VCI - Visual Cylinder Inspector Course -
This certification course teaches the basics of conducting the annual visual inspections of solid wall and composite SCUBA and SCBA cylinders. The 6-8 hour course is suited for those new to visual inspection as well as those who have been inspecting without formal training through its wide range of inspection subjects including damage limits, neck cracking, and laws affecting inspectors. Additionally, this course meets the OSHA and DOT requirements for employee HAZMAT training and attendants completing the course are qualified to conduct HAZMAT training for cylinder handlers. Previously certified inspectors may attend this full course under the VCIR for re-qualification. The course is open to anyone 16 years or older and no previous cylinder inspection experience is required. Participants receive certification as Visual Cylinder Inspectors upon course completion.
VCIR - Visual Cylinder Inspector Refresher Course -
Refresher courses allow previously certified inspectors (by PSI) to attend the full VCI course described above at a reduced price. Refreshers are offered in conjunction with all VCI courses even if not advertised as such. Refresher participants are recertified as Visual Cylinder Inspectors upon course completion.
SCBAI - SCBA Visual Cylinder Inspector -
This course is a tailored version of the VCI course for those inspectors only dealing with Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) cylinders commonly used in fire fighting, emergency response, and other land based environments where the air may be unsafe to breath. As this course only covers SCBA Cylinder Inspection, it is slightly shorter then the full VCI course. Participants receive certification as a SCBA Visual Cylinder Inspector upon course completion.
HAZMAT - HAZMAT Handler for SCUBA & SCBA Cylinder -
OSHA and DOT require all employees who “are affected” by high pressure cylinders to receive “function specific” training to the HAZMAT within 90 days of employment and retraining every 3 years afterward. This 1-2 hour course covers subjects ranging from hazard awareness to legal requirements for cylinder handlers.
FSO - Fill Station Operator -
Businesses who operate cylinder filling stations are required by OSHA to provide training to employees operating filling equipment. Topics include pre-fill inspection, proper techniques, system maintenance, and emergency procedures. As fill systems vary greatly, this course is customized to specific fill stations operational procedures. Course times vary from 1 - 3 hours.
ECT - Eddy Current Service Technician -
Eddy Current testing is a powerful addition to visual cylinder inspection however many in the industry continue to use such devices on the wrong cylinders or fail to operate the equipment properly. This 3 - 4 hour course provides Visual Cylinder Inspectors with the added training to know when and how to conduct a proper Eddy Current test of cylinders in addition to hands on experience with Eddy Current devices. Attendants are required to be certified by PSI as Visual Cylinder Inspectors and participants receive certification as Eddy Current Service Technician upon course completion. This course is required for hydro testers and complies with Appendix C of 49 CFR 180.
VCIU - Visual Cylinder Inspector Update Seminar -
This one hour update is a very abbreviated version of the VCI course for those recently certified as Visual Cylinder Inspectors. The update seminar focuses on recent changes to cylinders and inspection standards as well as refreshing rusty skills. Additionally, this update meets the OSHA and DOT 3 year retraining requirements for cylinder HAZMAT handling. Participants receive a Certificate of Attendance up completion.
VRT - Valve Repair Technician -
This 3 hour course provides a broad overview of valve types, valve repair and valve care. It is approved by the valve manufacturers. Students will be provided a Certificate of Completion.
CSS - Cylinder Safety Seminar -
This 1 to 1 1/2 hour seminar and is a short overview of SCBA (steel, aluminum, and composite) cylinders. Offered to local fire departments and regional fire service training gatherings to alert department personnel to both the safety awareness regulations and ways to extend the life of expensive cylinders.