THE HINGE TWIST
BY MICHAEL N. CIAMPO, FIREFIGHTER, CITY OF NEW YORK (NY) FIRE DEPARTMENT
Automobile fires account for a large number of incidents in many fire departments. Whether the incident is major or minor, the auto`s hood is always opened for final extinguishment, for overhaul, to check for extension, or even to disconnect the battery. While attending various training schools and seminars, I became acquainted with a standard operating procedure that called for using a hook or halligan bar to prop the auto`s hood open should the lifting mechanism fail. In theory, this seemed a good practice; but after some fireground evaluations, I found the SOP definitely needed refinement.
First, what firefighter wants to give up his tool so it can act as a brace? Training schools and seminars have always preached, “bring a tool with you because you never know.” Now, we are telling a firefighter it is okay to give it up. Second, now that the firefighter is without a tool, how will he accomplish other tasks that may have to be done? Finally, just looking at a tool that is being used to prop open a hood immediately brings to mind Murphy`s Law. I have seen a charged handline being dragged around the auto knock out the butt end of a six-foot hook being used as a hood prop. Luckily, no one was struck by the collapsing hood as it came crashing down.
Another method–the “hinge twist”–can be used instead of the tool prop. The hinge twist is accomplished by placing the auto`s hood hinge between the forked end of the halligan bar and twisting about 90 degrees. The safest way to do this is to stand next to the front fender of the auto and, as the hood is raised, place the halligan in the appropriate position and then pull toward you. The hinge will twist because it is made of light metal and the leverage from the halligan bar will prove to be too much for it. The auto`s hood now will remain open and doesn`t need any additional support.
On completion of fire extinguishment, the hinge is twisted back to its normal position and the auto`s hood is returned to the closed position. The hinge twist proves to be a quick and easy task and works on any type of hood and trunk hinge. It also affords various built-in safety procedures. First, the situation of Murphy`s Law has been taken away, since the prop no longer is used. Second, a firefighter can operate safely from the side of an auto to perform the hinge twist, keeping him away from the front or rear bumpers and their pistons. Also, the firefighter still has his tool and can accomplish other tasks.
On vehicles where the hood is small and lightweight, one hinge is capable of supporting the hood. On larger autos, both hinges should be twisted to create equal support so the hood will remain open at an equal level. The hinge twist works well also on front-opening hoods and the trunk. Do not use the hinge twist when you encounter lifting hinges with pressurized gas cylinders because the cylinders may become flying missiles.
Use common sense when using the hinge twist. It can be helpful at larger auto fires and even at an auto accident. The hinge twist is a quick and easy offensive tactic that makes us look more professional and adds a safety measure to an automobile fire. n
