SOP 205.08 HYDRAULIC RESCUE TOOL SAFETY

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

Full protective clothing shall be worn by those members operating, and by those members in close proximity to the operation of the hydraulic rescue tool. This shall also include eye protection.

The wearing of bunker boots shall be at the discretion of the company officer, except when operating on the fireground.

TOOL PRECAUTIONS

The hydraulic fluid used by the tools may cause caustic burns to the skin and eyes. The pressures at which these tools operate are extremely high, and may cause cuts and punctures to the skin and clothing if a line were to burst during operation.

The tips of the spreaders are usually non-spark producing, however the cutters and the engine powered pump can cause sparks in areas where flammable vapors may be present. Caution should be used to avoid sparks when the tool is in operation.

Efforts shall be taken to protect the trapped and injured from further injuries as a result of hazards of operation, such as sparks, propelled objects, flying glass, pinch points and etc.

When operating the hydraulic tool engine, it should be kept down-wind whenever possible, to avoid exhaust gasses from contaminating the work area atmosphere.