By Steve Shupert
When you raised your hand and took the oath of firefighter, you instantly became a professional power tool operator. For years, these skills were not a focus of firefighter training and were often taken for granted.
Inattention to this important skill set is costing our communities needless injuries, expensive repairs, and inefficient operations. We need to learn how our tools work, why they fail, and how to keep them working. By being better tool operators, we can be better firefighters.
General Power Tool Systems
“The right tool for the right job” is an old but true saying. As your knowledge of these tools/systems increases, so will your proficiency as an operator who can quickly determine the proper application and safe operation of each tool. We use the term tool/systems to drive home the concept that each tool is not an entity unto itself. It is the combination of fuel, power source, hoses, gears, bolts, bits, blades, and your knowledge that makes it work. Tool systems are made up of a lot of parts—some small, some big, but all are important. Misunderstanding how all the components come together to make a tool do its job can lead to injury, inefficiency, and inability to complete the task. While there are differences in each system, generally the tools themselves have points in common.
You must continuously assess the working end of your tool. Keep the blades/bits dressed and sharp. Portable power tools are often only as good as the bits or blades that do the work. These items are expensive to purchase but not nearly as costly to the victim as an extended extrication caused by worn bits and blades, not to mention the extra wear and tear they cause to the power tools themselves. In addition to being harder on the tool, worn bits/blades require more effort from field personnel to get the job done.
Anticipate long-term operations. Plan for replacement of consumables and field repairs such as changing chain saw chains, spark plugs, and filters. Keep air hoses, electric extension cords, and hydraulic lines as short as possible. This will reduce the loss of energy being delivered to your tool. Just as bends and kinks in fire hose result in less water movement, energy conductors can suffer the same loss of energy through their hoses and cords.
When tools operate, they can slip, jump, and bounce around on the material you are attacking. Plan for the action and reaction of the tool and the obstacle you are trying to cut or breach. Be prepared to deal with the debris, the weight of the cut-out piece, and the speed of the release when materials are cut all the way through.
When operating hydraulic or pneumatic tools, listen for pressure relief valves venting, which can indicate that the tool system may be overloaded. Stay within the operating envelope of your tool package. When you have questions or problems, refer to your supervisor and the operating manuals.
Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, ear protection, safety glasses, helmet, respiratory protection, and work uniform. Do not wear loose-fitting clothing or other items that could get entangled in the power tool. Prepare to mitigate any hazard your tool operation may produce, such as dust, dirty water runoff, and exhaust fumes. When operating gas engines, plan for and predict the accumulation of carbon monoxide and continuously monitor the atmosphere. Refuel tools away from the work area and be cognizant of hot mufflers and motors.
All tools require a general inspection prior to use. Check for loose, cracked, or broken components such as nuts, bolts, blocked vents, and cord damage. Always confirm proper lubrication and general tool operation. Never run power tools when tired, distracted, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A moment of inatten