CFA MSA G1 User manual

MSA G1 Electronic
Breathing Apparatus
Reference Manual
This manual is published for use within CFA in conjunction with participation in a
course of instruction.
It has been developed having regard to current CFA Occupational Health and Safety
guidelines and “Safety First” principles.
Edition 1
December 2019

SAFETYFIRST
MSA G1 Electronic Breathing Apparatus
CFA acknowledges the assistance and contribution of its members, volunteer and staff. This publication is based
on materials provided by MSA, the Safety Company, Schlüsselstrasse 12, 28640 Rappersil-Jona, Switzerland,
Permission to use the materials has been granted by MSA.
Developed in collaboration withthe Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board, Melbourne (MFB).
© State of Victoria (Country Fire Authority) 2019
The w orkcontained in this publication is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence,
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. You are free to re-use the workunder that licence, on the condition
that you credit the State of Victoria (Country Fire Authority) as author, indicate if changes w eremade and comply
withthe other licence terms. The licence does not apply to:
•any branding, including Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Government logos;
•any photographs and images; and
•any content supplied by third parties.
CFA makes this information available on the understanding that you take reasonable care whenusing it. If you
have any uncertainty about the application of the information to your particular circumstances you should obtain
professional advice.
CFA does not accept responsibility for how you apply or rely on the information in this
publication.
Publisher
First published December 2019 in Australia by CFA Training (RTO 3739), CFA Headquarters, 8 Lakeside Drive,
Burw ood East, Victoria 3151.
For any matters relating to this publication, contact: Manager Learning Governance, CFA Headquarters,
8 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East, Victoria 3151.

Edition 1 – December 2019 SAFETYFIRST i
MSA G1 Electronic Breathing Apparatus
Contents
Foreword........................................................................................................................1
Introduction...................................................................................................................2
Awareness of MSA G1 Electronic...........................................................................2
Related Resources..................................................................................................5
Icons in this Manual................................................................................................5
Chapter 1 Specifications and General Precautionary Safety Measures.......6
Terminology.............................................................................................................6
General Description and Specifications of the G1 E..............................................7
Precautionary Safety Measures..............................................................................8
Chapter 2 Cylinder and Components...................................................................10
Cylinder .................................................................................................................10
MSAG1 Electronic BA..........................................................................................15
Components..........................................................................................................18
Chapter 3 Operation..................................................................................................71
Expectations..........................................................................................................71
PACT Check..........................................................................................................71
Functional Pre-Operational Check........................................................................73
Visual Inspection...................................................................................................73
Change the Cylinder .............................................................................................78
Functional Test......................................................................................................84
Chapter 4 Donning and Doffing.............................................................................93
Flash Hood............................................................................................................93
Don the BA............................................................................................................97
Post incident wash-down ....................................................................................106
Doff the BA..........................................................................................................107
Doff the Flash Hood ............................................................................................110
Emergency Shared Air (Buddy Breathing) .........................................................112
Chapter 5 After-use Care and Maintenance......................................................119
Authorised Service..............................................................................................119
Cleaning the BA after Use..................................................................................119
After Doffing ........................................................................................................122
Cleaning of Facemask........................................................................................122
Battery Management...........................................................................................127
Storage of the MSA G1 Electronic BA................................................................129
Abbreviations............................................................................................................130

Introduction
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MSA G1 Electronic Breathing Apparatus
Acknowledgements.................................................................................................131

Edition 1 – December 2019 SAFETYFIRST iii
MSA G1 Electronic Breathing Apparatus
Notes
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Edition 1 – December 2019 SAFETYFIRST 1
MSA G1 Electronic Breathing Apparatus
Foreword
After extensive testing and consultation with other emergency services in Victoria, CFA
commenced thedeployment of the MSA G1 range of breathing apparatus (BA) during
2018. This standardises the BA sets throughout CFA and enhance inter-operability
between services.
The MSA G1 Electronic (G1 E) BA is technologically advanced and provides added
comfort to the wearer by way of larger, non-slip shoulder straps, weight distribution
being on the hips rather than the shoulders, and a rotating, height adjustable lumber
support to cater for all body types.
The G1 E BA includes a centralised power module that powers the entire unit from a
single battery compartment, and improved voice amplification communications.
An additional safety feature of the MSA G1 E BA is the ability to attach, through a
buddy breathing line, to other users. The darkness and smokepiercing buddy lights
that are incorporated in the power unit provide all users with improved situational
awareness.
The MSA G1 E BA facemaskdoes not contain any electronic components. It has been
designed with a speechdiaphragm, heads-up display (HUD) and an open port. The air
flow is directed over the visor of the maskto eliminate fogging. The facemaskis
available in three sizes (small, medium and large) to ensure a comfortable and secure
seal for all users. The medium sizefacemaskfits 98% of users.
The demand valve contains a microphone that is connected to a voice projection
speaker. This ensures clearer, louder communication between users.
The MSA G1 E BA will provide flexibility for operators that have not been seen
throughout CFA before and will provide a base platform for future growth in BA
technology.
This manual describes how to operate the MSA G1 Electronic breathing apparatus.

