Basic Equipment (BSM) Flashcards
Reduces the size of male threads, so that female threads of a corresponding smaller size may be attached
Reducer coupling
Increases the size of male threads, so that female threads of a corresponding larger size may be attached
Increaser coupling
Couplings are always identified from ___
The female side to the male side
Refers to internal threads
Female
Refers to external threads
Male
Has female threads of equal size on both ends. Connects two male ends
Double female coupling
Has male threads of equal size on both ends. Connects two female ends
Double male coupling
Temporarily or permanently prevents the flow of water from the apparatus, hose, or appliance
Cap or plug
A plug has ___
Male threads
A cap has ___
Female threads
Similar to double female, but the threads are of differing sizes to connect two unequal male ends
Sister coupling
Similar to double male, but the threads are of differing sizes to connect two unequal female ends
Brother coupling
Has male NST threads which connect to a sexless coupling that uses a quick connect fitting
Storz Adaptor Coupling
Purpose of Storz adaptor coupling
Couple SFD hose to hydrants or appliances of neighboring fire departments
How to release Storz adaptor coupling
Depress the rocker buttons
An appliance designed to branch a singular water source into two or more hose lines
Wye
Wye threads
Inlet is threaded female, outlets are male threaded
Wye valves
Quarter turn ball or gated valves
An appliance designed to connect two or more lines into one line or two lines into an engine or appliance
Siamese
Siamese fitting threads
Female threaded inlet swivels and a male threaded outlet
How does the siamese fitting prevent the backflow of water through the unused intakes?
Clapper valve
Appliance used to deliver water to the incident. Splits a singular source of water into multiple lines (3)
Tri-gated wye
Tri-gated wye is also known as a ___
Manifold
The tri-gated wye is attached to the ___
Engine’s large diameter hose
LDH
Large diameter hose
The tri-gated wye is carried so that a ___
Manifold reverse lay may be easily implemented
What makes the tri-gated wye different?
Male threads on both sides of the appliance
Why are there male threads on both sides of the tri-gated wye?
The way LDH hose is stored on SFD engines and the fact that LDH is used for both supply hose and hose to supply attack lines
Hose between the hydrant and the engine
Supply hose
Hose between the engine and the nozzle
Attack lines
Tri-gated wye thread sizes
4” male inlet
three 2 1/2” male outlet
Each outlet on the tri-gated wye has a ___
Separate gated valve
A gated valve fitting that controls the flow of water from a 2 1/2” hose port of a fire hydrant
Hydrant gate
Parts of a hydrant gate
- Female inlet
- Gate valve with a handle
- Male outlet threads
The hydrant gate is typically kept with a ___
2 1/2” to 4” increaser attached to the male threads
A device used to compress fire hose in order to shut off the flow of water while in operation
Hose clamp
A hose clamp can also be applied to ___
An uncharged line to prevent flow
Always face the ___ when clamping. Face the ___ when releasing the clamp
- Flow (source) of water
- Direction of the flow (destination)
Used to deliver powerful streams of water over long distances
Portable ground monitor
Specifications of portable ground monitor
- Ground mounted
- Flow rates depend on nozzle size
Portable ground monitor maintenance
Keep lubricated and check for loose tips
Portable ground monitor safety
Ensure that the monitor is footed or anchored to counteract the strong nozzle reaction
Smooth bore nozzle tip pressure for handlines
50 PSI
Smooth bore nozzle tip pressure for monitors
80 PSI
15/16” smooth bore nozzle use
1 3/4” handlines
1 1/8” smooth bore nozzle use
2 1/2” handlines
15/16” Smooth bore nozzle GPM
180
1 1/8” smooth bore nozzle GPM
265
1 3/8” smooth bore nozzle GPM
500
