When a chainsaw is the only way in
Published: 01 April, 2007
Peter Kallio is an avid user of the Cutters Edge 2171 RS with 16” bar for structural tasks. “I also use Ramfan PPV ventilators, due to their high speed of airflow,” he explains.
“Making the initial entry in a structure for PPV has always been a very dangerous and difficult task, especially where you might have to make a hole in the roof. In the past, ordinary chainsaws or rotary saws have proven to be ineffective and dangerous to use. Cutters Edge is a powerful tool and does the job – it is the only certified kickback-free chainsaw available.
“It is also very safe because of the low kick-back and the Guard Depth Gauge which protects the operator from the chain. Thanks to the Bullet Chain you do not have to worry what is under the layer, you simply can start sawing. The only thing you have to do is to study how the roof is constructed to avoid sawing the roof frames. The working position is also much better than you achieve when you work with a rotary saw. I feel very confident when I have a Cutters Edge with me on the roof.”
There are, of course, many things to take into consideration when you take on the task of tactical ventilation, says Chief Kallio. It depends on which stage the fire has reached and where it has spread. The most common situation is where fire has spread to the roof space. You should try to make the hole over - or as close to - the fire as safety considerations will allow. If possible, try to make the opening on the leeward side of the building but, of course, you should pay attention to the side of the building closest to the main fire, says Peter. The Cutters Edge unit is easy to use and very safe. Peter explains: “The Cutters Edge 2171 weighs a little over 6 kg. I have never considered it heavy. It is also very well balanced.
“Making cuts in roofing materials such as roofing felt is always a problem. The chain clogs up, the tar and sawdust make a really bad mixture that finally forces ordinary saws to stop. Of course, combinations of different roof materials make the job even more difficult. With Cutters Edge you do not have this problem. The speed and patented chain makes it possible to saw in almost any material you can find on the roof, except for stone materials, of course.
Today’s PPV techniques make it possible to rapidly get the heat out of a structure and they give you visibility and the possibility of entering a smokelogged building. “Thanks to the Guard Depth Gauge you can adjust the cutting depth so that it is possible to make inspections inside walls. You just saw the wallboard away leaving the inner construction untouched. This is also very useful when you make openings in a door – you always know where the tip of the chain is running. More info? Please visit: www.cuttersedge.com
