3 Tips to Stop User-Error with Compressors
“Compressor Finger Trouble puts more compressors out of service than any other single service item and is easily avoidable.” — Founder David M Jolley
We’ve all been there. The car stereo isn’t working so you begin to play “scientist” and turn things off and on, jam a few buttons, run a few “tests.” That may work for your car stereo but when firefighters start to do it with their SCBA air compressors, it's a fast track way to put your compressor out-of-service.
We call this “finger trouble” and it’s the user-error of trying to self-diagnose a SCBA air compressor and making the wrong adjustments. Other than the typical technical issues, finger trouble is the number one reason compressors go out of service for fire stations.
It’s easy to lose track of of valve you’ve adjusted or even which way or by how much. Even worse is when multiple firefighters try to self-diagnose the compressor but then no-one remembers who did what or when.
This can cause compressors to go out-of-service and can be costly not to mention highly inconvenient. Here’s a few solutions to keep your compressors working in-between it’s routine maintenance.
Solution #1
Only allow firefighters with training to “touch” the compressor
If you don’t want your SCBA air compressor to keep going out of service due to user-error, create a rule within your department that only firefighters who have RECENTLY taken compressor training can adjust settings. Even those who took the training 5+ years ago may accidentally put the compressor out-of-service. All major manufacturers host regular training OR AOS Services offers compressor operations training by our expert technicians.
Solution #2
Reach out to your compressor tech asap!
Say you have gotten into a situation where too many adjustments have been made, the first thing you need to do is call your compressor tech. While not all service providers offer this, AOS Services, Inc. can diagnose certain issues with SCBA air compressors over the phone or through video chat for fire departments in need. We can walk you backwards to ensure all of the settings are correct and in working order in case anything has been adjusted incorrectly. If we can’t solve it via phone, we can always schedule a maintenance visit.
Solution #3
Upgrade your compressor to a Unicus 4s
Newer models of air compressors, such as the Unicus 4s by Bauer (which is the top compressor we recommend) have solved this problem completely. Not only is it a great piece of equipment, but they’ve also put a panel in front of the valves which creates a clear distinction of where fingers shouldn’t go! If you’re interested in upgrading, AOS can help you spec out the unit that’s best for your fire department, while beating GSA OR you can contact Bauer directly.
https://www.bauercomp.com/products/breathing-air/all-in-ones/unicus-4s
“the only true wisdom is that we know nothing - Socrates”