Saw Operations: The ‘Tap’ Method

BY MICHAEL N. CIAMPO

Roof operations play a vital role in var-ious types of fires and can affect their outcomes. Although staffing issues and fireground activities don’t always allow for it, the roof ventilation team should consist of at least two firefighters. These firefighters must be competent, knowledgeable, and well trained in ventilation tactics and power saw operations. Also, they must constantly monitor fire conditions, roof conditions, and safety procedures while operating in this precarious position. Unfortunately, roof conditions can change rapidly; the roof is no place for an untrained firefighter.

Smoke and noise are two major elements that can have a severe impact on saw operations. A sudden increase of smoke generated by the fire or a sudden change in wind direction can drastically reduce a firefighter’s visibility. Add these conditions to the high noise level created by an operating saw and other fireground radio traffic, and it becomes evident that problems can arise during roof operations. The lack of visual and verbal communication between the saw operator and the backup/guide firefighter is of major concern in both of these scenarios.

THE “TAP” METHOD

To compensate for these variables and create a method of communication between the saw operator and backup/guide firefighter, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) has a nonverbal method of communication in place. The procedure is easy to understand and use and helps to create a safer work environment and overcome the obstacles of poor vision and high noise levels. The procedure involves a “tap” system controlled by the backup/guide firefighter, who deploys the “tap(s)” to the saw operator’s back. The three simple tap commands are

• Tne tap—stop cut.
• Two taps—cut.
• Three taps—shut down the saw.

The taps are distinctive so that the saw operator can distinguish them from accidental contact with the backup/guide firefighter and the actual operating commands. They are not so severe that they cause the saw operator to lose his balance during cutting operations. The taps are normally delivered to the saw operator’s back; the exact location may vary according to the saw operator’s physical positioning while cutting, such as working from a roof ladder. If the taps are to be delivered elsewhere, this is communicated prior to cutting operations.

It is recommended that the taps not be delivered to the saw operator’s leg or the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Striking the leg may only indicate to the saw operator that the backup/guide firefighter wants the operator to watch his leg for clearance or an obstruction such as a skylight or a vent pipe. Also, this can create a hazardous condition when the saw operator momentarily takes his vision off the saw to glance back at the leg that was struck. In this situation, both firefighters must be prepared for an adverse reaction of the saw and keep focused on their duties throughout the operation.

Striking the saw operator’s SCBA may cause it to shift on the operator’s back and affect the operator’s balance, especially if the SCBA is struck from the side or if the saw operator is in motion. Also, the SCBA’s harness, bottle, and components may absorb the tap commands, which would then go unnoticed.

OTHER COMMUNICATION METHODS

Some fire departments use other means of communication such as hand and radio code signals for roof operations. These methods are assets in a smoke- and noise-free environment but may be inefficient when these elements are present.

The “tug on the coat” method operates on the same principles as the tap method; both use the same numerical/command guidelines. However, tugging on a saw operator’s coat on a roof that has a slight pitch or on an icy flat roof may cause the saw operator to lose his balance and create a hazardous condition when a “live” saw is involved.

The tap method is a fairly easy system of communication to learn and use. Instituting it into a standard operating procedure will assist departments in making power saw operations run more smoothly, efficiently, and safely.

ADDITIONAL BACKUP/GUIDE FIREFIGHTER TACTICS

In addition to the tap method, the backup/guide firefighter should be aware of the following tactics and tips:

• Visually monitor roof conditions to the front, rear, and sides of the saw operator for any obstructions or other dangerous conditions.
• Continuously monitor smoke and fire conditions. An increase in the volume of smoke can be a telltale sign that the fire is growing or a warning sign of an impending hazard such as a backdraft or smoke explosion. It can also cause the saw to “choke out” and stall because of a lack of fresh air. If this occurs, saw operations may have to be curtailed. Retreat to a safe area until air quality and visibility are sufficient enough to resume saw operations (see photo 2).
• Constantly be aware of the locations of the roof team’s primary and secondary means of egress in case unfavorable conditions develop and an emergency retreat is necessary.
• Coordinate body movements with the saw operator’s movements, especially when walking backward during cutting operations. This is especially important when operating on a peaked roof. Ensure that the saw operator won’t stumble over a guide firefighter’s boots (see photo 3).
• Constantly be aware that the saw operator may inadvertently lift the saw and turn with the blade still rotating, which can cause serious injury.
• Stand to the rear of the saw operator, grasping onto his coattail, safety harness, or SCBA harness. Try to remain out of the line of the debris path; remember, a broken carbide tip can cause a serious injury.
• Monitor the saw operator’s actions; operating under adverse conditions may have caused fatigue, and it may be necessary to relieve him.
• Always wear full personal protective equipment to prevent injuries.

Roof operations and power saw operations can favorably affect the outcomes of various types of fires; however, they will be effective only if they are performed safely and professionally by well-trained firefighters. Hopefully, some of the points discussed here will add a measure of safety to your department’s roof operational procedures.

This article is dedicated to the heroic FDNY/FDIC instructors and FDNY members who perished at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

MICHAEL N. CIAMPO is a firefighter with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and 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 in New York City and is an instructor for the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC).

Photos by Bob Pressler.

FDNY TEACHES TOUCH SIGNAL TO ENSURE COMMUNICATIONS IN A NOISY ENVIRONMENT

Fire Department of New York Standard Operating Procedures include a “tap” method of communication all firefighters have been taught to use in emergencies. Many times communications between firefighters with SCBA facepieces donned are extremely poor because of the noise of hose streams, power saws, and other fireground operations.

This emergency touch signal is taught to every firefighter at probationary fire school and is reinforced yearly at a mask confidence/mask maneuvers training evolution.

One firefighter forcibly strikes another with four distinctive taps on the shoulder and then pulls the tapped firefighter in a specific direction. The firefighter who was tapped should recognize the signal and realize that the other firefighter knows of an emergency and that he should promptly follow that firefighter.

The signal is used when verbal communications will not be heard. This emergency touch signal is used for emergency communications/situations; it does not take the place of radio communications.