SOP_NUMBER: 511.22
TITLE: Occupational Safety and Health/Operating Hydraulic-Powered Rescue Tools
REFERENCE_CODE: IVN10-0004
DIVISION: Facilities
TOPIC_AREA: 511 Policy-Fire Services
EFFECTIVE_DATE: 2002-04-01
WORD_COUNT: 906
POWERDMS_URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/105877
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/511.22/

SUMMARY:
This policy establishes safety guidelines for all Georgia Department of Corrections certified firefighters operating hydraulic-powered rescue tools at fire and emergency incidents. It covers proper inspection, operation, maintenance, and safety precautions to prevent accidents, injuries, deaths, and equipment damage. The policy requires two-person teams for tool operation, mandates protective equipment, and specifies procedures for starting/stopping power units, refueling, and handling hydraulic fluid.

KEY_TOPICS: hydraulic rescue tools, rescue equipment safety, firefighter safety, power unit operation, jaws of life, rescue tool operation, protective equipment, hazmat rescue, emergency response equipment, tool inspection, recoil starter, hydraulic fluid safety, vehicle extrication

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|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS<br>Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**`Functional Area: `**<br>`SUPPORT SERVICES/FIRE`<br>`SERVICES`|**`Reference Number: `**<br>`IVN10-0004`|**`Revises`**<br>**`Previous`**<br>**`Effective Date:`**<br>`NEW`|
|**`Subject:`**<br>`OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY &`<br>`HEALTH/OPERATING`<br>`HYDRAULIC-POWERED RESCUE`<br>`TOOLS`|||
|**`Authority:`**<br>`WETHERINGTON/HODGE`|**`Effective Date:`**<br>`4/01/02`|`Page`**`1`**` of`<br>**`4 `**|

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I. POLICY:

   This standard mandates safety guidelines to be followed while
   operating hydraulic-powered rescue tools. It was promulgated
   to:

   A. Prevent accidents, injuries, and deaths that might result
      from the misuse or improper operation of hydraulic      powered rescue tools.

   B. Prevent damage to hydraulic-powered rescue tools that
      might result from misuse or abuse

II. APPLICABILITY:

   All Dept. of Corrections Certified Firefighters in State and
   County Fire Departments.

III. RELATED DIRECTIVES:

   NFPA 1500 and 1670

IV. DEFINITIONS:

    NONE

V. ATTACHMENTS:

   NONE

VI. PROCEDURE:

   A. (General)

```

|Functional Area:<br>SUPPORT SERVICES/FIRE SERVICES|Prev. Eff. Date:<br>NEW|Page 2 of<br>4|
|---|---|---|
|`Functional Area:`<br>`SUPPORT SERVICES/FIRE SERVICES`|`Effective Date:`<br>`4/01/02`|`Reference Number:`<br>`IVN10-0004`|


```
   1. Firefighters that respond to fire and emergency
      medical incidents are responsible for knowing how to
      properly and safely operate hydraulic-powered rescue
      tools.

   2. Station Chiefs shall train the Firefighters under
      their command to properly and safely operate the
      hydraulic-powered rescue tools assigned to their
      apparatus.

   3. A Station Chief shall immediately stop any unsafe or
      improper operation of a hydraulic-powered rescue
      tool and make the adjustments and corrections
      necessary to safely accomplish the assignment.

   4. Drivers shall inspect the hydraulic-powered rescue
      tools assigned to their apparatus at the beginning
      of each tour of duty and after every use to ensure
      that they are functioning properly. Tools found to
      be unsafe or malfunctioning shall be removed from
      service and be properly red-tagged.

   5. Drivers shall check the fuel level in each tool to
      ensure that each is properly fueled. The spare fuel
      can carried on the apparatus shall also be kept full
      at all times.

B. OPERATING PROCEDURE

   1. Before operating a tool, always inspect the tips to
      make sure that the appropriate tips are being used
      and that the retainer pins, if used, are in place.

   2. Place the power unit as level as possible, connect
      the hoses, but do not start the power unit until the
      tool operator gives the command to do so.

   3. Remember that it takes two people to operate the
      tool: one person to operate the tool and another
      person to operate the power unit.

   4. To start the power unit, place one foot on the
      bottom of the roll cage to help stabilize the unit.
      Hold the cage with one hand and pull the recoil
      starter cord with the other. Take care not to pull

```

|Functional Area:<br>SUPPORT SERVICES/FIRE SERVICES|Prev. Eff. Date:<br>NEW|Page 3 of<br>4|
|---|---|---|
|`Functional Area:`<br>`SUPPORT SERVICES/FIRE SERVICES`|`Effective Date:`<br>`4/01/02`|`Reference Number:`<br>`IVN10-0004`|


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   the cord out too far. The start-up sequence is as
   follows:

   a. Move the choke to the closed position.

   b. Pull the recoil starter until the engine pops.

   c. Move the choke to run.

   d. Pull the recoil starter cord.

   e. Repeat the sequence if the engine fails to
      start.

5. To stop the power unit, use your hand to engage the
   kill switch. Do not use your foot.

6. When refueling the tool, always use the appropriate
   fuel type and take care not to spill fuel on a hot
   surface. Note: The pitch of the power unit will
   normally change prior to running out of fuel.

7. Safety precautions:

   a. Full protective clothing, including ear
      protection, shall be worn while using a
      hydraulic-powered rescue tool during actual
      rescues as well as training exercises.

   b. Ear protection, approved safety shoes or boots,
      and any other item of protective clothing that
      is appropriate shall be worn while operating a
      tool for the purpose of inspection or
      maintenance.

   c. Always work on the outside of the tool. Never
      insert your hands or other parts of your body
      between the jaws or tips of the tool.

   d. Cover and protect the victim, and always
      explain to the victim what you’re doing, if
      possible.

   e. When bleeding or disconnecting a hose, place a
      rag over the coupling to prevent fluid from
      spraying on anyone.

```

|Functional Area:<br>SUPPORT SERVICES/FIRE SERVICES|Prev. Eff. Date:<br>NEW|Page 4 of<br>4|
|---|---|---|
|`Functional Area:`<br>`SUPPORT SERVICES/FIRE SERVICES`|`Effective Date:`<br>`4/01/02`|`Reference Number:`<br>`IVN10-0004`|


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f. If fluid comes in contact with any exposed skin
   area, be sure to wash it off immediately.

g. If a fluid spill does occur, immediately clean
   any floor area or painted surface to prevent a
   fall or damage.

h. Always remember to make the required hose
   connections prior to starting a power unit.
   Hose should be laid out in such a manner as to
   prevent damage from sharp objects, vehicles,
   etc.

i. Likewise, always stop a power unit prior to
   disconnecting a hose.

j. Do not use the shears to cut a steering column
   or any piece of metal with a free end, since it
   may become a projectile. Shears are designed
   to create a compression fracture rather than to
   cut. Always remember to cut at a right angle.

k. At a motor vehicle accident, always have a
   charged hose line to protect against the
   possibility of a fire.

l. Rotate personnel to avoid fatigue.

m. Rest the tool on your thigh and always maintain
   body balance.

n. Guide and hold the tool; do not force it.
   Don’t strain against the tool; rather work with
   it.

o. Always respect the tool. It is a machine and
   has no conscience.

```