Reference Manual

PosiChek3 with 32-Bit Software

Computerized Performance Tester
for Air-Supplied Breathing Apparatus

Including Enhanced Precision High Pressure

Transducer, Microphone Test and HUD Test

Honeywell Analytics, Inc.

405 Barclay Blvd
Lincolnshire, IL 60069
(800) 711-6776
FAX 800-995-4992
www.honeywellanalytics.com
27 August 2012 Ver. 4 P/N 13-227
 NOTE:
The initial password
for software access is
“setup”

See section 2.7

for further details
Note: A copy of the most recent PosiChek Reference Manual is
included in the software installation. The PosiChek Manual is
located on the PC’s hard drive under C:/ Program Files / Posi3.

1
The PosiChek3 Computerized SCBA Test Bench has been designed to
evaluate the performance of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus and
other types of respiratory protective equipment. In order to ensure that
performance evaluations are conducted and recorded properly, it is
essential that the instructions in this manual be read, fully understood,
and followed.

32-Bit PosiChek3 Operations Manual

Version 4
Copyright 2012
by
Honeywell Analytics, Inc.
405 Barclay Blvd
Lincolnshire, Illinois 60069
Phone: (800) 711-6776 Fax: (800) 995-4992
(847) 955-8200

All rights reserved.

No page or part of this operation manual may be reproduced in any form without written
permission of the copyright owner shown above.

All rights reserved to correct typographical errors.

2
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
SIGNAL WORDS --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
1. OVERVIEW-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
1.1 Testing basics ......................................................................................................... 6
1.2 PosiChek configurations.......................................................................................... 6
1.3 Brand-specific software ........................................................................................... 6
1.4 Calibration Requirements........................................................................................ 6
1.5 Design Components................................................................................................ 7
1.6 Theory ..................................................................................................................... 8
1.7 PosiChek3 design components............................................................................... 8
2. OUT OF THE BOX ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
2.1 Installation overview ................................................................................................ 9
2.2 Delivery ................................................................................................................... 9
2.3 PC OS requirements ............................................................................................... 9
2.4 PC hardware requirements ..................................................................................... 9
2.5 Software Installation ................................................................................................ 10
2.6 Hardware................................................................................................................. 12
2.6.1 Installing the test head _________________________________________________ 12
2.6.2 Connecting the PC to the PosiChek. ______________________________________ 12
2.6.3 Powering up _________________________________________________________ 12
2.6.4 Installing the microphone (optional) _______________________________________ 13
2.7 Launching the software ........................................................................................... 13
2.8 Name the Database ................................................................................................ 14
2.9 Entering the BA into the database........................................................................... 14
2.9.1 Adding a new apparatus type (model) _____________________________________ 14
2.9.2 Adding a new apparatus _______________________________________________ 15
2.10 Connecting the BA to the PosiChek ........................................................................ 16
2.10.1 Identify the major parts ________________________________________________ 16
2.10.2. Attach the high or low pressure manifold ___________________________________ 17
2.10.3 Attach the first stage manifold ___________________________________________ 17
2.10.3.1 BA with Quick Disconnect fitting -----------------------------------------------------------------------------17
2.10.3.2 Other options------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------17
3. PERFORMING TESTS ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
3.1 Working off line........................................................................................................ 18
3.1.1 Initializing the PosiChek________________________________________________ 19
3.2 Running tests .......................................................................................................... 19
3.3 Test Requirements .................................................................................................. 19
3.4 Test Overview ......................................................................................................... 19
3.5 Complete SCBA Test .............................................................................................. 20
3.5.1 PosiChek – SCBA Connection for Complete SCBA Test ______________________ 20
3.5.2 Using the Sound Detection System _______________________________________ 21
3.5.3 Conducting the Complete SCBA Test _____________________________________ 22
3.6 Quick SCBA Test .................................................................................................... 29
3.6.1 PosiChek – SCBA Connection for Quick SCBA Test__________________________ 29
3.6.2 Conducting the Quick SCBA Test ________________________________________ 29
3.7 Breathing Machine .................................................................................................. 32
3.7.1 PosiChek – BA Connection for the Breathing Machine Test ____________________ 32
3.7.2 Conducting Breathing Machine Test ______________________________________ 32
3.8 Airline Apparatus Test ............................................................................................. 33
3
 3.8.1 PosiChek – BA Connection for the Airline Apparatus Test _____________________ 34
3.8.2 Conducting the Airline Apparatus Test_____________________________________ 34
3.9 Facepiece Test........................................................................................................ 39
3.9.1 PosiChek – BA Connection for the Facepiece Test ___________________________ 39
3.9.2 Conducting the Facepiece Test __________________________________________ 39
3.10 Cylinder Test ........................................................................................................... 41
3.11 Visual Inspections ................................................................................................... 42
3.11.1 Adding visual inspection items ___________________________________________ 44
3.11.2 Export Checklist to Excel _______________________________________________ 44
3.12 Completing tests...................................................................................................... 45
3.12.1 Alarms/Gauges ______________________________________________________ 46
3.12.2 View breathing graphs _________________________________________________ 46
3.12.3 Enter comments______________________________________________________ 46
3.12.4 Concluding the test ___________________________________________________ 46
4. FILE MENU / DATABASE OPTIONS ---------------------------------------------------- 47
4.1 Create new database .............................................................................................. 47
4.2 Open existing database........................................................................................... 47
4.3 Close database ....................................................................................................... 48
4.4 Compact database .................................................................................................. 48
4.5 Save database as.................................................................................................... 49
4.6 Export data .............................................................................................................. 50
4.6.1 Export from Select Tests option __________________________________________ 50
4.6.1.1 Select tests to export from View Test List option --------------------------------------------------------51
4.6.1.2 Export tests from View Test Data option-------------------------------------------------------------------52
4.6.2 Export from Select Serial Number option___________________________________ 53
4.6.3 Completing the Export _________________________________________________ 54
4.7 Clear test results ..................................................................................................... 55
4.8 Exit .......................................................................................................................... 55
5. SETUP MENU / APPARATUS AND USER OPTIONS ------------------------------ 56
5.1 Apparatus Options................................................................................................... 56
5.1.1 Adding a new apparatus type (model) _____________________________________ 56
5.1.2 Adding a new apparatus _______________________________________________ 56
5.2 User Options ........................................................................................................... 57
5.2.1 Adding a new user ____________________________________________________ 57
5.2.2 Logging a user into the system __________________________________________ 58
5.2.3 Editing user information ________________________________________________ 58
5.2.4 Deleting a user_______________________________________________________ 59
5.3 Setup Options.......................................................................................................... 59
5.3.1 General options ______________________________________________________ 59
5.3.1.1 General Tab -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------59
5.3.1.2 Tests Tab ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------60
5.3.1.3 Printing Tab -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------60
5.3.2 Database setup options ________________________________________________ 60
5.3.2.1 Tests ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------60
5.3.2.1.1 Changing the list of required tests---------------------------------------------------------------------61
5.3.2.2 Auxiliary IDs -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------61
6. VIEW MENU / SEARCH OPTIONS ------------------------------------------------------- 63
6.1 View Test Results.................................................................................................... 63
6.1.1 View Tests............................................................................................................... 63
6.1.1.1 View alarms / gauges -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------64
6.1.1.2 View breathing graph data ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------64
6.1.1.3 Add inspection comments -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------64
4
 6.2 View Apparatus ....................................................................................................... 65
6.2.1 Delete apparatus _____________________________________________________ 65
6.2.2 Include comments when printing _________________________________________ 65
6.2.3 Search By.. _________________________________________________________ 66
6.2.4 Modify view _________________________________________________________ 66
6.2.5 Print (apparatus info) __________________________________________________ 68
6.2.6 Requery ____________________________________________________________ 68
6.2.7 Retire apparatus _____________________________________________________ 68
6.2.8 Show only apparatus… ________________________________________________ 69
6.2.9 Transfer data to Excel Spreadsheet_______________________________________ 69
6.2.10 View/edit selected apparatus ____________________________________________ 70
7. HELP MENU ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 71
7.1 Help / Contents........................................................................................................ 71
7.2 Help: Search For ..................................................................................................... 71
7.2.1 Index ______________________________________________________________ 71
7.2.2 Find _______________________________________________________________ 71
7.3 PosiChek website.................................................................................................... 72
7.4 About ....................................................................................................................... 72
7.4.1 Copyright ___________________________________________________________ 72
7.4.2 Version_____________________________________________________________ 73
7.4.3 System info _________________________________________________________ 73
8. SOFTWARE UPDATES --------------------------------------------------------------------- 74
APPENDICES ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 75
Appendix A: Glossary ........................................................................................................... 75
Appendix B: Operating Ranges ............................................................................................ 76
Appendix C: Cleaning Instructions........................................................................................ 76
Appendix D: Complete SCBA Test Pass / Fail Criteria for Generic Software....................... 77
Appendix E: Honeywell Analytics PosiChek3 Warranty........................................................ 78

Signal Words
The following signal words, as defined by ANSI Z535.4-1998, are
used in the PosiChek3 Reference Manual.
indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if

not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which if not

avoided, may result in moderate or minor injury.

CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol indicates a potentially

hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in property
damage.

5
1. Overview The ability to simulate different work rates and test
conditions is what allows the PosiChek3 to test such
The PosiChek3 is a computerized test bench a wide variety of respiratory protective equipment.
designed to evaluate the performance of completely
assembled self-contained breathing apparatus 1.2 PosiChek configurations
(SCBA) and other types of air-supplied respiratory
protective equipment. The PosiChek3 incorporates a The PosiChek has been offered in many
unique computer-controlled bellows apparatus that configurations in the past. Currently there are two
simulates breathing into and out of the mouth of a configurations available. The standard configuration
test head in the same manner that air is drawn into includes the PosiChek3 with high and low pressure
and out of the mouth of a human BA wearer. The manifolds, first stage manifold, enhanced precision
PosiChek is able to perform dynamic tests to high pressure transducer (new for 2004) and 32-bit
determine if the BA is functioning properly. software. An optional sound detection system is
also available.
Note: For the remainder of this manual, the term 54-20-1117-32 Standard PosiChek3 with
“BA” will be used in place of “SCBA or other enhanced precision transducer
type of respiratory protective equipment”.
54-20-2117-32 Standard PosiChek3 with
enhanced precision transducer and sound
1.1 Testing basics detection system
Testing is accomplished by attaching the BA to the
PosiChek and initiating the tests through the 1.3 Brand-specific software
PosiChek Software on your PC. Once the software Users who plan to service their own SCBA should
is installed and the PC and the PosiChek are able to consider purchasing brand-specific software, which is
communicate, the BA must be physically attached to available directly from the SCBA manufacturer.
the PosiChek. For simpler tests, the BA’s facepiece Brand-specific software includes all relevant data on
serves as the only interface between the PosiChek the manufacturer’s current BA offerings and also
and the BA. More complex tests require the use of a includes the manufacturer’s first stage pressure
series of manifolds to deliver pressure levels from requirements. Standard PosiChek3 software does not
predetermined points in the BA’s air stream to the provide pass/fail criteria for first stage performance.
PosiChek’s internal transducers.
Brand-specific software is currently available directly
The Complete SCBA Test requires the following from the following manufacturers: 3M, Cairns,
connections between the SCBA and the Draeger, ISI, MSA, Interspiro, Scott and
PosiChek. Survivair. In many cases, the SCBA manufacturer is
1. The BA’s facepiece is put over the PosiChek’s able to provide a model-specific adapter that
anatomically correct test head, just as it would facilitates the medium pressure connection.
be placed over the head of a user. Use of the first stage manifold in conjunction with
2. The appropriate high or low pressure manifold is brand-specific software allows the user to test
inserted between the cylinder and the first stage specific breathing apparatus to the criteria
regulator and then connected to the high specified by the SCBA manufacturer and allows
pressure inlet fitting located on the PosiChek. the user to easily isolate problem components.
3. If possible, the first stage manifold is connected
from a location downstream of the first stage 1.4 Calibration Requirements
regulator and upstream of the facepiece to the The PosiChek3 must be calibrated annually to
medium pressure inlet on the PosiChek. maintain the accuracy of the internal transducers.
Note: Some BA terminology varies by Calibration must be performed either by Honeywell
manufacturer. In this manual the term “first Analytics, or by a Honeywell-sanctioned repair
stage regulator” may be interchanged with facility.
intermediate pressure regulator and pressure
reducing regulator. PosiCheks located in North America must be
returned to the Honeywell Analytics Factory
The PosiChek3 is able to systematically analyze the annually for calibration. Contact Honeywell
operational fitness of the BA by means of a series of Analytics for a Return Authorization Number
dynamic tests and functional checks. Since the (RA#) prior to returning the PosiChek.
PosiChek3 is driven by a personal computer, simple
menu commands may be used to vary the breathing (800) 711-6776 or (847) 955-8200
rate, the tests selected, or other test parameters.
6
1.5 Design Components

Front Panel Rear Panel

3
POSI CHEK

On/Off
power
Parallel port to
switch
computer

Fuse Parallel port to

printer

Medium pressure inlet fitting High pressure inlet Line power inlet connector
fitting for pressure
reducing manifold
Serial number location

Figure 1.5.1 External View PosiChek3 Chassis

Bellows assembly

Motor

High pressure inlet

fitting for pressure
reducing manifold

Figure 1.5.2 Internal view of PosiChek3 showing bellows assembly

7
 The source of air used to fill the manifold may be a
1.6 Theory standard SCBA cylinder, a larger stationary cylinder,
Once the software is installed, and the PC is able to or a cascade filling station.
communicate with the PosiChek, the BA is
If a stationary cascade system is used, an
connected to the PosiChek as discussed below in
adjustable pressure-reducing supply regulator is
section 2.10. The expansion and contraction of the
recommended. The pressure-reducing supply
bellows assembly causes air to be drawn into and
regulator is placed in line between the cascade
expelled out of the BA’s facemask. The bellows
system and the pressure-reducing manifold and
assembly is driven by a computer-controlled
is used to control introductory system
servomotor. The work rate is equal to the volume of
pressures. Honeywell Analytics offers a
air moved by the bellows per minute, which varies
pressure-reducing supply regulator as part
with how far the bellows contracts (stroke depth) and
number 35-0470. Call Honeywell Analytics for
the number of cycles per minute (stroke rate).
more information.
The PosiChek3 design allows the user to select the
appropriate work rate to test a specific BA design. 1.7 PosiChek3 design components
The standard stroke rate is 24 breathing cycles per
minute at 1.67 liters per stroke, which produces a Test head: The PosiChek3 test head is anatomically
work rate of 40 liters per minute. The maximum correct and is molded from a firm but pliable material
stroke rate is 30 cycles per minute at 3.4 liters per that provides a good mounting surface for sealing
stroke, which produces a work rate of 102 liters per the facepiece. The test head is mounted to the top
minute. Since the operation of the bellows assembly of the PosiChek chassis. A breathing passage leads
is controlled by the PC, a simple menu command is from the mouth to the bellows assembly. Readings
all that is required to vary the work rate by modifying are obtained through a static pressure port located
the stroke depth, stroke rate or both. in the left eye of the test head.
In the Complete SCBA Test, a pressure-reducing Chassis: The chassis includes the following
manifold is used to store a relatively small volume of components:
air at cylinder pressure. This small reservoir of air
 Bellows assembly (functions as an artificial lung)
acts like a full cylinder of air, except that it is
 Precision servo motor (controls the bellows)
significantly smaller. Each expansion and
 Servo position feedback device (measures the
contraction of the bellows assembly reduces the
pressure in the manifold. As the pressure drops, position of the bellows)
performance is evaluated from full cylinder pressure  Low pressure transducer (measures the
to pressure low enough to cause the activation of pressure in the facepiece)
the low-pressure alarm.  Activation pressure transducer (measures the
amount of negative pressure needed to start the
flow of air in the BA (for units equipped with first
Do not modify or repair the breath activation))
pressure reducing manifold assembly in any  Power supplies for the motor and other internal
way. Due to the high pressures in the manifold, electronics
modifying the pressure reducing manifold,  High pressure transducer inlet
including changing the length of hose, replacing  Enhanced precision high pressure transducer
the fittings or otherwise repairing the manifold (monitors pressure in the pressure reducing
may cause inaccurate test results and may lead manifold during Complete SCBA Test
to a potentially hazardous situation which may procedures)
result in death or serious injury.  Medium pressure transducer inlet
 Medium pressure transducer (monitors pressure
The pressure-reducing manifold is connected to the in the system between the first stage regulator
handwheel inlet fitting used to connect the SCBA and the mask).
pneumatics to the SCBA cylinder during normal  Power switch: The PosiChek3 includes a
operation. High (4500 PSI) and low (2216 or 3000 rocker type power switch is used to turn the
PSI) pressure manifolds are included with purchase instrument on and off. In the ON position, the
of the PosiChek and are to be used with the switch is illuminated in green.
corresponding types of SCBA.  Computer and printer interface ports
 Microphone jack (optional)

