TN-22491 Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 1 

PPE CASE

Personal Protective Equipment Conformity Assessment Studies and Evaluations

Evaluation of a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Involved in a 

Fatality While Operating at a Structure Fire

Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue 

Services Request for a MSA Model G1

At the request of the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue 

Services, NIOSH’s National Personal Protective Technology 

Laboratory (NPPTL) inspected and evaluated the Self-Contained 

Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) involved in a fatal event at a structure 

fire. 

This report provides a summary of NPPTL’s inspection and 

evaluation methods, as well as findings, for an SCBA that was 

being used by a fire fighter while operating at a structure fire. 

The SCBA used was a MSA Model G1, 4500 psi, 45 minute unit.

The Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services 

was advised that NIOSH NPPTL would provide a written report 

of the investigation and any applicable test results. 

What NIOSH Did to Protect the Worker

Upon receipt of the SCBA, 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-22491 to 

identify the unit. NPPTL also tested the SCBA to determine conformance to NPPTL’s 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 unit may have 

contributed to the fatal event, NPPTL would have engaged in corrective action to ensure that 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.

NIOSH evaluated a SCBA 

involved in a fatal event 

while the fire fighter 

operated at a structure fire. 

The SCBA was not found to 

contribute to the fatality. 

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.
 TN-22491 Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 2 

Chain of Custody

The SCBA unit was delivered by NIOSH investigators, from DSR, who were assigned to investigate the Howard 

County Department of Fire and Rescue Services fatal event. They delivered the unit to Lab H1513 for secure 

storage at the NIOSH facility in Morgantown, West Virginia on August 20, 2018. The SCBA unit remained in 

secure storage in Lab H1513 throughout the inspection and testing process. 

SCBA Inspection

On August 23, 2018, NPPTL employees Jay Tarley and Angie Andrews inspected the SCBA unit. These employees 

identified the SCBA as a Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services SCBA and visually examined the 

devise, component by component, in the condition received to determine the conformance of the unit to the 

NIOSH-approved configuration. The unit was a MSA Model G1, 4500 psi, 45 minute unit; with NIOSH Approval

Numbers TC-13F-0798CBRN. 

As received (pictured below) SCBA unit

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

• Cylinder was received with 2250 psi and closed

• Bypass was closed

• Mask-mounted regulator (MMR) was securely connected to the low pressure line

• Facepiece was included 

Figure 1: SCBA as received
 TN-22491 Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 3 

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

Figures in Appendix) 

Facepiece (Figures 2-5) 

• Facepiece seal P/N: 10161810; M/N: 7-2771-1: CE 0168 

EXLLC; EN 136 1998 CL3+

• Nosecup MFG date: 8/14 

• Overall condition: fair, dirty with scratches

• Lens was crazed and dirty 

• Upper lens ring had molten debris on it

• Lens retaining ring was intact

• MMR housing was clean and in good condition 

• HUD was present and intact

• Hairnet was in good condition with dirt present 

• All straps and buckles functioned properly 

Mask Mounted Regulator (MMR) (Figure 6-8)

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

• Overall condition was dirty with signs of heat damage

• MMR was secured to low pressure line

• Bypass closed

• Inside flange had normal wear and in good condition 

• Sealing area was fair and slightly dirty

• Regulator could be attached and removed

• Outer rubber casing had physical heat damage

Low Pressure Regulator Hose (Figures 8-9) 

• Secured at all attachment points

• Line was in good condition 

• Line passed through the shoulder strap to the reducer

Pressure Reducer Assembly (Figure 10-11) 

• Overall condition was good

• All airline connections were secure

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

• 4500 Psi; 2115380

PASS Control Module (Figures 12-14) 

• Lines to control module looked good

• Gauge lens was readable

• Protective casing was good and in place 

• M/N 2816-1 

High Pressure Hose and Cylinder Attachment (Figures 15-17) 

• High pressure S/N: 7-2844-1 DP

• High pressure line had heat damage, dirty

• Cylinder quick connect attachments were dirty; rubber wheel 

was burnt

ExtendAire II EBSS (Emergency Breathing Support System (18-21)

• Quick Connect snap tite 9847-22; 3715

• Fair condition; covered with soot

Quick-Fill line (22-24)

• FD 17 series

• HCFD; sticker 10-14

• Sleeve is frayed

PASS Power Module (Figures 25-26) 

