At what percentage does the SCBA end of service indicator activate?

The activation of the SCBA end of service indicator at 33% is established to ensure that firefighters have a clear and consistent guideline for when they need to consider exiting hazardous environments. This percentage is designed to provide a safety buffer, allowing time for firefighters to plan their exit while still retaining enough air supply for emergency situations or additional tasks they may need to perform during their exit.

The choice of 33% reflects the necessity of having a reliable indicator that balances the need for safety with operational effectiveness. By activating the indicator at this level, it reduces the risk of becoming trapped or endangered by waiting too long to exit when air supply begins to dwindle significantly.

Understanding how the SCBA operates, including the meaning of the end of service indicator, is crucial for firefighters to manage their air supply effectively during operations.