L19 Receives New TNT Rescue Tools

 

In June L19 received a complete set of TNT rescue tools.  Included was a hydraulic spreader (jaws of life), cutter and ram.  We also placed in service a set of air bags used for lifting vehicles and other heavy objects, stabilizers for securing vehicles resting on their side, cribbing and a windshield saw.  Training took place at station 11, followed by a trip to local junk yards to cut up cars and practice with the tools.  A shift also trained on a vehicle behind the station in June.   These tools are long overdue but now in service in district 19.

Hydraulic Power Plant, operates two tools at one time, operating pressure 10,500 psi and uses a safer mineral based oil

Cutters in use

Stabilizers used to secure vehicle resting on its side, have 4000 pound capacity each

Glass Master saw and window punch

Spreaders in use

Hydraulic Cutters C-20 with 88,000 pounds of force

Hydraulic spreaders "Jaws of Life" S-100 with 32,500 pounds of force

Spreaders full open

Hydraulic Telescoping Ram with 51,500 pounds of force, and a 21"-51" spread

(2) 24 ton airbags, (1) 13 ton airbag, 50' hoses and regulator/control box runs off standard SCBA air cylinder regulated down from 4500 psi to 118 psi

Glass Saw and window punch

'Rabit Tool' used to spread metal door frames, manual pump

Rabit Tool full open

Rabit Tool kit with tools

Tool storage. 4x4 wood cribbing used to stabilize vehicles, can take up to 6000 psi