By Michael N. Ciampo
Think back to your first ventilation class. Most of you can recall learning that "you need at least a four by four hole to get the most out of your ventilation opening." Many of us older firefighters were handed an ax and, before we even got to swing it, were taught to strip a few shingles off to look at the type of roof sheathing we were dealing with. We were also taught that removing the asphalt shingles in the cutting pattern reduced the friction of the ax blade as it penetrated and cut through the sheathing. In addition, only one material had to be cut, and you eliminated the chances of a buildup of asphalt residue on the ax blade.
After we went over these steps, we were shown how to cut a square on a roof prop with an ax and then the power saw, and we instantly became schooled on the art of roof cutting. We also noticed how much easier it was to use the saw and how much physical stamina and finesse it took to use the ax.
If you are a current subscriber,login hereto access this content.
If you would like to become a subscriber, please visit ushere.