1 1/2” smooth bore nozzle GPM
600
1 3/4” smooth bore nozzle GPM
800
2” smooth bore nozzle GPM
1000
2 1/4” smooth bore nozzle GPM
1350
2 1/2” smooth bore nozzle GPM
1650
Smooth bore nozzle uses
Fire attack, when deeper penetration is needed
Smooth bore nozzle tip safety
- Ensure portable monitors are properly footed
- Use care when operating smoothbore hand lines
Task Force Tip (TFT) Midmatic Nozzle specifications
- 1 3/4” handlines only
- Automatic gallonage operation
- 75 PSI required at the tip to operate properly
- Integrated 15/16” smooth bore tip
- Ball-type valve
- 70 to 200 GPM
- Removable tip for extending the line (1 1/2” male threads)
Task Force Tip (TFT) Midmatic Nozzle uses
- Fire attack - offensive
- Hydraulic ventilation
- Exposure protection - defensive
- Washdowns
- Overhaul
Task Force Tip (TFT) Midmatic Nozzle Maintenance
- Lubricate moving parts with Break Free
- Do not use WD-40
- Can be flushed, inspected. Rubber bumper kept in forward position
Task Force Tip (TFT) Midmatic Nozzle safety
Open slowly to prevent a water surge or water hammer
Task Force Tip (TFT) Handline Nozzle specifications
- 1 3/4” or 2 1/2” handlines
- Automatic gallonage operation
- 100 PSI required at the tip to operate properly
- Ball-type valve
- 50 - 350 GPM
- Removable tip for extending the line (1 1/2” male threads)
Task Force Tip (TFT) Handline Nozzle uses
- Fire attack - offensive
- Hydraulic ventilation
- Exposure protection - defensive
- Washdowns
- Overhaul
Task Force Tip (TFT) Handline Nozzle maintenance
- Lubricate moving parts with Break Free
- Do not use WD-40
- Can be flushed, inspected. Rubber bumper kept in forward position
Task Force Tip (TFT) Handline Nozzle safety
Open slowly to prevent a water surge or water hammer
Designed to throw a heavy spray of water over an area 30 feet in diameter
Distributor nozzle
The distributor nozzle is also known as ___
Bulldozer or Bresnan Distributor
The Distributor nozzle is placed in operation by ___
Lowering through an opening in a floor, decking, or roof, to the involved space below
Distributor nozzle specifications
- Rotating head
- 270 GPM @ 100 PSI
- Weighs 3 1/2 lbs
- 2 1/2 female swivel inlet
Distributor nozzle uses
- Ship fires
- Basement fires
Distributor nozzle maintenance
Lubricate moving parts
Distributor nozzle safety
Does not have a shutoff. Ensure one is placed along the supply line or a hose clamp is available
Fog applicator specifications
Varies from 48 to 112 inches long
Fog applicator uses
- Fire extinguishment, when a small amount of water is indicated
- Small space fires, attic, wall, etc
Fog applicator safety
Must be used with a nozzle shut off
Bolt cutter uses
Forcible entry
Bolt cutter maintenance
- Wipe clean
- Keep cutter gaps tight by using adjustment screws
Bolt cutter safety
Wear gloves and eye protection
Has a head that is designed with a point and a hook
Pike pole
The point of the pike pole allows the pole to ___ and the hook allows ___
- Penetrate materials
- Them to be pulled or moved
Pike pole specifications
- 4 to 16 feet
- Fiberglass handles (straight and “D” styles
- Steel head
Pike pole uses
- Pulling ceilings
- Overhaul
- Ventilation
- Water rescue (reaching tool)
Straight, forged or folding-type wrench device used for tightening/loosening couplings, appliances, or hydrant port caps
Spanner wrench
The spanner wrench can be used ___
By itself or in tandem in opposing movement
Straight, forged spanners are located ___
On all engines
Folding-type spanners are ___
Issued to each firefighter
Spanners are made from ___
Plastic or aluminum
Tool designed to open or close the main stem of fire hydrant or to remove and replace the hose port caps
OCD wrench
OCD
Office of Civil Defense
The OCD wrench adjusts to varying nut sizes by ___
Screwing the handle in or out
The OCD wrench is normally carried in ___
The hydrant bag
The OCD wrench can be particularly useful for ___
