Title
Breathing Air Compressor (B)
Request to purchase a breathing air compressor for the Fire Rescue Department
Explanation
The Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) Department has owned, operated, and maintained a breathing air system to refill emergency breathing devices. The systems in place have allowed us to provide immediate refill capability to meet our needs as well as the breathing air needs of other community response partners. Our compressors are routinely certified for their air quality and are given regular preventative maintenance from a certified repair agency. The compressor was originally purchased in May of 1975 and has exceeded its life expectancy. Over the last 30 years, this compressor has been rebuilt twice. The maintenance company recently noted an increase in metal levels in the compressor oil that may indicate major repairs will be needed. As of November 13, 2005, the compressor started making an unusual noise and was shut off. The compressor has been placed "out-of-service".
In October of 2004, GFR was awarded the 2004 Assistance to Firefighter Grant in the amount of $297,042 for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Staff currently uses 30-minute low-pressure systems for structural firefighting and 60 minute high-pressure systems for hazardous materials response. Due to the realities facing emergency responders as a requirement of our grant provided funding source, staff recommend SCBA's that are approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Low-pressure SCBA's are being phased out. High-pressure SCBA's are becoming the standard and provide 30-60 minutes of breathing air in a tank that can be worn with relative comfort and maneuverability. Because of the smaller size and lower profile, the high-pressure tanks provide a greater degree of safety when working in confined spaces.
In 2005, staff decided to forgo our routine replacement of other protective gear to make the purchase, a...
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