FAQ
Do SCI’s replacement cylinders meet the design,
manufacture and performance standards set by NIOSH
and NFPA?
YES. All of the replacement cylinders manufactured
for firefighter respirators by SCI meet or exceed
the NIOSH and NFPA standards. NIOSH requires through
its approval process that SCBA cylinders meet the
basic standards applied by the U.S. Department
of Transportation (DOT) to virtually all gas cylinders
sold in the U.S. You can know that a cylinder meets
DOT standards by the DOT “Exception” or “Special
Permit” number listed on the unit itself. The same
in true in Canada, Transport Canada’s regulates
these same cylinders via a “TC” approval designation
process. SCI meets or exceeds the TC requirements
for its standard cylinders.
Are SCI cylinders compatible with the SCBAs produced
by different manufacturers?
YES. SCI produces cylinders that are fully compatible
with all major SCBA models. In fact, SCI has made
or continues to make cylinders for virtually all
SCBA manufacturers world wide. Simply provide the
model of air pack you’re using and SCI will provide
the exact Form, Fit and Functional cylinder for
your specific pack.
Are SCI’s cylinders NIOSH approved?
While
SCI’s cylinders are approved to the highest standards
(DOT E-10945-4500),
NIOSH does not provide
approvals for component SCBA parts (cylinders).
NIOSH only tests entire SCBA assemblies. SCI has
and will continue to petition NIOSH to devise testing
and a subsequent approval process for replacement
cylinders, but so far, they’ve been unwilling or
unable to accommodate SCI and the America’s
First Responders in this important initiative.
As a result,
SCI cannot make claims of NIOSH approval until
such a time that NIOSH provides a mechanism that
allows for component part testing and approval.
It should also be noted however, that throughout
SCI’s history - from the invention of the Composite
Cylinder to the leading Manufacture of cylinders
for all the OEM air pack companies – we’ve placed
over 2 million NIOSH approved cylinders into the
market. Ask yourself this question: What’s the
difference between those SCI cylinders with a NIOSH
approval and the ones we make today? Answer: Nothing
but the label.
Is NIOSH approval required for replacement cylinders?
Only
in some cases. OSHA rules require private employers
to use NIOSH approved respirators and
replacement parts. A number of states and municipalities
have also adopted OSHA’s rules and applied them
to local fire departments. However, for the thousands
of municipal and volunteer fire departments not
subject to OSHA’s rules, NIOSH approval of SCBA
replacement cylinders is not required.
What value can SCI’s replacement cylinders offer
to you?
SCI offers replacement cylinders that meet
or exceed all of the safety requirements set by
NIOSH
and NFPA, and at a substantially lower cost.
Why use Composite
Cylinders?
Composite Cylinders offer the lightest weight
and outstanding performance combined with a safety
factor which exceeds steel or aluminum. Anytime
weight or performance is a concern a composite
cylinders are the best choice.
Why should I select SCI Composite Cylinders?
SCI is the oldest and largest producer of composite
cylinder with the broadest selection available.
SCI’s aluminum lined composite cylinders have a
perfect safety record with over 1.6 million put
into service in the last 30 years.
What type and size of products does SCI manufacture?
SCI
produces DOT approved composite cylinders ranging
from .75 liters to 90 liters and have operating
service pressures from 1800psi to 5000psi. SCI
also produces DOT FMVSS304 up to 320 liters for
use in Alternative Fuel Vehicles.
Are SCI's DOT Carbon Composite Cylinders approved
for a five-year re-test period?
Yes, SCI DOT Carbon
Composite Cylinders hydrostatic test life has
been extended to 5 years by the Department
of Transportation. This improvement reduces overall
costs of maintaining Carbon Composite Cylinders
Certification.
Does SCI refurbish and re-test Composite Cylinders?
Yes,
SCI is a DOT certified full service re-test facility
for all SCI Composite Cylinders. SCI specializes
in refurbishing cylinders in SCBA high use environment.
What is the life
expentancy of a SCI Carbon Composite Cylinder
once purchased?
SCI cylinders are "made to order".
This of great benefit to the customer because
when a customer places an order, the
cylinder(s)
are then manufactured. This ensures
that the customer will get the FULL 15 years
out
of
their cylinder.
Some SCBA/cylinder manufacturers sell cylinders
that have been in storage - meaning that
the customer will get less than 15 years
of use from the cylinder.
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