Guide to SCBA Selection: You must first ask yourself why you need an SCBA and determine what application you plan to use it in. The next thing to decide is how often you think you will use the SCBA: every day? Or will it be only for training on a yearly basis? Another consideration is weight. Most SCBA weigh the same with the exception of the cylinder. Cylinder material and duration vary in weight from 10 to 20 pounds, so also take this into consideration prior to purchase.


  1. Cost: Always the first question people ask, but it should be the last. It’s better to figure out first what your needs are and then ask price. It is like buying a car, list the options and then ask the bottom line price.

  2. Is the application for industrial, fire, or both?

  3. Any hazardous material involved?

  4. Cylinder duration: 30, 45 or 60 minute? Remember cylinder duration can be reduced to half if heavy work is required.

  5. There are different styles of facemasks and also tight fitting hoods. If any users have facial hair, a hood may meet your needs.

  6. Consider investing in a Supplied Air Source, which allows the user to breathe an outside air source and use the SCBA cylinder for exit out of the hazard.

  7. Communications? Do you need to be able to communicate via voice amplification system (VAS) only or will you also need to converse with a radio?

  8. Training: Who is going to train you to properly use the SCBA? Are there other people that need to be trained and get refresher training on a yearly basis? Remember, every user must be fit tested yearly prior to using the SCBA. Who is going to do this and how much does it cost?

  9. Maintenance: Every month with infrequent use the SCBA must be inspected. Every year the unit should be flow tested and every five years the cylinder must be tested. The monthly inspection can be done by anyone trained on the SCBA, but the flow testing and cylinder test may have to be outsourced.

  10. Cost of the SCBA: From the list above, make a list of all the features and available options that you need. Also consider the support that you may need from outside sources before you determine who you are going to buy from. Some company’s only sell products and never offer services such as training and maintenance. Consider all of these things and ask questions to make sure your needs are met before you ask about the price!!!


For more information, check out “What you should know about SCBA’s” or “ How an SCBA Works”.