• SEI label:05-2015; 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

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

• Overall condition was good, but very dirty with debris and 

melted in spots

• Held securely to backframe

• Power module battery was unattached, looked good with dirt

Backframe Assembly (Figures 27-28) 

• S/N: 7-N/A

• SEI label 1981-2013 edition

• NIOSH Approval Number label: TC-13F-0798CBRN

• FD label with E 101C

• Overall condition was fair 

• Extensive heat damage to left railing and right top 

• Soot and debris were found everywhere 

• Shoulder straps were attached to the frame 

Straps and Buckles (Figures 29-30) 

• 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 

Compressed Air Cylinder and Cylinder Valve Assembly (Figures 31-

32)

• DOT-SP 10915-4500; TC-SU-5134-310; OM 164301 

• Luxfer P/N L65M-122; REE 123

• MSA M/N 7-1348-1 

• Hydrostatic date: ?/2015; 45 minute, 4500 PSI

• Received with 2250 psi 

• Overall condition was poor with heat damage 

• Gauge was not readable 

• Threads were good; attached to the threads was the male 

quick connect 

• O-ring was present and in good condition 

• Rubber bumper at base of cylinder valve was in good 

condition 
 

 TN-22491 Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 4 

SCBA Testing

The SCBA unit 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 cylinder gauge on corresponding cylinder and a replacement facepiece was used for 

Run #2 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.

Run #1 The unit did not meet the test 

requirement during the first run (details of test 

are in the synopsis of findings section).

Run #2 The unit met the test requirements the 

entire second run. The inhalation breathing 

resistance did not become negative during the 

test. The PASS, digital remote and HUD were all 

functional. Run #2 results are recorded here. 

Inhalation Breathing Resistance: (inches of 

water column) = 0.34

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 SCBA met the test requirement during both 

Run #1 and #2. 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 during Run #2; therefore, 

maintained positive pressure in the facepiece. 

The PASS functioned. Run #2 results are recorded 

here.

Measured Service Time: 

46 Minutes 38 Seconds 

PASS 
 

 TN-22491 Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 5

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)= 1.22

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 374.1

500 psig 300.2

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)= 2.19

Static Pressure: (inches of water

column)= 1.22

Difference: (inches of water column)= 0.97

PASS 
 

 TN-22491 Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 6 

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 1650 1640

2 1660 1640

3 1620 1610

4 1650 1640

5 1660 1660

6 1560 1660

 Average 1633 1642

PASS

PASS 

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

NFPA Test Description of Results PASS/

FAIL 

NFPA Airflow Performance Test - NFPA 1981 (1997 Edition) Reference: Chapter 5, Performance 

Requirements, Sec. 5-1.1

Requirement: 

SCBA shall be tested for airflow performance as specified in Section 6-1, Airflow Performance Test, 

and the SCBA facepiece pressure shall not be less than 0.0 in (0.0 mm) water column and nor 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 all functional. 

*During initializing the PosiChek a message 

popped up stating exhalation valve could be 

sticky

Maximum Facepiece Pressure: (inches of water 

column)= 2.6

Minimum Facepiece Pressure: (inches of water 

column)= 0.18

PASS

PASS
 

TN-22491 Howard County Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 7 

Disposition of SCBA

Following testing on September 11, 2018, 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 inspected and evaluated by NPPTL was a MSA Model G1, 45 minute, 4500 psi unit with NIOSH

Approval Numbers TC-13F-0798CBRN. 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 some heat damage and soot found on the straps, as well as melted debris. The 

NFPA approval label was present and readable. The PASS, HUD, and alarm systems functioned as designed. 

The SCBA did not meet the test requirement of the NIOSH Positive Pressure Test during the first run. The 

inhalation breathing resistance was negative (-.25) for the first 10 minutes of the test then became positive and 

stayed positive the remainder of the test. This could possibly be explained by a piece of debris jarring loose from

pressure of the air. 

The unit was tested again and 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. 

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

its part at this time. The SCBA was returned to the shipping container to be shipped back to the Howard 

County Department of Fire and Rescue Services. 

