L0S ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT 18 1. General Information The hydraulic rescue system currently used by the County of Los Angeles Fire Department is manufactured by Amkus Incorporated and includes 4 separate components. a. Model GH2S-XL Power Unit The GH2S-XL weights 94 pounds and is powered by a Honda 5.5, 4 cycle engine that uses regular lead-free gasoline. It has two high pressure (10,500 psi), 2-stage pumping systems that operate two 2-way, 2 position selector valves which allow two tools to be used simultaneously. The power unit also holds 2 gallons of a non-toxic mineral based hydraulic fluid that is used to operate the spreaders, cutters and rams. b. Model AMK-30CX Spreader The AMK-30CX spreader weighs 47 lbs and a width of spread of 32". The tool also has a spreading force of 17,000 psi and a closing force of 14,500 lbs.
19 c. Model AMK-25 Heavy Duty Cutter The Model AMK-25 heavy duty cutter weights 30 lbs., has a maximum cutting force of 60,000 lbs. and a cutter opening of 4.1 inches at the tips of the blades. d. Model AMK-40R Push-Pull Ram The Model AMK-40R Push-Pull Ram weights 33 lbs. and has a maximum pushing force of 30,600 lbs. and a pulling force of 14,400 lbs. The closed length of the AMK-40R is 25 inches and fully extends to 40 inches. NOTE: All Amkus spreaders, cutters and rams are operated using a twist grip control valve. Twist to the right to open. Twist to the left to close. Release the control and it will spring to the center position stopping the tool, (dead man feature).
20 e. Model HP101-STD Hand Pump The Model HP101-STD Hand Pump weights 32 lbs. and operates at a maximum pressure of 10,500 lbs. The hand pump also holds ½ gallon of a non-toxic mineral based hydraulic fluid which is used to operate the spreaders, cutters and rams. 2. Daily Check a. One (1) spare spark plug and air filter SHALL be kept with the power unit at all times. b. Check oil level. c. Check hydraulic fluid in reservoir. d. Check and fill fuel tank. e. Check and clean air filter. f. Check hydraulic fittings for excessive wear and possible leaks. g. Check hydraulic hoses for abrasions and/or bulges. h. Check and tighten all loose nuts, bolts and screws. i. Attach and check operation of each tool. j. Clean the tool with mild soap and water and spray with a silicone based lubricant.
21 3. Starting Procedures a. Connect the hydraulic hoses from the power unit to the tool selected. b. Set the control valve to the neutral position. c. Set the throttle control to the fast/start position. The choke is automatic. d. Pull the starter cord. e. Operate at full throttle only. 4. Stopping Procedures a. Idle the engine to dissipate the heat of the engine. b. Set the throttle lever to the stop position. c. Do not wrap hose around a " hot " engine or exhaust. 6. Storage a. To prevent damage to the O- ring and seals when storing the spreaders, leave a small gap between the tips. b. When storing the cutters, place them in a slightly overlapped position, to prevent snagging the tips on objects. c. When storing the rams, close the ram fully and then open ¼ to release pressure off of the cylinder. 7. Safety a. It is Mandatory that all personnel involved in the operation wear personal protection equipment including helmet and goggles. b. If a victim is involved, their protection, safety and welfare shall be paramount at all times during the extrication. c. As one member operates the tool, a second member shall provide back up" for the operator. d. When operating the tool all unnecessary personnel shall be out of the operational area (a minimum of 10 feet).
22 f. One 1 ¾ hose line shall be deployed during all vehicle extrication operations. g. Spreading operations are the most dangerous. Do not stand directly behind the operator or against the object being removed (i.e. a vehicle door). h. Cutting operations are also dangerous due to the pressures involved. Be alert of flying pieces of metal during this operation.
23 LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT S NAME EMP# DATE WORK LOCATION BN STATION SHIFT OBJECTIVE: To answer general questions about the operations of the hydraulic rescue systems. To demonstrate the ability to operate the hydraulic rescue systems tools in a safe efficient manner. EQUIPMENT: Personal protective equipment. Amkus hydraulic rescue system DESCRIPTION OF EVOLUTION: Given: Member in personal protective equipment. Amkus hydraulic rescue system(s) ready to operate. 1. Answer general questions about the operations and safety precautions of the Amkus hydraulic rescue systems. 2. Operate one of the Amkus hydraulic rescue systems by starting the engine and operating the tools. 3. Return the tools to readiness. INDIVIDUALS NOT MEETING THE INDIVIDUAL SKILLS STANDARD WILL REQUIRE ADDITIONAL TRAINING IN THAT SKILL. INDIVIDUAL HAS MET THE STANDARD: YES NO COMMENTS: 1. Answer general questions about the operations and safety precautions of the Amkus hydraulic rescue systems. 2. Connect hydraulic hoses and desired tool. 3. Start engine per procedures. 4. Return system to readiness. RATER
L0S ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT 24 RATERS ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS 1. What is the "Dead Mans" control and how does it operate? A. A control that springs twist grip valve back to the neutral or off position when pressure is released from the control. 2. What materials are used to clean the hydraulic tools? After cleaning, what is used to protect and lubricate the tools? A. Mild soap and water. Spray with a silicone lubricant. 3. What type of fuel is used in the Amkus GH2S-XL power unit? A. Regular unleaded gasoline. 4. How often do you check the hydraulic hoses? A. Daily and after each use. 5. How often do you inspect the tools for cracks and proper operation? A. Daily and after each use. 6. All unnecessary personnel should be kept at least feet from the hydraulic tools when they are being operated. A. 10 feet 7. Who is responsible for the safety and welfare of a trapped victim while using the hydraulic rescue tools? A. All personnel involved in the incident. 8. What is the operating pressure of the Amkus GH2S-XL power unit? A. 10,500 psi. 9. What shall be deployed at all vehicle extrication operations? A. One 1 ¾ hose line. 10. What position must the control valve on the Amkus GH2S-XL be in prior to starting? A. The neutral position.