short cuts and gadgets

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short cuts and gadgets

DEPARTMENTS

Grand Rapids rescue unit mounts 1,000-gpm pump, around-the-pump foam proportioning system and 100-gallon foam liquid tank, 15,000-pound capacity toinch 1,000-watt alternator, mobile radio and a large assortment of rescue tools

Peg-Board Keeps Rescue Tools Orderly

Visitors to the forthcoming conference of the International Association of Fire Chiefs at Grand Rapids, Mich., will have the opportunity of viewing many new developments in fire apparatus and equipment. A novel idea used by the Grand Rapids Fire Department is well worth a second look.

The rescue squad employs peg-board panels fitted with canvas webbing as a convenient means of storing small hand tools in a neat and orderly fashion. Not only does this method facilitate fast visual survey of the equipment, but it also permits more efficient use of the storage capacity of the vehicle’s compartments. It is a good example of the old master mechanic’s saying, “A place for every tool and every tool in its place.”

Peg boards are attached to interior of compartment doors and permit rapid selection of necessary small toolsAdvantage is taken of full height compartment designed for long-handle tools and other bulky gear. Board holds assortment of wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.

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Short cuts and gadgets

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Short cuts and gadgets

Improved Sprinkler Wedge

The Miami, Fla., Fire Division is now employing a new idea for plugging individual sprinkler heads during fire or salvage operations. Developed by the combat section in conjunction with the fire college, it consists of a wooden sprinkler wedge made to fit the pike of a pike pole. The wedge can then be inserted into a discharging head more rapidly than by previously used methods.

The wedge is milled to fit the point and the underside grooved to fit the curved portion of the pike to prevent it from turning when being inserted. After the wedge has been placed between the discharge orifice and the deflection plate it can be tapped into a more secure position by the pike pole.

This method was developed primarily for speed and ease of operation and to preclude the necessity of using ladders to reach ordinarily inaccessible installations. The procedure has proven quite successful on several occasions, and an adequate supply of wedges have been distributed to all companies.

Hole and groove permit wedge to fit pike pole

—Miami F. D. photos by Carl Mertens

Fire fighter places wedge on pike pole preparatory to positioningWedge is raised to desired location and placed in headA tap with the pike pole forces wedge into proper position for cutting off flow

Hose Test Manifold

The Long Beach, Calif., Fire Department has employed the “Wallace HiTest” hose-testing manifold developed by Master Mechanic A. A. Wallace for several years.

Due to its simplicity, it is said to have reduced the hose testing time about 75 per cent since several lengths may be tested simultaneously. It may be used with the regular piston-type hose test pump or in conjunction with the high or low-pressure pumps of any pumper. It may also be used with 2 1/2-inch, 1½-inch or booster hose, as little water is used after hose lengths have been filled.

Nozzles with 1 ½-inch tips are attached to the male butts to facilitate ease in handling and to prevent loss. The main manifold may be from 2-inch to 6-inch pipe with 2 1/2-inch fittings which may be reduced as required.

Wallace Hi-Test manifold has handles welded on each end for ease in carrying. Base plates are also welded to pipe to maintain correct positionManifold in use testing six lengths of 2 1/2-inch hose simultaneously with pumper. Hand test pump may also be employed if desired

Long Beach F. D. photos by John J. Lloyd

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