How to Manage BA Masks

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

Prerequisites

• Brigade admin or organisation admin role
• BA module enabled for your organisation
• Understanding of BA mask types and safety requirements

What is a BA Mask?

A BA mask (face mask or facepiece) is the critical interface component of breathing apparatus that:

• Forms an airtight seal on the wearer’s face
• Connects the regulator to the user
• Protects eyes, nose, and mouth
• Enables clear vision and communication
• Must be properly fitted to each individual firefighter

Creating a BA Mask

1. Navigate to BA Masks

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

2. Enter Mask Details

Fill in the identification information:

Asset ID (required)

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

Serial Number (optional but recommended)

• Manufacturer’s serial number
• Usually found on mask body or head harness
• Critical for tracking and recalls
• Example: “FM-123456”

Manufacturer (optional)

• Mask manufacturer name
• Examples:
  • “MSA”
  • “Dräger”
  • “Interspiro”
  • “Scott”
  • “3M”
• Helps with spare parts and compatibility

3. Enter Purchase Information

Fill in procurement details:

Purchase Date (optional)

• Date mask was purchased
• Used for age tracking
• Masks have service life limits (typically 10-15 years)
• Format: DD/MM/YYYY

Tip: Masks degrade over time even with proper care. Track purchase dates to plan replacements.

4. Choose Status

Select the operational status:

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

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

5. 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

6. Choose Assignment

Select where this mask is assigned:

Unit/Brigade Assignment

• Mask owned by a specific brigade
• Available in brigade inventory
• Shows in brigade’s mask list

Location Assignment

• Stored at a specific location
• Useful for:
  • Workshop storage
  • Cleaning facilities
  • Repair 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 masks are assigned to BA sets. Spare masks are held at unit level or location.

7. Save Mask

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

Editing a BA Mask

Updating Mask Details

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

Changing Mask Status

Update operational status:

1. Edit mask
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: Mask cleaned and ready after maintenance
• To Away for Repair: Sending for deep cleaning, lens replacement, or valve service
• To Decommissioned: Mask damaged, failed fit test, or exceeded service life

Changing Assignment

Move mask between assignments:

1. Edit mask
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 mask from set for replacement
• Unit → Location: Sending to cleaning facility
• Location → BA Set: Returning cleaned mask to service

Inspecting Masks

Direct Mask Inspection

Inspect a mask individually:

1. Navigate to mask
2. Click Conduct Inspection
3. Select mask inspection template
4. Work through checklist:
   • Visual Inspection:
     • Check for cracks, tears, or damage
     • Inspect lens for scratches or crazing
     • Examine straps and buckles
     • Check speaking diaphragm
   • Seal Check:
     • Positive pressure test
     • Negative pressure test
     • Seal integrity verification
   • Valve Operation:
     • Exhalation valve function
     • Demand valve connection
     • Check for leaks
   • Harness Condition:
     • Strap elasticity
     • Buckle operation
     • Head harness condition
5. Capture photos of any issues
6. Complete inspection

After Inspection:

• Last inspection date automatically updates
• Failed items generate actions
• Inspection history preserved
• Mask status updated if issues found

Mask Inspection as Part of BA Set

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

1. Inspect the complete BA set
2. Template includes checks for all components
3. Mask-specific items verify this mask
4. Inspection linked to BA set and mask
5. Both records updated

Inspection Scheduling

Set up recurring mask inspections:

1. Navigate to mask
2. Click Schedules → New Schedule
3. Select mask inspection template
4. Set frequency:
   • Weekly for operational masks
   • Monthly for spare masks
   • After each use (if cleaning required)
5. Enable notifications
6. Save schedule

Viewing Inspection History

See all inspections for this mask:

1. Navigate to mask
2. Click Inspections tab
3. View list of all inspections:
   • BA set inspections (if assigned to set)
   • Direct mask inspections
   • Fit test records
4. Click any inspection to view details
5. Review trends and recurring issues

Mask Assignments

Assigning to BA Set

Add mask to a complete BA set:

Option 1: From Mask

1. Navigate to mask
2. Edit mask
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 mask in mask dropdown
4. Save BA set
5. Mask assignment and status update automatically

Tip: Match mask sizes to typical wearers when assigning to sets.

