What is the most important approval for a SCBA cylinder?
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is the regulating authority for high pressure gas cylinders in the United States. This entity determines the basic requirements including the design, manufacture, and performance of these cylinders. These principles are enforced with the use of independent quality agents located within the manufacturing facility whom are mandated to inspect the product for quality and safety. Only the DOT has the authority to revoke a Special Permit for various reasons. If this were to occur, any SCBA cylinder manufactured under that Special Permit would have to be removed from service. NIOSH, as part of their ensemble approval process, requires that cylinders be DOT approved.
