Education
The Fundamentals of CERT Equipment - SCBA
Published on 04 Nov 2025
In every emergency, time is the most valuable resource. That’s why the Company Emergency Response Team (CERT) plays such a critical role in Singapore’s fire safety framework. Whether it’s a chemical spill, a fire, or a rescue operation, CERT members are trained to be the first respondents before external help arrives.
To do their job effectively, CERT teams rely on one thing above all: their equipment. From firefighting gear like hose reels and extinguishers to communication devices, first-aid kits, and protective clothing, every piece of equipment is designed to help them act fast and stay safe.
But among all the tools that CERT responders depend on, one key vital instrument is the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). It is more than just a protective gear it often acts as a lifeline. SCBAs provide breathable air in smoke-filled, oxygen-deficient, or hazardous environments, allowing responders to enter areas others cannot. And like any life-support system, the SCBA must work flawlessly when it’s needed most.
Singapore Standard SS 548:2019 clearly state that all respiratory protective equipment used by CERT members must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and kept in good working condition. During a CERT audit, teams are also required to produce maintenance records and service documentation to demonstrate equipment readiness. In practice, this means SCBAs must be inspected and serviced regularly by qualified personnel, following both the standard and the manufacturer’s recommended intervals.
What Happens During SCBA Servicing
Every SCBA that enters Asiatic’s workshop goes through a structured, step-by-step process designed to ensure it performs exactly as it should in an emergency. The process focuses on four key areas: cleanliness, functionality, safety, and compliance.
Ever SCBA servicing begins with a comprehensive inspection. Our technicians assess the physical condition of the SCBA, checking for wear, damage, or corrosion on key components such as the harness, valves, hoses, and facepiece. Even small defects can compromise the unit’s seal or airflow, so every detail matters.
Next, the unit is cleaned, disinfected, and dried to prevent material degradation and ensure the equipment is safe for use. Contaminants such as smoke, dust, or chemical residues are removed carefully, without exposing the respirator to excessive heat or harsh solvents.
Once cleaned and checked, the SCBA undergoes a series of functional and pressure integrity tests. Using specialised certified testing equipment, our specialists check that the system maintains pressure, that air delivery and warning alarms respond correctly, and that the regulator and valves operate smoothly.
Cylinders are also inspected for signs of wear and are tested in accordance with the relevant hydrostatic testing intervals. Air quality and pressure integrity are verified before reassembly.
After servicing, every SCBA is reassembled, tagged, and documented. We issue a detailed record of the inspection and tests performed, ensuring full traceability for audits or SCDF CERT reviews.
At Asiatic Fire System, we treat each SCBA as life-support equipment because that’s exactly what it is. Our service team follows stringent maintenance protocols designed to meet the highest safety standards while respecting each manufacturer’s requirements. The result is equipment that’s clean, reliable, and ready to protect those who protect others.