Assigning to Location

Send mask to a specific location:

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

Use Cases:

• Sending for deep cleaning
• Professional disinfection
• Lens replacement
• Valve servicing
• Storage between uses

Unassigning Mask

Return mask to spare inventory:

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

Mask Maintenance

Cleaning and Disinfection

Track cleaning activities:

1. After use, mark mask for cleaning:

   • Edit mask
   • Change status to “Away for Repair”
   • Assign to cleaning location
   • Add note: “Sent for cleaning [date]”

2. When cleaning complete:

   • Edit mask
   • Change status back to “Spare”
   • Update last inspection date
   • Add note: “Cleaned and disinfected [date]”

Cleaning Frequency:

• After Each Use: Mandatory for infection control
• Weekly: For standby masks
• Before Storage: Long-term storage preparation

Component Replacement

When replacing mask components:

1. Navigate to mask
2. Add note documenting replacement:
   • “Replaced exhalation valve [date]”
   • “New lens fitted [date]”
   • “Replaced head harness straps [date]”
3. Consider creating an action:
   • Document part number
   • Record replacement reason
   • Track maintenance costs

Common Replacements:

• Exhalation valves (annually or as needed)
• Lenses (scratched or crazed)
• Harness straps (loss of elasticity)
• Speaking diaphragms (damaged)
• Seals and O-rings (wear)

Fit Testing

Track individual fit testing:

Using Inspections:

1. Create fit test inspection template
2. Include items for:
   • User information
   • Mask size verification
   • Seal check results
   • Pass/fail determination
3. Conduct inspection for each firefighter
4. Results linked to mask and user

Using Notes:

1. Navigate to mask
2. Add note with fit test results:
   • “Fit test passed for [firefighter name] on [date]”
   • Include test method (qualitative/quantitative)
3. Document any issues or special requirements

Fit Test Frequency:

• Annually for all wearers
• When facial features change (weight gain/loss, dentures, facial hair)
• After significant facial injury
• When changing mask models

Service Life Management

Monitor mask age and condition:

1. Check purchase date
2. Calculate years in service
3. Plan replacement before service life expires:
   • Typically 10-15 years from manufacture
   • Check manufacturer recommendations
   • Consider usage intensity
   • Inspect for material degradation

Signs of Aging:

• Silicone/rubber hardening or cracking
• Loss of elasticity in straps
• Lens crazing or permanent fogging
• Difficult to achieve proper seal
• Material discolouration beyond cleaning

Mask Reports

Inventory Report

View all masks:

1. Navigate to BA Masks
2. Click Reports → Inventory
3. Filter by:
   • Status (spare, on set, away for repair)
   • Assignment (unit, location, BA set)
   • Manufacturer
   • Purchase date range
4. Generate report
5. Export to PDF or CSV

Inspection Status Report

Check which masks need inspection:

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

Age Analysis Report

Monitor mask service life:

1. Click Reports → Age Analysis
2. View masks by age:
   • Less than 5 years (newer)
   • 5-10 years (mid-life)
   • 10-15 years (approaching replacement)
   • Over 15 years (replace immediately)
3. Plan replacement budget

Assignment Report

Track where masks are located:

1. Click Reports → Assignment Report
2. View:
   • Masks by BA set
   • Masks by unit
   • Masks at locations (cleaning, repair)
   • Unassigned masks
3. Audit mask inventory

Decommissioning a Mask

When retiring a mask from service:

Reasons to Decommission

• Exceeded service life (typically 10-15 years)
• Damage beyond repair (cracks, tears)
• Failed fit testing consistently
• Material degradation (hard rubber, crazing)
• Obsolete or incompatible with current equipment
• Manufacturer recall

