SIMPLE SAW STARTING
BY MICHAEL N. CIAMPO
When starting a saw, have you ever placed your boot into or on a saw`s handle and knocked the throttle trigger out of the locked position? Perhaps while awkwardly bending over the saw (hunched over, with SCBA riding up your back or helmet hitting the air cylinder), you not only pull the starter cord but also a back muscle–probably due to poor saw starting posture. We can all relate to these experiences, either during routine maintenance checks or at fireground operations.
The standard saw starting position (one foot in the handle and the other foot placed comfortably to the rear for balance) seems uncomfortable. Other saw starting options include the operator`s placing his boot on the lip of the saw control handle or placing a tool through the handle and stepping on it. The tool insertion method can possibly knock the throttle or throttle lock out of position. Also, inserting a tool into a small space can be dangerous, especially since most throttle triggers are made of plastic. Murphy`s Law suggests that you will likely snap the throttle trigger right off when placing the tool into position.
THE PROCEDURE
While I was performing maintenance checks on the saws, an idea came to mind. Simply place the right knee gently on the saw`s air cleaner cover, then place the left leg, bent and to the left of the saw, for balance. This is the baseball catcher`s stance, which enables you to pull the starter cord with the left arm, while the right arm exerts downward force on the carrying handle. At first, this position may seem awkward, especially if you are right-handed and not used to starting a saw with your left arm. However, after a little practice, this method will prove to be beneficial to all firefighters.
BENEFITS
Using this method provides the following benefits.
It eliminates accidentally knocking the throttle trigger or throttle lock out of position.
Since the firefighter`s body is closer to the saw, all control buttons (choke, shutoff, throttle, and throttle lock) are within easy reach.
The SCBA sits more naturally and comfortably with the body in this position, and back posture and support are improved.
The chance of pulling a back muscle is reduced, since the firefighter is no longer hunched over, reaching for the starter cord.
When the saw is started, the firefighter can lift with his legs, not his back.
The entire saw may be lifted, reducing the chance of the blade`s hitting the surface first.
Since the starter cord is not pulled to its limit, the method reduces the possibility of the cord`s snapping and the recoil pulley`s being damaged.
Operator visibility is improved in this position.
The crouched saw starting method is practical and efficient. It has proven to be beneficial and may be used on a wide variety of saws. n
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(Left) The firefighter is getting in the standard saw starting position. He has difficulty placing the rubber boot into the saw handle for stability. Even though the SCBA waistband is properly adjusted, it still tends to ride up the firefighter`s back. (Right) The firefighter is in the baseball catcher`s stance; he has a good, comfortable, and balanced position. The knee and arm provide downward pressure, keeping the saw steady as the starter cord is pulled. Note the SCBA sits more naturally and comfortably on his back. (Photos by author.)
MICHAEL N. CIAMPO, a 15-year veteran of the fire service, is a firefighter with the City of New York (NY) Fire Department. 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.
