What is a common indicator that an SCBA needs to be recharged?

A common indicator that an SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) needs to be recharged is the activation of a warning alarm. This alarm serves as a critical safety feature that alerts the user when the air supply is running low. SCBA units are designed to provide a certain amount of air to the wearer, and as that air depletes, it activates an alarm to warn the user before the air runs out completely. This helps ensure the safety of the individual operating in hazardous environments.

While decreased weight, visual damage, and expired certification are important considerations for overall maintenance and safety checks of SCBA equipment, they do not directly indicate the need for an immediate recharge of the air supply. A decrease in weight could indicate depletion of the air supply but is not as reliable as the sound of a warning alarm. Visual damage may compromise the SCBA's integrity but does not provide information about the air supply status. Lastly, an expired certification signifies that the equipment may not have passed inspection or maintenance but does not directly relate to the current status of the air supply in use.