Hoffman Estates Fire Department Safety Operations - 005 PDF

HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: SAFETY OPERATIONS – 005 January 1, 2022 NIMS COMPLIANT SOG...

HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: SAFETY OPERATIONS – 005 January 1, 2022 NIMS COMPLIANT SOG Title: Operating Power Tools Revision: 2 APPROVED BY: NUMBER OF PAGES: Re-evaluation Date: Alan Wax January 1, 2025 Fire Chief 2 PURPOSE POLICY A. Personnel Protection Full protective clothing shall be worn by those members operating, and by those members in close proximity to the operation, of power tools. Face shield or eye protectors shall be in position to provide eye protection. To prevent accidents caused by moving parts such as belts, gears, chains, blades, etc., it is imperative that the operator and guide have their clothing completely buttoned up and close fitting. B. Power Saws  Carry the saw with engine stopped, the blade frontward, and muffler away from your body.  Keep both hands on the control handles when operating the saw. Use a firm grip with thumbs and fingers encircling the saw handle.  Make sure of your footing before operating the saw.  Whenever possible, a team of two people shall perform operations. The person operating the saw (operator) will be assisted and/or guided by the second person (guide).  The saw shall always be shut down when unattended.  Have a plan of action before putting the saw into operation. Your plan should include: 1. Location and sequence of cuts and openings. 1  2. Wind direction. Consider its effect on exposures and personnel. 3. If working on a roof, pre-plan an escape route. Your plan should provide for at least two (2) means of egress if possible.  When possible, an officer should be present to supervise cutting operations and to assure compliance with safety guidelines.  Always place the safety guard in proper position to provide protection for the use intended before operating the saw.  Power saw operations are safest when cutting on horizontal surfaces near ground level or vertical surfaces at waist level or below.  Operating a power saw above chest height is extremely hazardous and should not be attempted as a normal course of action. This type of operation shall be conducted only under the direct order and/or under the supervision of an officer. The officer ordering this operation shall weigh heavily the value gained against the extreme hazard to personnel. The use of a power saw from ladders is not recommended if there are alternatives.  The carrying strap (safety harness) shall be used when carrying a saw while climbing a ladder so that both hands are free to grab the ladder's rungs.  When operating close to highly combustible or flammable materials, use care to prevent ignition from sparks.  Do not operate saws in suspected flammable/explosive atmospheres. C. Fueling Guideline Observe all safety regulations on the safe handling of fuel. When necessary to refuel, comply with the following: 1. Saw should never be refueled while the engine is running. 2. If fuel is spilled while refueling, wipe off saw before starting. 3. Do not operate the saw if there is a fuel leak. 4. Do not restart the saw in a small enclosed space after refueling. PROCEDURE DEFINITIONS EXCEPTIONS REFERENCES End of Document 2