Product Cleaning Guidance for SCBA Second Stage Regulators

Based on guidance from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding COVID-19, the following cleaning methods may be used for SCBA second stage regulators.

A Note on MSA G1 Design and Regulator Cross Contamination

Cross-contamination occurs when one person receives infectious materials such as respiratory secretions from another person by touching a contaminated surface or breathing contaminated air. Many fire departments are providing individual-issue facepieces to firefighters to mitigate cross-contamination from one user to another, however that alone does not provide complete protection against cross-contamination. Second stage regulators that are shared among individuals may also serve as a source for cross-contamination.

In order to reduce the potential for cross-contamination, MSA’s G1 Facepiece and G1 Second Stage Regulator were designed with the following features:

• The G1 Facepiece incorporates a separate ambient air port that is used for both inhalation and exhalation when the facepiece is worn without the second stage regulator connected.
• When the second stage regulator is connected, the ambient air port is sealed and separated by an O-ring. This O-ring seal prevents airflow supplied by the second stage regulator from contacting the ambient air port.
• The G1 facepiece utilizes an inhalation check valve when the second stage regulator is connected, while the exhalation valve diverts air outside of the facepiece. This design feature directs potentially contaminated exhaled air away from the second stage regulator.

To minimize the impact of SCBA use on these design features, users must follow all use, inspection and testing as well as maintenance schedules outlined in the G1 Operating Manual and subsequent CARE Manuals. Applicable sections within the G1 Operating Manual include: Visual Inspections, Functional Tests, Donning, During Use, Cold Weather Operations, After Use, and Recommendations for Cleaning and Disinfecting.

If using an MSA SCBA other than the G1 or suspect that the G1 second stage regulator may have been exposed to COVID-19 while disconnected from the G1 facepiece, follow the disinfecting instructions below. Note: The following disinfecting instructions recommend using Confidence Plus 2, however, if Confidence Plus 2 is not available then an alternative disinfectant may be used. See the Product Cleaning Guidance section of this document for acceptable alternatives.

1. Depress the regulator release buttons to ensure the regulator is shut off.
2. Rotate the bypass knob clockwise to ensure the regulator bypass is shut off.
3. Pressurize the SCBA and regulator. The regulator must be pressurized during the entire washing and disinfecting procedure.
4. Prepare a solution of Confidence Plus 2 Germicidal Cleaner (US Part No. 10009971) and warm water (90-110 °F) in accordance with the Confidence Plus 2 instructions.
5. Submerge the regulator in the Confidence Plus 2 solution for the duration in accordance with the Confidence Plus 2 instructions.
6. Use a soft-bristle brush to clean the external surfaces of the regulator.
7. While submerged, agitate the regulator in the Confidence Plus 2 solution to further loosen dirt and debris.
8. Remove the regulator from the Confidence Plus 2 solution. Orient and shake the regulator lightly to remove excess Confidence Plus 2 solution.
9. Rinse the regulator in clean warm water (90-110°F). Ensure that both the external and internal regulator surfaces are rinsed.
10. Orient and shake the regulator lightly to remove excess water from rinsing. Use a clean lint-free cloth to remove excess rinse water from external regulator surfaces.
11. Open the regulator bypass for 3-5 seconds to remove excess water from the regulator valve assembly. Rotate the bypass knob clockwise to shut off the regulator bypass.
12. Activate the regulator for 3-5 seconds to remove excess water from the regulator valve assembly by depressing the purge cover (if equipped) or by applying a negative pressure to the regulator outlet (to simulate a first breath activation). Depress the regulator release buttons to shut off the regulator.
13. Depressurize the SCBA. Open the regulator bypass to depressurize the regulator. Rotate the bypass knob clockwise to shut off the regulator bypass.
14. Allow the regulator to dry completely prior to use. Drying time will vary depending on ambient air temperature and humidity. If a drying cabinet is used, ensure that the temperature does not exceed 120°F.

Brief Issue Date: April 9, 2020. Previously Featured on MSA Safety's website.

To continue reading this brief in its entirety, download the PDF here.