Hydraulic tools
• The availability of powerful rescue tools allows rescuers greater options when planning extrications
• Greatly reduce time taken during ‘space creation’.
Hydraulic tools
• A reservoir containing hydraulic fluid
• A means of pressurising the fluid
• High pressure tubing
• A means of relieving the pressure.
All hydraulic tool systems consist of the following main components;
Hand operated
Requires the operator to manually operate a pump by means of a lever or handle
‘EPCO’, ‘BLACKHAWK’ and ‘TANGYE’ are examples of the type available.
Hydraulic powered tools
• These systems utilise a power unit, usually petrol or diesel driven to pressurise the system
• Power units can be single or two stage, the latter offering speedy off load operation with slower more controlled under load operation.
Hydraulic powered tools
• Dedicated cutters
• Spreaders
• Combi tools
• Rams
• Pedal cutters.
Common tools of this type are;
Dedicated cutters
• Fitted with curved or straight blades
• Cutting forces between 13 and 18 tonnes
• Will cut between 15 and 25 mm thickness
• Average weight about 18Kg.
Dedicated cutters
• It is important to remember that the shearing action of the cutters imparts energy to the item being cut
• At the moment when the cutter completes the cut pieces can separate with great force.
Dedicated cutters
When using cutters the following basic rules should be followed to ensure safety;
• Always use appropriate PPE
• Always provide ‘hard and soft’ protection
• Be alert for the tool shifting
• Work ‘outside’ the tool.
Spreaders
• Spreaders often weigh 30Kg or more and usually require a team of two operators
• One to place and operate the tool and an assistant to help support the weight of the tool.
Spreaders
• Can be supplied with accessories such as chains, hooks and securing pins to allow pulling operations to take place utilising the power of the tool.
Spreaders
• Securing pins if not of the lockable type should always be inserted from the bottom side of the arms
• Chains should always be attached to hooks so that the free end is accessible on the top of the arms,to ensure a balanced pull.
Spreaders
When using spreaders the following should be adopted to maintain safety and efficiency;
• Adopt a balanced body position
• Place hands only on the tool handles and operating lever
• Be aware tool can kick back under load.
• Work ‘outside’ the tool
• The tool arms are not designed to spread or crush, only use the tips
• When using tool accessories, ensure hooks have the open side facing out or away from the arms.
Combination tools • Primarily designed to be used as a rapid
intervention tool
• Capable of cutting, spreading, pulling and crushing
• Due to this versatility, in widespread use throughout the brigade.
Combination tools
• Perform less well than dedicated equipment, this is balanced by the tools versatility
• However as dedicated equipment arrives on the incident ground it should be got to work as soon as possible.
Combination tools
• The safety procedures and general operating procedures for combi tools are the same as for task related dedicated equipment.
Powered rams
• Can be used to lift, spread, pull or assist with stabilisation
• Light enough to be operated by one member of the crew
• Two types, single or double piston.
Powered rams
• No circumstance exists where rams would provide the sole means of stabilisation or of lifting a load
• They will always be used in conjunction with chocks and blocks.
Powered rams
• Rams have the least structural integrity when fully extended
• Heavy loading can stress the ram to the point of being damaged
• Avoid allowing the ram to extend over a round object as this can deflect the ram and cause the tool to fail.
Hydraulic powered tools
After use;
• Clean tool
• Examine for wear / damage
• Check ram pistons for dirt and scoring
• Top up fuel levels
• Ensure couplings are clean and caps replaced.