USA Banner

Official US Government Icon

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure Site Icon

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Composite Cylinder Life Extension Research Project

June 20, 2014

This research and development (R&D) project was initiated to assess the risk associated by using the SCBA composite cylinders (DOT FRP-1 and CFFC) at the Municipal Fire Stations beyond their 15 year service life.

This R&D project was developed by PHMSA, Hazardous Materials Engineering and Research Division. The final report for this R&D project includes mechanical (performance) and nondestructive testing (NDT) data and conclusion. The R&D project will be used as basis for equivalent-safety-evaluation (ESE) of these SCBA composite cylinders that may be used beyond their 15 year service life under a certain conditions and operati.onal controls which includes requalification of each cylinder by using Modal Acoustic Emission (MAE) testing. For technical question, contact Mr. Mark Toughiry, 202-366-4545.