Specification for multi-edged rescue axe (non-wedging)

IS 5505: Scope Summary & Key Specifications

• Scope (Clause 1.1):
  Specifies requirements for multi-edged rescue axes (non-wedging) including materials, shape, dimensions, and construction.

• Material Composition (Clause 2.1):
  Steel for forging axe must have:

  Constituent	Percent (%)
  Carbon	0.75 to 0.85
  Manganese	0.50 to 3.80
  Phosphorus	Max 0.050
  Sulphur	Max 0.050
  Silicon	Max 0.250

• Rounding Off (Clause 0.4):
  Final test values must be rounded per IS 2:1960, retaining the same significant figures as specified.

• Testing (Clause 7.1):
  Each sample must be checked against all standard requirements.

Summary Table: Material Composition for Rescue Axe Steel

This ensures durability, toughness, and performance suitable for fire rescue operations.

flowchart TD
    A[IS 5505 Scope] --> B[Material Composition]
    B --> C[Carbon 0.75-0.85%]
    B --> D[Manganese 0.50-3.80%]
    B --> E[Phosphorus ≤0.050%]
    B --> F[Sulphur ≤0.050%]
    B --> G[Silicon ≤0.250%]
    A --> H[Shape & Dimensions]
    A --> I[Construction]
    A --> J[Testing & Compliance]

For detailed design and testing procedures, refer to full IS 5505 document and IS 2:1960 for rounding rules.

IS 5505: Materials for Multi-Edged Rescue Axe (Non-Wedging)

Key Material Composition (Clause 2.1)

Material Specifications:

• Steel used must conform to above composition for forging the axe.
• Phosphorus and Sulphur are limited to 0.050% max for quality and toughness.
• Carbon content ensures hardness and cutting efficiency.
• Manganese improves strength and wear resistance.

Testing Requirements (Clause 5.1):

• Axe must cut a 3.15 mm mild steel plate (≥1 m length) with a slit ≥60 cm without wedging or dents.
• Repeat test on 4.00 mm aluminium alloy plate with same performance.
• Ensures durability and non-wedging cutting action.

Rounding Off (Clause None):

• Test values rounded as per IS 2:1960 rules, maintaining significant figures same as specified values.

Summary Diagram: Material Composition and Testing Flow

flowchart TD
    A[Steel Composition] --> B{Key Elements}
    B --> C[Carbon 0.75-0.85%]
    B --> D[Manganese 0.50-3.80%]
    B --> E[Phosphorus ≤0.050%]
    B --> F[Sulphur ≤0.050%]
    B --> G[Silicon ≤0.250%]
    A --> H[Forge Axe Head]
    H --> I[Test: Cut 3.15mm Steel Plate]
    I --> J{No Wedging, No Dents}
    J --> K[Test: Cut 4.00mm Aluminium Plate]
    K --> L{Same Performance}

This ensures the axe meets durability, toughness, and functional criteria per IS 5505.

IS 5505: Shape and Dimensions of Multi-Edged Rescue Axe

• Clause 3.1: The rescue axe's shape and dimensions must conform exactly to Fig. 1 of the standard (not provided here). This figure details the precise geometry including blade size, handle length, and head shape.

• Handle Insulation (Clause 2.2): Handle insulation shall be vulcanised rubber, complying with IS 926-1985 insulation tests.

• Rounding Off (Clause 0.4): Numerical values for dimensions and test results must be rounded per IS 2:1960, maintaining the same significant figures as specified.

Typical Dimensions (from standard practice for rescue axes):

Note: Refer to Fig. 1 in IS 5505 for exact shape details.

graph LR
A[Handle] --> B[Head]
B --> C[Blade Edge]
B --> D[Pick Edge]
A -. Insulated Vulcanised Rubber .-> E[Electrical Insulation]

For full compliance, always cross-check dimensions with the official IS 5505 Fig. 1.