Worn down nuts that will not allow the normal use of galvin and/or corey
The ___ may be used when a galvin wrench will not make a complete turn due to obstacles
OCD wrench
Hydrant wrench set
Corey wrench and Galvin wrench
Used to remove and replace fire hydrant caps
Corey wrench
Can be used to open a hydrant’s main stem if there is an obstruction that will not allow the Galvin wrench to spin completely
Corey wrench
The ___ in the Corey wrench corresponds with the shape of the cap nut
Five-sided hole
Designed to be used to open or close the main stem of a fire hydrant
Galvin wrench
The long handles of the Galvin wrench provide ___ so that ___
- Leverage
- Water may flow quickly
The five-sided hole in the middle of the Galvin wrench corresponds with the ___
Shape of the hydrant main stem nut
The box end of the Galvin wrench may be used, ___
In conjunction with the Corey wrench, to open or close the foot valve of a hydrant
Bars are designed to be carried and used by ___
A single firefighter
Some bars require a second operator equipped with ___
A striking tool
___ have a wide assortment of bars
Truck companies
Bars specifications
- Steel construction
- Various lengths, weights, and configurations
Bars uses
- Forcible entry, heavy rescue
- Prying, breaking, ramming, clawing, pulling, moving, and lifting
Bars maintenance
- Clean and inspect after use. Use a file to remove nicks
- Can be painted or left bare with a light coat of oil
Bars safety
- Wear helmet, gloves, eyes, and boots
- Choose the appropriate tool for the job. Allow the mechanical advantage of the tool do the work, not brute strength
Primary use of an axe
Forcible entry and ventilation
Scabbard axes are intended for ___
Personal carry on the waist
The flathead axe may be used as a ___
Striking tool
The pickhead axe may be used for ___
Ripping, digging, and piercing
Axes are made from
Forged steel, heat treated heads
Heavy duty axe length and weight
36” and 8 lbs
Service axe length and weight
Shorter (typically 28”) and 6 lbs
Axe handle length
27 to 36 inches (wood or fiberglass)
Fiberglass is ___ stronger than wood and does not ___
- 50 times
- Rot
Axe uses
- Forcible entry and ventilation
- SAR, windshield removal
Axe maintenance
- Clean and inspect after use. Use steel wool and oil on head
- Wood handles are lightly sanded and oiled. No paint or varnish
- Small nicks may be removed with a file
- Avoid painting to aid in maintenance and inspection
Axe safety
- Wear full bunkers, eye protection
- Allow for the arc of the swing. Avoid round house swings
Originally designed for overhauling dumpster fires
Roof hook
Original name of roof hook
Rubbish hook
When the roof hook is turned with the hooks facing up, ___
The head makes solid contact with roofing materials, allowing vent crews to hear and feel roof support members
The roof hook can also be used to ___
Pull back roofing materials, break ceramic roof tiles, and to louver the vent cuts
Roof hook specifications
- 6’ long
- Fiberglass shaft with “D” handle
- Two-pronged steel hooks
Roof hook uses
- Roof sounding and ventilation
- Overhaul, pulling ceilings where large areas need to be opened
Roof hook maintenance
Heads may be painted but keep handles free of paint
Roof hook safety
- Wear full protective clothing
- Be alert
Salvage and overhaul tools are often ___
Common household tools such as shovels, rakes, and hoes
Shovel types
Scoop, folding, square, roof, and round point
Salvage and overhaul tool uses
Digging, trenching, scraping, salvage and overhaul
Salvage and overhaul tool maintenance
- Inspect heads for loose handles
- Heads should be painted or oiled to prevent rust
Portable electrical generator specifications
- 5 HP Honda engine
- Unleaded fuel (white stripe)
- 120 VAC, 19.2 amp
- 12 VDC, 8.3 amp
- 112 lbs
Portable electrical generator uses
- Portable source of electricity
- Power for operating lights, power tools, submersible pumps, etc.