8
2. Out of the Box  Power Cable
 3 High Pressure Manifold Replacement O-Rings
This chapter will cover what to do when your  3 Low Pressure Manifold Replacement O-Rings
PosiChek3 arrives to prepare it to test BA.  High Pressure Manifold Replacement Hex-Head
The PosiChek will arrive in two boxes. One box Screw
contains nothing but the actual PosiChek unit and  Spare Fuse
the inspection report. The other box contains all of
the accessories including the head and the three
2.3 PC OS requirements
manifolds. The PosiChek3 32-Bit Software has the following OS
requirements:
2.1 Installation overview  Windows 98, ME, NT (version 4.0 SP5 or
The following steps are necessary to begin testing higher), 2000, and XP.
breathing apparatus:  Internet Explorer version 4.01, SP2 or higher.
1. Remove the PosiChek and the accessories from The PosiChek3 32-Bit Software is NOT
the shipping cartons and verify that all parts are compatible with Windows 3.1.
present. See section 2.2 for a parts list. Microsoft is no longer actively supporting
Do not discard the shipping cartons and packing Windows 95. As an unsupported product,
materials – you will need them to return the Windows 95 is no longer suitable for use with
PosiChek to Honeywell Analytics for its annual the PosiChek3.
calibration. In order to install the software in Windows
2. Verify that your PC meets the OS and hardware NT/2000/XP, the software installer must log on as
requirements as described in sections 2.3 and system administrator. The software must be
2.4 below. installed on each PC that will be used to conduct
tests. After the software has been successfully
3. Install the software (see section 2.5 below).
installed on a workstation, users may be added as
4. Install the hardware. This includes attaching the needed.
head, connecting the PC to the PosiChek and
plugging in the PosiChek (see section 2.6 2.4 PC hardware requirements
below).
5. Launch the software (see section 2.7 below). If Make sure your computer
this is the initial use of the software, “setup” system meets the minimum requirements prior
is the password and will open the software. to attempting to install or use PosiChek3
software. Inadequate system resources may
6. Name the test results database (see section 2.8
prevent the software from operating properly on
below).
your system. The minimum specifications for
7. Enter the BA that you plan to test into the the computer used to run PosiChek3 Titanium
database (see section 2.9 below). Edition software vary according to the operating
8. Attach the BA to the PosiChek3 (see section system used.
2.10 below).
The processor speed and amount of extended
2.2 Delivery memory must meet the recommended
requirements for the operating system. (Note that
The PosiChek3 is delivered with the following items: the recommended system requirements for an
 PosiChek3 operating system usually exceed the required
 Head Assembly (w/attached Tygon tube) minimum system requirements of the PosiChek
 High Pressure Manifold software. If a PC with only the required minimum
 Low Pressure Manifold system is used, both the operating system and the
 First Stage Manifold PosiChek program will be slow.)
 CD-ROM with 32-Bit Software  At least 100 Mb of available hard disk space
 Head Gasket  Parallel Port
 4 Standoffs  CD ROM drive
 4 Tightening Knobs
Note: As of the printing of this manual the
 Manual
PosiChek3 is not USB compatible.
 Training Video
 Printer Cable
9
2.5 Software Installation
Software installation involves loading the PosiChek
software onto your PC. It is not necessary, but it will
significantly increase the speed of the installation if
you temporarily disable any anti-virus software that
you may have installed.
1. Place the CD-ROM into your computer’s CD tray
and close the tray. If the software fails to set
itself up immediately, use Windows Explorer to
locate the CD-ROM drive and run the
“posi32.exe” program. The following two 4. The default location for standard (non-OEM)
screens will be shown in succession. software is in the C:\ProgramFiles\Posi3 folder.
If this is OK, press the “Next” button. Otherwise,
click on the Browse button to specify a different
location. Click “Next” to continue.
Note: Brand-specific (OEM) versions of the
PosiChek software may have different default
locations for the software.


5. The default location for backup files is in the

2. At the prompt, press the “Next” button. The C:\ProgramFiles\Posi3\BACKUP folder. If this is
End User Licensing Agreement screen will be OK, press the “Next” button. Otherwise, click on
shown. the Browse button to specify a different location.
Click “Next” to continue. The License
Information screen will then be shown.

3. Press “Yes” to accept the terms of the

agreement. Pressing “No” will cause the
installation to be terminated. The program will 6. Press “Next” to continue. The Select
then prompt you for the destination directory for Components/Language screen will then be
the software. shown. The PosiChek software offers a number
of language options.

10
 Once the process is complete, the system
configuration will be updated.

The installation sequence includes a reminder to

save the original shipping container. The PosiChek
must be factory calibrated once per year. The
original shipping container is specifically designed to
protect the PosiChek from damage in shipping.
7. Select the appropriate language and press the
“Next” button. The software will then ask which
Program Manager group will include the
PosiChek icons.

The final screen in the installation sequence will

indicate that the installation is complete and show
the user to whom the software is registered.

8. The default Program Manager Group for the

PosiChek software is in the Biosystems folder.
Press “Next” once the appropriate Program
Manager Group is selected. The Start
Installation screen will then be shown.

10. Click on “Finish” to proceed. It is necessary to

restart your PC to complete the installation.

9. Press “Next” to proceed with the installation.

The software will show a series of screens as
the software is loaded. When the PC has been restarted the PosiChek3
icon will appear on your PC’s desktop screen.

11
Note: A copy of the most recent PosiChek
Reference Manual is included in the software
installation. The PosiChek Manual is located on
the PC’s hard drive under C:/ Program Files /
Posi3.

2.6 Hardware
2.6.1 Installing the test head
The test head must be mounted to the top of the
PosiChek3 chassis. A gasket installed between the
top of the bellows assembly and the bottom of the
test head guards against leakage. A Tygon tube
connects the static pressure port located in the left
eye of the test head with a hose barb fitting on the
bellows chamber base plate. The head is secured
by four mounting standoffs and four tightening
knobs.
To install the test head on the PosiChek3 chassis:
1. Make sure the base of the test head, gasket,
and bellows chamber inlet area (where the test
head will be mounted) are clean and free of dust
and/or other contaminants.
2. Screw the four standoffs into place at the
top of the PosiChek chassis by hand until
Figure 2.6.1. Test head and mounting hardware
they are tight. No tools are necessary.
The hexagonal standoffs have an arrow 5. Carefully align the test head with the mounting
etched into one of the sides. The arrow standoffs, and slide the head into place on the
on the standoff should be pointing PosiChek chassis. Make sure the Tygon tube
upwards when the standoff is properly from step 4 is not caught or pinched as you slide
positioned. the head into place.
3. Place the head gasket into position on 6. Install the four tightening knobs on top of the
the bellows chamber inlet. Align the threaded standoffs by hand. No tools are
gasket at equal distances between the necessary. Do not over tighten!
standoffs. 2.6.2 Connecting the PC to the PosiChek.
4. On the bottom side of the head you will find a
piece of Tygon tubing that is already The PC is connected to the PosiChek through the
connected to a hose barb inside the head. This PC’s printer port with a standard printer cable (IEEE
tubing is used to connect the static pressure port 1284 DB25 Male/Centronics 36 Male).
in the left eye of the test head with the Low If the PC is unable communicate with the PosiChek
Pressure and Activation Pressure transducers once the two are connected by the printer cable, it
located on the inside of the PosiChek chassis. may be caused by the PC’s printer port settings.
Peer down into the PosiChek chassis. You will The printer port needs to be configured for one-way
see a brass hose barb fitting that is located on data transfer (out). Establishing the connection may
the flat bellows plate towards the front of the require a reconfiguration of some of the PC’s
unit. Complete the connection between the internal settings.
head and the chassis by sliding the open end of
the tube over the hose barb fitting on the inside If the PC is unable to communicate with the
of the bellows chamber base plate. Slide the PosiChek despite being physically connected by
tube on as far as it will go so that it resists when cable, see the PosiChek Troubleshooting Guide.
you try to remove it. 2.6.3 Powering up
To turn the PosiChek3 on, simply plug the power
cord of the PosiChek3 into a grounded 110 VAC

12
outlet and flip the green rocker switch located on the
front panel of the PosiChek3 chassis.
Note: Honeywell Analytics recommends that the
PosiChek be plugged into a surge protector.
Failure to use a surge protector may lead to
sporadic loss of communication between the
PosiChek and the PC.

Do not attach the pressure- or

reducing manifold, or mount an SCBA facepiece
on the test head prior to turning the PosiChek3
on. Doing so prior to completion of the
electronic self test and startup sequence may Note: The file location may be different
result in damage to the PosiChek and/or depending on the choices made during software
incorrect test data. installation.

2.6.4 Installing the microphone (optional) Once the software is launched, a password must be
entered to access the program.
If your PosiChek includes the Sound Detection
System (SDS), the microphone will need to be
installed prior to launching the software.
1. Plug the microphone in. The port for the
microphone is located on the PosiChek’s left
front panel over the medium pressure inlet.
If this is the initial software launch, enter “setup” as
the password. For security reasons, the characters
that are typed in will not appear on the screen.
Note: The default password for initial software
installation is “setup”.

Press OK once “setup” or another valid password is

entered. If “setup” is entered as the password, the
Microphone and Carrier Arm Assembly Quick Start Instructions will be briefly shown.
2. The software will automatically recognize the
microphone when the PosiChek is initialized.
The microphone is only used in the Complete
SCBA Test. For further instructions on using the
microphone, proceed to section 3.5.2.

2.7 Launching the software

To launch the software, either double click on the
PosiChek icon located on your PC’s desktop screen
or click on the start button to access All To close the screen click on the “X” in the upper
Programs/Biosystems/PosiChek3/PosiChek3 right corner of the screen. For more information on
Titanium Edition. any of the topics listed, click on the appropriate link.
Note: A printer must be installed on the PC prior The Initialization screen will then be shown:
to launching the software.

13
 “SCBAMaintenance.mdb”. The .mdb extension is
added by the PC and signifies that this is a database
file.

Since this is the first software launch, select “Work

Off Line” and click OK. This will allow you to name
the database and enter new user settings.

2.8 Name the Database

Once the software has been launched for the first
time you must name the database that will be used Press the Open button once the new database
to store test data. This is a simple matter of clicking name has been entered. The database will then
on File / New and typing in a name. appear in the file.

From the File Menu, select New. Note: The database that is currently open is
always shown in the upper status bar at the
bottom of the screen.

2.9 Entering the BA into the database

The final step concerning the PC is to enter the
breathing apparatus (BA) that you plan to test into
the database.
Prior to testing with the generic software, you will
need to enter specific information about the BA
model as well as the unique ID number (serial
number) of the apparatus.
By selecting “New”, you are instructing the software Note: Entering incorrect information about a BA
to create a new database. All you have to do is may lead to incorrect tests and/or test data.
provide a name for it. The New Test Results
database screen will be shown. A sample database For brand-specific software, the general information
about that brand’s models will already be in the
named Sample32.mdb is included with all PosiChek
database. You will need to select the correct model
software. Sample32.mdb is a read-only file and will
not accept test results. and add the serial numbers and other information
prior to performing a test.
For record keeping purposes, each apparatus must
be given a unique ID number prior to testing. The
unique ID is typically the serial number of the
apparatus. The apparatus type (model) must be
present in the database before a new apparatus can
be added.
If the apparatus type (model) does not appear in
the database, proceed to section 2.9.1. If the
apparatus type (model) does appear in the
database, proceed to section 2.9.2.

Type the name of the new database into the input 2.9.1 Adding a new apparatus type (model)
box next to File name. In the example below, we’ve Note: Brand-specific (OEM) versions of
named the database “SCBAMaintenance”, and the PosiChek software include all model/apparatus
software has created a new database named
14
type information and do not allow the user to
modify model information or to add new models.
1. From the Setup Menu select Apparatus Type
followed by Add New Apparatus Type.

The Apparatus Information screen will be shown. 4. Fill in the information as appropriate for the
apparatus.
Note: If you are unsure of any of the information
that is required in the Apparatus Information
window, contact your superior and/or the BA
manufacturer for further instructions. Entering
incorrect information about a BA may lead to
incorrect tests and/or test data.

2. Select the apparatus type by clicking on Self

Contained Breathing Apparatus, Airline
Apparatus, Combination SCBA/Airline or
Cylinder. Select high (4500 psi) or low (2216
psi) pressure as appropriate for the apparatus.
Then type the Manufacturer and Model names
into the appropriate text boxes. As an example,
the information for a Draeger PA90 NFPA Low
5. Press the OK button once the information has
Pressure SCBA has been entered.
been correctly entered. The software will return
to the Enter New Apparatus window. The new
apparatus will then appear in the list.
2.9.2 Adding a new apparatus
1. From the Setup Menu select Apparatus Type
followed by Add New Apparatus.

3. Once all fields have been completed in this

window, click on the apparatus information tab
at the bottom of the window. The apparatus
information tab will be different depending on the
type of apparatus selected above in step 1. The Enter New Apparatus window will then be
shown.

