Lighter, smaller SCBA cylinder debuted at FRI

MONROE, N.C. — A new SCBA cylinder designed to be lighter and smaller than previous cylinders was debuted at Fire-Rescue International in Atlanta.

Photo Scott Safety

The 5500 (5.5) psi cylinders introduced by Scott Safety reduce cylinder profile up to 11 percent and weight up to 15 percent, while maintaining the SCBA form familiar to firefighters.

For firefighters, a smaller SCBA cylinder can mean less user fatigue and improved safety, according to John Dinning, Scott's Product Line Manager for the North American Fire Service.

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"Firefighters have always talked about reducing the size and weight of the SCBA," said Dinning.

"Scott's new 5.5 cylinders take a concrete step towards addressing this need by allowing cylinder sizes and weights to be dramatically reduced without any other supporting infrastructure changes required."

When it comes to smaller and lighter, the 5.5 cylinders are unparalleled, according to Dinning.

"As of right now, these are the smallest and lightest cylinders on the market," he said.

The 5.5 cylinders are available in 30-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute and 75-minute durations and are easy to integrate into a department without costly changes.

"We worked with seat and bracket manufacturers to make sure the products fit into existing infrastructure," Dinning said.

Scott also checked fill stations and compressors to ensure the 5.5 cylinders could be easily filled with standard 6000 psi compressors.

"A department that can fill a 4500 cylinder can fill a 5500," Dinning said.

In addition to the 5.5 cylinder, Scott also announced a new 75-minute cylinder that will be essentially the same size as a current 4500 60-minunte cylinder, which provides an extended duration ideal for hazmat and RIT use.

Fire departments can buy both cylinders when they start shipping in January, when NIOSH and NFPA approvals are expected to be complete.

Alternatively, departments can buy upgrade kits to update currently owned SCBA.

Scott Safety partnered with the world's leading manufacturer of breathing air cylinders, Luxfer, to develop the 5.5 cylinder technology.

All cylinders have full approvals from the Department of Transportation and Transport Canada and meet requirements to be called Made in the USA.

For more information on the 5.5 cylinders, visit the Scott Safety official website.