

• Shoulder straps were attached to the frame; frame broken 

Straps and Buckles (Figure 28) 

• Overall condition of straps was good, but dirty 

• Hose lines passed through shoulder straps 

• All adjustable buckles moved and held in place 

• Waist area buckle latched but was not attached to backframe 

Compressed Air Cylinder and Cylinder Valve Assembly 

(Figures 29-31) 

• DOT-SP 10915-4500; TC-SU 5134-310 

• Luxfer P/N: L66b-7 

• AJK 20806; REE 127 

• MSA; M/N: 7-1348-1 

• Mfr hydrostatic date: 9/15; 45 minute, 4500 PSI 

• Gauge was readable; Received empty 

• Overall condition was poor with deep gouges 

• Threads were good 

• O-ring was present and in good condition 

• Rubber bumper at base of cylinder valve was in good 

condition 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 4 
 

 

 

 

 

As received (pictured below) SCBA unit 2 

• SCBA unit 2 was hand delivered to Lab H1513 by NIOSH DSR investigators

• Cylinder was received empty, closed, and completely threaded to the cylinder attachment

• Bypass was partially open

• Facepiece was not included

Figure 3: SCBA unit 2 as received 

Figure 4: SCBA unit 2 as received 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Components and Observations for SCBA unit 2 (Figure 4) (“Right” or “left” are from the user’s perspective) (see 

Figures in Appendix) 

Facepiece was not provided 

Mask Mounted Regulator (MMR) (Figures 32-33) 

• MMR label on front: MSA; M/N: 7-2779-1 

• Overall condition was fair but dirty 

• MMR was secured to low pressure line 

• Bypass partially open 

• Inside flange had normal wear and in good condition 

• O-ring and seal ring area were fair and dirty 

• Outer rubber casing dirty with minor scratches 

Low Pressure Regulator Hose (Figure 34) 

• Secured at all attachment points 

• Line was in good condition 

• Line passed through the shoulder strap to the reducer 

Pressure Reducer Assembly (Figures 35-38) 

• Overall condition was good; backframe broken in area 

• All lines to pressure reducer were secure; in good condition 

• 4500 Psig; 7-2785-1; 2717098 

• Universal Air Connection (UAC) found with cap off; in good 

condition 

PASS Control Module (Figures 39-40) 

• Lines to PASS control module looked good 

• Gauge lens was readable 

• Protective casing was good and in place 

• Protective casing mfr date medallion 1/2015 

• P/N: 10144966 4500/5500 psi 

• M/N: 7-2816-1 

High Pressure Hose and Cylinder Attachment (Figures 41-42) 

• High pressure S/N: 7-2789-1 

• High pressure hose P/N: FW1123-04-329 

• High pressure line scratched, dirty; dislodged from backframe 

• Cylinder quick connect attachments were dirty 

• Pressure relief valve P/N: 10036292 

ExtendAire II EBSS (Emergency Breathing Support System) 

(Figures 43-44) 

• Overall condition was good 

• Quick Connect snap tite 9847-22; 3415 

• P/N: 10157416; M/N: 7-2941-1 

• Other markings: C162-1; 1534; FD 17-1082-10-04 

• Rubber cover: P/N 10149646 

PASS Power Module (Figures 45-47) 

• SEI label: 07-2015; 10148687 4500 psi; RFID 

• PASS met requirements of NFPA 1982: Standard on Personal 

Alert Safety Systems (PASS) 2013 edition 

• FCC ID P9R-10154953, RPN 10069330, QOQWT32AE 

• SCBA containing power module M/N 7-2810-1 

• Electrical lines to the HUD and speaker were both broken 

away from module 

• Overall condition looked fair, but dirty 

• Not held securely to backframe, backframe broken 

• Power module battery was not in box 

Backframe Assembly (Figures 47-48) 

