Cylinders that provide air for breathing are most commonly used in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)-compliant and industrial self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires periodic hydrostatic testing of these breathing air cylinders. The NFPA recognizes the DOT’s testing requirements in their standard on SCBA selection, care and maintenance (NFPA 1852). A hydrostatic test is a method to validate the structural integrity and safety of a cylinder throughout its service live. The material of the SCBA cylinder (i.e. steel, aluminum, composite) dictates both the required frequency of testing and the overall service life of the cylinder. Under 49 […]