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HomeMy WebLinkAbout309.001 - Chain Saws TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT MANUAL POWER SAWS 309.001 CHAINSAWS EFFECTIVE: FEBRUARY 2008 Current Revision Date: 03/07/22 Next Revision Date: 03/07/24 Author’s Name/Rank: Chad Tucker, Captain Review Level: 1 Administrative Support Tammy Williams Management Analyst II ADA Section 309.001 Page 1 of 7 PURPOSE The Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department) utilizes a variety of Stihl chainsaws (See Figure 1) equipped with a 16” VentMaster bar and carbide tip chain used primarily for ventilating roofs. Owner manuals have been issued with each saw and members should familiarize themselves with its contents. Department chainsaws with wood cutting capabilities are carried on Brush Rigs, Patrols, and OES 314. These chainsaws are set up with a 20” bar and a wood cutting chain. Designated Strike Team Engines will also be supplied with additional equipment for wood cutting applications while on assignment. This equipment will be stored at the station with the strike team equipment and includes: One (1) bar One (1) wedge One (1) sharpening file with guide Two (2) wood cutting chains Two (2) pairs of chaps The intent for this equipment is for members to be able to clear fallen trees from roadways for access and egress and limbing and brushing for structure defense. In addition to the chainsaws in service, the Department’s Urban Search and Rescue Team (US&R) utilizes a variety of additional types of chainsaws, as required by OES Heavy Rescue Standards. Figure 1 Section 309.001 Page 2 of 7 APPLICATION This section intentionally left blank. OPERATIONAL POLICY This section intentionally left blank. OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Chainsaws are capable of dislodging and throwing objects, such as nails, small rocks, and splinters for a considerable distance. Therefore, all members involved in cutting operations are to wear the appropriate protective clothing when using the chainsaw. This includes full turnouts, helmet, gloves, and eye protection. Extreme caution must be used when moving or using the saw. Carry the chainsaw with the brake engaged and the guide bar pointing rearward. DO NOT leave the chainsaw on the ground while the engine is running. DO NOT cut any materials with your body “in line” with the guide bar. This may cause injury from debris from the saw or if kickback occurs. PROCESS DAILY CHECKS 1. Check fuel level (See Figure 2). Add pre-mix fuel, if necessary. Figure 2 2. Check saw guide bar oil level (See Figure 3). Add oil, if necessary. Section 309.001 Page 3 of 7 Figure 3 3. Check chain condition, tension, and proper direction of travel. 4. Make a visual check of the chainsaw for loose fasteners and/or covers. 5. Inspect engine case for cracks and/or leaks. 6. Inspect the fuel tank and guide bar oil tank for cracks and/or leaks. WEEKLY CHECKS 1. Perform daily checks as listed. 2. Start engine and check for smooth operation at all speeds. Let the saw run for at least one to two minutes until the engine is warm. Caution: Do not run the chainsaw at full rpm without load for more than a few seconds or damage to the engine may occur. 3. Check to see if saw guide bar is getting sufficient oil. 4. Place the chainsaw on a firm surface. While the engine is at an idle, engage the chain brake. If the chain brake does not operate properly, place the chainsaw out of service and have it repaired. Notify the battalion chief through established procedures. 5. After the chainsaw has cooled down, check the chain tension and re-adjust, if necessary. 6. Inspect starter rope for fraying, cuts, and security in the handle. 7. Refill fuel and guide bar oil, if necessary. Section 309.001 Page 4 of 7 MONTHLY CHECKS/SWAP 1. Perform daily and weekly checks, as listed. 2. Set choke. Inspect/clean air filter per instructions in owner’s manual. 3. Once monthly, on Sundays, saws on engine companies will be swapped with the identified truck company using the saw swap schedule below. The amount of use would be a factor when determining if the saw needs to be swapped. Heavier used saws should be swapped with saws with lighter use. The ultimate decision will be at the discretion of the on-duty captains. 