15
 pressure levels from points in the BA’s airstream to
the PosiChek’s internal transducers. Every BA is
different, so specific parts and instructions may be
required for your BA to be connected to the
PosiChek.
The Complete SCBA Test requires the following
connections between the SCBA and the
PosiChek.
1. The BA’s facepiece is put on the PosiChek’s
anatomically correct test head, just as it would
be placed on the head of a user.
If this is the first launch of the generic software and 2. The appropriate high or low-pressure manifold is
no apparatus types have been added, the only inserted between the cylinder and the first stage
apparatus shown will be generic models (SCBA regulator and then connected to the high-
2216 and SCBA 4500). The apparatus type (model) pressure inlet fitting located at the lower right
should be added prior to adding the specific side on the front face of the PosiChek. (See
apparatus information. Return to section 2.9.1 for figure 1.5.1 above (page 6))
instructions on adding the apparatus type. 3. If possible, the first stage manifold is connected
2. Select the appropriate apparatus type and fill in from a location downstream of the first stage
the appropriate fields. If you plan to enter a regulator and upstream of the facepiece to the
series of similar apparatus, click on the check medium pressure inlet, which is located at the
box at the lower left corner for “Retain entries lower left side on the front face of the PosiChek.
when adding another serial number”. (See figure 1.5.1 above (page 6))
2.10.1 Identify the major parts
Begin by identifying the three manifolds that are
included with the PosiChek. Each of the manifolds
comes with a factory label that identifies it by name
and part number.
54-21-A03 Assembly, Manifold, 2250 PSI
For the remainder of this manual, this manifold will
be called the Low Pressure Manifold. The low
pressure manifold can be recognized by its brass T-
fitting and black handwheel. This manifold will be
used with all low pressure BA (3000 PSI and below).
Note: If you plan to track the individual 54-21-A02 Assembly, Manifold, 4500 PSI
components of the BA, the serial numbers for For the remainder of this manual, this manifold will
the components should be added in the be called the High Pressure Manifold. The high
appropriate fields at the bottom of the Enter New pressure manifold can be recognized by its stainless
Apparatus screen. Section 5.3.2.2 below covers steel T-fitting and handwheel. This manifold will be
changing the field names, and whether the field used with all high pressure BA (above 3000 PSI).
names are shown in the Enter New Apparatus
screen. 35-751 First Stage Manifold
3. Click OK once the information has been added. The first stage manifold is a 3-foot long hose with
identical Foster quick disconnect fittings on each
2.10 Connecting the BA to the end. A model-specific adapter is required to connect
the first stage manifold to the BA.
PosiChek
Now that the software in installed and running, and Brand and Model-Specific Parts
the PosiChek is assembled, it is time to connect the In many cases the high or low pressure manifold (as
BA to the PosiChek. One of the strengths of the appropriate for the BA) can be used without any
PosiChek is its adaptability. For simpler tests, the special parts to connect the air source to the BA and
BA’s facepiece serves as the only interface between to the PosiChek.
the PosiChek and the BA. More complex tests
require the use of a series of manifolds to deliver
16
A model-specific adapter and the first stage manifold Note: Detailed connection instructions for a
are necessary to connect the BA to the PosiChek. variety of BA are available in the PosiChek
The connection must be made at some point on the Software’s Help File. See chapter 7 for details on
BA where first stage pressure can be measured. using the Help File.
2.10.2. Attach the high or low pressure 2.10.3.1 BA with Quick Disconnect fitting
manifold If your BA has a quick disconnect fitting downstream
Insert the T-side of the high or low-pressure manifold of the first stage regulator, open the quick
(as appropriate for the BA) between the air cylinder disconnect and insert the T-connection adapter
and the first stage regulator. Turn the manifold’s (available from the BA manufacturer). Then use the
handwheel down by hand until it is tight on the air first stage manifold to connect the T-fitting to the left
source. Turn the BA’s handwheel down until it is inlet port on the PosiChek.
tight on the manifold.

Note: The appropriate quick disconnect for your

BA may not look like this.
2.10.3.2 Other options
The medium pressure connection from the BA to the
PosiChek is unique for every BA. It may be
Connect the other end of the manifold to the right necessary to access first stage pressure through a
side inlet on the PosiChek and tighten the pressure relief valve or another location. If you have
handwheel. questions concerning the medium pressure
connection contact the BA manufacturer, who
should be able to provide the model-specific adapter
that you need as well as instructions on how to use
it.
Note: Detailed connection instructions for a
variety of BA are available in the PosiChek
Software’s Help File. See chapter 7 for details on
using the Help File.

2.10.3 Attach the first stage manifold

An adapter is required to connect the first stage
manifold to the BA. First stage manifold adapters
are specific to the SCBA and are only available from
the SCBA manufacturer.
If the BA has a quick disconnect fitting between the
first stage regulator and the mask proceed to section
2.10.3.1.
17
3. Performing Tests
This chapter covers test options in detail following
the initial setup.
To launch the software, either click on the PosiChek
icon located on your PC’s desktop screen or click on
the start button to access Programs/Biosystems
PosiChek3 32 bit software/PosiChek3 Titanium
Edition.
Once the software is launched, you will
automatically be prompted to choose between
working off line and running tests.

3.1 Working off line

If you do not intend to run tests, then select “Work
Off Line” at the initialization screen. This will give
you full access to the databases stored on the PC
or without actually interfacing with the PosiChek.
Working off line also bypasses the need to connect
the PC to the PosiChek, and the need to initialize
the PosiChek’s transducers.
Note: The file location may be different
depending on the choices made during software If you decide to run tests after selecting “Work Off
installation. OEM software versions require a Line” you will need to initialize the PosiChek before
different path to the software. proceeding. See section 3.1.1 for details on
initializing the PosiChek.
Once the software is launched, a password must be
entered to access the program.

If this is the initial software launch, enter “setup” as

the password. For security reasons, the characters Note: The PosiChek does not need to be
that are typed in will not appear on the screen. connected to the PC to access stored data. If
Note: The default password for initial software you only need to access database files, select
installation is “setup”. “Work Off Line” at the Initialization screen.
While working off-line, all tests that involve
quantitative measurement will be “grayed out” in the
test menu.

Press OK once “setup” or another valid password is

entered. If “setup” is entered as the password, the
Quick Start Instructions will be shown.

18
Note: Since the cylinder test only involves a Individuals who are comfortable with other Windows
visual inspection and data entry, the Cylinder applications should find the software easy to run.
Test is available in the off-line mode.
Prior to running tests:
3.1.1 Initializing the PosiChek 1. The PosiChek software must be installed and
As discussed above, working off line allows the user open. See section 2.5 for details.
to access the PosiChek databases, but will not allow 2. The PC must be able to communicate with the
the user to run quantitative tests. Once the “Work PosiChek. See section 2.6.2 for details.
Off Line” selection is made at start up, the PosiChek 3. The BA must be correctly attached to the
will not be able to run tests. If you decide that you PosiChek.
need to run tests, you’ll need to manually initialize
the PosiChek as follows: 4. A database must be open. See section 2.8 for
details on creating a new database. Instructions
1. From the menu bar, select Setup followed by for opening an existing database are given in
“Initialize PosiChek3”. section 4.2.

3.4 Test Overview

The PosiChek3 offers the following tests:
The Complete SCBA Test provides a complete
evaluation of an SCBA. The complete test includes
visual inspection, quantitative measurement of
facepiece leakage, exhalation valve opening
pressure, measurement of activation and static
facepiece pressure, alarm and pressure gauge
accuracy, breathing test, a measurement of high
2. The PosiChek software will then display the pressure leakage and verification of pressure gauge
Initialization screen that is normally shown accuracy at multiple operating pressures. These
during start-up. additional tests require the use of a pressure-
reducing manifold, which contains a relatively small
3.2 Running tests amount pressurized air. The PosiChek controls the
If you plan to run tests, select “Run Tests” at the release of air from the pressure-reducing manifold,
Initialization screen. Be sure to turn the PosiChek thereby allowing testing of the SCBA at all operating
off and then on again to initialize the instrument. pressures from fully charged to empty.
Note: NFPA compliant breathing apparatus must
be tested at least annually on a PosiChek3 in
order to maintain compliance. Please reference
NFPA 1981 and NFPA 1852 for details.
The Quick SCBA Test takes approximately two
minutes to complete and includes visual inspection,
quantitative measurement of facepiece leakage,
exhalation valve opening pressure, measurement of
activation and static facepiece pressure, alarm and
Initialization includes the pressure gauge accuracy, as well as the breathing
zeroing of the PosiChek’s internal transducer test at either standard (40 LPM) or maximum (100
assembly. Make sure that the PosiChek head is LPM) work rates. One cycle of the Quick SCBA Test
properly vented and that the pressure reducing consumes less than 1% of the SCBA’s air supply.
manifold is not attached to the PosiChek prior to The Breathing Machine Test allows the user to
starting the initialization. Failure to keep the conduct customized breathing resistance tests of
transducer assembly properly vented during fully assembled apparatus at work rates and
initialization may damage the bellows assembly durations specified by the user.
and/or lead to incorrect test data.
The Airline Apparatus Test evaluates the
3.3 Test Requirements performance of airline respirators and includes a set
of tests similar to those performed in the Complete
PosiChek3 software has been designed to function SCBA Test. The available tests include a visual
similarly to other Windows-based applications. inspection checklist, facepiece leak test,
19
activation/static pressure test, and breathing
resistance at both standard and maximum work
rates.
The Facepiece Test includes visual inspection of
the facepiece, facepiece leakage test, exhalation
valve opening pressure test and a breathing test.
The Cylinder Test allows the user to track visual
inspections and hydrostatic test results for
compressed air cylinders.
Test results for all modes of operation (including
breathing resistance graphs) can be printed
immediately, or stored on your computer in the form
of retrievable database files. PosiChek software
allows you to search, view, sort, and print reports of
stored test results.

3.5 Complete SCBA Test

The Complete SCBA Test provides the most
comprehensive evaluation of the SCBA of all the
tests offered by the PosiChek. The complete test
includes a visual inspection, facepiece leak test,
activation pressure test, high pressure leak test,
maximum and standard work rate breathing tests,
pressure gauge and alarm accuracy tests and a test
of the bypass valve. These tests require the use of
a pressure-reducing manifold, which allows testing
of the SCBA at all operating pressures. If possible,
the first stage manifold should be connected from
the BA to the PosiChek.
For connection instructions for the Complete
SCBA Test see section 2.10.
Note: Be sure to use the appropriate high (4500
PSI) or low (2216 or 3000 PSI) pressure manifold
for the BA. Use of the incorrect manifold, or any
alterations to the manifold, will cause the
software to display a warning following
breathing tests and may cause an incorrect
result in the bypass test.
Note: The NFPA requires that SCBA be tested
annually in order to maintain compliance. 3.5.1 PosiChek – SCBA Connection for
Complete SCBA Test
Note: The generic PosiChek software does NOT
meet the exact specifications of any one The Complete SCBA Test requires the use of the
manufacturer for most tests. appropriate high or low pressure manifold and the
use of the first stage manifold (if possible).
Please refer to NFPA 1981, NFPA 1852 and OSHA
1910.134 for further details. Note: For instructions on parts identification see
section 2.10.1 above.
Insert the T-side of the high or low-pressure manifold
(as appropriate for the BA) between the air source
and the first stage regulator. Turn the manifold’s
handwheel by hand until it is tight on the air source.
Turn the BA’s handwheel until it is tight on the
manifold.

20
 with the generic software, it will significantly
help in the location of problem components.
Note: The first stage manifold connection is a
necessity for most OEM software versions.
If your BA has a quick disconnect fitting downstream
of the first stage regulator, open the quick
disconnect and insert the T-connection adapter
(available from the BA manufacturer). Then use the
first stage manifold to connect the T-fitting to the left
inlet port on the PosiChek.

If a pressure source other than a cylinder is used,

make sure to set the supply regulator to an
appropriate pressure and to place the pressure
supply valve next to the T-fitting on the appropriate
high or low pressure manifold.
: The PosiChek3 is designed for
use with pressurized air only. The use of Note: The appropriate quick disconnect for your
oxygen-enriched air with the standard PosiChek BA may not look like this.
manifolds may lead to explosive conditions.
The medium pressure connection from the BA to the
Connect the single end of the manifold to the right PosiChek is unique for every BA. It may be
side inlet on the PosiChek and tighten the necessary to access first stage pressure through a
handwheel. pressure relief valve or another location.
Note: Detailed connection instructions for a
variety of BA are available in the PosiChek
Software’s Help File. See chapter 7 for details on
using the Help File.
If you have questions concerning the medium
pressure connection, contact the BA
manufacturer. The BA manufacturer should be
able to provide the model-specific adapter that
you need, instructions on how to use it and any
other additional training requirements.
3.5.2 Using the Sound Detection System
If the Sound Detection System is installed on your
PosiChek, the microphone must be plugged into the
PosiChek prior to system pressurization. The
software will automatically recognize the
microphone. The following steps should be carried
If possible, the First Stage manifold should be out prior to testing:
connected from a point downstream of the first stage
regulator and upstream of the mask regulator. An
adapter is required to connect the first stage
manifold to the BA. First stage manifold adapters
are specific to the SCBA and are only available from
the SCBA manufacturer.
Note: Although the first stage manifold
connection is not absolutely necessary for use

21
 2. The “Select Apparatus for Testing” screen will
Microphone Assembly
then be shown. If the BA model is shown in the
1. Adjust the microphone carrier arm so that the list, select it by and then press OK.
microphone is located about 1 inch from the
alarm and proceed with testing. While in use,
the software may tell you to move the
microphone closer to or further away from the
alarm as needed to properly set the alarm
levels.

Note: Do not move the microphone during the Note: If the BA is not shown in the list, proceed
test sequence unless the software instructs you to section 5.1.1 for instructions on adding a new
to. The software "listens" for the alarm while the apparatus type.
system is being pressurized and it learns to
recognize the sound emitted by the alarm. 3. The Apparatus Serial Number screen will then
be shown. Select the apparatus to be tested
2. During the Alarm Accuracy Test, the raw counts and press OK.
of sound being measured will be displayed while
the software is waiting for the alarm to activate.
The threshold the software is using to determine
when activation occurs will also be displayed.
The microphone is positioned very close to the
alarm so that the ambient noise in the room
does not affect the measurement. When the
software detects alarm activation, it will
automatically determine whether the test
passed. If the test passed, the software will
automatically proceed to the next test.
3. If the ringdown test is being performed, the
Note: If the serial number is not shown see
microphone will also detect when the alarm
section 5.1.2 for instructions on adding an
stops.
apparatus to the database.
3.5.3 Conducting the Complete SCBA Test 4. The Complete SCBA Test screen will be shown.
Initiating Tests, Selecting a BA, Customer Info Select the tests to be performed. Click OK once
the tests have been selected.
1. From the Tests Menu select “Complete SCBA
Test”

22
 Visual Inspection

7. If all of the components pass the visual

inspection, enter “Pass” in the pull-down box for
each component under Test Results.
Components that fail any of the visual inspection
items should be repaired or replaced prior to
resuming the test.

Note: The NFPA requires that the BA

successfully pass every test in the Complete
SCBA test.
Note: To change the default tests, see Database
Options in section 5.3.2.1.1.
5. The “Enter customer data” window will then be Note: For further instruction on the Visual
shown. Customer data may be added at the Inspection screen, see section 3.11.
discretion of the user and is not necessary for 8. Press the Done button once the Visual
proper testing. This information may help you to Inspection is complete.
locate specific data in the future through the
View Test Results option as discussed in section
6.1. Press the OK button when you are ready to
proceed.