Portable electrical generator maintenance
- Keep unit clean
- Refuel after use and store in ready condition
- Send to services for engine repair and servicing
Portable electrical generator safety
- Use proper lifting and carrying techniques
- Use a circuit tester and GFCI, IAW SFD Dispatch # 12-08
Efficient mechanical method of removing heat, smoke and fire gases
Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) fan
PPV
Positive pressure ventilation
Positive pressure ventilation fan specifications
- 5 to 6 HP
- Multiple blades delivering about 15,000 CFM
- Direct drive, 4-cycle engine
- Unleaded (white stripe) fuel
- Adjustable tilt
Positive Pressure Ventilation Fan uses
Positive pressure ventilation of structural spaces
Positive Pressure Ventilation Fan maintenance
- Refuel after each use
- Keep unit clean and store in ready condition
- Send to services for engine work
Positive Pressure Ventilation Fan safety
Use proper lifting and carrying techniques
Best saw for ventilation
Chainsaw
Unlike the rotary saw, the chainsaw can be used to ___
- Feel the structural members beneath the roofing materials.
- Even though the cutting speed is good, the operator can safely work without unnecessary damage to rafters or joists.
- Light weight makes it easier to work from ladders or places where heavy saws are not safe
Chainsaw specifications
- 2-stroke, single cylinder
- Mixed fuel (yellow striped can)
- About 15 lbs
- Automatic and manual chain brake
- 20” bar
Chainsaw uses
- Ventilation
- Heavy rescue
- Structural protection by removing brush during urban interface
Chainsaw maintenance
- Refuel and check oil after each use
- Thoroughly clean after each use
- Adjust chain tension
- Replace chain if 3 or more teeth are damaged or missing
- Send to services for engine work
Chainsaw safety
- Wear full PPE
- Chaps are required during training, but not during emergency use
- Use only enough bar as needed
- Be aware of other operations around you
The rotary saw is also called ___
Rescue saw
Who carries a rescue saw?
Truck companies
Rotary saw blades
- Metal-cutting blade
- Masonry-cutting blade
- Wood-cutting blade
Metal-cutting blade use
Forcible entry or other metal cutting
Masonry-cutting blade use
Ideal for stucco, brick, or concrete block
Wood-cutting blade use
Ventilation as a backup for the chainsaw
The rotary saw is very effective on ___
Hardwood flooring
Rotary saw specifications
- 2-stroke engine
- Mixed fuel (yellow stripe)
- 24 lbs
- Belt driven
- Adjustable blade guard
Rotary saw uses
Forcible entry, heavy rescue, ventilation
Rotary saw maintenance
- Refuel after each use
- Adjust belt tension
- Replace blade if smaller than 9 inches
- Forward to services for engine work
Rotary saw safety
- Full PPE
- If cutting near flammable liquids, a hose-line and dry chemical extinguisher is required. It is common for the saw to produce sparks while in operation
Reciprocating saw is also called ___
Sawzall
Who carries the reciprocating saw?
All truck companies and some engine companies
The reciprocating saw can be ___
Corded and cordless
Advantage of reciprocating saws
Quite mobile and easy to use
The reciprocating saw is an excellent ___
Auto extrication tool
The reciprocating saw can be operated simultaneously with the ___
Hydraulic rescue tools
Reciprocating saws specifications
- Reciprocating blade
- Some are battery operated
- Some require an electrical power source
Reciprocating saw uses
- Auto extrication
- Heavy rescue
- Forcible entry
Reciprocating saw maintenance
- Keep unit clean
- Replace the blades as needed
- Store saw in ready condition
Reciprocating saw safety
- Wear gloves, eye protection, and boots
- Blade continues to move after trigger is released
- If cutting near flammable liquids, ensure a charged handline and dry chemical extinguisher is readily available
Circular saw requires ___
A power source
Who carries the circular saw?