Decommissioning Process

1. Navigate to mask
2. Edit mask
3. Change status to Decommissioned
4. Add note with reason:
   • “Exceeded 15-year service life”
   • “Cracked lens cannot be replaced”
   • “Failed seal test multiple times”
   • “Material hardening, seal compromised”
5. Save changes

What Happens:

• Mask 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 mask
• Properly dispose of decommissioned mask
• Update BA set with new mask
• Update inventory counts
• Ensure adequate spares remain

Mask Size Management

While StationOne doesn’t have a separate size field, manage sizes using:

Naming Convention

Include size in asset ID:

• “MASK-S-001” (Small)
• “MASK-M-001” (Medium)
• “MASK-L-001” (Large)

Notes Field

Document size in notes:

• “Size: Medium”
• “Small mask, fits [firefighter names]“

User Assignments

Track which firefighters use which masks:

• Document fit test results
• Note mask assignments per person
• Maintain fit testing records

Troubleshooting

Mask Not Appearing in BA Set Dropdown

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

Cause: Mask already assigned elsewhere.

Solution:

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

Inspection Not Updating Last Inspection Date

Symptoms: Conducted inspection, but mask last inspection date didn’t update.

Causes:

• Inspection saved as draft (not completed)
• Inspecting a different mask or BA set
• System error

Solutions:

• Ensure inspection is completed (not draft)
• Verify you’re inspecting the correct equipment
• Manually update last inspection date if needed
• Refresh page and check again

Cannot Mark Mask as Spare

Symptoms: Trying to change status to “Spare” but it won’t save.

Cause: Mask might still be assigned to a BA set.

Solution:

1. Check if mask is assigned to a BA set
2. Edit the BA set and remove this mask
3. Then edit mask and change status to “Spare”
4. Or change both assignment and status together

Lost Track of Mask Location

Symptoms: Not sure where a mask currently is.

Solution:

1. Navigate to mask
2. Check Assignment section
3. View current assignment (unit/location/BA set)
4. Check Status (spare, on set, away for repair)
5. Review recent notes for movement history
6. Check inspection history for location clues

Best Practices

Identification Management

• Record serial numbers for all masks
• Use consistent asset ID naming
• Label masks physically with asset ID
• Include size in naming if possible
• Maintain manufacturer information
• Photograph mask identification for reference

Hygiene and Cleaning

• Clean after every use (mandatory)
• Use approved disinfectants only
• Follow manufacturer cleaning procedures
• Allow proper drying time
• Inspect during cleaning process
• Document cleaning activities

Inspection and Testing

• Inspect before and after each use
• Schedule regular formal inspections
• Conduct thorough seal checks
• Test all valves and components
• Document all findings
• Address issues immediately

Fit Testing

• Annual fit testing for all wearers
• Document results for each firefighter
• Re-test after facial changes
• Maintain individual fit test records
• Match masks to users when possible
• Have multiple sizes available

Assignment Strategy

• Assign masks to BA sets for operational use
• Keep adequate spare masks (at least 25% extra)
• Maintain variety of sizes
• Rotate masks to ensure even use
• Track individual user preferences
• Audit assignments regularly

Service Life Management

• Track purchase dates diligently
• Plan replacements before service life expires
• Budget for regular mask replacement
• Monitor for signs of aging
• Replace proactively, not reactively
• Maintain manufacturer guidelines on file

Storage

• Store in clean, dry environment
• Away from direct sunlight
• Avoid temperature extremes
• Store in breathable bags, not airtight containers
• Keep away from chemicals and solvents
• Inspect regularly even in storage

Safety

• Never use damaged masks
• Ensure proper fit testing
• Replace worn components promptly
• Follow manufacturer guidelines
• Report safety concerns immediately
• Maintain spare masks for emergencies

Related Guides

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