Exhalation Valve Opening Pressure and

Facepiece Leak Test
9. If you have not already done so, connect the BA
to the PosiChek. See section 3.5.1 for
instructions on the connections necessary for
the Complete SCBA Test. The PosiChek
Note: The “Enter Customer Data” screen may be
software will then instruct you to break the
omitted by disabling the “Include Customer
facepiece seal.
Information in Tests” option. See section 5.3.2.
6. The visual inspection screen will then be shown.
Since the visual inspection is included in many
different tests, it is covered in detail below in
section 3.11.
23
10. Break the facepiece seal and press OK. You
should be able to hear the bellows move inside
the PosiChek.

Activation/Static Pressure Test

11. Reseal the facepiece and press OK. The
PosiChek will then proceed through the 13. Press OK. The Posichek software will then
Exhalation Valve Opening Pressure test and the instruct you to pressurize the system.
Facepiece Leak Test.

14. Once the system recognizes sufficient pressure,

 the system will proceed with the test. Some
OEM versions of software will ask you to shut off
the pressure source before proceeding. If the
SCBA includes a first breath activation switch
you will be instructed to engage it.
The PosiChek automatically determines the
appropriate tests based on the information
entered by the user for the apparatus type
(model).

Note: If the facepiece leak test fails, see the

Troubleshooting Guide for possible causes and
remedies.
12. Upon successful completion of the facepiece
leak test and exhalation valve opening pressure
test, “Test Passed” will be shown. If either of the
tests fails, a window will be shown stating the 15. Press OK once the first breath activation switch
reason for the failure and a retry option will be has been engaged. Pressure measurements
given for the test(s) that failed. will be shown as the test is performed.

24
A window will let you know if the BA passed or failed 18. Click OK to continue. Depending on the residual
the test. If the test is failed, a retry option will be pressure in the system, you may or may not be
given. instructed to re-pressurize the system.
Breathing Tests

19. Shut off the pressure source and click “Start”.

The PosiChek will then proceed to the breathing
resistance test at the standard work rate of 40
liters/minute. The breathing graph will be shown
as the PosiChek empties the manifold. The low
High Pressure Leak Test pressure alarm will be activated at some point
as the pressure drops.
16. Click OK to continue. You may be instructed to
re-pressurize the system. You will then be
instructed to shut off the pressure source.

17. Click OK to continue to the high pressure leak

test. The initial and current high pressure
readings will be shown with a countdown.
Once the manifold is empty you will be informed that
breathing is complete.

A screen will be shown to indicate whether the test 20. Press OK to continue. The quantitative results
has been completed successfully. of the test will then be shown.

25
21. Click “OK” to continue to the Maximum Work
Rate Breathing Resistance test. You will be
instructed to pressurize the system.

Once the PosiChek registers sufficient pressure, you

will be instructed to shut off the pressure source. 24. Click OK to continue. The PosiChek will then
proceed to the alarm and pressure gauge tests.
Alarm and Pressure Gauge Tests
Note: Alarm and pressure gauges vary from one
BA to another. PosiChek software will
automatically provide appropriate choices for
the BA that you are testing based on the
information you provided when you entered the
22. Shut off the pressure source and click “Start” to model type into the software. OEM software
begin the breathing resistance test at the versions will automatically provide appropriate
maximum work rate of 102 liters/minute. The choices for the specific BA.
breathing graph will be shown as the PosiChek The next screen to be shown will vary according to
quickly empties the manifold. The low pressure the information in the software about the SCBA and
alarm will activate at some point as the pressure may not include all of the options given here.
drops.

25. Select the appropriate test(s) and click OK.

Note: The next 3 steps (HUD1 – HUD3) are
specific to HUD-equipped apparatus. For BA
that are not equipped with a Heads Up Display
proceed to step 26 below.
Once the manifold is empty you will be informed that
breathing is complete.
HUD Set Up Instructions
If you are testing an apparatus equipped with a
Heads Up Display, the test will proceed as follows:
If you chose to bypass the HUD Alarm, you will need
to acknowledge this choice.

23. Press OK to continue. The quantitative results

of the test will then be shown.

26
HUD1. Click Yes to include the HUD Alarm test. If you have chosen to perform the HUD test with
Click No to proceed without the HUD Alarm test. breathing, or are performing standard gauge-type
Note that if the HUD alarm tolerance is met by testing you will be instructed to pressurize the
the HUD gauge test, the HUD Alarm test will not system.
be performed. The HUD Test will then prompt
you to select the HUD Test with breathing, or the
HUD Test with hand-adjustable regulator.

Once the PosiChek recognizes sufficient pressure,

you will be instructed to shut off the pressure source.

or

HUD Screen

HUD2. Select the choice that is appropriate for the

BA to be tested.
If a hand-adjustable regulator is used with a HUD-
equipped SCBA, the software will prompt you to
reduce or increase the pressure to specific levels as
LEDs extinguish or illuminate in the facepiece.
If the HUD-equipped SCBA includes a Buddy
Breather and the LEDs are not visible while the Pressure Gauge Accuracy Screen
standard mask regulator is mounted on the 26. Click OK to continue.
PosiChek, then the Buddy Breather should be used
on the PosiChek head while the standard mask The manifold will be slowly emptied.
regulator is held in the hand to verify the LED HUD versions will be instructed to click OK or press
changes that serve as pressure indicators. Enter as the LEDs are extinguished to indicate ¾, ½
and ¼ tank pressures.

HUD3. Click OK once the appropriate steps have

been taken as dictated by the software.
Proceed to step 26 below. This ends the HUD-
specific section.
This is the end of the HUD Set Up Instructions

This section pertains to both HUD and Gauge

type SCBA tests. HUD Test Screen
If you have chosen to perform the HUD test with a Pressure gauge versions will be instructed to enter
hand-adjustable regulator, the software will prompt the pressure at specific intervals (digital versions) or
you to reduce or increase the pressure to specific to press enter at specific intervals (analog versions).
levels as LEDs extinguish or illuminate in the
facepiece.
27
 Once sufficient pressure is recognized, you will be
instructed to shut off the pressure source.

Digital Pressure Gauge Screen

27. Press OK or enter the pressure reading as
appropriate. 30. Shut off the pressure source. The PosiChek will
Once the test has been completed, the following then proceed with the alarm accuracy test. The
screen will be shown. screen may be slightly different depending on
your BA.

Alarm Accuracy / HUD Screen

28. Press OK to continue. The software will then
proceed with the Alarm Accuracy Test.
HUD versions using the buddy breather will be
instructed to remove the buddy breather and to
reattach the standard regulator.

29. If a Buddy Breather was used during the HUD

test, remove it from the facepiece, reinsert the Alarm Accuracy / Primary Alarm Screen
standard regulator and then press OK. 31. Click OK once the 50% light turns off or when
You will then be instructed to pressurize the system. the primary low pressure alarm activates (as
The PosiChek will then proceed to the alarm appropriate). If the test is passed, the following
accuracy test. screen will be shown.
If the Sound Detection System is installed on your
PosiChek, the microphone must be positioned so
that it is within 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the audible alarm
during the entire Complete SCBA Test sequence.
The microphone must be initialized by exposing it to
the sound of the alarm before the alarm test is
performed. See section 3.5.2 for details.

HUD Screen

28
 35. Once the manifold has been emptied, you will be
instructed to close the bypass valve.

Gauge Screen
Note: If the BA includes a redundant pressure
alarm, the software will proceed with the
redundant alarm test.
32. Click OK to continue. Once you’ve clicked OK, 36. The Complete SCBA test is now complete.
You will be instructed to pressurize the manifold Close the bypass valve and click “OK”.
to proceed with the Bypass Test. For instructions on completing tests, proceed to
section 3.12

3.6 Quick SCBA Test

The Quick SCBA Test takes approximately two
minutes to complete and includes visual inspection,
evaluation for facepiece leakage, exhalation valve
opening pressure, evaluation of activation/static
facepiece pressure, alarm and pressure gauge
Bypass Test accuracy, as well as breathing resistance at either
standard (40 LPM) or maximum (102 LPM) work
Once the PosiChek recognized stable pressure in rates. One cycle of the Quick SCBA Test consumes
the manifold, you will be instructed to shut off the less than 1% of the SCBA air supply.
pressure source.
Note: The flow test contained in the Quick SCBA
test does not meet the yearly test requirements
set down by the SCBA manufacturers or the
NFPA.
Note: A database must be open to conduct tests.
3.6.1 PosiChek – SCBA Connection for
33. Shut off the pressure source and press “OK” to Quick SCBA Test
continue. You will then be instructed to open the High and medium pressure measurements are not
bypass valve fully. taken during the Quick SCBA test, so it is not
necessary to use any of the manifolds (unless it is
the only way to connect the BA to the PosiChek).
Simply connect the fully assembled SCBA to the
PosiChek by slipping the facepiece over the head of
the PosiChek.
Note: If the first stage manifold is connected
from the BA to the PosiChek during the Quick
SCBA Test, pressure measurements will be
recorded.
34. The PosiChek will then calculate the flow
through the bypass valve. 3.6.2 Conducting the Quick SCBA Test
1. From the Tests Menu select “Quick SCBA Test”
29
 Press the OK button when you are ready to
proceed.
Note: The “Enter Customer Data” screen may be
omitted by disabling the “Include Customer
Information in Tests” option. See section 5.3.2.
The visual inspection screen will then be shown.

2. The “Select Apparatus for Testing” screen will

then be shown. If the BA model is shown in the
list, select it by clicking on it and then press OK.

Note: For further instructions on the Visual

Note: If the BA is not shown in the list, proceed Inspection screen, see section 3.11.
to section 5.1.1 for instructions on adding a new
apparatus type. 5. If all of the components pass the visual
inspection, enter “Pass” in the pull-down box for
3. The Apparatus Serial Number screen will then each component under Test Results.
be shown. Select the apparatus to be tested
and press OK. The Enter Customer Data
Screen will then be shown.

6. Once the visual inspection has been completed,

Note: If the serial number is not shown see press the “Done” button. The PosiChek
section 5.1.2 for instructions on adding an software will then instruct you to break the
apparatus to the database. facepiece seal. Do not reseal the facepiece until
you are instructed to do so.

7. Press the OK Button once the seal is broken.

4. Customer data may be added at the discretion

of the user and is not necessary for proper
testing. This information may help you to locate
specific data in the future through the View Test
Results option as discussed in section 6.1.
30
8. Reseal the facepiece and press OK. The OK. If the readings are not within 10% of each
PosiChek will then proceed through the other, the SCBA will fail the test.
Exhalation Valve Opening Pressure test and the
Facepiece Leak Test.

Note: If the apparatus type information for the

BA indicates that the apparatus is equipped with
first breath activation, then the first breath
activation test will be performed.
12. Click Yes or No as appropriate. The Posi will
 then move on to the Static Facepiece Pressure
Test. The positive pressure inside the facepiece
must be maintained for 15 seconds to pass the
test.

Note: If the facepiece leak test fails, see section

the Troubleshooting Guide for possible causes
and remedies.
Note: Medium pressure values will be displayed
9. Upon successful completion of the tests, Test here if the medium pressure transducer is
Passed will be shown. Press OK. If the tests connected.
fail, a window will be shown stating “Unable to
create vacuum” and a retry option will be given. 13. Press OK once the test passes.

10. Click OK. The PosiChek software will then 14. Press OK to move on to the Breathing Test.
instruct you to pressurize the system. The following graph will appear as the PosiChek
empties the manifold.

11. The Pressure Gauge Accuracy test will then

begin. Compare the reading on the chest gauge
with the reading on the tank gauge. If the two
readings are within 10% of each other, press
31
15. The Breathing Test occurs over a six-second 3.7 Breathing Machine
interval. Once the test is complete, you will be
The Breathing Machine Test allows the user to
instructed to pressurize the system as the
conduct breathing tests over a specified interval at
PosiChek moves on to the High Pressure Leak
either the standard work rate (40 liters/minute) or the
Test.
maximum work rate (102 liters/minute).
3.7.1 PosiChek – BA Connection for the
Breathing Machine Test
During the Breathing Machine Test, only facepiece
16. Shut off the pressure source as instructed and pressures are measured, so it is not necessary to
press OK. connect the BA to the medium or high pressure
transducer inlet. Simply seal the fully assembled
BA’s facepiece onto the PosiChek’s head (which
must be correctly attached to the PosiChek) and
begin the test.
3.7.2 Conducting Breathing Machine Test
1. To begin the breathing machine test, click on
17. The High Pressure Leak Test takes 10 seconds Tests, followed by Breathing Machine.
to accomplish. Once the ten seconds are up,
you will be asked if the pressure remained within
100 PSI of the original reading.

18. Press “Yes” if the pressure remained within

100PSI of the original reading. The Alarm and
Bypass Test is next. 2. The “Select Apparatus for Testing” screen will
then be shown. If the BA model is shown in the
list, select it by clicking on it and then press OK.

19. When instructed, slowly open the bypass valve

while reading the chest pressure gauge. Click
“Yes” if the alarm sounds at 20-30% of the
original pressure.

Note: If the BA is not shown in the list, proceed

to section 5.1.1 for instructions on adding a new
apparatus type.
3. The Apparatus Serial Number screen will then
be shown. Select the apparatus to be tested
20. When instructed, close the bypass and click OK. and press OK. The Enter Customer Data
This concludes the Quick SCBA test. screen will then be shown.
For instructions on completing tests, proceed to
section 3.12.
For information on viewing, printing and storing
data after a test has been completed, proceed to
section 6.1.

32
 The duration setting controls the length of the test.
The default setting is 6 seconds. Other lengths of
time may be entered as needed by the user by
clicking on the Custom button and then modifying
the timer below the button.

Note: If the serial number is not shown see

section 5.1.2 for instructions on adding an
apparatus to the database. Once the settings have been adjusted as needed,
pressurize the system and click on the Start button
to begin the test. The Breathing Machine Work Rate
Graph will immediately be shown.

4. Customer data may be added at the discretion

of the user and is not necessary for proper
testing. This information may help you to locate
specific data in the future through the View Test
Results option as discussed in section 6.1.
Press the OK button when you are ready to
proceed. The visual inspection screen will then
be shown. Since the visual inspection is
included in many different tests, it is covered in Upon completion of the test, the Breathing Complete
detail in section 3.11. window will be shown.
Note: The “Enter Customer Data” screen may be
omitted by disabling the “Include Customer
Information in Tests” option. See section 5.3.2.
Press the OK button when you are ready to proceed.
Since this is the Breathing Machine test, the Work
Rate Options screen will be shown.

For instructions on completing tests, proceed to

section 3.12
For information on viewing, printing and storing
data after a test has been completed, proceed to
section 6.1.

