What should firefighters check before entering an IDLH atmosphere while wearing SCBA?

Before entering an Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) atmosphere while wearing a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), checking the cylinder pressure is essential for ensuring that firefighters have an adequate supply of breathable air. The cylinder pressure indicates how much air is available for the firefighter to use during their operation.

Understanding that entering an IDLH atmosphere poses significant risks, firefighters need to be assured that they will have sufficient air supply to safely perform their tasks and to allow for a potential escape if necessary. Failure to check the cylinder pressure could result in running out of air while in a hazardous environment, which could lead to serious life-threatening situations.

Other factors, while important for overall fireground safety, are secondary to ensuring an adequate air supply. For instance, monitoring air quality is critical, but the SCBA is designed to protect against hazardous atmospheres. Ensuring the regulator functions properly is also vital for air delivery but becomes moot if the cylinder has insufficient pressure. Visibility conditions can impact tactics, but in terms of immediate personal safety regarding air supply, cylinder pressure is the first and foremost check.