DIN 14900:2015-09

The standard applies to fireman's axes with wooden handle (FA) or with glass fibre reinforced plastic handle (FAK) as well as to the protective cover with carrying strap (ST) and specifies their dimensions, designation and requirements. Firefighting axes are used to break in and open doors, as small ceiling hooks and are used to load certain fire-fighting vehicles (e.g. fire-fighting vehicles, rescue service vehicles). The fire brigade axe according to this standard was confirmed in May 2013 by Working Committee NA 031-04-09 AA as a basic tool for door opening (see www.fnfw.din.de). At the working committee meeting in May 2013, various tools could be tested on the market which could have served as a possible replacement for the fire brigade axe according to DIN 14900. However, these tools are covered by patent rights, so that standardization was excluded from the committee. In addition, the tools differ in type and application, so that uniform standardization would not have been possible. The fireman's axe thus remains the standardized basic tool, for example for breaking in and opening doors or as a small ceiling hook. All supplementary tools of a similar type may be used as vehicle loads in accordance with local requirements and wishes within the scope of space and weight reserves. The so-called "Halligan-Tool" is already listed in the load of every fire fighting vehicle. The November 1988 edition of DIN 14900 has been amended to update the content of the standard with regard to normative references and material specifications and to revise the marking. In Section 5 "Execution", this standard contains safety-related specifications within the meaning of the Product Safety Act (ProdSG). If the standard has been determined by the Product Safety Committee and its reference has been published in the Joint Ministerial Gazette by the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, it is presumed that fire axes manufactured in accordance with this standard meet the relevant requirements for the safety and health of persons. Under the conditions specified in Section 5 of the Product Safety Act, they may be marked with the GS mark awarded to the manufacturer by a GS body. This document has been prepared by Working Committee NA 031-04-09 AA "Sonstige Ausrüstung - SpA zu CEN/TC 192/WG 5" ("Other equipment - Mirror Committee of CEN/TC 192/WG 5") at DIN Standards Committee Firefighting and Fire Protection (FNFW) at DIN.