2SAFETYFIRST Edition 1 – December 2019
MSA G1 Electronic Breathing Apparatus
Introduction
This manual is designed to provide you with information and instructions on the
operation and capabilities of the MSA G1 Electronic (G1 E) self-contained breathing
apparatus (BA).
This manual contains information about the G1 E BA and covers the following topics:
specifications and general precautionary measures;
cylinder and components;
operation;
donning and doffing;
after-use care maintenance; and
It also contains a list of abbreviations.
Awareness of MSA G1 Electronic
Deployment
Throughout Victoria, there are two MSA G1 BA sets being utilised: the MSA G1
Electronic (MSA G1 E) and the MSA G1 Classic (MSA G1 C).
The MSA G1 E will be used by:
all CFA Class 5 brigades (as well as MFB and Ambulance Victoria);
CFA Class 4 brigades that support CFA Class 5 brigades that have a pumper or a
pumper tanker. There are been a few exceptions to this.
all CFA Class 3 brigades that directly support a Class 5 brigade with pumper or
pumper tanker only.
The MSA G1 C will be used at all other CFA brigades. This manual covers the
operation of the MSA G1 E.

Introduction
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MSA G1 Electronic Breathing Apparatus
Comparison
This table provides a high-level overview of the two types MSA G1 sets.
Component MSA G1 Classic1
(Pneumatic)
MSG G1 Electronic
(Electronic)
Wear comfort
large, non-slip shoulder straps
weight distribution being on the hips
rather than the shoulders
a rotating height adjustable lumber
support

Buddy breathing system 
Buddy lights 
Facemask in three sizes 
Low pressure warning whistle operating at
55+/- 5 bar 
Battery 
Power module 
Electronic low air alarm at 100 bar 
Series of different electronic alarms 
Stand-alone distress signal unit (DSU) 
Gauge Analogue Digital and analogue
ProceduresandFireGroundPractices
The procedures and Fire Ground Practices (FGPs) have been closely aligned between
the two MSA G1 models. During operations there is no difference when breathing air.
The differences relate to the lights and alarm sounds of the MSA G1 E BA. The MSA
G1 C and MSA G1 E remain interoperable and the procedures and processes are the
same.
1Refer to the MSA G1 Classic manual for information about the components and operation

Introduction
4SAFETYFIRST Edition 1 – December 2019
MSA G1 Electronic Breathing Apparatus
If you are working alongside a brigade that is using the MSA G1 C set, they remain
interoperable with the MDSA G1 E and the procedures and processes are the same.

Introduction
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MSA G1 Electronic Breathing Apparatus
Related Resources
To identify additional and other related resources available, CFA members should
searchthe Members Online website using the title and key terms from this publication.
The website also contains the current CFA policies and procedures. Familiarity with
these will enable you to appropriately apply your learning.
Other manuals and documentation that relate to this equipment are:
PowerPoint for MSA G1 E;
MSA G1 EBA System Operating Manual;
MSA G1 FacemaskOperating Manual;
300 bar cylinder training video;
facemaskfitting procedures;
CFA–MFB MSA G1 Electronic training material: and
CFA MSA G1 Classic manual.
Icons in this Manual
This icon is a safety note or safety warning. You mustpay attention to
the information identified by this icon.
This icon is important information. You mustpay attention to the
information identified by this icon.

