Recently, the National Fire Protection Association issued a safety alert on self-contained breathing apparatuses (“SCBA”) face-piece lenses. The NFPA is recommending that all SCBA face-piece lenses be inspected before and after each use.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (“NIOSH”) conducted an investigation of firefighter fatalities that occurred between 2002 and 2011. NIOSH found evidence of thermal degradation of face-piece lenses. Concerns with face-piece lenses identified by NIOSH were brought before the NFPA Technical Committee on Respiratory Protection Equipment, which issued the safety alert.

More information can be found on the NFPA website, located at www.nfpa.org