How to Manage BA Backplates

This guide explains how to create and manage BA (Breathing Apparatus) backplates in StationOne.

Prerequisites

• Brigade admin or organisation admin role
• BA module enabled for your organisation
• Understanding of BA backplate types and electronic systems

What is a BA Backplate?

A BA backplate (also called a harness or frame) is the structural component of breathing apparatus that:

• Supports the air cylinder on the firefighter’s back
• Includes the harness straps and waist belt
• May include electronic monitoring (PASS device, telemetry)
• Distributes weight for comfortable wear
• Provides mounting points for cylinder and regulators

Creating a BA Backplate

1. Navigate to BA Backplates

1. Log in to StationOne
2. Select your organisation and unit
3. Click Breathing Apparatus in navigation
4. Click Backplates tab
5. Click New BA Backplate button

2. Enter Backplate Details

Fill in the identification information:

Asset ID (required)

• Internal asset tracking number
• Should match your organisation’s numbering system
• Examples:
  • “BP-001”
  • “BACKPLATE-15”
  • “BA-HARNESS-A1”
• Must be unique within your organisation

Serial Number (optional but recommended)

• Manufacturer’s serial number
• Usually found on backplate frame or electronics housing
• Critical for tracking, especially for electronic units
• Example: “BP-123456-2023”

Manufacturer (optional)

• Backplate manufacturer name
• Examples:
  • “MSA”
  • “Dräger”
  • “Interspiro”
  • “Scott”
• Helps with spare parts and servicing

3. Enter Purchase and Maintenance Information

Fill in tracking details:

Purchase Date (optional)

• Date backplate was purchased
• Used for age tracking
• Backplates have service life limits
• Format: DD/MM/YYYY

Strap Condition (optional)

• Current condition of harness straps
• Text description:
  • “Good - no wear visible”
  • “Fair - some fraying at edges”
  • “Needs Replacement - significant wear”
• Updated during inspections
• Helps plan strap replacement

Tip: Harness straps are safety-critical and wear over time. Track condition closely.

4. Electronic Monitoring

Configure electronic features:

Electronic Backplate Checkbox

Check this box if the backplate has:

• PASS device (Personal Alert Safety System)
• Telemetry system
• Electronic monitoring
• Battery-powered components

When checked:

• Battery level field appears
• Battery tracking enabled
• Battery alerts available

Battery Level (if electronic)

• Current battery charge percentage (0-100%)
• Auto-updates during inspections
• Can be manually updated
• Alerts when low (below 20%)

Note: Leave unchecked for mechanical/non-electronic backplates.

5. Choose Status

Select the operational status:

• On Set: Assigned to a BA set
• Spare: Available in inventory
• Away for Repair: Offsite for maintenance or testing
• Decommissioned: Retired from service

Most common for new backplates: Start as “Spare” then assign to set.

6. Set Last Inspection Date (optional)

Enter the date of most recent inspection:

• Used to track inspection intervals
• Updates automatically during inspections
• Helps identify overdue inspections
• Format: DD/MM/YYYY

7. Choose Assignment

Select where this backplate is assigned:

Unit/Brigade Assignment

• Backplate owned by a specific brigade
• Available in brigade inventory
• Shows in brigade’s backplate list

Location Assignment

• Stored at a specific location
• Useful for:
  • Workshop storage
  • Repair facilities
  • Service centres
  • Central stores

BA Set Assignment

• Permanently assigned to a specific BA set
• Changes status to “On Set”
• Moves with the BA set
• Inspected as part of set

Tip: Most operational backplates are assigned to BA sets. Spare backplates are held at unit level.

8. Save Backplate

1. Review all information
2. Click Create BA Backplate
3. Backplate appears in inventory
4. Ready for assignment or inspection

Editing a BA Backplate

Updating Backplate Details

1. Navigate to backplate
2. Click Edit Backplate
3. Update any field:
   • Asset ID or serial number
   • Manufacturer
   • Purchase date
   • Strap condition
   • Last inspection date
4. Click Update BA Backplate

Updating Electronic Settings

Configure electronic monitoring:

1. Edit backplate
2. Enable Electronics:
   • Check “Electronic” box
   • Battery level field appears
3. Disable Electronics:
   • Uncheck “Electronic” box
   • Battery level field hidden
4. Update Battery Level:
   • Enter percentage (0-100%)
   • Add note with battery change date if applicable
5. Save changes

When to Update:

• New battery installed
• Manual battery check performed
• Converting non-electronic to electronic (upgrade)
• Electronic system removed (downgrade)

Updating Strap Condition

Track harness wear:

1. Edit backplate
2. Update Strap Condition field:
   • “Good”
   • “Fair - minor wear at buckles”
   • “Poor - requires inspection”
   • “Needs Replacement”
3. Add note if replacing straps:
   • “Straps replaced [date]”
   • “New waist belt fitted [date]”
4. Save changes

Tip: Update during inspections or whenever straps are handled.

