Chain Saws

Hello All,

 

In addition to the change in small engine fuel practices we have also undertaken improvements in chain saw practices and placement.  We have upgraded the quality of the saw chains that we use for ventilation and obtained high quality backup chains as well.  We have also decided to partner a small reserve saw with the ventilation saw on 2523. 

 

We have a total of six chain saws in our department.  Three are considered fire service grade with larger power heads that make them well suited to roof ventilation.  They are the Stihl MS 460 rescue saw on 2522 and the older Echo QV-8000s that are on 2541 and 2523.  We recently decided to outfit all of these saws with Rapco brand carbide tip chains.  These chains are repairable and recyclable even when they have been badly damaged.  We have obtained carbide tip backup chains for both the Stihl MS 460 and Echo’s.  These chains are expensive and we need to take good care of them.  We are keeping the extra chains in the shop at Headquarters rather than allowing them to rust in a metal coffee can.  All of our saws will be maintained with chain/bar protectors on them as well.

 

The three smaller Stihl 025 saws are intended for more general use.  They are outfitted with ordinary chains and the backup chains for them are at HQ as well.  These chains are pretty inexpensive and we will keep two or three extra on hand at all times.  The three Stihl 025s are on 2522, 2523, and 2521.  We previously had one small Stihl 025 on a shelf at Headquarters.  Partnering that saw with an Echo is a more effective use of our existing resources.  In the event that any saw goes out of service we will need to juggle a bit to keep an appropriate saw on every engine. 

 

Whenever any saw is used the chain needs to be carefully inspected on a bench under good lighting.  The bar and chain should be properly cleaned and if there is any doubt a new chain should be put on.  The old chain should be evaluated by one or more skilled set of eyes and appropriate sharpening, repair, or replacement carried out.  If in doubt ask questions.  When a saw at Station 2 needs special attention please let the career staff know and we can work together to take care of it.

 

We are trying to improve our level of preparedness on this topic.  These are life safety tools.  Your safety and effectiveness is our prime concern.  As we move into next budget year and beyond we would like to have some constructive conversations about how we might replace some of the older pieces of this “saw fleet”.   Aaron has done a lot of research over the past few years and can offer more detailed conversation.  Thank you.