3.8 Airline Apparatus Test

Select the Standard (40 liters/minute) or Maximum The airline apparatus test evaluates a fully
(102 liters/minute) work rate as needed. assembled airline respirator by performing a visual
inspection, facepiece leak test, activation / static
The Pressure Scale option controls the scale of the
pressure test, standard and maximum work rate
vertical axis of the display graph. Selecting
breathing tests and a bypass valve flow test. The
“Positive” will result in a graph with a range mostly
Airline Apparatus test cycle is appropriate whenever
above 0. Selecting negative will result in a graph
it is not possible to attach the high pressure manifold
with a range that includes negative values. The
to the BA.
default setting is for a positive scale.
33
3.8.1 PosiChek – BA Connection for the 3. Select the apparatus to be tested and press OK.
Airline Apparatus Test The Airline Apparatus Test list will then be
shown.
During the Airline Apparatus Test, only facepiece
Note: If the serial number is not shown see
pressures are measured, so it is not necessary (and
section 5.1.2 for instructions on adding an
it may not be possible) to connect the BA to the high
apparatus to the database.
pressure transducer inlet. Simply seal the fully
assembled BA’s facepiece onto the PosiChek’s
head (which must be correctly attached to the
PosiChek) and begin the test. Medium pressure
measurements will be taken if the intermediate
pressure can be accessed and connected to the
medium pressure transducer inlet on the left side of
the PosiChek.
3.8.2 Conducting the Airline Apparatus
Test
1. From the Tests Menu select Airline Apparatus
Test.

The “Select Apparatus for Testing” screen will then

be shown.

Note: To change the default tests, see the

Database Options menu in section 5.3.2.1.1.
5. Select the tests that you would like to perform.
For the purposes of this instructional manual, all
tests will be performed. Click “Done” once the
2. If the BA model is shown in the list, select it by tests have been selected. The Enter customer
clicking on it and then press OK. The Apparatus data window will then be shown.
Serial Number screen will then be shown.
Note: If the BA is not shown in the list, proceed
to section 5.1.1 for instructions on adding a new
apparatus type.

6. Customer data may be added at the discretion

of the user and is not necessary for proper
testing. This information may help you to locate
specific data in the future through the View Test
Results option as discussed in section 6.1.
Press the OK button when you are ready to
proceed. The visual inspection screen will then
be shown. Since the visual inspection is
34
 included in many different tests, it is covered in 10. Click OK once the face piece has been
detail in section 3.11. resealed. The PosiChek will then proceed with
Note: The “Enter Customer Data” screen may be the exhalation valve opening pressure test.
omitted by disabling the “Include Customer
Information in Tests” option. See section 5.3.2.

Once the PosiChek successfully completes the

exhalation valve opening pressure test, it will
proceed automatically to the facepiece leak test. If
the test fails, you will be given the opportunity to
retest.

Note: For further instruction on the Visual

Inspection screen, see section 3.11.
7. Perform the visual inspection and enter pass or
fail as appropriate in the pull-down boxes
underneath test results.

Once the facepiece leak test is successfully

completed, a window will tell you that the test has
been passed.

8. Once the visual inspection has been completed,

press the “Done” button. The PosiChek
software will then instruct you to break the
facepiece seal and will then proceed with the
Exhalation Valve Opening Pressure test.
11. Click OK to continue. The PosiChek software
will then show the Airline Apparatus test window
and instruct you to pressurize the system.

9. Break the facepiece seal and click OK. Do not

reseal the facepiece until you are instructed to
do so. The PosiChek will then instruct you to
reseal the facepiece.

35
 15. Click OK to continue. The PosiChek will then
show the Airline Apparatus test window and
instruct you to pressurize the system.

12. Click OK once the system has been pressurized.

The PosiChek will then proceed with the first
breath activation pressure test. If the apparatus
is equipped with a first breath activation switch,
you will be notified to engage it

13. Engage the switch and press OK.

16. Click OK once the system is pressurized. The

PosiChek will immediately begin the standard
work rate test.
14. Once the test is completed, a window will
appear indicating that the test was passed. If
the test is failed, you will be given the
opportunity to retest.

36
Upon completion of the test, the breathing complete
window will be shown along.

17. Press OK to continue. The results of the test will

be shown.

19. Click OK once the system has been pressurized.

The PosiChek will immediately begin the max
work rate test.

18. Click OK to continue. You will be instructed to

pressurize the system.

At the completion of the Breathing Machine test, a

window will be shown indicating that the breathing is
complete.

20. Click OK to continue. The test passed window

will be shown along with the minimum and
maximum pressure readings for the test.
37
 23 If the apparatus has a first breath activation
switch as defined in the Apparatus settings, you
will be instructed to engage it and to shut off the
pressure source.

24. Click OK. You will then be instructed to open

the bypass valve fully.
21. Click OK to continue. You will be instructed to
pressurize the system for the last time.

25. Open the bypass valve fully and click OK.

Once the bypass valve has been opened, the

PosiChek will display the facepiece pressure.
Upon successful completion of the test, you will be
instructed to close the bypass valve

26. Click OK once the bypass valve has been

closed. The test is now complete. The update
test data screen will then be shown.
22. Click OK once the system is pressurized. The
PosiChek will briefly indicate that it is setting the
breathing rate.

38
For instructions on completing tests, proceed to
section 3.12
For information on viewing, printing and storing
data after a test has been completed, proceed to
section 6.1.

3.9 Facepiece Test Note: If the BA is not shown in the list, proceed
The Facepiece Test includes visual inspection of the to section 5.1.1 for instructions on adding a new
facepiece, facepiece leakage test, exhalation valve apparatus type.
opening pressure test and an optional breathing test. The Apparatus Serial Number screen will then be
3.9.1 PosiChek – BA Connection for the shown. Select the apparatus to be tested and press
Facepiece Test OK.

During the Facepiece Test, only facepiece pressures

are measured, so it is not necessary (and it may be
impossible) to connect the BA to the high pressure
transducer inlet. Simply seal the fully assembled
BA’s facepiece onto the PosiChek’s head (which
must be correctly attached to the PosiChek) and
begin the test.
Note: The facepiece seal may be tested without
being attached to the remainder of the BA by
slipping the facepiece only over the PosiChek’s
head and completely blocking the regulator hose Note: If the serial number is not shown see
or the facepiece inlet. section 5.1.2 for instructions on adding an
3.9.2 Conducting the Facepiece Test apparatus to the database.

Customer data may be added at the discretion of the

user and is not necessary for proper testing. This
information may help you to locate specific data in
the future through the View Test Results option as
discussed in section 6.1. Press the OK button when
you are ready to proceed. The visual inspection
The software will ask if you’d like to update the due screen will then be shown. Since the visual
date for the next Facepiece Test. inspection is included in many different tests, it is
covered in detail in section 3.11.
Note: The “Enter Customer Data” screen may be
omitted by disabling the “Include Customer
Information in Tests” option. See section 5.3.2.

Click yes to update the due date. If you do not plan

to track facepiece testing data independently of
other tests, click No.
The “Select Apparatus for Testing” screen will then
be shown. If the BA model is shown in the list,
select it by clicking on it and then press OK.

39
 

Note: For further instruction on the Visual

Inspection screen, see section 3.11.
Perform the visual inspection and enter pass or fail
as appropriate in the pull-down box underneath test
results.
Upon successful completion of the tests, Test
Passed will be shown. Press OK. If the tests fail, a
window will be shown stating “Unable to create
vacuum” and a retry option will be given.

Once the visual inspection has been completed,

press the “Done” button. The PosiChek software will
then instruct you to break the facepiece seal. Do not
reseal the facepiece until you are instructed to do
so.
Press OK to continue. The View Test Results
screen will then be shown.
After the facepiece leak test is performed, it is
recommended that you perform a breathing test to
challenge the exhalation valve under actual working
conditions. The software will prompt for whether
Press the OK Button once the seal is broken. you’d like to perform a breathing test. To proceed
with the breathing test, pressurize the system and
then click "Yes". If the facepiece is rated for
maximum rate breathing tests a maximum rate test
will be performed. Otherwise a standard rate test
will be performed.
Reseal the facepiece and press OK. The PosiChek For instructions on completing tests, proceed to
will then proceed through the Exhalation Valve section 3.12
Opening Pressure test and the Facepiece Leak
Test. For information on viewing, printing and storing
data after a test has been completed, proceed to
section 6.1.

40
3.10 Cylinder Test 5.1.2 for instructions on adding an apparatus to
the database.
The cylinder test includes a visual inspection of the
air cylinder and the ability to track hydrostatic tests. Select the serial number and press OK. The “Enter
The Cylinder Test performs no actual quantitative Customer Data” screen will then be shown:
tests, but is simply used to store hydrostatic test
data and the record of visual inspections.
To initiate the cylinder test, click on Tests at the
Menu Bar, followed by Cylinder Test.

Customer data may be added at the discretion of the

user and is not necessary for proper testing. This
information may help you to locate specific data in
the future through the View Test Results option as
discussed in section 6.1. Press the OK button when
you are ready to proceed. The visual inspection
screen will then be shown. Since the visual
inspection is included in many different tests, it is
covered in detail in section 3.11.
If the cylinder model is shown in the list, select it by
clicking on it and then press OK. New apparatus Note: The “Enter Customer Data” screen may be
may be added by right clicking on the screen and omitted by disabling the “Include Customer
then selecting “Add Model Type”. The apparatus Information in Tests” option. See section 5.3.2.
serial number screen will then be shown, which
includes all cylinders of the given type and are
arranged by serial number.
Note: Brand-specific software versions include
all apparatus information, so the Actions button
does not include the option to add apparatus
information.

Note that the cylinder inspection section is already

Select the appropriate cylinder type and press OK. opened. The cylinder inspection includes an
inspection of all aspects of the cylinder.
You will then be prompted to select the serial
number of the cylinder. Note: For further instructions on the Visual
Inspection screen, see section 3.11.
Once the visual inspection is complete, enter “Pass”
in the test results section (as long as the cylinder
passed the inspection).

Note: If the serial number is not shown, it will

need to be added to the database. See section

41
 Click “Done” to continue.
Click on the “Done” button once the results of the For instructions on completing tests, proceed to
visual inspection and test results are logged. You section 3.12
will then be prompted to enter the date of the most For information on viewing, printing and storing
recent hydrostatic test of the cylinder. data after a test has been completed, proceed to
section 6.1.

3.11 Visual Inspections

The Visual Inspection appears in many of the tests
offered by the PosiChek. Any information added
during the course of the Visual Inspection will be
Enter the date of the last hydrostatic test. The retained in the test record.
PosiChek software will accept dates in the following As an example, let’s say that upon visual inspection,
formats: an abraded strap is located in the SCBA harness,
MM/DD/YY e.g. 03/06/04 which is then replaced.

MM-DD-YY e.g. 03-06-04

Month D, YYYY e.g. March 6, 2004
If a date is entered in an unacceptable format, the
cursor will be returned to the text input line.
Click “OK” once the date has been entered. The
PosiChek software will then prompt you as to
whether the cylinder has been overhauled.

1. Click on Backframe/Harness. The + symbol will

become a – symbol as the list opens.

Click “Yes” or “No” as appropriate. The PosiChek

software will then show the “View Test Results”
screen.

42
2. Click on Strap. The + symbol will then become
a – symbol as the list opens.

3. Double-click on “Abraded”. Text will be added

noting that an abraded strap was found.

5. Once the visual inspection is complete, enter

Pass or Fail in the “Test Results” at the lower
right.

4. Since the strap was replaced, go to the

“Remedial Action Taken” window and click on
“Replaced”.

“Replaced” will then be added after “Abraded” in the

window at the lower left.

6. Once Pass or Fail has been entered for each

item, press Done.
Note: To accelerate this process, once a
Pass/Fail input box is selected, press “p” to
43
enter “pass” and automatically shift the focus to
the next input box.

Press the Add button at the bottom.

3.11.1 Adding visual inspection items

To add an item to the Visual Inspection list, click on
the “Actions” button and select “Customize Lists.

The customize lists options will then appear over the

bottom half of the screen.

Type the new entry into the highlighted box and

press “Enter”. The new item will then appear in the
list.

As an example, we will add a “Cylinder Protector

Sleeve” option under the cylinder inspection list.
Click on cylinder so that the cylinder options are
shown.

If the new entry is in the wrong location, the “Indent”,

“Outdent”, “Up” and “Down” commands are used to
move the entry. Click “Done” once the entry is
properly positioned.
3.11.2 Export Checklist to Excel
To export the checklist to Excel, click on the
“Actions” button and select “Export Checklist..”

Click on the option that should be positioned above

the new entry. In this case, “Cylinder Protector
Sleeve” will be located between “Burst Disc” and MS Excel will be automatically opened on your PC.
Gauge”.
44
Note: Your PC must be equipped with Microsoft Note: If you are tracking individual BA
Excel to use this function. components, and any of the components have
been replaced in order to pass the test, the serial
number for the new component should be
entered in the input box below the component.
At the lower right corner of the screen there may be
an option to update or not update the date the next
test is due.
If all of the required tests have been successfully
passed for a Complete SCBA test or an Airline
Apparatus test, the option will default to “Update” the
due date. Select “Do Not Update” if you do not wish
to update the due date.

Data added in the course of a visual inspection will If all the required tests that were performed were
not be carried into the Excel Spreadsheet. Only the passed, but you did not perform all of the required
checklist itself will be copied into Excel. tests, the option will default to “Do Not Update” the
due date. Select “Update” if you wish to update the
Results are saved into the open database and may due date without passing all of the required tests.
be accessed using View / Results (see section 6.1)
or by the File / Export command (See section 4.6).
The spreadsheet is only available to be printed and
used as a checklist.
Note: The test record will show that required
3.12 Completing tests tests were bypassed if the test due date is
Once a test is completed, a test results screen will updated while the BA has not passed all of the
be shown. required tests.
If required tests failed, you will not be given the
option to update the due date.
Section 5.3.2.1.1 covers modifications to the list
of required tests for the Complete SCBA Test
and Airline Apparatus Test.
To store the test results in the database that you
selected earlier, click on the “Store Test Results
Now” button. The results of the tests will then be
displayed.
Once “Store Test Results Now” is selected, the
Note: Screen pictures in this section may be “View Test Results” screen will be shown.
slightly different depending on the test that was
performed.
The software automatically notes any tests that were
either failed or not performed in the two boxes
underneath the component serial numbers. If any
tests were failed, this will be your last chance to
retest before storing the data. To return to testing,
click on “Perform Additional Tests”.
Click “Store Test Results Now” or “Perform
Additional Tests” as needed.

45
The View Test Results screen contains all of the
data that was generated during testing. Specific
Data can be accessed by clicking on one of the tabs
at the bottom of the screen. The time and date of
the test are shown at lower left

To print a comprehensive report of this SCBA test,

click on the “Print” button.
3.12.1 Alarms/Gauges
The Alarms/Gauges tab contains test results on If both the standard and maximum work rate tests
alarm and gauge accuracy. The HUD test results were performed, the right and left arrow keys may be
also appear here. used to toggle between the two graphs.
Click anywhere on the graph to return to the View
Results screen.
3.12.3 Enter comments
To add comments into the database after testing is
complete, from the View Test Results Screen, click
on the Inspect/Comments tab.

