WAC 296-305-06001   Fire service equipment.  (1) All portable equipment shall be inspected routinely to ensure that it is ready for use.

     (2) Any defective equipment shall be removed from service.

     (3) Nylon utility straps or straps of equivalent strength should be used instead of hose belts. The utility strap shall be of one-inch nylon, or equivalent belting, with a four-inch overlap and sewn with polyester thread and shall measure at least 102 inches on the outside circumference.

     (4) The load capacity shall be stenciled on each portable jack and the load capacity shall not be exceeded.

     (5) The instruction plate on portable jacks shall be maintained in a legible condition.

     (6) Portable powered cut-off saws (rescue saws) shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Exception:

The lower blade guard described in WAC 296-24-65501 (1)(a) is not required on hand-held portable powered cut-off saws used by fire/rescue personnel for rescue procedures and/or roof ventilation for smoke removal, provided the operator is wearing appropriate eye, face, head, and body protection as specified in WAC 296-305-02001 through 296-305-02013. This exception also applies to qualified persons (e.g., instructors) wearing personal protective equipment as described herein to instruct personnel in safe roof ventilation/rescue techniques.

     (7) When not in use, the cutting teeth on a chain saw shall be covered either by an old section of hose, a wooden scabbard, or an equivalent method.

     (8) All axes worn by employees shall be provided with a scabbard to guard against injury from the blade and pick of the axe.

     (9) The guards on smoke ejectors, as supplied by the manufacturer, shall not be removed and the operator of the ejector shall wear gloves.

     (10) Acetylene cylinders. Handling, storage and utilization of acetylene in cylinders shall be in accordance with the Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet G-1 - 1966 edition.

     (11) Powder activated life-line guns and accessories shall be stored in a box or container equipped with a lid or cover.

     (a) The box shall be kept closed when not in use.

     (b) A loaded life-line gun shall not be placed in the storage box.

     (c) Instruction books, cleaning kits and hand tools needed for maintenance or breakdown purposes shall be kept in the life-line gun storage box.

     (d) The words "powder activated tool" shall be conspicuously printed on the top of the storage box.

     (12) Abrasive blades in storage shall be protected from contact with water, liquids, petroleum products and their fumes.

     (13) Fiber rope that has been subjected to injurious chemicals or excessive heat shall not be used for load carrying purposes.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].050 and[49.17].060 . 96-11-067, § 296-305-06001, filed 5/10/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 83-24-013 (Order 83-34), § 296-305-06001, filed 11/30/83; Order 77-20, § 296-305-06001, filed 10/18/77 and Emergency Order 77-24, filed 11/17/77, effective 12/17/77.]