Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the correct hand position when operating the saw?
What is the correct hand position when operating the saw?
Why is it important to start your cut gently?
Why is it important to start your cut gently?
What should you do when operating the saw above chest line?
What should you do when operating the saw above chest line?
What is the purpose of the blade guard?
What is the purpose of the blade guard?
Signup and view all the answers
How should you position the saw when cutting?
How should you position the saw when cutting?
Signup and view all the answers
What should you do before starting the engine?
What should you do before starting the engine?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is it important to perform daily visual inspections?
Why is it important to perform daily visual inspections?
Signup and view all the answers
What should you do after the engine turns over?
What should you do after the engine turns over?
Signup and view all the answers
What should you avoid when cutting?
What should you avoid when cutting?
Signup and view all the answers
How should you move the blade when cutting?
How should you move the blade when cutting?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Introduction to Saws
- The St.John's Fire District uses gasoline-powered saws to support fire and rescue operations.
- Power saws are critical to providing support that has a direct impact on tactical objectives.
Chainsaws
- Chainsaws are versatile tools used for Ventilation, Forcible Entry, and clearing downed trees.
- They are primarily used on emergency incidents to cut through Class A roofing materials during vertical ventilation operations.
- The District mainly utilizes Stihl Chainsaws.
Safety Precautions for Chainsaws
- Minimum protective equipment includes:
- Helmet with ear protection
- Chainsaw Chaps
- Chainsaw Scrench
- Spare Chainsaw Chain
- Ventilation Saw Chain (for Truck Companies only)
Chainsaw Anatomy
- Chain tension adjustment screw
- Chain tension adjustment process:
- Loosen bar retaining nuts with appropriate tool.
- Back off bar adjusting screw enough to remove chain from bar.
- Remove chain and reinstall, ensuring carbide teeth on top of bar point towards bar tip and drive teeth engage drive sprocket.
Replacing a Chain
- Follow the same steps as chain tension adjustment process.
Flooded Saw Procedure
- If the saw won't start after attempting normal start procedures and/or has obvious fuel/liquid coming out of the muffler, it is likely flooded.
- Follow the 2-person routine:
- Ensure the saw is set to "run" position and not in "choke" position.
- Place saw on ground and have one person secure it while the second person pulls the starter rope and holds the saw throttle in the "full on/wide open" position.
- Pull on the starter repeatedly until the saw fires.
Minor Maintenance
- Remove the carburetor box cover and check the air filter.
- Ensure the spark plug boot is not damaged, frayed, or dry rotted.
- Check the spark plug and adjust electrode gap if necessary.
Cut-off Saw
- Circular saws are versatile and can be outfitted with many different blade types.
- They can be used for:
- Ventilation
- Forcible entry
- Heavy rescue
- Vehicle extrication
Safety Precautions for Cut-off Saw
- Be sure sparks from the cutting operation cannot reach flammable surroundings.
- Examine cutting wheel before each use.
- NEVER operate unit without a safety guard.
- Avoid using the saw above your head.
- Always cut at full throttle.
- Start your cut gently, do not force or squeeze the blade in.
Cut-off Saw Anatomy
- Starting procedures:
- Depress the throttle safety and the throttle trigger simultaneously.
- With both triggers depressed, move the slide control to START.
- Set choke according to engine temperature.
- Press primer bulb 7-10 times.
- While cut-off machine is on the ground, ensure you have firm footing, hold the handle with your non-dominant hand, and press the machine against the ground with your opposite knee.
- Pull the starter with your dominant hand until you feel it engage- then give it a brisk strong pull.
Daily Visual Inspection
- Perform daily visual checks at the start of each working shift to ensure cut-off saws are in good condition and ready for use.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Learn the steps to properly start a chainsaw, including pulling the starter repeatedly and holding the throttle open until the saw runs well.