3.12.2 View breathing graphs

If the test that was performed involved a breathing
machine or breathing resistance test, a “Breathing
Graphs” option will be shown in the View Test
Results screen. To view Breathing Graphs, click on
the Breathing Graphs tab. The results of the
Breathing Resistance tests will then be displayed.
Enter comments as needed in the “Add Comments”
field. All comments will be stored with the date, time
and name of the person logged into the system.
3.12.4 Concluding the test
Once you have finished viewing and printing test
results, press the Done button. At this point, you
may be given the option to select another apparatus
for testing. Click Done to end the testing or to move
on to another type of test.

To view a graph of the breathing machine or

breathing resistance test click on the Std Graph
button or the Max Graph button and the appropriate
graph will be shown.

46
4. File Menu / Database Options
The File Menu contains all database controls.

4.1 Create new database

From the File Menu, select New.

Press the Open button once the new database

name has been entered. The database will then
appear in the file.
Note: To save the new database to a different
folder, use the browse function by clicking on the
down arrow at the right edge of the input box that
By selecting “New”, you are instructing the software
shows “Tests 32” and specify the new location.
to create a new database. All you have to do is
provide a name for it. The “New Test Results
database” screen will be shown.
A sample database named Sample32.mdb is
included with all PosiChek software. Sample32.mdb
is a read-only file and will not accept test results.

The database that is currently open is always shown

in the upper status bar at the bottom of the screen.

Note: The Database file(s) shown in “New Tests

Results database” window may not be opened
through the File / New command. To open an 4.2 Open existing database
existing database you must use the File / Open
When opening an existing database, the PosiChek
command. See section 4.2 below for details.
software always verifies that the database is in the
Type the name of the new database into the input format required by the PosiChek software.
box next to File name. In the example below, we’ve Databases may need to be updated prior to opening
named the database “SCBAMaintenance”, and the if the PosiChek software has been recently updated.
software has created a new database named
To open an existing database:
“SCBAMaintenance.mdb”. The .mdb extension is
added by the PC and signifies that this is a Microsoft 1. From the File menu select Open.
Access database file.

47
 4.3 Close database
To close a database, select “Close” from the File
Menu.

1. The Open Test Results database screen will

then be shown. The PosiChek software will
automatically open the Test32 folder, which is
the default directory for database files.
If the database is located in a different directory, you
will need to locate it by navigating to it. Click on the
arrow at the left edge of the “Look in” input box and
specify the new location. Once a database has been closed, the uppermost
status bar will show Test Results option enabled or
disabled (depending on the setting).

Note: A database must be opened before any

tests can be conducted. If a test is initiated
without an open database, the PosiChek
software will prompt you to open the last
database that was open.

Note: A sample database named Sample32.mdb

is included with all PosiChek software.
Sample32.mdb is a read-only file and will not
accept test results.
4.4 Compact database
1. Select the database to open. All test results in
the current operating session will then be stored The compact database command will shrink the size
in this database until it is closed and another of the database. Although the database will be
database is opened. smaller, it will still be accessible for information and
may still be used as the active database for
information storage.
The Compact Database command will sometimes
repair a damaged database. Unless tests or
apparatus have been deleted from the database, the
compact database command will not affect the size
of the database.
Select Compact Database from the File Menu.

2. Click “Open”.
The database that is currently open is always shown
in the upper status bar at the bottom of the screen.

48
 Either select an existing file or create a new
database file by typing the name of the new
database into the input box next to File name. For
the purpose of this example, a new file named
“CompactedSCBAMaintenance” will be created for
the results of the compaction.
Note: If an existing database file is selected, the
PosiChek software will clear the selected
database of any existing data and then save the
compacted file as the same name.

The PosiChek software will prompt you for the name

of the database that you would like to compact.

Click Open once the results database has been

named. The PosiChek software will then compact
the database and save the results to the specified
Select the database that you would like to compact. file.
Unlike most options in the File Menu, the Compact
Database command does not require a database to 4.5 Save database as
be open. The “Save As” command from the File Menu allows
the user to save a secondary copy of the database
that is currently open.
1. Click “Save As” from the File Menu.

Click Open once the database has been selected.

The PosiChek software will then prompt you to
select a file for the results of the compaction.
The Save dialog box will then be shown.

49
 The Export Test Results window will be shown.
Enter the file location for the database copy. Name
the new database file by typing the name into the
File name input box. For the purpose of this
example, the file has been named
SCBAMaintenance2003 (since it contains all tests
conducted in 2003).

Tests and apparatus must be tagged before they

can be exported. The software will prompt you to
either select tests to tag (for export) or to select
serial numbers to tag (for export).
For instructions concerning exporting specific tests,
proceed to section 4.6.1. For instructions
concerning importing serial number information
Click “Save” to save the copy of the database. proceed to section 4.6.2.
Note: The database that was open when the 4.6.1 Export from Select Tests option
Save As command was initiated will still be the
open database after the Save As command has To select specific tests for export, click on the
been executed. The database that is currently “Select Tests to Tag” button.
open is always shown in the uppermost status
bar at the bottom of the screen.

4.6 Export data

The Export menu option allows the user to export The Test View Options screen will then be shown.
specific test or apparatus data from any of the Note that “0 tests have been tagged”. Tests must be
database files to either a new database file or an tagged before test data can be exported.
existing database file. Select Export from the File
Menu.

50
 For the purposes of this example, we’ve now
created a query that will search the database for all
Complete SCBA Tests and list them by Date.
Once the query has been defined (by making
selections in the Search By and Test Type option
boxes), click on View Test List or View Test Data to
run the query. Since the “Search By” options was
defined by date, you will be prompted to select the
date of the test(s). If you’ve selected an option other
than date, then the corresponding selection option
will be given.

The Test View Options screen initiates a search

query that will help the user to locate specific tests
for export. The Test View Options screen is divided
into two sections.
The “Search By” section includes a number of Select the date(s) of the tests that you would like to
options (radio buttons) that help to define the view. To select multiple dates, hold the Ctrl (control)
database query that will be used to narrow the key down while you click.
search. Only one option in the “Search By” section
can be selected at a time.
As an example, if you know want to export specific
data from test results that were performed on a
certain date or dates, click on Date.

In the example, the date 6/10/2003 has been

selected, so the database query that will show us all
Complete Tests that took place on 6/10/2003.
To view the tests in the form of a list, click on View
Once the Search By selection has been made, move Test List and proceed to section 4.6.1.1 below.
down the screen to the “Test Types” section. Unlike
the “Search By” section, multiple items can be
selected simultaneously in the “Test Type” section.
The Test Type default setting has every box To view the tests in the form of the original graphic
highlighted except “Failed Tests Only”. records, click on View Test data and proceed to
section 4.6.1.2 below.

4.6.1.1 Select tests to export from View Test

List option
To narrow down the test results, select only the type
Once the View Test List button is pressed, the data
of test(s) that you would like to export. As an
generated by the search query will be shown as a
example, if you want to export data from a Complete
list. If no tests meet the search criteria, then the
Test, then select the Complete Tests option and de-
PosiChek software will indicate that no records were
select all other tests.
found.

51
 Click Yes to select export the serial number
information as well. Click No to export this/these
tests only. Once items have been tagged,
“TAGGED” will appear in the lower left hand corner
of the window along with the number of records (or
serial numbers).

Click “Done” to continue. The Test View Options

screen will then be shown again. This will allow you
to select additional tests for the export.

To tag a specific test for export, first select the test

by clicking in the box to the left of the Test Types
column for the appropriate test (row). To select
multiple tests, hold the Ctrl (control) key down while
you click.

Select more tests as needed by following the

instructions given above. Once all of the tests and
Once the test has been selected, then click on the serial numbers needed have been selected for
Actions button at the bottom left to access the export, click the “Done” button to return to the Export
options listing. Test Results screen.
Proceed to section 4.6.3 for instructions on
completing the export once tests and/or serial
Click on Tag / Untag to select (or deselect) the test numbers have been tagged.
for export. 4.6.1.2 Export tests from View Test Data
option
Once the View Test Data button is pressed, the data
generated by the search query will be shown in the
same form as when the tests were first conducted. If
no tests meet the search criteria, then the PosiChek
software will indicate that no records were found.

You will be prompted as to whether you’d like to tag

the serial numbers on which the tests were
performed.

52
Two tests met the search criteria in the example. To
scroll through the tests, use the data control located
at the bottom of the screen.

To add more tests or serial numbers to the file,

perform the search query again as described above
Clicking on the inner arrows will cause the previous
in section 4.6.1.
or next test to be shown. To skip to the first test,
click on the furthest arrow to the left. To view the Proceed to section 4.6.3 for instructions on
last test, click on the furthest arrow to the right. completing the export once tests and/or
apparatus have been tagged.
To tag the test that is currently displayed on the
screen for export, click the Tag button at the lower 4.6.2 Export from Select Serial Number
left corner of the screen. option
To select specific apparatus for export, click on the
“Select Serial Numbers to Tag” button.
The software will then prompt you as to whether
you’d also like tag/untag the serial numbers on
which the tests were performed.

Once the button is clicked, the View Apparatus

Click Yes to add the apparatus data for the serial Serial Numbers screen will be shown.
number to the export file. Click No to export the
specific test only.
Once you’ve tagged the tests and serial numbers,
click on the Done button at the lower right. The Test
View Options screen will be shown again.

To tag the tests for a specific serial number for

export, first select the serial number by clicking in
the box to the left of the Test Types column for the
appropriate apparatus (row). To select multiple serial
numbers, hold down the Ctrl (control) key down
while you click.

53
Once the apparatus has been selected, press the
Done button. The software will prompt you as to
whether you would like to tag/untag the tests
performed on the specific serial number(s).

To tag the apparatus alone (no tests) select “No”

when prompted by the software.
If you plan to export test results for the apparatus,
To save the export as a new file, enter the file name
select “Yes” to tag all tests for the specified serial
in the input box next to file name and click Open.
number for export. The following screen will be
shown for each serial number that is exported.

The Export Test Results screen will then be shown.

To export to an existing file, click on the file so that it

is displayed in the input box next to File name and
click Open.
Note: If exporting to an existing file, the data will
be added to the data that already exists in the
file.
The software will then give you the option to delete
serial number and/or test data following the export.
Proceed to section 4.6.3 for instructions on
completing the export once tests and/or
apparatus have been tagged.
4.6.3 Completing the Export
Once the necessary tests and apparatus have been
selected, the software will return to the “Export Test
Results” window. To delete the tests and/or serial numbers following
the export of data, select the appropriate options at
the left side of the window. To maintain the data, do
not select any of the delete options.
Click YES to complete the export. You will then be
prompted as to whether you’d like to remove the
tags.

Click Export to export the results that have been If you plan to export these tests to another file, click
selected. A Save Dialog box will be shown. no and you will be returned to the main screen. You
may enter the export procedure again and export the
54
tests as needed. Click yes to remove tags and The software will then close down.
conclude the export.

4.7 Clear test results

The Clear Test Results command allows the user to
completely empty the database that is currently
open, while leaving the database file itself intact to
receive new data. For users who plan to archive
tests, the Clear Test Results command should be
used after the data from the file is either exported or
saved to another file.
From the File Menu select Clear Test Results.

The software will immediately prompt you as to

whether you are sure that you want to clear the test
results from the specified database.

Click Yes to clear the database. Once the database

has been cleared, the database will be empty, but
considered open by the PosiChek software.
Note: Information that is cleared through the
Clear Test Results option will not be retrievable
from that particular database file, and may be
lost entirely.

4.8 Exit
To close down the software, select Exit from the File
menu.

55
5. Setup Menu / Apparatus and
User Options
5.1 Apparatus Options
For record keeping purposes, each apparatus
should be given a unique ID number. The serial
number of the apparatus is usually a good choice
since it is a unique identifier. The apparatus type
(model) must be entered into the database before a
3. Once all fields have been completed in this
new apparatus can be added. If the apparatus type
window, click on the apparatus information tab
(model) does not appear in the database, proceed to
at the bottom of the window. The apparatus
section 5.1.1. If the apparatus does appear in the
information tab will vary depending on the type
database, proceed to section 5.1.2.
of apparatus selected above in step 2.
5.1.1 Adding a new apparatus type (model)
Note: Brand-specific (OEM) versions of
PosiChek software include all model/apparatus
type information and do not allow the user to
modify model information or to add new models.
1. From the Setup Menu select Apparatus Type
followed by Add New Apparatus Type.

4. Fill in the information as appropriate for the BA.

Note: If you are unsure of any of the information
that is required in the Apparatus Information
window, contact your superior and/or the BA
manufacturer for further instructions. Incorrect
The Apparatus Information screen will be shown. information about a BA may lead to incorrect
tests and/or test data.

2. Select the apparatus type by clicking on Self

Contained Breathing Apparatus, Airline 5. Press the OK button once the information has
Apparatus, Combination SCBA/Airline or been correctly entered. The software will return
Cylinder. Select high or low pressure. Then to the Enter New Apparatus window. The new
type the Manufacturer and Model names into the apparatus will then appear in the list that
appropriate text boxes. As an example, the appears in the “Enter New Apparatus” screen.
information for a Draeger PA90 NFPA Low
5.1.2 Adding a new apparatus
Pressure SCBA has been entered.
1. From the Setup Menu select Apparatus Type
followed by Add New Apparatus.

56
 5.2 User Options
The PosiChek software requires a user to log on
before it will grant access to database information
and test functions. Passwords are used to open the
PosiChek software and to log specific users into the
system. Since the software requires a user to log in
prior to running tests, the name of the person who
The Enter New Apparatus window will then be logged in (with their password) is maintained with
shown. the test results.
The software also includes provisions to limit access
to user and apparatus data. The system
administrator should set the user’s system rights
based on the users skill level and level of
responsibility.
5.2.1 Adding a new user
1. From the Setup Menu select User / User List.

If this is the first launch of the generic software and

no apparatus types have been added, the only
apparatus shown will be generic models. The
apparatus type (model) should be added prior to If this is the first launch of the software, or if no
adding the specific apparatus information. Return to additional users have been entered, the name
section 5.1.1 for instructions on adding an apparatus “Setup Technician” will be the only entry listed in the
type. User Data screen.
2. Select the appropriate apparatus type and fill in
the appropriate fields. If you plan to enter a
series of similar apparatus, click on the check
box at the lower left corner for “Retain entries
when adding another serial number”.

2. Click on the “Actions” button. The Add, Change

and Delete options will be shown.

3. Click on Add. A blank user data screen will then

be shown.

If you plan to track the individual components of the

BA, the serial numbers for the components should
be added in the appropriate fields at the bottom of
the Enter New Apparatus screen. Section 5.3.2.2
below covers changing the field names, and whether
the field names are shown in the Enter New
Apparatus screen.
4. Fill in the fields as needed. The Name and
3. Click OK once the information has been added.
Password fields must be completed.

57
Note: Personal information entered in the User 2. The “Enter Password” screen will then be
Data window will appear on all printed reports shown.
Access to advanced database functions is controlled
through the two check boxes at the bottom of the
screen.