CASE Conclusion

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

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-22491 Howard County Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 8 

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.html 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-22491 Howard County Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 9 

Appendix Photographs to Support Inspection Findings for SCBA 

List of Figures

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

Figure 2: Front of facepiece..................................................................................................................................... 10 

Figure 3: Inside facepiece........................................................................................................................................ 10

Figure 4: Labeling on facepiece seal........................................................................................................................ 11

Figure 5: Facepiece hairnet and straps.................................................................................................................... 11

Figure 6: Mask mounted regulator with signs of heat damage .............................................................................. 12

Figure 7: Inside of mask mounted regulator........................................................................................................... 12

Figure 8: Mask mounted regulator and low pressure line connected to SCBA ...................................................... 13

Figure 9: Low pressure line disconnected from intermediate pressure hose......................................................... 13

Figure 10: Pressure reducer, RIC UAC with primary low pressure warning device (bell) ....................................... 14

Figure 11: Bottom view of pressure reducer assembly........................................................................................... 14

Figure 12: PASS control module and medium pressure line................................................................................... 15

Figure 13: Front of PASS control module ................................................................................................................ 15

Figure 14: Back of PASS control module ................................................................................................................. 16

Figure 15: High pressure hose and cylinder attachment ........................................................................................ 16

Figure 16: Top view of high pressure hose.............................................................................................................. 17

Figure 17: Cylinder attachment and Quick Connect adapter.................................................................................. 17

Figure 18: ExtendAire II EBSS (Emergency Breathing Support System) .................................................................. 18

Figure 19: ExtendAire II EBSS hose with male and female Quick Connect ............................................................. 18

Figure 20: Male and female Quick Connect ............................................................................................................ 19

Figure 21: Quick Connect cover removed to show markings.................................................................................. 19

Figure 22: Quick-Fill pouch...................................................................................................................................... 20

Figure 23: Quick-Fill hose ........................................................................................................................................ 20

Figure 24: Quick-Fill hose with covers off ............................................................................................................... 21

Figure 25: Pass power module SEI label.................................................................................................................. 21

Figure 26: Power module MSA label ....................................................................................................................... 22

Figure 27: Back of backframe with labels................................................................................................................ 22

Figure 28: Cylinder strap and heat damage to side rail........................................................................................... 23

Figure 29: Overview of straps and cylinder connected to SCBA ............................................................................. 23

Figure 30: Overview of waist belt, straps, and buckles........................................................................................... 24

Figure 31: Cylinder gauge........................................................................................................................................ 24

Figure 32: Top view of cylinder with labeling.......................................................................................................... 25
 

TN-22491 Howard County Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 10

Figure 3: Inside facepiece

Figure 2: Front of facepiece
 

TN-22491 Howard County Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 11

Figure 4: Labeling on facepiece seal

Figure 5: Facepiece hairnet and straps
 

TN-22491 Howard County Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 12

Figure 6: Mask mounted regulator with signs of heat damage

Figure 7: Inside of mask mounted regulator
 

TN-22491 Howard County Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 13

Figure 8: Mask mounted regulator and low pressure line connected to SCBA

Figure 9: Low pressure line disconnected from intermediate pressure hose
 

TN-22491 Howard County Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 14

Figure 10: Pressure reducer, RIC UAC with primary low pressure warning device (bell)

Figure 11: Bottom view of pressure reducer assembly
 

TN-22491 Howard County Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 15

Figure 12: PASS control module and medium pressure line

Figure 13: Front of PASS control module
 

TN-22491 Howard County Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 16

Figure 14: Back of PASS control module

Figure 15: High pressure hose and cylinder attachment
 

TN-22491 Howard County Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 17

Figure 16: Top view of high pressure hose

Figure 17: Cylinder attachment and Quick Connect adapter
 

TN-22491 Howard County Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 18

Figure 18: ExtendAire II EBSS (Emergency Breathing Support System)

Figure 19: ExtendAire II EBSS hose with male and female Quick Connect
 

TN-22491 Howard County Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 19

Figure 20: Male and female Quick Connect

Figure 21: Quick Connect cover removed to show markings
 

TN-22491 Howard County Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 20

Figure 22: Quick-Fill pouch

Figure 23: Quick-Fill hose
 

TN-22491 Howard County Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 21

Figure 24: Quick-Fill hose with covers off

Figure 25: PASS power module SEI label
 

TN-22491 Howard County Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 22

Figure 26: Power module MSA label

Figure 27: Back of backframe with labels
 

TN-22491 Howard County Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 23

Figure 28: Cylinder strap and heat damage to side rail

Figure 29: Overview of straps and cylinder connected to SCBA
 

TN-22491 Howard County Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 24

Figure 30: Overview of waist belt, straps, and buckles

Figure 31: Cylinder gauge
 

TN-22491 Howard County Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 25

Figure 32: Top view of cylinder with labeling
 

TN-22491 Howard County Fire and Rescue Services – Status Investigation Report 26

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.