Small Gear

Question 1

Define WUCOMS

Answer 1

W - What is it for?
U - Use?
C - Construction?
O - Operation?
M - Maintenance?
S - Safety?

Question 2

Ceiling Hook

Answer 2

What is it for - To remove pierce and/or remove plaster ceilings
Use - Can remove overhead debris, turn over materials to allow water penetration and break windows to provide entry, hose stream access or venting
Construction - Wooden or fibreglass handle fitted with a metal spur at one end. Beveled edge for cutting and a wide flat edge for pulling and dragging light material.
Operation - Pierce the plaster with the point or cut the plaster with using the beveled edge until plaster can easily be removed with the spur.
Maintenance - Clean with a damp cloth after use, check the handle for splinters and the spur for cracks. If damaged complete P798 form and notify the OIC
Safety - Wear PPC, including helmet with the visor down and gloves. Beware of dislodged roof tiles or wires in ceiling. Never leave glass in window frame

Question 3

Fuse Puller

Answer 3

What is it for - To disconnect power supply to a structure
Use - To remove fuses and isolate point-of entry
Construction - Fibre glass telescopic pole, metal universal end and pigtail or hook end
Operation - (Pigtail) Attach to fuse puller and extend, insert into fuse box and turn clockwise, look away while pulling down on the fuse.
Maintenance - Clean with supplied silicone fabric cloth, check handle for any splits and cracks, check for any other damage
Safety - Wear rubber electrical gloves, do not stand in or near water, check the the fuse mounting before hand.

Question 4

Combination Axe

Answer 4

What is it - a sledge hammer one side and an axe on the other
Use - Used for pounding, chopping and forced entry
Operation - When using the combination axe, strike the object or surface squarely. The sledge hammer can be used in combination with the Hooligan/Halligan tool for forced entry by wedging the Halligan tool into a door and then using the sledge hammer on the squared off surface of the Halligan.
Construction - Fibre glass handle with a moulded rubber grip and 8kg heat-treated steel head.
Maintenance - Clean with a damp cloth, check head is secured to the handle, the blade is sharp and inspect for cracks and splits.
Safety - Wear eye protection and gloves. When striking a hard surface, splinters can become airborne. Ensure adequate room to work within.

Question 5

Hooligan/Halligan Tool

Answer 5

What is it - Hooligan (claw) and Halligan (prong) Tool
Use - to gain forced entry into a structure or vehicle. Can be used to pry, twist and cut many types of material. ie. a drain where a body part has been stuck.
Construction - bar with a tongue and tapered spike at one end and a claw or prong at the other. The end fittings are made of steel, which is heat treated and spark resistant. The tool is chrome plated for ease of cleaning.
Operation - Tongue can be used to force entry through windows and doors, tapered spike can be used to force open locks and latches, metal claw works like a can opener and to make openings in sheets of metal such as car boots. Often used in conjunction with the combination axe
Maintenance - Clean with a damp cloth, Check end fittings are securely fixed to the handle and check for any cracks or burrs
Safety - Wear correct PPC including gloves and eye protections. Ensure you maintain a firm grip and always carry tool by you side or if placing on the ground ensure that the tongue and spike are facing down

Question 6

What form should be filled and who should be notified in the case of a damaged piece of equipment?

Answer 6

Complete a P798 ‘Damaged or missing equipment/uniform’ form and notify the OIC for action.

Question 7

Battery Powered Tools

Answer 7

What is it - Battery powered tools are kept in the Battery Powered Tool kit bag. It includes: Cordless drill, Cordless impact driver, 18v angle grinder, Forcible entry tool and battery chargers.
Use - (Cordless drill) is used to drill holes and insert/remove Tek screws
Construction - The body is plastic and metal with a removable battery pack and a side attachment for extra stability.
Operation -
Maintenance - Visually check for damage. Remove the battery pack before cleaning and insert into charging unit. Clean any dust and debris from charger and tool vents. Keep tool clean, dry and free of oil or grease. Use only mild soapy water and a damp cloth to clean
Safety - Always wear appropriate PPC including safety goggles. Never use flammable or combustible solvents around tools.

Question 8

Rabbit tool

Answer 8

What is it - Rabbit tool
Use - Used for forcible entry
Construction - rabbit tool kit includes: Hydraulic hand pump, 4 tonne capacity ram fitted with stainless steel jaws, 1.8m rubber coated high pressure hose. Rubber mallet and pry tool accessories
Operation - Connect the high pressure hose between the hydraulic hand pump and the ram, insert the rabbit tool jaws between the door, and the door jam with the aid of the pry bar, turn the pump relief valve on the main body of the pump in a clockwise direction and pump the handle in continuous application
Maintenance - If the tool has been exposed to water or grit, it must be cleaned thoroughly. Check for oil leaks or damage
Safety - Must be used by two (2) people, do not allow kinks in the hose or to come in contact with toxic materials, fire or extreme impact, do not use hose ot drag or lift the tool, always wear the correct PPC/PPE.