• S/N: 7-N/A 

• SEI label 1981-2013 edition 

• NIOSH Approval Number label: TC-13F-0787CBRN 

• Other marking: 10158404; FD label with E 101C 

• Extensive physical damage 

• Cylinder retaining strap broken 

• Dirt and debris were found everywhere 

• Right shoulder strap was broken from the frame at the 

bottom 

Straps and Buckles (Figure 49) 

• Overall condition of straps was good, but dirty 

• Hose lines passed through shoulder straps 

• All adjustable buckles moved and held in place 

• Waist area buckle latched but was not attached to backframe 

Compressed Air Cylinder and Cylinder Valve Assembly 

(Figures 50-54) 

• DOT-SP 10915-4500; TC-SU 5134-310 

• Luxfer P/N L66B-7 

• AJK 20846; REE 127 

• MSA M/N 7-1348-1 

• Mfr hydrostatic date: 9/15; 45 minute, 4500 PSI 

• Overall condition was fair, with gouges 

• Gauge was readable; received empty 

• Threads were good 

• O-ring was present and in good condition 

• Rubber bumper at base of cylinder valve was in fair condition 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 6 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCBA Testing 

The SCBA unit 1 was tested using the six NIOSH test methods and one NFPA test method as described in Table 1. 

*A replacement cylinder was used for testing due to damaged cylinders and a replacement facepiece was used on the Positive Pressure and Rated 

Service Time Test. 

Table 1. Summary of results from testing SCBA unit against established NIOSH SCBA certification tests. 

NIOSH Tests Description of Results PASS/ 

FAIL 

Positive Pressure Test - NIOSH Standard Test Procedure Number 120, 42 CFR Part 84 Reference: 

Subpart H, § 84.70 (a)(2)(ii) 

Requirement: 

The pressure inside the facepiece in relation to the immediate environment is positive 

during both inhalation and exhalation. 

Procedure: 

A breathing machine with a 622 kg.-m./min cam operating at 24 RPM with a 40 liters per minute 

flow rate (115 liters per minute peak flow) is connected to an anthropometric head for cycling. A 

pressure tap in the head is connected to a transducer which in turn is connected to a strip chart 

recorder for determining the pressure in the facepiece. 

The unit met the test requirements. The 

inhalation breathing resistance did not become 

negative during the test. The PASS, digital remote 

and HUD were not functional (battery was not 

included in shipping container). 

Inhalation Breathing Resistance: (inches of 

water column) = 0.1 PASS 

Rated Service Time Test - NIOSH Standard Test Procedure Number 121, 42 CFR Part 84 Reference: 

Subpart F, § 84.53 (a) and Subpart H, § 84.95 (a) and (b) 

Requirement: 

Service time will be measured while the apparatus is operated by a breathing machine as described 

in § 84.88. The open-circuit apparatus will be classified according to the length of time it supplies air 

or oxygen to the breathing machine. Classifications are listed in § 84.53. 

Procedure: 

A breathing machine with a 622 kg.-m./min cam operating at 24 RPM with a 40 liters per minute 

flow rate is connected to an anthropometric head for cycling. A pressure tap in the head is 

connected to a transducer which in turn is connected to a strip chart recorder for determining the 

pressure in the facepiece. The breathing machine is run until the inhalation portion of the breathing 

curve falls below the minimum requirement. 

The unit met the test requirements. The 

measured service time (adjusted to correspond 

with the recorded breathing cycles) was more 

than the rated service time of 45 minutes. The 

SCBA did not go negative on inhalation therefore, 

maintained positive pressure in the facepiece. 

The PASS did not function (battery was not 

included in shipping container). 

Measured Service Time: 

49 Minutes 32 Seconds PASS 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 7 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Static Pressure Test - NIOSH Standard Test Procedure Number 122, 42 CFR Part 84 Reference: 

Subpart H, § 84.91 (d) 

Requirement: 

The static pressure (at zero flow) in the facepiece shall not exceed 38 mm (1.5 inches) water column 

height. 

