Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, 5th Edition

Chapter 8 — Rescue Tools and Equipment

ARFF8–2

Chapter 8 Lesson Goal

• After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to describe rescue tools and equipment and their uses in ARFF operations.

ARFF8–3

Objectives

1.Discuss the use of ARFF rescue tools and equipment. 2.Describe hand tools used in ARFF rescue operations. 3.Describe power tools used in ARFF rescue operations.

(Continued)

ARFF8–4

Objectives

4.Discuss lifting and pulling tools and equipment used in ARFF rescue operations. 5. Discuss lighting and electrical equipment used in ARFF rescue operations.

(Continued)

ARFF8–5

Objectives

6.Discuss other common types of equipment used in ARFF rescue operations.

ARFF8–6

Rescue Tools and Equipment

• Include both hand and power tools• Divided into four main groups

– Cutting– Prying– Pushing/pulling– Striking

(Continued)

ARFF8–7

Rescue Tools and Equipment

• Multipurpose or utility tools — tools in more than one category

(Continued)

ARFF8–8

Rescue Tools and Equipment

• Power tools– May be easier for rescue work– Mechanical advantage

• Hand tools– Restricted access– Mobility

ARFF8–9

Tool and Equipment Safety

• Limit personnel in operational area• Wear full protective gear• Maintain low span of control• Coordinate rescue efforts

(Continued)

ARFF8–10

Tool and Equipment Safety

• SAFETY — number one priority• Follow manufacturer’s guidelines• Use tools only for intended tasks

ARFF8–11

Flammable Atmospheres

• Aircraft incident scene– Must be rendered safe– Monitor work areas– Identify, stop, or control fuel leaks

• Cover spilled fuel– Foam blanket– Other absorbent materials

(Continued)

ARFF8–12

Flammable Atmospheres

• Eliminate ignition sources– Aircraft power on flight deck– Disconnect batteries– Runway or taxiway lighting

(Continued)

ARFF8–13

Flammable Atmospheres

• WARNING! ARFF personnel should use a flammable metering device when entering a flammable atmosphere.

ARFF8–14

Stability of Aircraft

• Aircraft that is not stabilized– Move, shift, roll– Trap/injure occupants and rescuers

• Monitor structural conditions of aircraft

(Continued)

ARFF8–15

Stability of Aircraft

• Positioning apparatus — consider structural integrity of aircraft

• Stabilizing tools and equipment — brought to the scene

ARFF8–16

Assorted Rescue Tools and Equipment

• Conventional tools and equipment– Used in structural fire fighting– Can be adapted to ARFF

• Conventional and specialized tools for ARFF uses

• Establish an “equipment resource pool”

ARFF8–17

Hand Tools Used in ARFF

• Dzus fastener key• Screwdrivers• Pike poles• Rescue tool

assembly• Axes

(Continued)

ARFF8–18

Hand Tools Used in ARFF

• Sledge hammers• Metal cutting saws• Assorted prying

tools• Harness-cutting

knife• Cable cutters

(Continued)

ARFF8–19

Hand Tools Used in ARFF

• Dearming tool• Wire and bolt

cutters• Ballistic parachute

cable cutter• Grappling hook and

rope sling

Courtesy of Tinker Fire and Emergency Services.

ARFF8–20

Power Tools Used in ARFF Operations

• Power tools– Gasoline powered– Electric– Hydraulic– Pneumatic

ARFF8–21

Power Tools Used in ARFF Operations — Saws

• Many types of saws used in ARFF• Characteristics needed for aircraft

operations– Forcible entry — blades capable of

cutting metal – Circular and rescue saws — rated

heavy duty

(Continued)

ARFF8–22

Power Tools Used in ARFF Operations — Saws

• Rotary saw blades– Types

–Multipurpose or composite–Carbide- and diamond-tipped–Serrated

– Should be color-coded– Are not interchangeable

(Continued)

