How often is hydrostatic testing performed on SCBA cylinders?

• A. Every 2 years
• B. Every 10 years
• C. Every 15 years
• D. Every 5 years

Answer: (D)

Hydrostatic testing checks a SCBA cylinder’s ability to withstand pressures beyond its normal operating range, ensuring there are no hidden flaws that could fail under use. For firefighter SCBA cylinders, this test is performed every five years. That interval provides a solid safety check to catch fatigue or damage without imposing excessive downtime or cost, reflecting how these high‑pressure cylinders age in service. If the cylinder passes, it remains certified for another five years; if it fails, it must be retired or repaired according to the relevant standards.