Procedure: 

The facepiece is fitted to an anthropometric head for testing. A pressure tap in the head is 

connected to a calibrated manometer. Full cylinder pressure is applied to the unit at zero flow and 

a reading from the manometer is recorded. 

The SCBA met the test requirement. 

Facepiece Static Pressure: (inches of water 

column) = 0.90 PASS 

Gas Flow Test - NIOSH Standard Test Procedure Number 123, 42 CFR Part 84 Reference: Subpart 

H, § 84.93 (b) and (c) 

Requirement: 

The flow from the apparatus shall be greater than 200 liters per minute when the pressure in the 

facepiece of demand apparatus is lowered by 51 mm (2 inches) water column height when full 

container pressure is applied. Where pressure-demand apparatus are tested, the flow will be 

measured at zero gauge pressure in the facepiece. 

Procedure: 

A pressure tap in the anthropometric head is connected to a manometer for determining when the 

pressure inside the facepiece is at zero. A mass flow meter is connected in line between the 

anthropometric head and an adjustable vacuum source to measure flow. The SCBA cylinder is 

replaced by a test stand which is adjusted initially to full cylinder pressure. The vacuum source is 

adjusted during the test to maintain the desired pressure inside the facepiece. Once the proper 

facepiece pressure has stabilized, a flow reading is recorded. The procedure is then repeated with 

the test stand adjusted to 500 psig. 

The SCBA met the test requirement. 

Applied Pressure Airflow (liters per minute) 

4500 psig 453.1 

500 psig 438.9 

PASS 

PASS 

Exhalation Resistance Test - NIOSH Standard Test Procedure Number 122, 42 CFR Part 84 

Reference: Subpart H, § 84.91 (c) 

Requirement: 

The exhalation resistance of pressure-demand apparatus shall not exceed the static pressure in the 

facepiece by more than 51 mm (2 inches) water column height. 

Procedure: 

The facepiece is mounted on an anthropometric head form. A probe in the head form is connected 

to a slant manometer for measuring exhalation breathing resistance. The airflow through the 

apparatus is adjusted to a rate of 85 liters per minute and the exhalation resistance is recorded. 

The SCBA met the test requirement. 

Exhalation Breathing Resistance: (inches of 

water column) = 2.21 

Static Pressure: (inches of water 

column) = 0.90 

Difference: (inches of water column) = 1.31 PASS 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 8 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remaining Service Life Indicator Test - NIOSH Standard Test Procedure Number 124, 42 CFR Part 

84 Reference: Subpart H, § 84.83 (f) 

Requirement: 

Each remaining service life indicator or warning device must give an alarm when the remaining 

service life is reduced to a minimum of 25 percent of its rated service time or any higher minimum 

percent value or values as specified in the approval. Open-circuit demand and pressure-demand 

respirators must alarm continuously until depletion of the breathing air supply. The percent value set 

for indicator activation must be identified by labels and/or markings on each respirator unit. 

Procedure: 

A calibrated gauge is connected in line between the air supply and the first stage regulator. The unit 

is then allowed to gradually bleed down. When the low air alarm is activated, the pressure on the 

gauge is recorded. This procedure is repeated six times. The average of the six readings is 

calculated and recorded. 

The test requirement was identified on the label 

as 33% - 37% of its remaining rated service time. 

Electrical Bell 

Run # Alarm Point (psi) Alarm Point (psi) 

1 NA 1620 

2 NA 1620 

3 NA 1620 

4 NA 1630 

5 NA 1620 

6 NA 1620 

Average NA 1622 

NA 

PASS 

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Test (in accordance with NFPA 1981, 2013 Edition): 

NFPA Test Description of Results PASS/ 

FAIL 

NFPA Air Flow Performance Test—NFPA 1981 (2013 Edition) Reference: Chapter 8, Performance 

Requirements, Section 8-1.1 

Requirement: 

SCBA shall be tested for air flow performance as specified in Section 8.1, Air flow Performance Test, 

and the SCBA facepiece pressure shall not be less than 0.0 in. (0.0 mm) water column and not 

greater than 31⁄2 in. (89 mm) water column above ambient pressure from the time the test begins 

until the time the test is concluded. 