ARFF8–23

Power Tools Used in ARFF Operations — Saws

• Rotary saws – Tool of choice for rapid, clean cuts– Drawbacks

–Excessive noise–Possibility of sparks

(Continued)

ARFF8–24

Power Tools Used in ARFF Operations — Saws

• Inspect metal blades– Teeth present and sharp– Replace blades if needed

• Rotary saw blades and surfaces — cool with water spray during long operations

(Continued)

ARFF8–25

Power Tools Used in ARFF Operations — Saws

• Reciprocating saws — straight blade that moves back and forth– Cutting aircraft skin/structural

members– Heavier the gauge of metal, the

slower the cut

(Continued)

ARFF8–26

Power Tools Used in ARFF Operations — Saws

• Reciprocating saws– More controllable, lightweight– Can be used from a ladder/confined

spaces– Use spray bottle to apply water and

soap to blade

ARFF8–27

Power Tools Used in ARFF Operations — Drills/Drivers

• Battery-powered/electric or pneumatic

• With a socket drive, open a variety of compartments

ARFF8–28

Power Tools Used in ARFF Operations — Spreaders/Cutters

• Hydraulically operated tools– Spreading or forcing apart structural

members– Extrication operations

• Hydraulic pressure– Manually through a pump– Power unit

(Continued)

ARFF8–29

Power Tools Used in ARFF Operations — Spreaders/Cutters

• Hydraulic spreaders and cutters used in auto extrication — some application in aircraft incidents

• Spreaders– Prying– Pushing– Crushing

ARFF8–30

Power Tools Used in ARFF Operations — Pneumatic Tools

• Air chisel — used for cutting– Can be used from a

ladder– Light weight and

compact

• SPATT tool — used to apply agent to aircraft interior (Continued)

ARFF8–31

Power Tools Used in ARFF Operations — Pneumatic Tools

• WARNING! Never use compressed oxygen to power pneumatic tools. Mixing pure oxygen and grease or oils found on the tools will result in a fire or violent explosion.

ARFF8–32

Lifting and Pulling Tools and Equipment

• Truck-mounted winch– Limited applications– Critical in some situations

(Continued)

ARFF8–33

Lifting and Pulling Tools and Equipment

• WARNING! Operate any truck-mounted winch in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Failure to follow such specifications as the maximum weight limits may cause a winch to fail, injuring or killing the operators or personnel in the immediate area.

(Continued)

ARFF8–34

Lifting and Pulling Tools and Equipment

• Come-along– Same application as truck-mounted

winch– Portable– Uses a ratchet and pully

(Continued)

ARFF8–35

Lifting and Pulling Tools and Equipment

• Rope — ARFF applications are same as other fire service applications

• Chains — Used primarily in conjunction with other devices/tools

• Webbing — Should be carried by ARFF personnel (Continued)

ARFF8–36

Lifting and Pulling Tools and Equipment

• Pneumatic lifting bags– Easily applied to rescue and aircraft

stabilization– Also have risks

(Continued)

ARFF8–37

Lifting and Pulling Tools and Equipment

• Types of bags– High pressure– Medium pressure– Low pressure– Leak sealing bags Courtesy of Doddy

Photography.

ARFF8–38

High-pressure Air Bags

• Have distinct characteristics– Neoprene rubber construction– Inflation pressure is 116-145 psi

(812 – 1 015 kPa)– May inflate to 20 inches (500 mm)– Largest can lift approximately 75 tons

• Use cribbing or another suitable base

ARFF8–39

Low- and Medium-pressure Air Bags

• Used to lift or temporarily stabilize large vehicles or objects– Larger than high-pressure bags– Greater lifting range than high-

pressure bags– Safer than stacking high-pressure

bags

(Continued)

ARFF8–40

Low- and Medium-pressure Air Bags

• Disadvantages– Lift less weight than a high-pressure

bag– Require more space for insertion– More vulnerable to puncture– Do not operate like high-pressure bags– Cannot lift a load straight up– Must have base or foundation point(Continued)

