Hydraulic-tool information sought for proposed standard process
Assistant Chief Lewis R. Austin of the Winona (MN) Fire Department is asking that anyone with knowledge of incidents involving the explosion, overpressurization, or breaking of hydraulic tools; the bursting of hydraulic lines; the breaking of rams, spreaders, or cutters; or the failure of the hydraulic power units (pumps) to please forward that information to him. As a member of the National Fire Protection Association Committee for the proposed NFPA 1936, Standard on Hydraulic Powered Rescue Tools, which is now out for public comment, he is developing a database of incidents involving the failure of power tools and injuries sustained while using them during training and actual incidents.
The information may be relayed through e-mail: “lewfire@luminet.net,” fax: (507) 452-0345, or phone: (507) 457-8266.