Procedure: 

The required equipment specified in the NFPA standards were used to conduct the tests on this 

unit. A pressure tap in the head is connected to a transducer which in turn is connected to a flatbed 

chart recorder for determining the pressure in the facepiece. 

The SCBA passed this test. PASS unit, HUD, and 

alarm system were not functional (battery was 

not included in shipment). 

Maximum Facepiece Pressure: (inches of water 

column) = 2.8 

Minimum Facepiece Pressure: (inches of water 

column) = 0.4 

PASS 

PASS 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 9 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disposition of SCBA 

Following testing on February 26, 2019, the SCBA unit was returned to secure storage in Lab H1513 at the 

NIOSH facility in Morgantown, West Virginia. 

Synopsis of Findings 

The SCBA unit 1 inspected and evaluated by NPPTL was an MSA Model G1, 45-minute, 4500 psi unit with 

NIOSH Approval Number TC-13F-0787CBRN. The corresponding facepiece and cylinder were provided with the 

unit. A cylinder, not involved in the incident, was provided by the fire department for testing. Overall, the 

SCBA was in fair condition with soot and debris found on the unit. The NFPA approval label was present and 

readable. The PASS, HUD, and alarm systems did not function due to battery not being included with the unit. 

The SCBA unit 1 met the test requirements of the NIOSH Positive Pressure Test, as the SCBA maintained a 

positive pressure for the 45 minute minimum duration of the test. The unit passed all of the other NIOSH tests, 

as well as meeting the requirements of the NFPA “Airflow Performance” test. 

The SCBA unit 2 inspected and evaluated by NPPTL was an MSA Model G1, 45-minute, 4500 psi unit with NIOSH 

Approval Number TC-13F-0787CBRN. The corresponding cylinder was provided with the unit. Overall, the SCBA 

was in poor condition. The NFPA approval label was present and readable. It was determined unit 2 was not safe 

to test due to the high pressure hose not being attached to backframe. 

In light of the information obtained during this investigation, NIOSH NPPTL has proposed no further action on 

its part at this time. The SCBAs were returned to the shipping containers to be shipped back to the Clinton 

Fire Department. 

CASE Conclusion 

No evidence was identified to suggest that the SCBA units inspected and evaluated contributed to the fatality 

or near miss. NIOSH determined that there was no need for corrective action with regards to the approval 

holder or users of SCBAs manufactured under the approval numbers granted to these products. 

Actions to be Taken by the Fire Departments With SCBAs Involved 

in an Incident 

• Any SCBA unit involved in an incident may not be placed back in service until the SCBA has been 

repaired, tested, cleaned, and any damaged components replaced and inspected by a qualified 

service technician, including such testing and other maintenance activities as prescribed by the 

schedule from the SCBA manufacturer 

• All SCBA units, even those not involved in an incident, must undergo a flow test on at least an annual 

basis 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 10 
 

 

 

 

Actions the PPE Users, Selectors, and Purchasers May Take to 

Further Protect Themselves and Others from Hazards 

• Sign up for NPPTL’s Listserv at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/sub-NPPTL to receive email 

notifications relevant to PPE 

To request additional information about this report, contact NPPTL at ppeconcerns@cdc.gov, and reference 

NIOSH Task Number 22491 in your request. 