ARFF8–41

Low- and Medium-pressure Air Bags

• May be capable of lifting an object 6 feet (2 m)

• Low-pressure bags operate on 7 to 10 psi (49 kPa to 70 kPa)

• Medium-pressure bags use 12 to 15 psi (84 kPa to 105 kPa)

ARFF8–42

Leak-sealing Bags

• Designed to be inserted into cracks or holes

• Constructed like high-pressure bags but inflated at much lower pressure

ARFF8–43

Jacks

• Used for lifting and stabilizing objects

• Types– Screw– Ratchet-lever– Hydraulic types

(Continued)

ARFF8–44

Jacks

• Use on flat, level footing in conjunction with cribbing

• On soft surfaces use a flat board or steel plate under jack

ARFF8–45

Lighting and Electrical Equipment

• Critical during night operations• Know how to set up and operate

lighting• Avoid using in flammable

atmospheres

ARFF8–46

Lighting and Electrical Equipment Safety Tips

• Maintain a safety zone• Guard against electrical shock• Treat all wires as “hot”• Use only approved devices• Wear full protective clothing

(Continued)

ARFF8–47

Lighting and Electrical Equipment Safety Tips

• Use only insulated tools• Exercise care near electrical

lines/appliances• Ensure proper ground wire and

GFCI

(Continued)

ARFF8–48

Lighting and Electrical Equipment Safety Tips

• Do NOT touch any item in contact with electrical wires

• Do NOT drape cords across fences, metal guardrails, or through water

ARFF8–49

Electrical Generators

• Used to illuminate forcible entry and rescue points

• Used to operate power tools• Should be removable from

apparatus• Receptacles should be equipped

with GFCIs

ARFF8–50

Portable Lights

• Should be readily available• Should be carried to the scene

along with a generator

ARFF8–51

Vehicle-mounted Lights

• High-powered floodlights mounted in front

• Side- and rear-mounted lights• Elevating or extending lights

ARFF8–52

Extension Cords

• Provide power to portable equipment– Waterproof– Adequate insulation– No exposed wires

• Junction boxes — may be provided with multiple outlets

ARFF8–53

Commonly Used Equipment

• Plugs• Pins and other

locking devices• Salvage covers

(Continued)Courtesy of Doddy Photography.

ARFF8–54

Commonly Used Equipment

• Ladders• Thermal imaging

cameras• Cribbing and

shoring

(Continued)

ARFF8–55

Commonly Used Equipment

• Fans and blowers• Cutting torches

ARFF8–56

Summary

• ARFF personnel utilize a wide variety of hand tools and power tools at emergency scenes. All ARFF personnel should be well trained with the tools they will be using.

(Continued)

ARFF8–57

Summary

• ARFF departments should assess what tools they are likely to need before an incident and ensure all necessary tools are accessible and in working order at all times.

(Continued)

ARFF8–58

Summary

• ARFF personnel should always use tools safely and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. A special safety consideration for tool use in an aircraft emergency is flammable conditions.

(Continued)

ARFF8–59

Summary

• ARFF personnel should understand the safe usage of all portable electrical and lighting equipment needed in ARFF operations.

ARFF8–60

Review Questions

1.Into what groups can aircraft rescue tools be divided?2.What types of tools can be used to stabilize an aircraft?3.What is an equipment resource pool?4.Discuss several common hand tools and their uses. (Continued)

ARFF8–61

Review Questions

5.When might the use of a reciprocating saw be helpful?6.How may an air chisel be powered?7.How is webbing used?8.What is an advantage of low- and medium-pressure air bags?(Continued)

ARFF8–62

Review Questions

9.Discuss several safety tips that aircraft rescue and fire fighting personnel should follow when working around electricity.10.What is the purpose of a plug?