Forest Operations > Conduct Skidder Operations > Fire Fighting Fquipment 

Fire Fighting Fquipment 

Fires and fire prevention is an important factor when working in Australian forests.

Due to a massive increase in the amount of machines being used in forest harvesting operations this opens up the risk of more fires being started by forest machines..

Make sure you are familiar with what fire extinguisher should be used on a particular fire type.

Fires can easily start without warning. Machinery malfunction or faulty exhausts are two common causes.

But don’t overlook human action or error as a cause.

Everyone has a responsibility to reduce the risk of fire, and everyone must know what to do in the event of a fire starting.

Excessive build up of debris must be cleaned off the machine regularly throughout, and at the end of the working day to prevent any possibility of a fire starting.

Fig 8 In forest thick with pine needles, clean around exhaust 2 to 3 time a day 

Causes of Skidder fires may be:

• Machine electrical faults;
• Contact with power lines;
• Inadequate or defective spark arrester;
• Build up of debris around the exhaust and manifold.

Factors other than forest machinery have to be taken into consideration where fires are started.

Other causes of forest fires may be:

• Arson;
• Smoking;
• Electric fences;
• Power line shorts;
• Lightning strikes;
• Petrol ignited from small engine after fuelling;
• Welding, grinding, soldering or gas cutting equipment.

Fire fighting regulations will be a little different from one forest owner to another.

In most cases a forest harvesting operation should have policies and procedures in place for a response to a fire outbreak.

Before you start up the skidder for work you must ensure the machine is fitted with the correct fire fighting equipment required by the forest owner.

Most modern skidders are fitted with an on board automatic fire suppression system.

The control unit is usually located in the cabin, and is equipped with a test switch for operational effectiveness.

With most systems there is a manual unit which is usually located outside the cabin and activated by pulling out a safety pin and pushing in a button.

(Operators must make sure they are familiar with the location and operation of the fire suppression unit.)

All fire extinguishers must be serviced; the date tag stamped and must be easily accessible in case of an emergency.

Procedures for the work site should be in place and recognised by all workers in case of a fire outbreak e.g.

• A good communication system must be in place and in working order.
• Emergency phone number at hand.
• Procedure for contacting work mates and mobilising portable fire unit.
• Being familiar with evacuation checkpoint location.

Portable fire fighting units can be either towed on a trailer or be picked up off a trailer or maintenance vehicle, (usually by a forwarder) and taken to the fire outbreak.

This method is very effective if the fire is deep in the forest.

Regular checks of the fire fighting unit should be made for fuel, oil levels and for any faults or damage.

Procedure for starting a portable fire fighting unit is:

• Turn ignition on;
• Turn fuel and choke on;
• Pull starter cord;
• Turn choke off when engine starts;
• Turn throttle up;
• Turn main tank tap on;
• Open hose nozzle and point at base of fire.

Fig 9a Fire Rake	Figs 9b 500 litre portable fire unit

Forestry machines must be fitted with a shovel or fire rake (see above Figures).

What to do if the machine catches fire:

• Turn the engine off.
• Activate on board fire suppression equipment if fitted.
• Call for help from other workers and let base know of the incident.
• Turn the master isolation switch off.
• If possible, fight the fire using portable fire extinguishers.
• Pull out the trigger safety pin; aim the nozzle at the base of the fire and squeeze the trigger.
• Ensure that the fire does not spread to the surrounding area.

Fig 10 It is important to stay with the machine at least 15 to 20 minutes after shut down at the end of the working day.