roof operations/ tools

[Deanmc141]

HELLO ALL MY FELLOW BROTHERS AND SISTERS I WAS JUST WONDERING WHAT OTHERS DO OUT THERE WHEN DOING ROOF OPERATIONS. WHEN GOING TO THE ROOF TO DO A TASK AND YOU BRING THE SAWS........... ARE THEY ATTACHED TO YOU VIA. TRUCK BELT.....OR DO YOU JUST CARRY THEM? I ASK THIS BECAUSE A CREW MEN ON THE GROUND WAS ALMOST HIT BY A FALLING SAW OFF THE ROOF THANKS FOR YOUR IN PUT. DEAN

[Roofhook]

Accidents happen thats why all firefighters must wear full ppe when operating on the fireground.

I carry a couple pieces of different length webbing with carabiners to haul and secure tools.
Depending on the manpower available is how I determine if I will carry or haul up a tool.

[mcaldwell]

We are a small VFD and we try to avoid roof operations at all costs. We have had good success with alternate venting and access techniques so far.

But, realizing we may have no choice some day, we still train for it and we use belts for basic hand tools only. Everything else like saws is hoisted.

[ADSNWFLD]

Most often the K 12 is just carried. We do have a strap for our chainsaw (cutters edge). I like the strap because it helps keep both hands on the ladder. Remember to keep your hands on the beam not the rungs so you are in contact with the ladder at all times.
We have one person take the saw and his partner will take the axe and a hook. Any other firefighters would take up additional equipment.

From teaching at my department and at a local academy I've noticed that many firefighters are uncomfortable with climbing ladders. You need to practice on a regular basis, in all your ppe with a mask and tools in hand. Don't forget to get out the bigger ladders and climb them also 35 to 50'. If you haven't been on one lately you will notice some apprehension amoung guys.

If you have the authority get straps for all the saws, it does make life easy.

One other thing if you can't walk the roof don't bring the saw. sit on the peak and chop away. Or work from the tower basket. You are much more likely to drop the saw on the very steep roofs (12 / 12 or over)

[exmrvfc]

What we bring to the roof depends on the pitch. For steeper pitched roofs we like the Echo vent (chain saw type) as it is lighter and easier to handle. On flatter pitches, we can use either the ECHO vent or the Partner (circular) saw. I also agree with the old fashioned ax method either using a roof ladder or ridge straddle. On tip is to drive the piked end of a haligan into the roof and use the adz end as a footing to step on.

[leadlo]

CHOP, CHOP, CHOP

If you use an axe, it's easy to find, easy to carry, easy to start and never runs out of gas. It will depend on the construction of the roof but if it's not steel or rubber, I use an axe. I enjoy watching some of our younger members try to start our gas saws. Have seen them more wore out by the time they got the thing started and to the roof, than I was after cutting the hole with an axe.

[Smoke20286]

Re: roof operations/ tools

Originally posted by deanmc141
HELLO ALL MY FELLOW BROTHERS AND SISTERS I WAS JUST WONDERING WHAT OTHERS DO OUT THERE WHEN DOING ROOF OPERATIONS. WHEN GOING TO THE ROOF TO DO A TASK AND YOU BRING THE SAWS........... ARE THEY ATTACHED TO YOU VIA. TRUCK BELT.....OR DO YOU JUST CARRY THEM? I ASK THIS BECAUSE A CREW MEN ON THE GROUND WAS ALMOST HIT BY A FALLING SAW OFF THE ROOF THANKS FOR YOUR IN PUT. DEAN

That happened to one of our guys once(he was luckily uninjured) on structure fires larger then single family dwellings we usually have our snorkel respond, thats the safest way get equipment to the roof

[hwoods]

UHhhhhhhhhhhh........................

At the risk of sounding like a pot stirrer, (OK, I am) the tools that you take to the roof depends on the type of roof. Two things are constant in roof work though, the axe, and the hook. I always have at least 1 axe with my crew, as well as a old fashioned 8 ft. pike pole. Why 8 ft.? - You never know how many ceilings may be between the roof and the fire. Many times over the years, I've opened up the roof and had NO smoke come out. After punching thru several layers of material such as sheetrock, plywood, plaster on wood or wire lath, and tin (yes, tin. you folks who run OLD buildings know what I mean) you get a sudden blast of hot stuff that lets you know where the fire is at. As to getting tools up and back, we have a tower ladder, so stuff rides up and down in the basket a lot. Hoisting is not a lost art with us though, we still practice it. Stay Safe....