DONNING AND STARTING-UP

REF: Draeger Technical Manual (PA 90 series)

  1. Purpose – The aim of the donning and starting up drill is to ensure that all the working parts are functioning correctly and that no faults have developed since the general check.

    • A. When donning the face mask the front of the chin should be inserted into the mask first. The head strap should be pulled as low as possible onto the back of the head. The two lower straps should be tightened first then the middle pair and finally (if required) the top strap. A good seal can be obtained without excessive tightening of the straps, comfort is the guide, if the mask is uncomfortable the straps are too tight.
    • B. To conserve the air supply the mask should not be put on and final checks carried out until immediately prior to entering the irrespirable atmosphere.

  2. Procedure – Individuals having to wear breathing apparatus are responsible for conducting the correct donning and starting up drill. The drill is broken down into 3 phases which are as follows:

A. Preparation

i. Check visually to ensure the set is complete and free from damage.

ii. Ensure the re-set lever is in the test position.

iii. Ensure the fresh airport is in the closed position (if fitted).

iv. Open the cylinder valve (slowly and fully) and check that the Low Cylinder pressure Warning Whistle sounds momentarily.

v. Check the pressure gauge reading (90% of full contents).

B. Donning

i. Ensuring that all the straps are fully extended, Swing the set onto the back.

ii. Fasten and tighten up the waist belt first, ensuring the set sits securely on the hips.

iii. Pull down on shoulder straps until apparatus feels comfortable. Feed loose ends of straps between waist belt pad and straps. The chest strap can be connected or tucked away behind the shoulder straps dependent upon wearers choice.

iv. Fit neck harness overhead.

C. Final Checks

i. Fit the facemask and adjust the head straps.

ii. Upon first breath automatic positive pressure is selected.

iii. Check for gas tightness (inward leaks) by momentarily closing the cylinder valve and exhausting all the air, (mask should pull onto the face).

iv. Open cylinder valve slowly and fully.

v. Check that positive pressure protection is provided by momentarily breaking the facemask seal.

vi. Check that supplementary flow facility is working by pressing the centre of the Lung Demand Valve.

vii. Breathe deeply two or three times to prove airflow, check for gas tightness (outward leaks) by holding your breath and listening for air passing through the L.D.V.

viii. Remove DSX key (if fitted) from DSX and confirm it emits the “OK” signal and that the low battery warning light does not appear. Check cylinder pressure reading against the breathing apparatus identification tally (Top man will amend if necessary).

ix. Test the torch or lamp. (If fitted)

x. Report to Top-Man or supervisor.