Ventilation Saws/Small Engine Training
 
By Firefighter Andrew Ocasio
April 18, 2014
 

On Wednesday 4/16/14, Mohegan Firefighters trained at the Furnace Woods Station on the topic of Ventilation Saws and the science of venting at a structure fire. Training began with classroom instruction followed by hands on activities with the various saws used for venting within the district. Lieutenant Eade led the lecture utilizing video/internet sources as well as drawing on his many years of experience in the field.

The main points of the training regarding venting is to utilize a timed attack of getting the "wet stuff on the red stuff" and venting above the seat of the fire. Venting should occur when a hose line is in position to attack the seat of the fire.

Venting is not intended to be done haphazardly by blowing out windows at random. This can actually lead to oxygen feeding the toxic conditions thus causing a flashover. It is also important to remember that venting, whether it's taking out a window or cutting a 4ft by 4ft hole in the roof can only be done after an order has been given by a Firematic Officer.

There are 3 saws that are commonly used for venting. They are the K12 also known as a Partner saw, the Cutters Edge, and the Quick vent saw. All of these saws use MotoMix or RedMax fuel. These are pre-mixed fuel and oil products that are contained in one container. There is no need to mix gas and oil at the scene when refueling any of the mentioned saws.

Of the 3 saws, many Firefighters prefer the Cutters Edge because of its blade adjust capabilities which prevents cutting into beams as the guide only allows you to go as deep as it is set. The K12 has the ability to cut stone, metal and wood when using the correct blade. The Diamond Blade can cut through all of the above materials. The quick vent saw is handy tool to use when there is a lot of layers of shingles and tar.

When preparing to vent using any of the saws it is recommended that the saw first be started on the ground then shut off as to ensure easy start up when the tool gets to the roof. As always, extreme safety measures should be used when handling a saw i.e. eye protection, body position when operating saw, carrying saw with blade down etc.
 
Units: Ladder 35, Eng 258
 
Fuel type used for K 12, Quick vent, and Cutters Edge Saws.
Fuel type used for K 12, Quick vent, and Cutters Edge Saws.
FF Mueller changing the blade on the K 12 saw.
FF Mueller changing the blade on the K 12 saw.
 
Diamond blade which is used on various types of materials including wood and metals.
Diamond blade which is used on various types of materials including wood and metals.
An arrow on a wood blade indicates the direction the blade spins to cut.
An arrow on a wood blade indicates the direction the blade spins to cut.
 
The wrench that is used to change blades and adjust tension on chains.
The wrench that is used to change blades and adjust tension on chains.
Blades for the K 12 saw are clearly labeled for the types of materials for which it can be used.
Blades for the K 12 saw are clearly labeled for the types of materials for which it can be used.
 
The Cutters Edge saw can be adjusted to allow for various depths. All of these types of saws are kept a 3 inch depth.
The Cutters Edge saw can be adjusted to allow for various depths. All of these types of saws are kept a 3 inch depth.
Lt. Hirsch with the quick vent saw.
Lt. Hirsch with the quick vent saw.
 
When starting the Cutters edge, this blue button (compression) must be pressed in, it will pop out after a couple of pulls. At this point, you would push in the choke and pull the pulley until the saw starts.
When starting the Cutters edge, this blue button (compression) must be pressed in, it will pop out after a couple of pulls. At this point, you would push in the choke and pull the pulley until the saw starts.
The choke must be pulled out and the blue button (compression) must be pushed in when first trying to start saw.
The choke must be pulled out and the blue button (compression) must be pushed in when first trying to start saw.
 
The red button is to stop the saw.
The red button is to stop the saw.
Knob used to change the depth of the blade.
Knob used to change the depth of the blade.
 
Lt. Eade demonstrating proper form when using the Cutters Edge.
Lt. Eade demonstrating proper form when using the Cutters Edge.
When starting the quick vent saw make sure it is in the start position (silver switch) and the choke is out (orange button nearest the silver switch) The orange button on the opposite side is to manually add chain bar oil during operations.
When starting the quick vent saw make sure it is in the start position (silver switch) and the choke is out (orange button nearest the silver switch) The orange button on the opposite side is to manually add chain bar oil during operations.
 
The wrench for the Cutters Edge is attached to the saw via a slot for easy storage and accessibility.
The wrench for the Cutters Edge is attached to the saw via a slot for easy storage and accessibility.
These 2 bolts must be loosened prior to using the adjustment screw located on the left. These bolts and screw adjust the tension of the blade.
These 2 bolts must be loosened prior to using the adjustment screw located on the left. These bolts and screw adjust the tension of the blade.
 
Bolts that must be loosened prior to adjusting chain. The adjustment screw is located on the front of the saw.
Bolts that must be loosened prior to adjusting chain. The adjustment screw is located on the front of the saw.
The adjustment screw on the quick vent saw is used to tighten or loosen the chain.
The adjustment screw on the quick vent saw is used to tighten or loosen the chain.
 
FF Mueller handling the cutters edge
FF Mueller handling the cutters edge
FF Mueller under the watchful eye of Lt. Eade
FF Mueller under the watchful eye of Lt. Eade
 
Lt Hirsch handling the K 12
Lt Hirsch handling the K 12