Road Traffic Accident Procedures (2)

Service Delivery 2

RTA (2)

Hydraulic Tools.

Hydraulic tools

• The availability of powerful rescue tools allows rescuers greater options when planning extrications

• Greatly reduce time taken during ‘space creation’.

Hydraulic tools

• A reservoir containing hydraulic fluid

• A means of pressurising the fluid

• High pressure tubing

• A means of relieving the pressure.

All hydraulic tool systems consist of the following main components;

Hydraulic tools

• Hand operated

• Powered.

2 main types;

Hand operated

Requires the operator to manually operate a pump by means of a lever or handle

‘EPCO’, ‘BLACKHAWK’ and ‘TANGYE’ are examples of the type available.

Hydraulic powered tools

• These systems utilise a power unit, usually petrol or diesel driven to pressurise the system

• Power units can be single or two stage, the latter offering speedy off load operation with slower more controlled under load operation.

Hydraulic powered tools

• Dedicated cutters

• Spreaders

• Combi tools

• Rams

• Pedal cutters.

Common tools of this type are;

Hydraulic powered tools.

Dedicated cutters

• Fitted with curved or straight blades

• Cutting forces between 13 and 18 tonnes

• Will cut between 15 and 25 mm thickness

• Average weight about 18Kg.

Dedicated cutters.

Dedicated cutters

• It is important to remember that the shearing action of the cutters imparts energy to the item being cut

• At the moment when the cutter completes the cut pieces can separate with great force.

Dedicated cutters

When using cutters the following basic rules should be followed to ensure safety;

• Always use appropriate PPE

• Always provide ‘hard and soft’ protection

• Be alert for the tool shifting

• Work ‘outside’ the tool.

Spreaders

• Spreaders often weigh 30Kg or more and usually require a team of two operators

• One to place and operate the tool and an assistant to help support the weight of the tool.

Spreaders

• Can be supplied with accessories such as chains, hooks and securing pins to allow pulling operations to take place utilising the power of the tool.

Spreaders

• Securing pins if not of the lockable type should always be inserted from the bottom side of the arms

• Chains should always be attached to hooks so that the free end is accessible on the top of the arms,to ensure a balanced pull.

Spreaders

When using spreaders the following should be adopted to maintain safety and efficiency;

• Adopt a balanced body position

• Place hands only on the tool handles and operating lever

• Be aware tool can kick back under load.

• Work ‘outside’ the tool

• The tool arms are not designed to spread or crush, only use the tips

• When using tool accessories, ensure hooks have the open side facing out or away from the arms.

Combination tools • Primarily designed to be used as a rapid

intervention tool

• Capable of cutting, spreading, pulling and crushing

• Due to this versatility, in widespread use throughout the brigade.

Combination tool.

Combination tools

• Perform less well than dedicated equipment, this is balanced by the tools versatility

• However as dedicated equipment arrives on the incident ground it should be got to work as soon as possible.

Combination tools

• The safety procedures and general operating procedures for combi tools are the same as for task related dedicated equipment.

Powered rams

• Can be used to lift, spread, pull or assist with stabilisation

• Light enough to be operated by one member of the crew

• Two types, single or double piston.

Powered rams.

Powered rams

• No circumstance exists where rams would provide the sole means of stabilisation or of lifting a load

• They will always be used in conjunction with chocks and blocks.

Powered rams

• Rams have the least structural integrity when fully extended

• Heavy loading can stress the ram to the point of being damaged

• Avoid allowing the ram to extend over a round object as this can deflect the ram and cause the tool to fail.

Hydraulic powered tools

After use;

• Clean tool

• Examine for wear / damage

• Check ram pistons for dirt and scoring

• Top up fuel levels

• Ensure couplings are clean and caps replaced.

THE END