3. Enter your password and click OK. Note that

The SCBA administrator should have full access to the new user will now appear in the status bar at
both user and apparatus data. For any other the bottom of the screen.
personnel who will use the PosiChek, access should
be granted based on knowledge and responsibility
level.
To lock the user out of user and apparatus 5.2.3 Editing user information
information, leave the checkboxes unchecked. To
The PosiChek software includes provisions for
allow the user access to user and/or apparatus data,
limiting a user’s access to certain parts of the
click on one or both of the check boxes as needed.
system. Once a user has been entered into the
5. Click on the check boxes as needed. system, the user’s system rights and other
information can be modified as follows:
1. From the Setup menu, select Users followed by
User List.

6. Click “OK” when done. The new user will then

be added to the database file.

2. The User Data screen will then be shown.

7. If you wish to log on as the user that you just

created, click the Logon button. Click done to
exit the User Data screen. The Data Control is located at the center bottom of
the window and controls access to existing user data
5.2.2 Logging a user into the system records. Only one record can be displayed at a
The PosiChek software requires a user to log in prior time. The record number and total number of
to running the software. If a new user logs into the records are contained within the data control bar.
system after a different user opened the software,
then the user that opened the software will be
automatically logged out.
1. From the Setup menu select “Users” followed by 3. Clicking on the inner arrows of the data control
“Logon”. will cause the previous or next test to be shown.
To skip to the first record, click on the furthest
arrow to the left. To view the last record, click
on the furthest arrow to the right. Once the
appropriate user record is shown, click on the
“Actions” button. The Add, Change and Delete
options will then appear.

58
4. Click on Change. The user data may then be 3. Click on Delete. The software will then prompt
changed as needed. you as to whether you are sure that you want to
delete the user.

5. Access to user and apparatus data is controlled 4. Click on Yes to delete the user. The User Data
by the two checkboxes towards the bottom of screen will be shown again. Click on Done to
the window. Clicking on the checkboxes will leave the user data screen.
change the setting.
The SCBA administrator should have full access to 5.3 Setup Options
both user and apparatus data. For any other The Options selection from the Setup menu controls
personnel who will use the PosiChek, access should many of the PosiChek software’s default settings.
be granted based on knowledge and responsibility
To access the general setup choices, from the Setup
level. Menu, select Options. Setup / Options is divided
To lock the user out of user and apparatus into General and Database Options.
information, leave the checkboxes unchecked. To
allow the user access to user and/or apparatus data,
click on one or both of the check boxes as needed.

5.3.1 General options

To access the General setup options, click on Setup
7. Once the settings have been changed as / Options / General.
needed, click on OK. Then click on Done to exit
from the User Data screen.
5.2.4 Deleting a user
To delete a user:
1. Access the User Data as described in section
5.2.3 steps 1-3.

General setup options is divided into three tabbed

pages: General, Tests and Printing.
5.3.1.1 General Tab
The General options contains the following controls:
 Display control for the Actions buttons. If
the display option is enabled, the Actions
2. Use the data control to access the specific button will appear on all screens with an
record for deletion. Once the appropriate user option for the button. If disabled, the buttons
record is shown, click on the Actions button. The will not appear and the user will need to right
Add, Change and Delete options will then click in the window to access the options.
appear.
59
  Sound program file control. This allows the  Printer timeout interval setting
user to select different sounds for use in the  Control for showing or not showing a
software. signature in the printout
 Number of test results databases that will be  Graphic controls for the maximum number of
listed at the bottom of the File Menu. points in the graph, line thickness, and form
and graph fonts

5.3.1.2 Tests Tab

The Tests tab features the following controls: 5.3.2 Database setup options
 Enable/disable control for Save test results To access the database setup choices, from the
to database Setup Menu, select Options / Database Options.
 Control for the number of days to allow
additional testing before the test is recorded
as a failure.
 Control for whether customer information will
be saved with the data.
 Control for whether auxiliary IDs will be
included in test results.
Database options is divided into two tabbed pages.
5.3.2.1 Tests
The tests tab features controls for the following:
 Apparatus Test notification interval setting.
This is the number of days in advance that
you would like to be notified when an
apparatus is coming due for testing.
 Display/Do not display test due notification
when opening a test results database. This
controls whether the software notifies you
that an apparatus is either due or will be due
for testing.
 Test interval setting. This controls how
frequently the software will require
apparatus to be tested. The NFPA requires
that all apparatus used in the United States
5.3.1.3 Printing Tab be tested on an annual basis.
The Printing tab features the following selections:
60
  Update/Do not update the test interval when
a Quick Test is passed.
 Mandatory retirement notification setting.
This is the number of days in advance that
you would like to be notified when an
apparatus is coming due for retirement.

5.3.2.1.1 Changing the list of required tests

At the bottom of the Tests tab are two buttons that
control access to the required test lists for the
Complete SCBA Test and the Airline Apparatus Select or deselect tests as needed. Remember that
Test. By modifying the test list, the user can select all tests selected here must be passed for the
the tests that must be passed to update the test due apparatus due date to be updated.
date for the apparatus. If any of the tests selected 5.3.2.2 Auxiliary IDs
here are failed while performing a Complete SCBA
test or an Airline Apparatus test, then the test due The Auxiliary ID tab features the following controls:
date for the apparatus will not be updated.
 Overhaul notification interval setting. This is
Click on either the “Complete SCBA Test” button or the number of days in advance that you
the “Airline Apparatus Test” button. would like to be notified when an apparatus
is coming due for overhaul.
 Display / Do Not Display setting for the
overhaul notification.
If “Complete SCBA Test” is selected, the following  Overhaul interval setting
screen will be shown. A similar screen will be shown  Auxiliary ID settings
if “Airline Apparatus Test” is selected.
 Display / Do not display Auxiliary IDs
PosiChek software allows independent tracking of
up to seven components of the SCBA (or other).
The names of the seven components are listed
under “Rename Auxiliary IDs and may be changed
as needed.
Beneath the input boxes for the seven components
is the control for showing or not showing the
components in the test data.

61
62
6. View Menu / Search Options locate specific tests. The Test View Options screen
is divided into two sections.
Test results and specific information about the
apparatus that are saved in the databases can be The “Search By” section includes a number of
accessed by clicking on the “View” menu option. options (radio buttons) that help to define the
database query that will be used to narrow the
information. Only one option in the “Search By”
section can be selected at a time.
As an example, if you know want to access specific
data from test results that were performed on a
certain date or dates, click on Date.
6.1 View Test Results
As discussed above, the PosiChek stores all data in
databases that are defined by the user. Initially, it
will be easy to find specific test data since the
overall size of the database(s) will be relatively
small. As the database grows, it will become Once the Search By selection has been made, move
increasingly difficult to find specific information. The down the screen to the “Test Types” section. Unlike
PosiChek software includes a built-in database the “Search By” section, multiple items can be
“query” to help you locate information. selected simultaneously in the “Test Type” section.
The default setting has every box checked except
To view test results a test results database must be “Failed Tests Only”.
open.
For instructions on opening an existing
database, see section 4.2.
Once the appropriate database is open, select “Test
Results” from the View Menu.
To narrow down the test results, select only the type
of test that you would like to retrieve. As an
example, if you are searching for the data from a
Complete Test, then select the Complete Tests
option and de-select all other tests.
The Test View Options screen will then be shown:

Once the Search By and Test Type options have

been selected, you are ready to search the
database. For the purposes of this example, we’ve
now created a query that will search the database
for all Complete SCBA Tests by Date.

6.1.1 View Tests

Once the query has been defined as discussed in
section 6.1, click on View Test List or View Test
Data to run the query. Since the example query was
defined by date, you will be prompted to select the
date of the test. The software will display all test
dates corresponding to the “Search By” and “Test
Type” selections.
As tests are run and the data is stored, the database
will grow and it will become increasingly difficult to

63
 6.1.1.1 View alarms / gauges
To view the information on alarms and gauges, click
on the Alarms/Gauges Tab. The following screen
will then be shown.

Select the date(s) of the test(s) that you would like to

view. To select multiple dates, hold the control key
(Ctrl) down while you click. For the purpose of this
example the date 6/10/2003 has been selected.

To view the results of the query in the form of a list,

click the View Test List button. Note that in this case the SCBA passed all alarm
and gauge tests.
6.1.1.2 View breathing graph data
To view the Breathing Graphs, click on the Breathing
Note: To modify the columns viewed or the sort Graphs Tab. The following screen will then be
order of the list, click on the Actions button and shown.
select Modify View. For further instructions on
the “Modify View” command see section 6.2.4
below.
To view the test results in their original form, select a
test by clicking on it. Then click on the “Actions”
button followed by View Test Results”.

Breathing Graphs screen

Depending on the tests that were run, the Std
↓ Graph, Max Graph or both buttons may be
highlighted. Click on one of the buttons to view the
actual breathing graph.

The View Test Results screen contains all of the 6.1.1.3 Add inspection comments
data that was generated during testing. Data is
accessed by clicking on one of the four tabs at the To add comments into the database, click on the
bottom of the screen. To print a comprehensive Inspect/Comments tab.
report of this SCBA test, click on the “Print” button.
64
 The PosiChek software will prompt you as to
Enter comments as needed in the “Add Comments”
whether YOU ARE SURE you want to delete the
field. Press “Done” to store the information in the
apparatus. To also delete all tests for the given
database. The comments will be saved to the
serial number, click on the checkbox at left prior to
database with the date, time and name of the person
clicking the “Yes” button.
logged into the system.

6.2 View Apparatus

To view apparatus and all related information, from
the main menu bar, click on View followed by
Apparatus.

Select “Yes” to complete the deletion.

6.2.2 Include comments when printing
As apparatus are tested, comments are often added
to the database that may be included or not included
The entire apparatus list will then be shown. in printed reports.
To include comments in printed reports for a specific
apparatus, first access the apparatus list as
discussed above in section 6.2.
Once the apparatus list is shown, click on the
Actions button at the lower left corner of the screen.
Once the window is shown, select “Include
comments when printing”.
Note: To modify the columns viewed or sort
order of the list, click on the Actions button and
select Modify View. For further instructions on
the “Modify View” command see section 6.2.4
below.
6.2.1 Delete apparatus
To delete an apparatus, first access the apparatus
list as discussed above in section 6.2. Then select
the specific apparatus for deletion by clicking in the
column to the left of manufacturer for the appropriate
apparatus (row). To select multiple apparatus for Once the selection has been made, if the Actions
deletion, hold the “control” (Ctrl) key down while Menu button is clicked again, you will notice that a
selecting the apparatus. check appears next to the command to include
comments. The check indicates that comments will
be included when tests are printed.

Once the apparatus has been selected, click on the

“Actions” button at the lower left corner of the
screen. Once the window is shown, select “Delete”.
65
 6.2.4 Modify view
The Modify view command controls the fields of
information that are displayed when the apparatus
list is accessed through the View / Apparatus and
View / Tests / View Test Lists commands. Any of
the data fields that appear in the database may be
entered to be viewed and/or printed in the apparatus
Clicking on “Include comments when printing” again list as needed by the user.
will deselect it and cause the comments not to be To make changes to the settings, first open the
included in the printout. apparatus list as discussed above in section 6.2.
6.2.3 Search By.. Then click on the Actions button at the lower left
corner of the screen and select “Modify View”.
The “Search By…” option allows the user to quickly
locate apparatus by serial number, location or other
ID. The “Search By…” option works in conjunction
with the search by input box located directly above
the Actions button.
To use the “Search By…” function first access the
apparatus list as discussed above in section 6.2.
Then click on the Actions button at the lower left
corner of the screen and select “Search By…”.

The following screen will be shown. The fields that

will appear in the viewed or printed report will appear
in the left column. The available fields appear in the
right column.

Select Serial Number, Location or Other ID as

appropriate for your search. The selection will then
be shown next to the input box located directly
above the Actions button. In the example below, the
search will be made by “Other ID”

When the PosiChek software is opened for the first

time, the system is configured so that the information
displayed when the apparatus list is viewed is
identical to the information that will be printed when
the apparatus list is printed.
Enter the search parameter in the input box. The software contains the following controls for the
column settings:
 Columns for Viewing and Printing
 Columns for Viewing
 Columns for Sorting
 Columns for Printing
The Columns setting that is currently open for
The software will automatically locate the first data modification is shown near the bottom of the screen.
record with a matching entry and mark it with an
arrow.

66
If you do not need to separate the view and print
functions, leave the setting as “Columns to View and
Print” and do not access the “for Viewing” or “for
Printing” options. Any adjustments made in
“Columns to View and Print” will be carried over into
viewed and printed reports.
If you prefer separate the View and Print functions,
or you would like to change the method by which the
data is sorted in these spreadsheets click on the
Actions button at the bottom of the screen followed The items contained in the column on the left are the
by “Select Columns” and choose the appropriate active items for the Columns setting. The items
option. The option that is currently open will have a listed in the column on the right are the fields that
checkmark in front of it. are available.
To add a new column heading from the available list
(right) to the View and Print list (left), click on the
item and then drag it over into the other column.
Items may be removed from the View and Print list
(left) to the available list (right) by reversing the
Select Columns for Printing, Viewing or Sorting as
process.
needed. The Columns setting will change to
indicate the setting that is now ready for The item will be highlighted once it is selected.
modification.

Note: For Viewing and Printing, The PosiChek

software will default to the most recently modified file
for each selection. If you modify the options in
“Select Columns for Viewing and Printing”, changes
made will be reflected in both types of report. If
changes are made to “Select Columns for Printing”,
they will supercede any earlier print settings,
whether they were made in “for Printing” or “for
Viewing and Printing”. The same is true for viewed Drag the item into the left column and then drop it
reports. there. It will immediately appear in the new list.
The default values for the Viewing and Printing
options are as follows:
 Manufacturer
 Model
 Serial Number
 Location
 Other ID
 Last Test
 Test Due
To restore the default settings, click on the Actions
The view and print lists are sorted according to the button followed by Restore Defaults.
settings entered in “View Columns to Sort” The
default sort settings are as follows:
 By Manufacturer
 By Model
 By Serial Number To return to the apparatus list, click on the Actions
button followed by View List.

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6.2.5 Print (apparatus info)
The Print command from the View Apparatus menu Press OK. The report will then be shown. It may be
allows the user to print apparatus data. printed directly or saved as a PDF file. Use the
command buttons at the top of the screen to print or
To print apparatus data, first access the apparatus
store the report.
list as discussed above in section 6.2. Then click on
the “Actions” button at the lower left corner of the
screen. Select “Print”.

To print the data file for all apparatus, select “Print 6.2.6 Requery
All”. The “Requery” command will re-execute the latest
To print the data file for a specific apparatus, first search query. To requery, click on the Actions
select the specific apparatus for printing by clicking button at the lower left corner of the screen and
in the column to the left of manufacturer for the select “Requery”.
appropriate apparatus (row). To print the
information from more than one apparatus, hold
down the Ctrl (control) key and click as many
apparatus as needed.

