FOI Request 1944

Subject: Fire Fighter Life Critical Breathing Air

Status: Complete

Date received: December 2023

Question Asked:

Would it be possible for you to answer some simple questions in relation to your Fire Fighter life critical breathing air.

1. Is your breathing air tested to BS EN 12021 (2014)

2. Do you charge your breathing apparatus cylinders to 300bars pressure.

3. Is your breathing air tested by your Fire Service personnel or a contractor?

4. Is your breathing air tested monthly or every three months?

5. If every three months does your high pressure compressor have a constant air quality monitoring device?

6. Do you allow your compressor/s to remain in service is it fails to meet the minimum standard of BS EN 12021 (2014)

7. If a breathing air compressor fails to meet the standards above do you have a lock out procedure.

8. Other than testing the air quality at source do you have a “random cylinder air testing policy”.

9. Would it be possible to have any fire service policy, procedures or risk assessments in relation to the above under freedom of information.

Our Response:

1. Is your breathing air tested to BS EN 12021 (2014)

   Yes

2. Do you charge your breathing apparatus cylinders to 300bars pressure.

   Yes

3. Is your breathing air tested by your Fire Service personnel or a contractor?

   Contractor

4. Is your breathing air tested monthly or every three months?

   Every 3 months and when filter cartridges are replaced or the ‘clean’ side of the system is broken into.

5. If every three months does your high pressure compressor have a constant air quality monitoring device?

   Our compressors do NOT have a constant air quality monitoring device

6. Do you allow your compressor/s to remain in service is it fails to meet the minimum standard of BS EN 12021 (2014)

   No

7. If a breathing air compressor fails to meet the standards above do you have a lock out procedure.

   Yes. The compressor is isolated and not used until rectified - Service engineers will advise personnel if AQT has failed.

8. Other than testing the air quality at source do you have a “random cylinder air testing policy”.

   No

9. Would it be possible to have any fire service policy, procedures or risk assessments in relation to the above under freedom of information.

   We have no documents which I can supply regarding our compressors.

Outcome: Information Provided

FOI responded to within timescales: YES

Further action: NO