How long can you operate with a 30-minute air cylinder before needing to decontaminate?

The correct response indicates that after using a 30-minute air cylinder for 10 minutes, decontamination procedures should be initiated. This is based on best practices in the field concerning the safe duration for operational use of air cylinders, particularly in hazardous environments.

After 10 minutes of operation, a firefighter may be at risk of exposure to contaminants or hazardous materials, depending on the incident's circumstances. By enforcing a decontamination protocol at this point, teams can minimize health risks and ensure that equipment and personnel are kept safe. This time frame balances the need for effective operation with the health concerns of exposure, making it critical to adhere to established guidelines.

Using the air cylinder longer without decontaminating increases the likelihood of carrying contaminants away from the scene, which is why the correct timing for decontamination has been set at this point rather than allowing operations to continue longer.