Note: The “Requery” command is only needed

Regardless of the number of data records that you when more than one user can access the
intend to print, the software will prompt you for a title database at once, which typically only occurs
for the report. when the database is stored on a network.
6.2.7 Retire apparatus
To retire an apparatus from service, first access the
apparatus list as discussed above in section 6.2.
Then select the specific apparatus for retirement by
clicking in the column to the left of manufacturer for
the appropriate apparatus (row).
Note: The standard report contains the
apparatus make(s), model(s) and serial
number(s) so there is no need to add these fields
to the report title. If you have modified the
columns printed settings, you may need to add
these in manually.
Once the apparatus has been selected, click on the
Enter the title. “Actions” button at the lower left corner of the

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screen. Once the window is shown, select “Retire 2. Select the search parameter that is most likely to
Apparatus”. locate the apparatus. As an example, if you
happen to know that the apparatus belongs to
“Ladder 1” and you filled in the “Other ID” field
with “Ladder 1”, then select Other ID.

The following screen will then be shown:

The software will prompt you to confirm that the

apparatus will be retired.

3. Type the Other ID into the input box.

Select Yes to retire the apparatus. The data for the

apparatus will still be accessible from the View
Apparatus menu by using the Show Only... feature
and selecting Retired Apparatus.
6.2.8 Show only apparatus… 4. Click OK to perform the search. In this case,
any apparatus with the field for Other ID equal to
When View Apparatus is initially selected, a list of all “Ladder 1” will be displayed.
apparatus in the open database is displayed. As the
database grows, more and more apparatus will be
shown in this list, and it will be increasingly difficult to
locate a specific apparatus. The “Show only
apparatus…” command allows the user to narrow
the apparatus shown by selecting only those 6.2.9 Transfer data to Excel Spreadsheet
apparatus that meet certain criteria.
Since the PosiChek stores data in a database, it can
To narrow the list: be easily transferred into Microsoft Excel.
1. Access the apparatus list as discussed above in To transfer data, first access the apparatus list as
section 6.2. Click on the “Actions” button at the discussed above in section 6.2. Then select the
lower left corner of the screen and select “Show apparatus for data transfer. Once the apparatus are
only apparatus”. A second window will appear selected, click on the Actions button at the lower left
that will allow you to narrow the search results. corner of the screen and select “Transfer data to
Excel spreadsheet”.

Note: The “Show only apparatus…” option

initiates a search query that should help you to
locate specific apparatus. This manual will not
cover every search alternative given under
“Show only apparatus”.
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Once the data has been transferred, Excel will open numbers and is typically used to correct spelling
with the data shown. Click File / Save, and specify errors or other mistakes made upon data entry.
the file name and location to save the file to a local
or network drive.
Note: Only the fields actively selected will be
transferred into Excel. See section 6.2.4 for
details on adding and removing fields. Select the appropriate item to edit. An input box will
6.2.10 View/edit selected apparatus be given for the new information. Since these are
changes to critical apparatus information, the
The View Selected command allows the user to software will prompt you to update all test data
access all test data for a specific apparatus. To view related to this apparatus as well.
the apparatus data, first access the apparatus list as
discussed above in section 6.2. Then select the The View List option will return the user to the prior
specific apparatus by clicking in the column to the screen.
left of manufacturer for the appropriate apparatus The View Tests option will allow the user to view all
(row). tests performed on the selected apparatus.

Once the apparatus has been selected, click on the

Actions button at the lower left corner of the screen.
Once the window is shown, select “View Selected”
from the menu.

The data will then be shown.

Once the data is displayed, clicking on the Actions

button will grant access to the Edit functions and
Test data.

The Edit option allows the user to access and

change the identifying information on tests and serial

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7. Help Menu Click on any topic in the list at right to view the
subject matter.
The Help Menu is designed to aid the user with any
problems that they may encounter while running the 7.2 Help: Search For
PosiChek. The Help option is located on the Main
Menu Bar and gives four options. The Search For option in Help includes an Index and
Find tabs that allow the user to search for specific
information relative to the PosiChek.

Note: Detailed connection instructions for a variety

of BA are available in the PosiChek Software’s Help
File. To access the The Help Topics Index screen will be shown.
7.2.1 Index
7.1 Help / Contents
The Index tab allows the user to initiate a search of
The Contents option includes a version of this the help file by individual word or by index entry.
manual, which is broken down by chapter and Topics are arranged alphabetically. Double click on
subject. a topic to view details.

The introductory screen will then be shown.

7.2.2 Find
The Find option under Help / Search For option
allows you to custom search the help file.

The Help Controls are located near the top of the

screen.

Click the “Help Topics” button at the top to access

the Help Topics Index. See section 7.2 for further
details.
Use the scroll arrows to move through the help
topics list. To use the Find option, you will first need to create a
list that will include the words in your help file.

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Select Click Next to continue with “Minimize 7.3 PosiChek website
database size (recommended)” selected.
The PosiChek software contains a link to the
PosiChek website, which is located at the following
address:
http://www.biodownloads.com
Click on PosiChek3 web site from the Help Menu to
access the site.

Click Finish to begin creating the word list. Once the

word list has been created the following screen will
be shown.
Note: Your PC must be connected to the Internet
to access the website.

Click on a topic to access relevant files.

The Options button on the right side of the list
contains higher level controls for the search.

Note: OEM software versions will also include a

link to the specific BA manufacturer’s website.

7.4 About
The Help About option is divided into three tabbed
pages: Copyright, Version Info and System Info.

7.4.1 Copyright
The Copyright tab includes information about the
person or company to whom the software is

72
licensed. It also includes Sperian Instrumentation’s
address and phone number.

Press OK to return to the main menu.

7.4.3 System info
The System info tab includes information about the
parallel port and parallel port registers.

Press OK to return to the main menu.

7.4.2 Version
The Version tab contains a listing of the version,
revision and release date of PosiChek software that
you are currently using.

Press OK to return to the main menu.

Note: The PosiChek’s firmware version and

serial number will be shown in the screen above
if the PosiChek has been initialized.
Click on the Language button for details concerning
the software’s current operating language.

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8. Software Updates as a function of installing a new version of
software.
PosiChek software is under continuous
development. Software updates are frequently To update your software, place the CD-ROM into
included when the PosiChek is returned from its your computer’s CD tray and close the tray. If the
annual calibration. The new version of software will software fails to set itself up immediately, use
need to be loaded into the PC. When updating Windows Explorer to locate the CD-ROM drive and
software, do not uninstall or delete the existing run the “setup.exe” program. The software will
version of software because it contains some base proceed to load itself onto the PC in much the same
components that will be used by the new version manner as the initial software installation, which is
during installation. discussed above in section 2.1.1.

Note: Information located in PosiChek Note: After a software update, the PosiChek
databases including test results, user databases may also need to be updated. If this
information, apparatus types, apparatus models is the case, the software will automatically
and serial numbers will not be changed or lost prompt you to update your database(s).

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Appendices
Appendix A: Glossary
The following is a list of terms used in this manual. Many manufacturers of breathing apparatus have their own
specific terms for various parts of the breathing apparatus. The purpose of this glossary is to relate the terms
used in this manual to the terms used by SCBA manufacturers.
Activation Pressure: The negative pressure needed to start the flow of air in a breathing apparatus that is
equipped with the first breath activation feature. The Activation Pressure Transducer is the transducer used to
measure facepiece pressure during the Activation Pressure test. It has a slightly larger range and somewhat less
accuracy than the facepiece pressure transducer.
Airline Apparatus: Breathing Apparatus that has no first stage and accepts a supply pressure no higher than
300 PSI.

Apparatus: Serial number, Unit ID

Apparatus Type: Model

BA: Breathing Apparatus. Self-contained breathing apparatus or other type of respiratory equipment.
Brand-specific: PosiChek3 software comes in a standard version, and in brand-specific versions for Draeger,
Interspiro, ISI, 3M, MSA, Scott, and Survivair. The standard version allows you to enter your own models
(apparatus types), but you cannot enter pass/fail criteria for the various tests. General values for the pass/fails
are used, which should allow all BAs in good working condition to pass. No pass/fails are given for any value
read by the medium pressure transducer.
Brand-specific versions of the software come with the various models already entered in the software, and the
user is not allowed to add or change models. The models contained in brand specific software contain the
pass/fail criteria recommended by the manufacturer of the breathing apparatus. Brand-specific versions of the
software should be purchased from the specific manufacturer, and generally comes in a kit that includes a
connector for the medium pressure.
Some brand-specific versions of the software contain tests not contained in any other version.
Bypass : Brand-specific terms include Purge.
Dynamic Pressure: Pressure measured when the lung is moving.
Facepiece pressure: The pressure typically found in the facepiece of an SCBA. Generally between 0 and 3.5 "
H2O. The low pressure transducer measures pressures in this range.

First Breath Activation: A feature found in some BA where a sharp inhalation is required to start the flow of air.
First Stage: The part of the BA that reduces the pressure from the supply to a lower, medium pressure.

High pressure: This term may refer to the supply pressure of the SCBA, or, to a supply pressure of 4500 PSI.
The high pressure transducer measures the supply pressure of the SCBA.

Low Pressure: This term may refer to Facepiece Pressure, or, to a supply pressure of 2216 or 3000 PSI. The
low pressure transducer measures Facepiece Pressure.

Maximum Rate , Maximum Work Rate: The max breathing rate is 102 L/min (3.4 L/breath x 30 breaths/minute)

Medium Pressure: The pressure output from the first stage regulator of the BA, or the supply pressure of an
Airline Apparatus. The medium pressure transducer measures this pressure. The term “intermediate pressure” is
often used in OEM software versions or by certain manufacturers.
OEM Version: Brand-specific version of the software.

Second Stage: The part of the BA that reduces the pressure from medium pressure to breathable pressure used
in the facepiece.

Standard Rate: The standard breathing rate is 40 L/min (1.67 L/breath x 24 breaths/minute)

Static Pressure: Pressure measured when the lung is not moving.

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Supply pressure: The maximum pressure of the pressure source used to supply air to a BA. For SCBA, this
would be a cylinder that comes in three different pressures: 2216 PSI, 3000 PSI, and 4500 PSI. For Airline
Apparatus, this would be an airline that typically contains a maximum pressure of 300 PSI.

Work rate: The amount of air that is “breathed out” by the PosiChek during a breathing test given in terms of
liters per minute. See also Breathing Rate, Standard Rate, Maximum Rate.

Appendix B: Operating Ranges

1. Power Requirements
Line Voltage range 88 VAC to 132 VAC (use 2A input fuse); or
176 VAC to 250 VAC (use 1A input fuses).
Line Voltage selection Fuse change required; otherwise it is automatic.
Line Frequency 47 to 440 Hz
Maximum Power Consumption 120VA
2. Environmental Characteristics
Ambient Temperature Ranges
Operating 41º F to 113º F (5º C to 45º C)
Storage 14º F to 113º F (-10º C to 45º C)
3. Physical Characteristics
Size (excluding head)
Height 14.1 inches (358 mm)
Width 13.5 inches (343 mm)
Depth 16.0 inches (406 mm)
Weight (excluding head) 34 pounds (15.4 kg)
4. Fuse requirements
120 VAC Systems 2A, Slow Blow, 250 VAC, Type 3AG
220 VAC Systems 1A, Slow Blow, 250 VAC, 5 x 20 mm

Appendix C: Cleaning Instructions

Use a clean, slightly dampened cloth to clean the instrument. Dampen the cloth with a
household soap and water solution.
Do not use any ketone based cleaner, such as acetone.
Do not clean the instrument while it is connected to the AC main supply.
Check that all openings are free of any dirt and/or debris.
Check that the instrument is completely dry before connecting it to the AC main supply.

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Appendix D: Complete SCBA Test Pass / Fail Criteria for Generic Software
Users who plan to service their own SCBA should purchase brand-specific software, which is available
from the SCBA manufacturer for 3M, Cairns, Draeger, Interspiro, ISI, MSA, Scott and Survivair breathing
apparatus. Contact Honeywell Analytics for more information.
The NFPA requires that SCBA be tested annually according to the manufacturer's specifications in order
to maintain compliance. Please reference NFPA 1981 and NFPA 1852 for details.
The following pass/fail criteria are used in the generic PosiChek3 software. The values used by manufacturer
specific versions of the software fall within these limits. Standard PosiChek3 software does not provide pass/fail
criteria for first stage performance. Results are simply presented in the form of a graphic flow trace of pressure
reducer performance, along with the minimum and maximum first stage values. When a test is performed with no
pass/fail criteria, the value measured is given, but you will not be informed whether the test passed or failed.
Activation Pressure no Pass/Fail is given (pressure must remain negative)
High Pressure Leak Test Test duration 10 seconds
Pressure Change allowed (2216 apparatus) 50 PSI (4500 apparatus) 100 PSI
Facepiece Leak Test Test duration 5 seconds
Starting Pressure -1.0 " H2O
Allowable Leakage 0.9 " H2O (pressure must remain negative)
Alarm Activation Pressure
Low pressure (2216) apparatus
Minimum 400 PSI
Maximum 645 PSI
Low pressure (3000) apparatus
Minimum 540 PSI
Maximum 870 PSI
High pressure (4500) apparatus)
Minimum 810 PSI
Maximum 1305 PSI
Exhalation Valve Opening Pressure no Pass/Fail is given

Activation Pressure no Pass/Fail is given

Static Facepiece Pressure Test Duration 15 seconds

Minimum 0.6 " H2O Maximum 1.5 " H2O
Static Medium Pressure no Pass/Fail is given
Medium Pressure Change no Pass/Fail is given
Bypass Flow no Pass/Fail is given
Breathing Tests - Facepiece Pressure
Minimum 0 " H2O Maximum 3.5 " H2O
Breathing Tests - Dynamic Medium Pressure no Pass/Fail is given
Pressure Gauge Test Maximum Error Allowed 10%
Test Point 1 Test Point 2 Test Point 3 (Gauge and apparatus type)
3/4 1/2 1/4 (Percent Gauge)
3000 2000 1000 (High Pressure - 4500)
1500 1000 500 (Low Pressure - 2216)

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Appendix E: Honeywell Analytics, Inc. PosiChek3 Warranty

Honeywell warrants PosiChek3 SCBA performance testers manufactured and sold by

Honeywell Analytics, to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 1
year from the date of purchase.
The Honeywell Analytics PosiChek3 Warranty is voided by abuse, mechanical damage,
alteration, or repair procedures not made in accordance with the PosiChek3 Reference
Manual. Damages to the PosiChek3 that result from abuse, alteration, power fluctuations
including surges and lightning strikes, incorrect voltage settings, or repair procedures not made
in accordance with the PosiChek Reference Manual are not covered by the Honeywell
Analytics standard warranty.
The obligation of Honeywell Analytics under this warranty is limited to the repair or
replacement of components deemed by the Honeywell Analytics’s Instrument Service
Department to have been defective under the scope of this standard warranty. To receive
consideration for warranty repair or replacement procedures, products must be returned with
transportation and shipping charges prepaid to Honeywell Analytics. It is necessary to obtain a
return authorization number from Honeywell Analytics prior to shipment.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES AND
REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. HONEYWELL ANALYTICS
WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE OF ANY KIND CONNECTED TO THE USE
OF ITS PRODUCTS OR FAILURE OF ITS PRODUCTS TO FUNCTION OR OPERATE
PROPERLY.

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