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Getting Back to Basics on Axes and Axe Training
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by CHIEF NORMAN on
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Doug, thanks for adding this to the thread
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Mac its just like you said this tools problem is the weight, I have personally used this tool and the only draw back was swinging the weight overhead and watching the hook on the end and not to exclude you have two sharp edges (Top & Bottom.) But just like any tool it has its place in the fire industry..
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Permalink Reply by Don Catenacci on
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Then don't do it.
My career FD wears the GutBelt and we carry our Pick Head axe stuffed in the GutBelt like a sword. It works very well, frees up your hands for other tasks, and keeps it right at the ready without having to use a sheath or some other fancy way of carrying the axe.
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Ya I agree Don, if you’re not comfortable with something or its un safe then don’t do it...Everything within the dept. should revolve around SOP's or SOG's and the department head or the training office should be able to answer any questions, and give proper training to include the caring of an axe before & during the event of use...Just always remember take care of yourself! Then your buddy! Then everyone else!
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The only problem that I have ever had with the axe stuck in the GutBelt is it banging on the steps when I climb stairs. It has never been an issue other than hearing it go clunk, clunk, clunk.
Our SOG says EVERYONE getting off any appratus has to carry an axe because it is part of our bail out kit. It is used as an anchor point for the rope in the kit. As a firefighter you have the choice of carry the pickhead axe stuffed in your GutBelt, or if you are assigned the Irons you can use the flat headed axe.
A little trivia for you. The original Irons set was a Claw tool and a Kelly tool. Often hooked together with a short piece of rope and slung over the shoulder. This firefighter also carried a flat head axe. Lots of weight to haul around. In 1946 Captain Hugh Halligan was tasked with designing a tool to replace both of these and the Halligan Bar was born. Thus the mated Halligan and flat head axe are the modern day Irons set.
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Good History Brother Catenacci...
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Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on
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If you are going to use an axe to ventilate a roof, then it's a given that you will need to use a ladder in conjunction with the axe... Reading this post, and wanting to add something to the conversation, I found these photos depicting a firefighter ventilating the roof, using an axe.
What bothered me about the picture was the flame impingement on the aluminum ladder.
I wonder how long an aluminum ladder can withstand direct flame impingement before causing irreparable structural damage?
When you are done ventilating the roof with your axe, you might consider moving the ladder afterwards if there is direct flame impingement... just sayin'
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Well, I can say I am honestly more confused now than before. Are you saying they shove the axe inbetween the scba backplate and the turnout coat? Or in the waist strap at the back plate?
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Permalink Reply by Wade Seely on
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the back plate and the turnout. the head of the flat head axe is rested between the scba and the shoulder strap. Some of our guys were doing it but we have put a stop to it because of several reasons.
- when searching on all fours it can slide foward toward the side of your head.
- it also put the edge of the axe near your shoulder or if stowed wrong, your neck.
- If you happen to fall through say a staircase into a confined space it makes it hard to get to.
Over all it is not a good way to carry one. On a side note be careful shoving it in your scba lap belt as well. I have seen them fall out while a guy was climbing ladder and almost crack someone in the head.
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I have never had an axe fall out like you are suggesting. My advice would be to tighten up the waist strap if it is so loose and axe falls through it. As I stated before we use the GutBelt as part of our bailout kit and if it is not snug it is worthless for bailing out. If it is snug the axe won't fall out.
As for shoving the axe between my coat and the SCBA backplate...Yeah....NO. Seems dangerous as hell to me.
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Permalink Reply by Nathan Henderson on
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Great stuff. It's basics like this that can be easily overlooked in training.
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