Changing Backplate Status

Update operational status:

1. Edit backplate
2. Select new status from dropdown:
   • Spare: Available for use
   • Away for Repair: Offsite for servicing
   • Decommissioned: Retired permanently
3. Save changes

When to change status:

• To Spare: Backplate serviced and ready
• To Away for Repair: Sending for strap replacement, electronic repair, or frame service
• To Decommissioned: Backplate damaged, obsolete, or exceeded service life

Changing Assignment

Move backplate between assignments:

1. Edit backplate
2. Select new assignment type:
   • Switch between Unit/Location/BA Set
3. Choose specific unit/location/set
4. Save changes

Common Scenarios:

• Spare → BA Set: Building a complete BA set
• BA Set → Unit: Removing backplate from set for replacement
• Unit → Location: Sending to workshop for strap replacement
• Location → BA Set: Returning serviced backplate to service

Inspecting Backplates

Direct Backplate Inspection

Inspect a backplate individually:

1. Navigate to backplate
2. Click Conduct Inspection
3. Select backplate inspection template
4. Work through checklist:
   • Frame Inspection:
     • Check for cracks or damage
     • Inspect welds and joints
     • Verify structural integrity
     • Check cylinder mount
   • Harness Straps:
     • Strap condition and elasticity
     • Buckle operation
     • Stitching condition
     • Quick-release functionality
   • Electronic Systems (if equipped):
     • PASS device function
     • Battery level check
     • Alarm testing
     • Telemetry communication
   • Padding and Comfort:
     • Shoulder pad condition
     • Back padding integrity
     • Waist belt padding
5. Record battery level if electronic
6. Capture photos of any issues
7. Complete inspection

After Inspection:

• Last inspection date automatically updates
• Battery level updates (if recorded)
• Strap condition updates
• Failed items generate actions
• Inspection history preserved

Backplate Inspection as Part of BA Set

Most often, backplates are inspected as part of BA set inspection:

1. Inspect the complete BA set
2. Template includes checks for all components
3. Backplate-specific items verify this backplate
4. Battery level field updates this backplate
5. Inspection linked to BA set and backplate
6. Both records updated

Inspection Scheduling

Set up recurring backplate inspections:

1. Navigate to backplate
2. Click Schedules → New Schedule
3. Select backplate inspection template
4. Set frequency:
   • Weekly for operational backplates
   • Monthly for spare backplates
   • After each use (strap and padding checks)
5. Enable notifications
6. Save schedule

Viewing Inspection History

See all inspections for this backplate:

1. Navigate to backplate
2. Click Inspections tab
3. View list of all inspections:
   • BA set inspections (if assigned to set)
   • Direct backplate inspections
   • Battery and strap checks
4. Click any inspection to view details
5. Review trends (battery drain, strap wear)

Electronic Backplate Management

Battery Monitoring

For backplates with electronic monitoring:

Viewing Battery Status

• Dashboard shows current battery level
• Colour-coded indicator:
  • Green: 60-100% (good)
  • Yellow: 21-59% (monitor)
  • Red: 0-20% (replace soon)
• Low battery alerts available

Updating Battery Level

Option 1: During Inspection

1. Conduct backplate or BA set inspection
2. Template includes battery level number field
3. Enter percentage
4. Complete inspection
5. Battery level auto-updates

Option 2: Manual Update

1. Edit backplate
2. Update Battery Level field
3. Add note: “Battery checked [date], [X]% remaining”
4. Save changes

Battery Replacement

1. Replace battery per manufacturer instructions
2. Edit backplate
3. Set battery level to 100%
4. Add note: “New battery installed [date], type: [battery model]”
5. Save changes
6. Document in inspection or action

Battery Replacement Schedule

• Check manufacturer recommendations
• Typically annually for lithium batteries
• More frequent for heavy use
• Before critical operations
• After low battery alerts

PASS Device Testing

Track PASS device functionality:

1. Include PASS test in inspection templates:
   • Motion alarm test (pass/fail)
   • Manual activation test (pass/fail)
   • Alarm volume test (pass/fail)
   • Pre-alarm warning test (pass/fail)
2. Document results in inspection
3. Create actions for failures
4. Track testing compliance

Telemetry Systems

For backplates with telemetry:

