Cameras
How accurate is the ACCUTEMP temperature readout?
The ACCUTEMP option on our cameras is an informational tool only. The temperature readout is an approximation of the object targeted and should not be used for scientific or maintenance purposes. The ACCUTEMP option is designed to give the user important additional information when confronted by a “white” thermal image. “White” is “white”, there is no visible difference or intensity and therefore by using the ACCUTEMP feature, the user can see, for example, a “white” door is either 100ºF or 800ºF.
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How often should I charge my ISI thermal imaging camera battery, and can I leave my battery in the camera when not in use?
We recommend that you charge your battery every three to five days. It is not recommended that a battery be left in the Vision camera when not in use for the battery will drain more rapidly than if stored outside of the camera, however with the new Surveyor and Navigator models that have the internal battery charger, leaving the battery in the camera charging is not a problem.
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Can you have any transmitter/receiver combination at random being used at the same location as another transmitter/receiver combination?
ISI systems are designed so that one transmitter can talk to many receivers. If you have more than one receiver at a scene and one transmitter is active, both receivers will pick up the transmission. When you have two transmitters in the same location, there will be interference between the two transmitted signals. The receiver will pick-up the signal of the transmitter closest to it. The two-channel systems are designed to virtually eliminate this cross-interference by setting the transmitters/receivers on different channels.
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Can I change my camera temperature reading from Celsius back to Fahrenheit?
Yes you can! If you call FDC Rescue Products at 877-FDC-RESC (332-7372) they can fax you that information depending on what model camera you have.
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SCBA's
In what temperatures are your SCBA's tested?
Our units comply with NIOSH standards, which include cold soaking at -25 degrees F and hot soaking at 160 degrees F for a minimum of 12 hours.
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What can I use to clean my Viking SCBA?
We recommend that you clean your Viking unit with warm soapy water. In order to sanitize, we recommend AERO cleaner, which you can purchase through any ISI authorized Distributor.
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Can I use other manufacturer's cylinders on my ISI SCBA?
According to OSHA, “approved self contained breathing apparatus may be used with approved cylinders from other approved SCBAs provided that such cylinders are of the same duration and pressure rating.” However, NIOSH (the governing body SCBA manufacturers are approved by) does not agree. Each manufacturer's SCBA is only approved with the cylinders that were submitted for testing to meet approval. Where the confusion with this issue comes in is that NIOSH will allow usage of other manufacturers cylinders, but only in emergency situations.
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What's the difference between a single curve visor and a double curve visor?
The single curve visor is available with an optional clear plastic visor protector that simply peels off after use for cleaning or replacement. It is ideal for industrial use. The double curve visor has no visor line for a totally unobstructed view. Both visor options provide distortion-free viewing.
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How often should my cylinders be tested?
That depends on the type of cylinder you have. If you have a straight aluminum cylinder it must be tested every five years. All wrapped cylinders must be tested every three years, except for carbon cylinders which must be tested every 5 yrs.
Aluminum cylinders are good as long as they continue to pass the hydrostatic test. Composite type cylinders have a limited life of 15 years or 3 if carbon hydrostatic tests, which ever comes first. If any points of concern come up concerning a cylinder, you should remove the cylinder from service until a certified hydrostatic tester can examine and test the cylinder in question.
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How should I handle my cylinder problems?
Although ISI makes the unit we do not manufacture the cylinder. Cylinders are manufactured by either Luxfer or Carleton. If you have a cylinder problem you can call us or deal direct with the manufacturer. If you have your cylinder hydrostatically tested and it fails the tester will condemn your cylinder. Once a cylinder is condemned it can not be "uncondemned" even by the manufacturer. The manufacturer can possibly replace the cylinder if it fails due to faulty material or workmanship. You will need to provide a copy of the failed test result from a certified hydrostatic tester along with the cylinder.
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What is the difference in a qualitative and quantitative fit test?
A quantitative test is done with a machine, such as the Port-a-count, while the qualitative test does not use a machine but depends on individual reaction. The machine used on the quantitative test measures the ambient air and samples the air inside the mask and measures the difference in the two. When doing a qualitative test a testing agent such as irritant smoke is blown around the users mask. If the user starts coughing it is an indication of a poor fit. A banana oil or saccharine solution may also be used as testing agent in which the user would be alarmed to a poor fit if he or she could taste the agent.
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Why do I have to do a fit test? How do I fit test?
