BY MICHAEL N. CIAMPO
Firefighter ingenuity has always been amazing, especially when considering all of the trades, occupations, and skills levels gathered in one fire station. Just about any problem is solvable, or an operation can be made to run more smoothly or to better advantage. The latter became evident when a fourth type of saw blade was introduced into our tools and appliance inventory.
Our present inventory consists of four types of blades: a 12-tooth and 24-tooth carbide tip blade, two types of abrasive discs/blades, an aluminum oxide blade for metal cutting, and a silicon carbide blade for masonry cutting. To take some of the guesswork out of “Is this saw blade serviceable or unserviceable after its use?” we decided to post the answers to these questions in two conspicuous locations. The main reasons for these “quick-reference” areas were that the four saw blades had similarities and dissimilarities and all were carried on the apparatus at the same time. Also, having the information right in front of the firefighter would erase any doubts and assist him in preparing and maintaining the saw. This would be particularly helpful for a member who is working a detail or is not regularly assigned to our unit and is, therefore, unfamiliar with our saw blades.
REFERENCE AREAS
 Photo 1. “Quick reference” areas: the door panel of the saw compartment. (photo by author) |
The “quick-reference” areas we selected were the door panel of the saw compartment (see photo 1), where the information would be highly visible to firefighters operating on the scene or performing daily maintenance checks, and a panel next to the saw maintenance table (see photo 2), to assist firefighters as they change blades, make minor repairs, and perform routine maintenance. In addition, this information’s high visibility on the apparatus floor serves as a clear re-minder of the de-partment’s standard operating guidelines.
ESTABLISHING THE INFORMATION CENTERS
Creating these reference areas was fairly easy. We began with an inexpensive paint marker, available from the hardware store. We drew diagrams of the saw blades and listed the reference material (information contained in our department training manual) on both panels. As always should be done, check with the saw’s manufacturer for its recommendations.
 Photo 2. The panel next to the saw maintenance table. (photo by author) |
The criteria used to determine whether the carbide tip blade should be placed out of service include the number of broken, chipped, or missing teeth and if the teeth are worn down to the circumference of the blade. A predrawn eight-inch-diameter circle, for abrasive discs/blades, is posted. If a used saw blade fits inside this circle, it is considered unserviceable for first-line service. Using this circle makes it possible to determine quickly whether a saw blade is serviceable. The posted information also states that an abrasive disc/blade should be placed out of service if it is cracked or chipped, or if the center arbor is out of round.
Although a blade just under eight inches has plenty of material left for cutting, it still should be taken out of front-line service. Firefighting tools, equipment, and appliances should be maintained in the best possible shape. Having a saw that has been equipped with a new blade will ensure that the saw will be ready for the next scenario. As long as the old saw blade is not cracked, chipped, or warped and the center arbor is not out of round, that blade can be used for drills. Once it has been determined to be unserviceable, remove it from service, according to your department’s procedures.
LABELING ABRASIVE DISCS/BLADES
Since there is not much of a physical difference between aluminum oxide and silicon carbide discs/blades, it is easy to mix them up. To prevent incidents of wrong identity, some departments paint the blades. The blades can be painted entirely, or the word “metal” or “masonry” can be stenciled on the appropriate blades.
Also, drawing with a colored paint marker a wide ring/line at the blade’s eight-inch unserviceable mark will differentiate the blades and also let you know when the blade is no longer serviceable. Painting schemes are other methods of keeping firefighting tools ready for service. This is just another time-saving method of making the tools easy to locate and identify.
One additional operational note: Store these abrasive discs/blades in a compartment separate from the saw’s gas can. If the gas/oil mixture comes in contact with the composite abrasive disc, it can cause the disc to deteriorate and possibly come apart during cutting operations. The firefighter could be injured as a result.
Since the fire service is called on for a wide array of services, it is imperative that we look, act, and perform as professionals. Keeping our tools, appliances, and equipment up to par enables us to meet those goals.
MICHAEL N. CIAMPO is a firefighter with the Fire Department of New York. He previously served with the District of Columbia Fire Department. He has a bachelor’s degree in fire science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York City, and is an FDIC Hands-On Training and classroom instructor.