Truck companies
The circular saw is designed to ___
Cut or rip wood materials
Circular saw uses
- Construction, boarding up buildings
- Shoring
Circular saw maintenance
- Keep unit clean
- Replace blade as needed
- Store in ready condition
Circular saw safety
- Wear gloves, eye protection, and boots
- Blade continues to rotate after trigger is released
Carried by truck companies to assist in the rescue of persons trapped in low or high angle situations
Rope rescue equipment
Rope rescue equipment specifications
Materials include nylon webbing, kernmantle rope, steel and and aluminum
Rope rescue equipment uses
Low and high angle rescue, cave-in
Rope rescue equipment maintenance
- Clean and inspect after each use
- Rescue rope must be replaced after use in actual rescue incident
Worn by the firefighter in rescue applications
Class 3 harness
Low-stretch braided kernmantle rope used for main, belay, and accessory lines in rope rescue applications
12 mm rescue rope
Used to connect components in rope systems
Locking steel carabiner
Used in rope systems to create directional changes and mechanical advantages
Prussik-Minding pulley
Comes in various lengths, used to create anchors for rope systems
1” tubular nylon webbing
Lengths of tubular nylon webbing
Green - 5’
Blue - 10’
Yellow - 15’
Orange - 20’
Purple - 25’
Frictioning device used in lowering systems
Brake rack
Nylon strap with adjustable buckle used for patient attachment in rope rescue systems
Pickoff strap
Quick harness for creating positive attachment to patient in rope rescue systems
Patient harness
LRH
Load releasing hitch
The LRH is tied using ___
A 30’ 8mm cord and two locking steel carabiners
Allows the user to extend a loaded rope system under control
Load releasing hitch
Nylon strap with 2 “D” rings used to create anchors for rope systems
Anchor strap
8mm cord tied into a sling with a double fisherman’s bend
Long prusik sling
The prussik sling is tied into a prussik hitch around a larger diameter line in order to ___
Grab hold of the larger line
The long prussik sling can be used to ___
Build a tandem prussik belay system, to attach a pulley to a line, or as a progress capturing device
Mechanical belay device, used as an alternative to the tandem prussik belay system
Petzel 540
Gas monitor that allows the user to continuously monitor 4 atmospheric conditions
Portable air monitor
Portable air monitor gases monitored
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Oxygen (O2)
- Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)
- Lower explosive limit (LEL) of combustible gases
Portable air monitor specifications
- About 30 oz
- Rechargeable batteries
- Replaceable sensors and filters
Portable air monitor uses
Confined space rescue, overhaul atmospheric concerns, CO alarms, cave-in rescue, flammable liquids, etc
Portable air monitor maintenance
- Perform daily checks
- Change filters as necessary (one in unit, one in wand sensor)
- Use respiratory protection until atmosphere is proven safe
Holmatro HPU (DPU 30) specifications
- 58 lbs
- Honda GX100 3HP 4-stoke engine
- Two stage pump with dual power outlets
Holmatro HPU (DPU 30) uses
Powers hydraulic rescue tools
Holmatro HPU (DPU 30) Maintenance
- Clean and refuel after use
- Inspect hoses and couplings after use
- Check engine oil and hydraulic fluid
Holmatro HPU (DPU 30) safety
- Use proper lifting and carrying technique
- Use PPE including eye protection
- Spilled or mishandled hydraulic fluid may create a slip hazard
Hydraulically driven tools that are used for heavy rescue and auto extrication. Designed to lift, spread, push, pull, hold, and cut
Holmatro rescue tools
Holmatro rescue tools require ___ to supply the power
Holmatro Double Power Unit (DPU30)
Who carries the DPU30 and rescue tools?