For more information related to personal protective equipment, visit the NIOSH website 

www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl 

To receive documents or other information about occupational safety and health topics, contact NIOSH: 

Telephone: 1–800–CDC–INFO (1–800–232–4636) 

TTY: 1–888–232–6348 

CDC INFO: www.cdc.gov/info 

Or visit the NIOSH website at www.cdc.gov/niosh 

For a monthly update on news at NIOSH, subscribe to NIOSH eNews by visiting www.cdc.gov/niosh/eNews 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 11 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix Photographs to Support Inspection Findings for SCBA 

List of Figures 

Figure 1: SCBA unit 1 as received ...............................................................................................................................3 

Figure 2: SCBA unit 1 as received ...............................................................................................................................3 

Figure 3: SCBA unit 2 as received ...............................................................................................................................5

Figure 4: SCBA unit 2 as received ...............................................................................................................................5

Figure 5: Top view of facepiece................................................................................................................................14 

Figure 6: Facepiece hairnet and straps.....................................................................................................................14 

Figure 7: Inside view of facepiece and nosecup.......................................................................................................15

Figure 8: Inside view nosecup and identifying markings..........................................................................................15

Figure 9: Facepiece seal label...................................................................................................................................16

Figure 10: Mask mounted regulator (MMR) ............................................................................................................16

Figure 11: MMR with identifying markings ..............................................................................................................17

Figure 12: MMR and low pressure hose...................................................................................................................17

Figure 13: Pressure reducer, UAC with primary low pressure warning device (bell)...............................................18

Figure 14: Back view of pressure reducer assembly and identifying markings........................................................18

Figure 15: Front view of PASS control module.........................................................................................................19

Figure 16: Back view of PASS control module with labels........................................................................................19

Figure 17: High pressure hose and cylinder attachment .........................................................................................20

Figure 18: High pressure hose connection bent.......................................................................................................20

Figure 19: Cylinder attachment threads...................................................................................................................21

Figure 20: ExtendAire II EBSS hose with male and female Quick Connect ..............................................................21

Figure 21: Male and female Quick Connect .............................................................................................................22

Figure 22: PASS power module ................................................................................................................................22

Figure 23: PASS power module SEI label..................................................................................................................23

Figure 24: Power module MSA label ........................................................................................................................23

Figure 25: Back view of backframe with labels ........................................................................................................24 

Figure 26: Broken sections of backframe.................................................................................................................24

Figure 27: Front view of backframe .........................................................................................................................25

Figure 28: Overview of straps and broken waist belt connection............................................................................25

Figure 29: Cylinder gauge and cylinder threads.......................................................................................................26

Figure 30: Cylinder with gouges ...............................................................................................................................26

Figure 31: Cylinder labels .........................................................................................................................................27

Figure 32: Mask mounted regulator (MMR) ............................................................................................................27

Figure 33: MMR identifying marking........................................................................................................................28

Figure 34: Low pressure hose and MMR..................................................................................................................28

Figure 35: Pressure reducer assembly, UAC with primary low pressure warning device (bell)...............................29

Figure 36: Bottom view of pressure reducer with identifying markings..................................................................29

Figure 37: UAC as found with cap off .......................................................................................................................30

Figure 38: UAC with cap on ......................................................................................................................................30

Figure 39: Back view of PASS control module with labels........................................................................................31

Figure 40: Front view of PASS control module.........................................................................................................31

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 12 
 

 

 

 

Figure 41: High pressure hose ..................................................................................................................................32

Figure 42: Cylinder attachment threads...................................................................................................................32

Figure 43: ExtendAire II EBSS and identifying markings...........................................................................................33

Figure 44: ExtendAire II EBSS male and female Quick Connect ...............................................................................33

Figure 45: PASS power module with plastic housing broke off................................................................................34 

Figure 46: PASS power module with cracked plastic housing..................................................................................34 

Figure 47: Backframe with broken cylinder retaining strap.....................................................................................35

Figure 48: Backframe with labeling ..........................................................................................................................35

Figure 49: Overview of straps and buckles...............................................................................................................36

Figure 50: Cylinder gauge.........................................................................................................................................36

Figure 51: Cylinder attachment threads...................................................................................................................37

Figure 52: Cylinder labels .........................................................................................................................................37

Figure 53: Overview of cylinder................................................................................................................................38

Figure 54: Cylinder with exposed fibers ...................................................................................................................38

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 13 
 

 

 

Figure 5: Top view of facepiece 

Figure 6: Facepiece hairnet and straps 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 14 
 

