When the alarm bell sounds on a positive-pressure, self-contained breathing apparatus, how long will reserve air supply last?

Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation

Correct Answer: Option A — About 4-5 minutes

USCG and NIOSH standards dictate that positive-pressure SCBA low-air alarms activate when cylinder pressure drops to roughly 20-25% capacity, which provides approximately 4 to 5 minutes of emergency reserve air to exit.

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