HomeMy WebLinkAbout306.002 - Rescue Air ChiselEffective Date: October 2007 Peter Curtis, Engineer
Current Revision Date: 8/17/2022 Section 306.002
Next Revision (1) Date: 8/17/2025 Page 1 of 4
300 Training and Equipment Manual
SECTION 306.002 RESCUE AIR CHISEL
PURPOSE
This policy is to provide Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department) members with
guidelines for safe operation of the Rescue Air Chisel.
APPLICATION
This policy applies to all members while operating the Rescue Air Chisel either for
maintenance, training, or during emergency operations.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
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OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
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PROCESS
The rescue air chisel is carried on all in-service truck companies and is used primarily
for auto extrication. It is designed to cut various metals from light sheet metal up to
1/4-inch steel plate.
Items included in the carrying case are the air gun, pressure regulator, two (2) flat
chisels (one long, one short), two (2) sheet-metal cutters, one 15-foot air hose, and
goggles (See Figure 1).
Fresno City Fire Department
Effective Date: October 2007 Peter Curtis, Engineer
Current Revision Date: 8/17/2022 Section 306.002
Next Revision (1) Date: 8/17/2025 Page 2 of 4
(Figure 1)
The air gun is powered by a high-pressure (4,500 pound maximum) air cylinder. The
pressure is reduced to 125 pounds working pressure by a high-pressure/high-volume
regulator.
Assembly:
1. The regulator is equipped with a large nut which attaches to the air
cylinder. The nut should be hand-tightened only.
2. Always shut off air supply, relieve hose of air pressure, and
disconnect tool from air supply when changing bits.
3. Install desired bit in gun by pulling the collar toward the gun and
inserting the bit (See Figure 2). Release the collar. The bit should
remain in the gun if inverted but has slight vertical movement.
4. Connect the air hose to the regulator and to the air gun.
Note: Be sure all hose and regulator connections are securely
fastened prior to turning on air.
(Figure 2)
Operation:
1. Operator should wear hearing protection, eye protection and gloves.
Effective Date: October 2007 Peter Curtis, Engineer
Current Revision Date: 8/17/2022 Section 306.002
Next Revision (1) Date: 8/17/2025 Page 3 of 4
2. After regulator and air hose connections are secure, open-air valve all the way.
Check for any leaks. The tank pressure gauge is located on the top of the
regulator and provides a ready of the air pressure remaining in the tank from 0
to 4,500 psi.
3. The best cutting efficiency is obtained by setting the regulator to a maximum of
125 psi.
4. This regulator is equipped with a 400-psi relief valve. The relief valve is located
on the top of the regulator next to the tank pressure gauge. In case of a
malfunction in the regulator and more than 400 psi is delivered to the low-
pressure side of the regulator, the relief valve automatically discharges all
pressure before it reaches the air hose.
5. The short, flat chisel and the long, flat chisel are both used to cut heavy braces
and plate steel. It is necessary to hold it against the cutting surface with one
hand when starting the cut. Hold the point of the chisel tightly against the
cutting surface and pull the trigger.
Note: Do not put hand directly behind the barrel since this is a heavy
shock point.
6. The sheet metal type chisel is designed to cut sheet metal up to 12-gauge
thickness. Attempting to cut heavier metal results in damage to the chisel. The
sheet-metal type chisel should be started the same way as the flat chisels.
After this chisel has been started, the gun barrel should be parallel to the cutting
surface and as close to it as possible. Be sure while cutting, the quick coupler
and the hose on the air gun are held away from the cutting surface to avoid
damage.
7. Oil with air tool oil, 3 to 5 drops into air inlet on gun before and after use (See
Figure 3).
(Figure 3)
Effective Date: October 2007 Peter Curtis, Engineer
Current Revision Date: 8/17/2022 Section 306.002
Next Revision (1) Date: 8/17/2025 Page 4 of 4
INFORMATION
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DEFINITIONS
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CROSS REFERENCES
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