Testing Telemetry

• Include communication test in inspections
• Verify signal transmission
• Check base station reception
• Test data accuracy (pressure, temperature)
• Document any connectivity issues

Telemetry Battery

• May have separate battery from PASS
• Track both batteries if applicable
• Use notes field to distinguish:
  • “PASS battery: 85%, Telemetry battery: 92%“

Electronic System Maintenance

Firmware Updates

1. When manufacturer releases update
2. Add note: “Firmware updated [date], version [X.X]”
3. Test all functions after update
4. Document in inspection

Electronic Repairs

1. Change status to “Away for Repair”
2. Assign to repair facility location
3. Add note describing issue
4. When returned, update status and test
5. Document repair in notes

Backplate Assignments

Assigning to BA Set

Add backplate to a complete BA set:

Option 1: From Backplate

1. Navigate to backplate
2. Edit backplate
3. Select assignment type: BA Set
4. Choose BA set from dropdown
5. Save changes
6. Status automatically changes to “On Set”

Option 2: From BA Set

1. Navigate to BA set
2. Edit BA set
3. Select this backplate in backplate dropdown
4. Save BA set
5. Backplate assignment and status update automatically

Tip: Match backplate size/type to cylinder size when building sets.

Assigning to Location

Send backplate to a specific location:

1. Edit backplate
2. Select assignment type: Location
3. Choose location:
   • Workshop
   • Repair centre
   • Service facility
   • Central stores
4. Save changes

Use Cases:

• Sending for strap replacement
• Electronic system repair
• Annual service and inspection
• Storage between uses

Unassigning Backplate

Return backplate to spare inventory:

1. Edit backplate
2. Select assignment type: Unit/Brigade
3. Choose your unit
4. Change status to Spare
5. Save changes
6. Backplate available for assignment

Backplate Maintenance

Strap and Harness Maintenance

Strap Inspection Check regularly for:

• Fraying or cuts
• Loss of elasticity
• Buckle damage
• Stitching failure
• UV damage (fading, brittleness)

Strap Replacement

1. When replacement needed:
   • Navigate to backplate
   • Add action: “Replace harness straps”
   • Assign to maintenance personnel
   • Change status to “Away for Repair” if needed
2. After replacement:
   • Edit backplate
   • Update strap condition to “Good”
   • Add note: “New straps fitted [date], manufacturer: [name]”
   • Close action
   • Return to service

Strap Adjustment

• Document strap adjustments for specific users
• Note in backplate notes if configured for specific size ranges
• Check adjustment mechanisms during inspections

Frame and Structure Maintenance

Visual Inspections Check for:

• Cracks in frame
• Weld failures
• Corrosion
• Bent or damaged components
• Loose bolts or fasteners

Structural Repairs

• Only qualified technicians should repair frames
• Document all structural work
• Retest after repairs
• Consider decommissioning if damage is significant

Padding and Comfort Components

Padding Inspection Check:

• Shoulder pad condition
• Back padding integrity
• Waist belt padding
• Strap padding
• Velcro condition

Padding Replacement

1. Order replacement padding
2. Install per manufacturer instructions
3. Add note: “Replaced shoulder pads [date]”
4. Test comfort and fit

Electronic Component Servicing

Annual Service (for electronic backplates)

• Battery replacement
• PASS device testing
• Telemetry calibration
• Alarm volume verification
• Weatherproofing check

Service Tracking

1. Create inspection or action for annual service
2. Document service date and findings
3. Update battery level
4. Record any repairs or replacements
5. Test all functions before returning to service

Backplate Reports

Inventory Report

View all backplates:

1. Navigate to BA Backplates
2. Click Reports → Inventory
3. Filter by:
   • Status (spare, on set, away for repair)
   • Assignment (unit, location, BA set)
   • Electronic vs non-electronic
   • Manufacturer
4. Generate report
5. Export to PDF or CSV

Battery Status Report (Electronic Backplates)

Monitor battery levels:

1. Click Reports → Battery Status
2. View backplates grouped by battery level:
   • Critical (0-20%): Replace immediately
   • Low (21-40%): Plan replacement
   • Moderate (41-60%): Monitor
   • Good (61-100%): No action needed
3. Plan battery replacements

Strap Condition Report

Track harness wear:

1. Click Reports → Strap Condition
2. View backplates by strap condition:
   • Needs Replacement (urgent)
   • Fair (monitor)
   • Good (no action)
3. Plan strap replacement schedule

Inspection Status Report

Check which backplates need inspection:

