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Section 401.01
Operating Hydraulic Rescue Tools
I. Scope:
This standard mandates safety guidelines to be followed while operating a hydraulic-powered rescue tool. It was created to:
A. Prevent accidents, injuries and deaths that might result from the misuse or improper operation of hydraulic-powered rescue tools.
B. Prevent damage to hydraulic-powered rescue tools that might result from misuse.
II. General:
A. Members that respond to emergency incidents are responsible for knowing how to properly and safely operate hydraulic-powered rescue tools.
B. Officers shall train the members under their command, to properly and safely operate the hydraulic-powered rescue tools assigned to their apparatus.
C. An officer and/or firefighter shall immediately stop any unsafe or improper operation of a hydraulic-powered rescue tool and make the adjustments and corrections necessary to safely accomplish the assignment.
D. Members shall inspect the hydraulic-powered rescue tools owned or operated by the department after every use to ensure that they are working properly. Tools or equipment found to be unsafe or malfunctioning, shall be removed from service and properly red tagged.
E. Members shall check the fluid levels in each tool to ensure its operation.
III. Operating Procedure:
A. Before operating a tool, always inspect the tips to make sure that the appropriate tips are being used and that the retainer pins are in place.
B. Ensure that the generator on the rescue truck is running prior to leaving the station.
C. Roll out the necessary amount of hose line. Do not start the hydraulic power unit until instructed to do so.
D. To start the hydraulic pump, turn the white power switch from the “O” position to the “-“position. To stop the pump, simply turn the switch from the “-“position to the “O” position.
E. Safety precautions:
1. Full protective clothing shall be worn while operating a hydraulic-powered rescue tool during actual rescues as well as training exercises.
2. Approved safety clothing shall be worn at all times when using a tool for the purpose of inspection or maintenance.
3. Always work on the outside of your tool. Never insert your hand or other parts of your body between the jaws or tips of your tool.
4. Cover and protect the victim and always explain to him what you are doing.
5. When bleeding or disconnecting a hose, cover over the coupling to prevent fluid from spraying on anyone.
6. When disconnected, keep the exposed coupling ends free of dirt or debris.
7. If fluid comes in contact with skin wash off immediately.
8. If fluid does fall or spill onto the ground, immediately clean the area to prevent a slip or environmental concern.
9. Always stop the power unit prior to disconnecting a hose.
10. At a motor vehicle incident, always have a charged water line in case of fire.
11. Rotate personnel to avoid fatigue.
12. Always maintain body balance.
13. Hydraulic hose should be laid out in such a manner as to prevent damage from sharp objects, vehicles, etc.
14. Guide and hold the tool; do not force it. Don’t strain against the tool; rather work with it.
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