We have 12 SCBA bottles/cylinders that were manufactured in 2003. These specific DOT bottles/cylinders came with a 15-year service life; meaning the service life expired in 2018. They were all Hydro’ed on schedule for their three (3) hydros in 2008, 2013, and 2018.
KEY POINT: None of the bottles/cylinders have been used since 2018 (pointing out the serious issues with the units’ monthly inspections for the past 8 years!)
We all know a bottle/cylinder can NOT be filled/charged when it’s out of Date with its Hydro Testing Date. But since these bottles/cylinders are FULL, can they be used in any capacity (normal or emergency use) beyond their service life and 8 years beyond its last Hydro?
I have been told many times that the bottles/cylinders can be used beyond their service life (and even beyond its Hydro), until such time the bottles/cylinders have to be charged, which is NOT allowed on a bottle out of Hydro Schedule.
I am hard and fast on the service life. At the end of 15 years, it becomes a paperweight! I fully understand the concept of using it beyond the service life (but never the Hydro), but seeing how some amount of BA is being used during each month’s inspection/testing, we are probably getting 3-4 months usage before the cylinder drops below the 90% mark and has to be recharged.
What say you…
use beyond the service life and last hydro
Or
Remove from service at its 15-year Anniversary
TIA for your input and thoughts.