Which action should a firefighter avoid when donning an SCBA facepiece?

When donning an SCBA facepiece, the correct action to avoid is pulling the facepiece harness straps to the sides. This practice can compromise the effectiveness of the seal between the facepiece and the wearer’s face. An improper seal can allow contaminated air to enter the facepiece, which defeats the purpose of the self-contained breathing apparatus and can place the firefighter at great risk in hazardous environments.

Proper techniques involve adjusting the straps evenly and ensuring a snug fit to maintain an effective seal without any leaks. Adjusting the straps for comfort is necessary but should not come at the expense of the facepiece's secure fit. Checking for obstructions is equally important to ensure that the facepiece can function optimally. Therefore, it is crucial that firefighters are trained to don the SCBA facepiece correctly to ensure their safety and effectiveness on the scene.