 

 

Figure 7: Inside view of facepiece and nosecup 

Figure 8: Inside view nosecup and identifying markings 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 15 
 

 

Figure 9: Figure Facepiece seal identifying markings 9: Facepiece seal label

Figure 10: Mask mounted regulator (MMR) 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 16 
 

 

 

 

Figure 11: MMR with identifying markings 

Figure 12: MMR and low pressure hose 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 17 
 

 

 

Figure 13: Pressure reducer, UAC with primary low pressure warning device (bell) 

Figure 14: Back view of pressure reducer assembly and identifying markings 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 18 
 

 

Figure 15: Front view of PASS control module 

Figure 16: Back view of PASS control module with labels 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 19 
 

 

 

 

Figure 17: High pressure hose and cylinder attachment 

Figure 18: High pressure hose connection bent 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 20 
 

 

Figure 19: Cylinder attachment threads 

Figure 20: ExtendAire II EBSS hose with male and female Quick Connect 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 21 
 

 

 

 

Figure 21: Male and female Quick Connect 

Figure 22: PASS power module 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 22 
 

 

 

Figure 23: PASS power module SEI label 

Figure 24: Power module MSA label 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 23 
 

 

 

Figure 25: Back view of backframe with labels 

Figure 26: Broken sections of backframe 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 24 
 

 

 

Figure 27: Front view of backframe 

Figure 28: Overview of straps and broken waist belt connection 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 25 
 

 

 

 

Figure 29: Cylinder gauge and cylinder threads 

Figure 30: Cylinder with gouges 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 26 
 

 

Figure 31: Cylinder labels 

Figure 32: Mask mounted regulator (MMR) 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 27 
 

 

Figure 33: MMR identifying marking 

Figure 34: Low pressure hose and MMR 

TN-22941 Clinton Fire Department – Status Investigation Report 28 
 

 

 

 

Figure 35: Pressure reducer assembly, UAC with primary low pressure warning device (bell) 

Figure 36: Bottom view of pressure reducer with identifying markings 

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Figure 37: UAC as found with cap off 

Figure 38: UAC with cap on 

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Figure 39: Back view of PASS control module with labels 

Figure 40: Front view of PASS control module 

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Figure 41: High pressure hose 

Figure 42: Cylinder attachment threads 

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Figure 43: ExtendAire II EBSS and identifying markings 

Figure 44: ExtendAire II EBSS male and female Quick Connect 

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Figure 45: PASS power module with plastic housing broke off 

Figure 46: PASS power module with cracked plastic housing 

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Figure 47: Backframe with broken cylinder retaining strap 

Figure 48: Backframe with labeling 

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Figure 49: Overview of straps and buckles 

Figure 50: Cylinder gauge 

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Figure 51: Cylinder attachment threads 

Figure 52: Cylinder labels 

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Figure 53: Overview of cylinder 

Figure 54: Cylinder with exposed fibers 

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Disclaimer 

The purpose of this effort was to determine the conformance of a respirator to the NIOSH approval 

requirements found in Title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 84. A number of performance tests are 

selected from the complete list of Part 84 requirements and each respirator is tested in its “As received” 

condition to determine its conformance to those performance requirements. Each respirator is also 

inspected to determine its conformance to the quality assurance documentation on file at NIOSH. 

In order to gain additional information about its overall performance, each respirator may also be subjected 

to other recognized test parameters, such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) consensus 

standards. While the test results give an indication of the respirator’s conformance to the NFPA 

approval requirements, NIOSH does not actively correlate the test results from its NFPA test equipment 

with those of certification organizations which list NFPA-compliant products. Thus, the NFPA test results 

are provided for information purposes only. 

Selected tests are conducted only after it has been determined that each respirator is in a condition that 

is safe to be pressurized, handled, and tested. Respirators whose condition has deteriorated to the point 

where the health and safety of NIOSH personnel and/or property is at risk will not be tested. 

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