Western Canada Mine Rescue Manual Chapter 6 Rescue Tools PDF

Western Canada Mine Rescue Manual Chapter 6 Rescue Tools 6-1 OBJECTIVES Dozens of different tools are commonly used in mine rescue operations. Upon completion of this chapter, the trainee shall be able to demonstrate competency in:  Concepts and definitions  General safety considerations  Too...

Western Canada Mine Rescue Manual Chapter 6 Rescue Tools 6-1 OBJECTIVES Dozens of different tools are commonly used in mine rescue operations. Upon completion of this chapter, the trainee shall be able to demonstrate competency in:  Concepts and definitions  General safety considerations  Tool classes  The tools most commonly used in mine rescue CONCEPTS AND DEFINITIONS The type of incident will dictate which tools are used to endeavor to rescue and ensure the safety of trapped and injured worker while minimizing risk to the rescuer and casualty. Tool selection should also account for maintaining and protecting mine property (e.g., to vehicles, infrastructure, equipment) from further damage as well as facilitating the rehabilitation of affected work areas while preserving the incident scene for investigation. This chapter is not an exhaustive inventory of every tool that could be encountered on a mine site. Trainees must be familiar with which tools are available at their mine site. Rescue tools can be organized into two general categories: hand tools and power tools. Hand tools are tools that require manual force. They extend the range or force of body actions. Power tools are operated by external or internal power sources. They are typically pneumatic (airpowered), hydraulic (fluid-powered), or electric (internal (battery) or external (plug-in) power source). Tools within these two categories can be grouped into sub-categories according to their function:  Rotating  Pushing, Pulling, and Lifting  Prying and Spreading  Striking  Cutting  Fire Appliances  Hazardous Materials/Spill  Energy Sources  Miscellaneous GENERAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS      Safety is the primary consideration for the use of any tool. It avoids accidental injury to rescuers, casualties, and bystanders. Always wear the appropriate PPE when operating any tool. Training and practice in the proper use and functions of rescue tools is required prior to use. Special consideration must be paid to the unique demands of power tools, e.g., combustion, sparking, fumes, noise. Adequate lighting is essential to properly operate tools. 6-2     Evaluate the consequences of operation before beginning. Examine the tool for damage before each use and keep all tools in good working order. Use the tool only for tasks for which it is designed. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when operating any tool. ROTATING TOOLS Used to assemble and disassemble Common rotating tools include (L-R, top to bottom) wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers PUSHING, PULLING, AND LIFTING TOOLS Use to extend reach or to exert extra force on an object Common tools include pike poles, closet hooks, chains, winches, come-alongs, lifting bags, hydraulic jacks, cribbing and shoring Rope Rescue Equipment (See Ch. 11) 6-3 PRYING AND SPREADING TOOLS Used for gaining access Common tools include pry bars, scaling bars, hydraulic spreaders, rams, claw bars/crow bars, rock splitters, halligans, K tools STRIKING TOOLS Used to apply impact force or to gain access Common tools include axes, hammers, sledgehammers, mallets, pick heads, centre punches, and chisels 6-4 CUTTING TOOLS Used to sever an object Common cutting tools include knives, chain saws, reciprocating saws, rotary saws, hacksaws, cutting torches, bolt cutters, hydraulic shears, scissors, diagonal cutters, air chisels ENERGY SOURCES Provide independent energy in the field Common tools include power generators, lighting plants, hydraulic power source, compressed air cylinder 6-5 HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERE AND SPILL TOOLS Used to protect responders and help with clean up Common hazardous atmosphere and spill tools include spill kits, rakes, brooms, shovels, gas detectors, overpack drums, ventilation, respiratory apparatuses, thermal imaging devices, hazardous atmosphere PPE and decontamination equipment FIRE APPLIANCES Used to assist in fire suppression Common fire appliances include fire extinguishers, fire hoses, nozzles and pumps 6-6 MISCELLANEOUS TOOLS Other tools encountered in mine rescue include communication devices, ladders, life lines, confined space equipment (tripods, harnesses, ventilation equipment), tarpaulins, flares, first aid equipment, traffic and hazard control, tape, lock out devices 6-7