Edition 1 – December 2019 SAFETYFIRST 6
MSA G1 Electronic Breathing Apparatus
Chapter 1
Specifications and General
Precautionary Safety Measures
Thischapter contains information about:
terminology;
general description and specifications of the G1 E; and
precautionary safety measures.
Terminology
A wide range of terms refer to compressedair breathing apparatus used in irrespirable
atmospheres. Someof the terms include:
self-contained compressedair breathing apparatus (SCBA);
compressedair breathing apparatus (CABA); or
breathing apparatus (BA).
This manual uses the term breathing apparatus (BA).
BA Control/Entry
MFB use the term BA Entry. BA Entry is the term given to the entry point to the
fireground. All personnel going past this point into the incident mustwear BA. The BA
Entry Officer is stationed at this point, and this is where BA tally tags are deposited and
collected.
The BA Control Officer is in charge of the overall control of the BA operations.

Chapter1
SpecificationsandGeneralPrecautionarySafety Measures
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MSA G1 Electronic Breathing Apparatus
General Description and Specifications of the G1 E
Cylinder
Component Specification
Casing Carbon wrap aluminium composite
Size 625 mm x160 mm
Weight (total operational) 7.00 kg
Valve 90° assembly
Ratchet safety valve
Pressure 300 bar
Water capacity 6.8 litre
MSAG1 ElectronicBA
The MSA G1 E is a pressure-demandself-contained open circuitbreathing apparatus.
It operates independently from the ambient air in atmospheres immediately dangerous
to life or health (IDLH).
Breathable air is supplied to the operator from a compressedair cylinder via a pressure
reducer, a demand valve and a facemask.The exhaled air is released directly into the
ambient atmosphere via a one-way exhalation valve.
The MSA G1 E model includes features suchas:
a centralised power feature that provides power to all components from a single
battery compartment;
darkness and smokepiercing buddy lights that provide visible indicators of critical air
supply data from any angle, thereby enhancing firefighter mutual accountability;
improved voice amplification communications; and
a facemask without electronic components.

Chapter1
SpecificationsandGeneralPrecautionarySafety Measures
8SAFETYFIRST Edition 1 – December 2019
MSA G1 Electronic Breathing Apparatus
The specifications for the G1 E BA are summarisedin this table.
Item Specification
Make MSA
Model G1 Electronic
Back plate weight 6.22 kg
Total weight (including mask) 6.68 kg
Fully operational weight (including
300 bar cylinder) 13.88 kg
Standards NFPA, NIOSH, EN, British and Australian
Low pressurewarning whistle Operates at 55 ± 5 bar
Carry handle capacity 180 kg
Pressurereducer capacity 700 lpm
Tested underwater to 1 metre
Cleaning temperature +40˚C to +50˚C
Precautionary Safety Measures
Only use the BA after receiving training on how to operate, don and doff
and the correctafter-use maintenance procedures.
Always verify the BA’s operability. Do not use the set if any of the tests
fail.
Do not expose the BA to any substances that may damage it or causeany
part of it not to perform as designed and approved.
Only use approved filling stations in accordancewith Australian Standards
and National Regulations when filling cylinders.
Safe personapproach,dynamicriskassessment
Operators mustapply the principles of Dynamic Risk Assessment outlined in
Joint Standing Operating Procedure J08.02 at all times.

Chapter1
SpecificationsandGeneralPrecautionarySafety Measures
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MSA G1 Electronic Breathing Apparatus
Criticalpressures
BA must not be placed on an appliance or in serviceif the pressure in the
cylinder is less than 250 bar.
BA operator must not commence initial operations if the pressure in the
cylinder is less 250 bar. Re-entry may commence at200 bar pressure
after completing a DRA and with the approval of the Incident Controller.
BA cylinder pressure of approximately 100 bar, notwithstanding a dynamic
risk assessment, shouldbe allowed for exit/wash down activities.
BA cylinder pressure of approximately 110 bar is required for hazmat
decontamination.
Use in water
The BA is not intentionally to be used in water, however under crucial circumstancesit
will operate in water to a depth of 1 metre.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)mustbe used in conjunction with BA for all marine
and waterway emergencies and for firefighting when working within 2 metres of a body
of water.
Othertypesof personalprotectiveequipment
Other types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) worn during useof the BA must
also meet the prescribed standards.

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MSA G1 Electronic Breathing Apparatus
Chapter 2
Cylinder and Components
Thischapter contains information about the:
cylinder;
MSA G1E BA; and
components.
Cylinder
The compressedair cylinder used with the G1 E BA is a carbon wrap, aluminium
compositecylinder with a fibreglass outer wrap. These layers are then coated in a final
resin layer.