1st Sunday 2nd Sunday 3rd Sunday 4th Sunday Truck 01 E01 E08 E10 E15 Truck 03 E03 E04 E7 E19 Truck 09 E05 E06 E09 E12 Truck 11 E02 E11 E13 E17 Truck 14 E16 E18 E20 4. The FD-57 will follow the saw when exchanged and allow for accurate identification and tracking of habitual mechanical problems and correction of any mechanical issues. 5. Apparatus colors are to be placed on the air filter cover. The air filter cover is easily removed with two snaps. When swapped, the air filter cover will be changed to correctly identify the saw to the proper apparatus. SAFETY PERSON Roof cutting is an operation involving a minimum of two members: the operator and the safety person. The primary purpose of the safety person is to: 1. Alert the operator of changing or unsafe conditions. 2. Prevent injury. 3. Assist the operator who is backing up while involved in cutting operations. FUEL Both Stihl saws utilize a 2-cycle engine that requires a 50:1 fuel-oil mix. Section 309.001 Page 5 of 7 The red 50:1 TruFuel is to be used to refuel the chainsaw. The product comes pre- mixed and is ordered from supply. When fueling: 1. Allow the engine to cool before refueling. 2. Perform operations in a well-ventilated outdoor area on bare ground. 3. Remove fuel caps slowly. 4. Add fuel, as necessary. 5. Wipe up any spilled fuel before starting the chainsaw. 6. Start engine at least ten feet away from fueling area. CHAIN OIL Use chainsaw bar oil supplied. The oil control will be set at maximum oiling. For proper adjusting operation, refer to the owner’s manual. CHAIN Carbide-tipped chains are resistive to dulling, but subject to chipping. Cutting into materials other than wood or composition roof coverings should be avoided. Cuts into rock-covered composition roofs should be started after clearing sufficient rocks or starting the hole using a pick-headed axe. This will ensure the hole will be started in a cleared area. This procedure will extend the life of the chain. If carbide tips become damaged, it will be necessary to replace the chain when: 1. Two or more cutters in a row are missing. 2. Five or more cutters are missing altogether. 3. Dull cutters as inspected by the naked eye (see Figure 4). Section 309.001 Page 6 of 7 Figure 4 4. Any tie straps are cracked or broken. CLEANING Chainsaws will be cleaned after each use, using the following procedures: 1. Wipe off all debris. Pay close attention to the air-cleaner cover, fuel cap, and oil cap. Do not clean the saw by using water spray. 2. Check condition of the chain. Replace chain, if necessary. 3. Remove heavy tar deposits from the guide bar and body of the chainsaw using solvent. All debris and molten tar must be removed from the cylinder and head fins or engine overheating will occur and premature piston and cylinder assembly failure will result. Caution: Do not use gasoline as a cleaning solvent. Do not apply cleaning solvents under air pressure when cleaning the chainsaw. 4. Clean air filter as per instruction in the owner’s manual. Re-install filter. 5. Add fuel and guide bar oil, as necessary. 6. Adjust chain tension, as per instructions in the owner’s manual. 7. Start chainsaw and check for proper operation. 8. Make a general inspection of the chainsaw. 9. Place the chainsaw back in service. Section 309.001 Page 7 of 7 INFORMATION GENERAL MAINTENANCE All maintenance will be done by shop personnel, except adjusting chain tension, chain replacement, air-cleaner maintenance, and general cleaning and upkeep. Accompanying each chainsaw is a small toolbox to be used for general maintenance. The box includes a spare sparkplug, chain, air filter, cleaning brush, filter oil, and bar oil. Attached to the handle of the saw is a multi-wrench. IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS A four-digit, permanent number will be painted on the saw. The first two digits will be the saw number and the last two digits, separated by a dash, will be the year the saw was placed into service. Example: 01-14, would be identified as saw number one placed into service in 2014. DEFINITIONS This section intentionally left blank. CROSS REFERENCES No cross references recognized.