1. Click Reports → Inspection Status
2. View backplates grouped by urgency:
   • Overdue inspections
   • Due within 7 days
   • Due within 30 days
   • Up to date
3. Plan inspection schedule

Assignment Report

Track where backplates are located:

1. Click Reports → Assignment Report
2. View:
   • Backplates by BA set
   • Backplates by unit
   • Backplates at locations (workshop, repair)
   • Unassigned backplates
3. Audit backplate inventory

Decommissioning a Backplate

When retiring a backplate from service:

Reasons to Decommission

• Structural damage (cracks, frame failure)
• Exceeded service life (typically 10-15 years)
• Obsolete model (no longer compatible)
• Electronic system failure (repair not economical)
• Harness beyond repair
• Safety recall

Decommissioning Process

1. Navigate to backplate
2. Edit backplate
3. Change status to Decommissioned
4. Add note with reason:
   • “Frame cracked at cylinder mount”
   • “Exceeded 15-year service life”
   • “Electronic system failed, obsolete parts”
   • “Manufacturer recall - model [X]”
5. Save changes

What Happens:

• Backplate removed from active inventory
• Cannot be assigned
• If assigned to BA set, automatically removed
• History preserved for audit and records
• Appears in decommissioned report

After Decommissioning

• Order replacement backplate
• Properly dispose of decommissioned backplate
• Transfer electronic components if salvageable
• Update BA set with new backplate
• Update inventory counts

Troubleshooting

Battery Level Not Updating from Inspection

Symptoms: Conducted inspection with battery reading, but backplate battery level didn’t update.

Causes:

• Template doesn’t include number field with “battery” in label
• Inspection saved as draft (not completed)
• Inspecting a different backplate or BA set
• Backplate not marked as “Electronic”

Solutions:

• Ensure backplate “Electronic” checkbox is checked
• Template needs number field labelled with “battery”
• Complete inspection (don’t leave as draft)
• Verify inspecting correct equipment
• Manually update battery level if needed

Backplate Not Appearing in BA Set Dropdown

Symptoms: Backplate doesn’t appear when trying to assign to BA set.

Cause: Backplate already assigned elsewhere.

Solution:

1. Navigate to backplate
2. Check current assignment
3. Remove from current assignment (edit and change to Unit/Spare)
4. Backplate will now appear in BA set dropdown

Electronic Features Not Showing

Symptoms: Can’t enter battery level for electronic backplate.

Cause: “Electronic” checkbox not checked.

Solution:

1. Edit backplate
2. Check the “Electronic” checkbox
3. Battery level field will appear
4. Enter battery percentage
5. Save changes

Strap Condition Not Tracked

Symptoms: Can’t find where to update strap condition.

Solution:

1. Edit backplate
2. Look for “Strap Condition” field
3. Enter text description of condition
4. Update during each inspection
5. Use consistent terminology (Good/Fair/Poor/Needs Replacement)

Best Practices

Identification Management

• Record serial numbers for all backplates
• Use consistent asset ID naming
• Label backplates physically with asset ID
• Maintain manufacturer information
• Photograph backplate identification for reference
• Track electronic vs non-electronic clearly

Electronic Component Management

• Check battery levels weekly
• Replace batteries annually or per manufacturer recommendation
• Test PASS devices before each use
• Document firmware versions
• Keep spare batteries in stock
• Test telemetry systems regularly

Harness and Strap Maintenance

• Inspect straps before and after each use
• Replace straps at first sign of significant wear
• Don’t wait for failure
• Keep spare strap sets in inventory
• Adjust harness properly for each user
• Clean straps regularly per manufacturer instructions

Inspection and Testing

• Conduct thorough pre-use checks
• Schedule regular formal inspections
• Test all electronic functions
• Document all findings
• Address issues immediately
• Track inspection trends

Assignment Strategy

• Assign backplates to BA sets for operational use
• Keep adequate spare backplates (at least 25% extra)
• Match backplate features to operational needs
• Consider electronic vs non-electronic requirements
• Track backplates with specific features separately
• Audit assignments regularly

Service Life Management

• Track purchase dates diligently
• Plan replacements before service life expires
• Monitor for signs of aging (strap degradation, frame wear)
• Budget for regular backplate replacement
• Consider upgrading to newer technology
• Maintain manufacturer guidelines on file

Safety

• Never use damaged backplates
• Ensure straps are in good condition
• Test electronic systems regularly
• Replace batteries proactively
• Follow manufacturer guidelines
• Report safety concerns immediately

Related Guides

• How to Manage BA Sets
• How to Manage BA Cylinders
• How to Manage BA Masks
• Breathing Apparatus Overview
• How to Conduct an Inspection