Starting a Chainsaw

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:
  1. Loosen bar retaining nuts with appropriate tool.
  2. Back off bar adjusting screw enough to remove chain from bar.
  3. 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:
  1. Ensure the saw is set to "run" position and not in "choke" position.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:
  1. Depress the throttle safety and the throttle trigger simultaneously.
  2. With both triggers depressed, move the slide control to START.
  3. Set choke according to engine temperature.
  4. Press primer bulb 7-10 times.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.