IS 5505: Construction and Finish of Multi-edged Rescue Axe

1. Material Composition (Clause 2.1)

2. Handle Grip (Clause 3.4)

• Must be non-slippery.
• Provided with a knurled surface for better grip.

3. General Specifications

• The axe is multi-edged, non-wedging type.
• Dimensions and shape as per standard (refer IS 5505 for detailed drawings).
• Numerical values are rounded off per IS 2-1960 rules.

Summary Diagram

flowchart TD
    A[Material Composition] --> B[Carbon 0.75-0.85%]
    A --> C[Manganese 0.50-3.80%]
    A --> D[Phosphorus ≤0.050%]
    A --> E[Sulphur ≤0.050%]
    A --> F[Silicon ≤0.250%]
    G[Handle Grip] --> H[Knurled Surface]
    H --> I[Non-slippery]

This ensures durability, safety, and optimum performance of the rescue axe.

IS 5505: Performance Tests for Rescue Axe

Key Performance Test (Clause 5.1)

• Test Plate:
  • Mild steel plate, 3.15 mm thick, one side ≥ 1 m long
  • Supported ≥ 30 cm above ground
• Test Action:
  • Make a slit ≥ 60 cm long using the rescue axe
  • Axe must not wedge in the plate
  • Cutting end and serrated edges must show no dents after cutting
• Repeat Test:
  • Use 4.00 mm thick aluminium alloy plate
  • Axe must perform identically

Material Composition (Clause 2.1)

Additional Notes

• Metal surfaces must be bright finished (Clause 4.2).
• Final test values rounded as per IS 2-1960.

flowchart LR
    A[Start Test] --> B[Place 3.15mm Steel Plate]
    B --> C[Cut 60cm Slit with Axe]
    C --> D{Axe wedges?}
    D -- No --> E{Dents on edge?}
    D -- Yes --> F[Fail Test]
    E -- No --> G[Repeat on 4mm Aluminium Plate]
    E -- Yes --> F
    G --> H{Same performance?}
    H -- Yes --> I[Pass Test]
    H -- No --> F

This ensures the axe's durability and cutting efficiency on metal surfaces.

IS 5505: Marking Requirements for Axes

Key Marking Specifications (Clause 6.1)

Each axe shall be clearly and permanently marked with:

• Manufacturer's name or trade-mark
• Tested for 20,000 volts
• Year of manufacture

ISI Certification Mark (Clause 6.1.1)

• The axe may bear the ISI Certification Mark.
• This mark confirms compliance with IS 5505 under strict inspection, testing, and quality control.
• Use of the ISI mark is governed by the Indian Standards Institution (Certification Marks) Act.

Rounding Off Test Results (Clause 0.4)

• Test values must be rounded as per IS 2:1960.
• Retain the same number of significant digits as the specified value.

Summary Table for Marking

This ensures traceability, quality assurance, and compliance with electrical safety standards.

IS 5505: Sampling and Inspection - Key Points

• Clause 7.1: Each sample shall be checked against the requirements of the standard (materials, shape, dimension, construction).

• Rounding Off (Clause 0.4): Test results must be rounded as per IS 2:1960, retaining the same significant figures as the specified values.

• ISI Certification Mark (Clause 6.1.1): Indicates compliance with the standard under ISI's inspection and quality control system.

Sampling & Inspection Summary

Rounding Off Rule (IS 2:1960)

• Round off test values to the same decimal places as the standard's specified value.
• Example: If specified dimension = 12.5 mm (1 decimal place), test result 12.47 mm → round to 12.5 mm.

flowchart TD
    A[Select Sample] --> B[Check Dimensions & Material]
    B --> C{Meets Standard?}
    C -- Yes --> D[Accept Sample]
    C -- No --> E[Reject Sample]
    D --> F[Apply IS 2 Rounding]
    E --> F
    F --> G[Mark with ISI Certification (if applicable)]

This ensures consistent quality and conformity to IS 5505 for firemen's axes.