All truck companies
Holmatro rescue tools maintenance
- Keep tool and quick connects clean
- Use torque wrench set at 75 ft-lb to tighten the jaws on the cutter and the “combi” tool after each use
Holmatro rescue tools safety
Wear full protective clothing and eye protection
Cutter specifications
- 42.5 lbs
- 55,100 lbs max cutting force
Spreader specifications
- 42.5 lbs
- 19,595 lbs max spreading force
- 11,200 lbs max pulling force
- 27 1/4” max spreading travel
Telescopic ram specifications
- 40 lbs
- 50 1/4” max length extended
- 49,145 lbs max spread force 1st section
- 18,210 lbs max spread force 2nd section
Combination tool specifications
- 35 lbs
- 28,300 lbs (center of blade) max cutting force
- 16,166 lbs max spreading force
- 14,358 lbs max pulling force
- 14 1/4” max spreading travel
Telescopic mini ram specifications
- 27 lbs
- 23” max length extended
- 49,145 lbs max spread force 1st section
- 18,210 lbs max spread force 2nd section
Hand operated combination tool specifications
- 23 lbs
- 18,660 lbs (center of blade) max cutting force
- 11,690 lbs max spreading force
- 6,590 lbs max pulling force
- 10 1/2” max spreading travel
Portable fire extinguisher maintenance
- Inspect for damage
- Check gauge for adequate pressure
- Tag and send to services after use
- Ensure lever locking pin is in place
Portable fire extinguisher safety
Choose the proper type of extinguisher for the fuel to be extinguished
Dry chem extinguisher rating
- 10 BC
- 2A
- 10 BC
- 20A
- 120 BC
Dry chem extinguisher agent
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Ammonium bicarbonate
- Ammonium
- Phosphate
Dry chem extinguisher propellent
Nitrogen
Dry chem extinguisher weight
- 4 lbs
- 9 lbs
- 38 lbs
Pressurized H2O extinguisher rating
2A
Pressurized H2O extinguisher agent
Water
Pressurized H2O extinguisher propellent
Air
Pressurized H2O extinguisher weight
28 lbs
Pressurized H2O extinguisher is also called ___
Pump can
CO2 extinguisher rating
10BC
CO2 extinguisher agent
CO2
CO2 extinguisher propellent
Self
CO2 extinguisher weight
34 lbs
Indispensable tool for the removal of water during salvage operations. Worn on a firefighter’s back and requires an electrical power source
Water vacuum (water vac)
Water vacuums are carried by ___
Truck companies
The water vac is best used on ___
Bare or carpeted floors
If the water is deeper than ___, a Prosser pump may be required prior to use of the water vac
The head of the wand
Water vac specifications
- 6 gallon tank capacity
- 73 lbs when full
- 50’ power cord
Water vac uses
Salvage
Water vac maintenance
- Wipe down unit after use
- Empty tank completely before storage
Water vac safety
Use a circuit tester and GFCI, IAW SFD Dispatch # 12-08
Ideal tool for the removal of water when water depth is 2” or deeper
Prosser pump
Prosser pump threads
1 1/2” male threads so that a section of hose may be attached to evacuate water from the occupancy
Prosser pump specifications
- Max effective life of a single pump is 37’ (74’ in tandem)
- 120 max GPM @ 0’ (130 GPM @ 0’ in tandem)
- 25’ electrical cord and 35’ handling cord
- Strainer to keep debris out
Prosser pump uses
Dewatering
Prosser pump maintenance
- Wipe down unit after use
- Inspect power cord for damage
- Ensure that rope is secured to the pump
Prosser pump safety
- Pump heats up during use, allow to cool before handling
- Use a circuit tester and GFCI, IAW SFD Dispatch # 12-08
- Power off before handling
Tool, similar to a camera that allows the firefighter to see through smoke
TIC
TIC
Thermal imager camera
How does the TIC work?
Using thermographic technology, the TIC detected thermal (infrared) radiation from fire and trapped victims
The TIC will recognize a significant heat signature through ___
Smoke, sheet rock, lathe and plaster, and acoustic ceiling tile
Who carries the TIC?
Truck companies, battalion chiefs’ vehicles, and select engine companies
TIC specifications
- Water resistant
- Rechargeable batteries
- Weights and sizes vary
TIC uses
- SAR
- Detecting hidden fire in walls, ceilings, etc
- Detecting other heat signatures
TIC maintenance
- Inspect and clean after use
- Rotate battery as directed