Drill of the Week: Ventilation

This week’s drill will round out recent drills’ focus on ladders and roof operations and will review tool operations for ventilation. Members will inspect various venting tools including power saws and will get some hands-on practice using them. Members will also practice using a backup person on the roof–someone who is watching out for the firefighter making the cuts.

Try to get access to a structure scheduled for demolition. If this is not possible, locate a supply of wood pallets. Other materials required include power saws, power tool manuals, axes, sledgehammers, and fans.

Assuming you do not have access to a building to be demolished, procure a supply of wood pallets that are old but in reasonable condition. Select a site near a dumpster where you can dispose of the pallets once they have been cut. Make sure you have permission to use the dumpster.

Running the Drill
Conduct a review of saw operations. Inspect the axes and sledgehammers. Howard A. Chatterton includes a checklist in his Apparatus and Equipment Drill in Volunteer Training Drills-A Year of Weekly Drills. You can use this checklist when you inspect the axes and sledgehammers or use one your department uses. After these reviews, conduct a practical session using both axes and power saws to cut up the pallets.

Chatterton also includes an outline for this ventilation drill covering power saw operation, blade types, chain types, and safety tips.

At the drill’s conclusion, discuss what went right, what went wrong, and what should be done differently next time.

If you have a similar drill idea and wish to share it, please e-mail: chrism@pennwell.com.

To review training officer and safety officer considerations, visit http://fe.pennnet.com/Articles/Article_Display.cfm?Section=OnlineArticles&SubSection=HOME&PUBLICATION_ID=25&ARTICLE_ID=202453 to review training officer and safety officer considerations.

For more information on this drill, including a list of references, drill outline, and tool checklist (Drill 28), visit http://store.yahoo.com/pennwell/voltraindril.html to purchase Volunteer Training Drills–A Year of Weekly Drills.