MSA is issuing this User Safety Notice to inform you of a new and additional required step to the inspection of your Fire Service G1 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). This is in response to a limited number of reports of bulging hoses for the G1 second stage regulator (also referred to as the demand valve). In one report, the bulge also exhibited a leak.

The G1 SCBA operating manual contains instructions for visual inspections to be performed upon receipt, daily and after each use. Users are instructed to inspect all components for “deterioration, dirt, cracks, debris, tears, holes, stickiness, signs of heat- or chemical-related damage, or other visible signs of damage.” Based on the reports MSA has received, we are advising customers to perform inspections of the second stage regulator hose, while the SCBA is pressurized, daily and after each use. Wear safety glasses while performing the inspection.  

An example of a bulging hose can be seen in Figure 1 in the User Safety Notice. Any SCBA that exhibits a bulging condition must be removed from service. Also remove from service any G1 SCBAs with second stage regulator hoses exhibiting deterioration, dirty O-rings or seals, cracks, debris, tears, holes, stickiness, signs of heat- or chemical-related damage, or other visible signs of damage.

Addressing G1 SCBAs That Are Removed From Service

To request replacement G1 regulator hose assemblies, please use the MSA G1 SCBA Regulator Hose Assembly Replacement Order Form attached to the User Safety Notice. You will be requested to return the assembly that did not pass inspection.

For questions about this notice, please contact MSA at: 

• U.S., Canada, or U.S. Territories – +1-866-672-0005,  IRG@MSAsafety.com

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause; however, your safety and continued satisfaction with our products are important to us.

Issued by:

Nathan Andrulonis
Director, Product Safety