Extrication equipment is an important tool that must function as intended and advertised should the need for use arise. When incredible forces are needed to manipulate a vehicle are your tools ready to take on the job? Routine inspection of tools, general maintenance, cleaning, and a program that follows the manufacturer’s guidelines will not only maintain the tool’s function but your trust in its state of readiness. This month we will look at a few ways to prolong the life your extrication equipment and spot potential safety hazards.
As in every other aspect of the job, let’s start with safety. Identifying the potential causes for injury first will aid in your inspection of unsafe conditions. The instruction manual should be reviewed and available to spot specific hazards common to your brand of equipment. Rescue tools commonly operate with pressures in excess of 10,000 pounds per square inch, poorly maintained hoses that are allowed to be driven on, cut, or kinked have the ability to cause injections or laceration. Inspection of hose should include uncoiling or unrolling the entire assembly and checking for abnormal abrasions, blisters, bulges, kinks, or cuts...