Fit testing is now required for positive pressure respirator users. A fit test must be done for every respirator user on the same type mask he or she will be using in the negative pressure mode. Therefore, if you carry more than one brand of SCBA and there is a possibility you could wear either one you must be fit tested on both. Fit testing is not something unique to certain brands of SCBA because it is mandated by OSHA. You should check with your state labor department to get detailed instructions as to how the testing should be carried out or check the OSHA web site for detailed instructions.
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What is the difference in Foster, Hansen and Schrader connectors?
Foster, Hansen and Schrader connectors all connect by simply pushing the fittings together until they lock. The main difference in these connectors is how they disconnect. In order to disconnect a Foster fitting you must align a groove in the sleeve with a dot that is stamped into the socket body and pull the sleeve back to disconnect. In order to disconnect a Hansen connector you must align a groove in the sleeve with a "ball" (BB) imbedded in the socket body and pull the sleeve back to disconnect. The Foster and Hansen connectors are interchangeable. In order to disconnect the Schrader you twist the sleeve in order to release. The Schrader connectors will only work with other Schrader connectors.
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Are the Viking and Magnum interchangeable?
The Magnum and Magnum Plus can be upgraded to use the Viking mask and DEV. The Magnum mask can not be used on the Viking. None of the straps, backframe or other pneumatic assemblies are interchangeable.
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What is the difference in the DUOPASS and the DUOPASS II?
In February of 1999 the new standard for PASS devices went into effect. This change in NFPA standards is the reason the DUOPASS changed to the DUOPASS II. Like the old pass the new pass is activated when the SCBA is pressurized. Both the old and new devices can be removed from the SCBA and used as stand alone devices. The main difference is, once the DUOPASS II is removed from the SCBA activator it will automatically turn on and it can not be shut off until it is returned to the activator and the pressure on the unit is released. This means that firefighters can not take the pass units out of the activator and turn them off and put them in their pockets so they will not sound. When the DUOPASS II goes into pre-alert, the "pre-alert tick" will increase until the unit is reset or goes into full alarm.
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Are the DUOPASS and DUOPASS II interchangeable?
No. Although they may look the same there are differences in the way they are activated which means that a DUOPASS II will not work in a DUOPASS activator and a DUOPASS will not work with a DUOPASS II activator. You can no longer buy the DUOPASS even if it is for replacement. If you have a DUOPASS problem Grace Industries can repair the old pass but it can not be replaced with an old pass.
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If I have the old style DUOPASS am I NFPA compliant?
As long as the pass device was purchased before September 1, 1999 you are compliant with NFPA standards.
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What is the difference in the Ultra-Tuf and Safee hose?
The Ultra-Tuf hose is a heavy duty hose that is made with a nitrile inner core covered with a neoprene outer core. The Safee hose is a light weight PVC hose with a nitrile braid. Both hoses are approved for airline applications with ISI products. The Ultra-Tuf is recommended for highly abrasive applications such as confined space rescue where the hose may be pulled over asphalt or concrete or other like surfaces. The Safee hose is better suited for fixed applications such as air stations in clean rooms or overhead and fixed installations. Both hoses are 1/4 inch inner diameter.
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Where is the face seal?
With ISI units, the face seal is the area of your face which comes in contact with the outer sealing surface of skirt of the mask, that includes the chin cup. Anything that may come between this seal and your face, including facial hair and temple bars from glasses are not permitted. The nosecup is not part of the sealing area.
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What does CBRN stand for?
Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear environments or agents.
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Will our standard respirators provide adequate protection?
No, NIOSH has developed special tests which the SCBA must meet in addition to 42CFR Part 84, Subpart H, and NFPA 1981 Standard for open circuit self-contained breathing apparatus.
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How do I know my SCBA is certified to the CBRN standard?
All SCBAs tested and certified for use by emergency responders in CBRN environments will have a CDC/NIOSH approval label stating CBRN Agent approval.
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Is that the only identifier on the SCBA?
No. The approval number will also contain a "CBRN" suffix which will have the format of TC-13F-XXXXCBRN.
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Are other types of respirators certified?
Yes. NIOSH has developed criteria for testing and certifying APR respirators for use by emergency responders in CBRN environments.
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Is an SCBA the only required protection in CBRN environments?
No. In addition to using an SCBA, other personal protective equipment or ensemble may be required for dermal (skin) protection.
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Can I use components from another respirator, as they look alike?
No. Only components specified by the manufacturer can be used in the CBRN apparatus. Use of other components that are not provided by the manufacturer will void the certification and could result in injury or death to the wearer.
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Can I upgrade my current SCBA to CBRN agent approved?
It depends. Some manufacturers have upgrade kits for their SCBA, and some don't. You must contact the manufacturer to determine what models can be upgraded to the current CBRN standard.
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