Chapter2
CylinderandComponents
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MSA G1 Electronic Breathing Apparatus
Figure 1: Dräger300bar cylinder andcylinder make-up
Cylinderandvalveassembly
The cylinder and valve assemblystores high pressureair which will be reduced to
provide the operator with breathable air.
The valve assemblyprovides the operator the ability to open the pressure to the rest of
the system.The valve assemblyconsists of a handwheel for opening and closingthe
valve and a threaded high pressure connection.
The 300 bar cylinder has a:
right angle valve;
ratcheting cylinder valve;
excess flow valve;
burst disc;
a vent hole in the threaded sectionto protect 200 bar pressure reducers from being
over pressurised; and
two passive radio frequency identification chips (RFID) for assetmanagement
purposes.
The purpose of the excess flow valve is to reduce the rate of escapingair if required,
so that the cylinder does not becomea projectile. It does not affect performanceduring
normal use.
Final resin layer
300 bar valve
Excessflow
valve/filter
Aluminium liner
Protexal anti-corrosion
layer
Carbon
wrap
Fibreglass wrap

Chapter2
CylinderandComponents
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MSA G1 Electronic Breathing Apparatus
The burst disc is a safety mechanism that has been incorporated into the valve of the
cylinder. It is a sheet of thin metal that is designed to rupture at a specified pressure to
prevent over-pressurisation of the cylinder. The burstdisk is rated to a nominal burst
pressureof 405 bar and has a tolerance of -35 bar.
The two passive RFIDs are located in the handwheel and the neck of the cylinder.
The 300 bar cylinder will connect to a 200 bar pressurereducer as the
thread sizes arethe same(3/4 BSP). The 300 bar cylinder will not seal
on a 200 bar pressure reducer.
A vent hole is situated in the threaded sectionof the 300 bar valves to
release air if it is connected to a 200 bar cylinder, removing the
possibility of over pressurisation.
Safe workingpractices
The cylinder meets all relevant Australian standards.
Do not drop the cylinder or bump the valve knob and handwheel.
Do not carry or move a cylinder by the handwheel. (Refer to the Carrying
of cylinders topic in this chapter on how to correctlycarry a cylinder.)
Only use the handwheel to open and closethe cylinder valve.
Remove a cylinder from service and return it to the State PPE&C
Management Centre with a fault report if:
it shows evidence of exposure to high heat or flame (suchas labels
turned to a brown colour, charred or missing);
it has been dropped or the valve is out of alignment;
it is outside the hydrostatic testing date;
scratches or gouges in the resin layer of the cylinder have displaced
carbon fibres; or
any other damage is suspected.

Chapter2
CylinderandComponents
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MSA G1 Electronic Breathing Apparatus
Only use the cylinder after receiving proper training.
Do not alter, modify or substitute any components without approval from
the State PPE&C Management Centre or adhering to CFA procedures.
Inspect the cylinder before and after use.
Do not use the cylinder if it is outside the hydrostatic testing date.
Misuse canresult in serious injury or death.
BA cylinders should be fully recharged as soon as possible after use.
Always leave some pressure in the cylinder, never fully exhaust it. This
stops non-treated air from entering the cylinder which may contain
moisture and airborne contaminants.
Cylindervalve
The cylinder valve incorporates a soft plastic seat that is surrounded by brass.These
seats are easily damaged by over tightening of the cylinder valve.
Figure 2: softplasticsealusedinBAcylinders

Chapter2
CylinderandComponents
14 SAFETYFIRST Edition 1 – December 2019
MSA G1 Electronic Breathing Apparatus
Storageofcylinders
Cylinders should always be fully charged, ready for use. The minimum
pressurefor stowage on an appliance is 250 bar.
Prior to recharging, cylinders must be examined externally for evidence
of high heat exposure, corrosion, scratches or gouges that have
penetrated to the carbon fibres or other evidence of significant damage.
If there is any doubt about the suitability of the cylinder for recharge,
return it to the State PPE&CManagement Centre.
Always checkto be sure the hydrostatic retest date is within the
prescribed period and that the cylinder is properly labelled to indicate its
hydrostatic test.
Filling cylinders
Cylinders can only be filled (charged) by trained persons at approved
filling stations.
The cylinder is hydrostatically tested every five years by the State PPE&C
Management Centre.