Specification for multi-edged rescue axe (non-wedging)
1985 Edition

IS 5505: Overview and Essential Specifications

• Scope (Clause 1.1):
  Details the criteria for multi-edged rescue axes of the non-wedging type, covering material selection, shape, size, and construction parameters.

• Material Requirements (Clause 2.1):
  Steel used for forging the axe head shall comprise:

  Element	Percentage (%)
  Carbon	0.75 to 0.85
  Manganese	0.50 to 3.80
  Phosphorus	Maximum 0.050
  Sulphur	Maximum 0.050
  Silicon	Maximum 0.250

• Rounding of Values (Clause 0.4): Test results should be rounded in accordance with IS 2:1960, preserving the specified significant figures.

• Testing Compliance (Clause 7.1): Every sample must undergo verification against all stipulated parameters.

Material Composition Summary Table

This ensures the axe possesses the necessary toughness, durability, and performance for firefighting and rescue applications.

flowchart TD
    A[Scope of IS 5505] --> B[Steel 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 and Size]
    A --> I[Construction Details]
    A --> J[Testing and Conformity]

Refer to the complete IS 5505 document and IS 2:1960 for detailed design and rounding conventions.

IS 5505: Steel and Material Criteria for Multi-Edged Rescue Axe (Non-Wedging)

Essential Steel Composition (Clause 2.1)

Material Requirements:

• The forging steel must adhere strictly to the above composition.
• Phosphorus and sulphur are limited to prevent brittleness and enhance toughness.
• Carbon content is optimized to provide hardness and cutting capability.
• Manganese contributes to strength and resistance to wear.

Testing Protocol (Clause 5.1):

• The axe shall successfully cut through a 3.15 mm mild steel plate (minimum length 1 meter), creating a slit at least 60 cm long without wedging or causing dents.
• The same cutting test must be repeated on a 4.00 mm aluminium alloy plate, demonstrating consistent performance.
• This validates the axe’s durability and smooth cutting action.

Rounding Procedures:

• Test data must be rounded following IS 2:1960, maintaining the accuracy of significant figures.

Diagram: Steel Composition and Testing Workflow

flowchart TD
    A[Steel Composition] --> B{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[Cut 3.15mm Steel Plate]
    I --> J{No Wedging or Dents}
    J --> K[Cut 4.00mm Aluminium Plate]
    K --> L{Equivalent Performance}

This guarantees the axe meets the durability and operational requirements set by IS 5505.

IS 5505: Configuration and Size Specifications for Multi-Edged Rescue Axe

• Clause 3.1: The axe’s design and measurements must comply with the dimensions illustrated in Fig. 1 of the standard (figure not included here). This covers blade size, handle length, and overall shape.

• Handle Insulation (Clause 2.2): The handle shall be insulated with vulcanized rubber, conforming to the insulation requirements of IS 926-1985.

• Rounding Guidelines (Clause 0.4): All dimensional and test values must be rounded as per IS 2:1960, preserving the number of significant digits.

Typical Dimensions (Indicative):

Note: For precise geometry, consult Fig. 1 in IS 5505.

graph LR
A[Handle] --> B[Head]
B --> C[Cutting Edge]
B --> D[Pick Edge]
A -.-> E[Insulated with Vulcanized Rubber]

Ensure adherence to the official figure for exact measurements and shape.

IS 5505: Construction Details and Surface Finish for Multi-Edged Rescue Axes

1. Steel Composition (Clause 2.1)

2. Handle Grip (Clause 3.4)

• The handle’s surface must be non-slip.
• A knurled texture is applied to improve grip security.

3. General Construction

• Axe features a multi-edged, non-wedging design.
• Dimensions and shape adhere to IS 5505 detailed drawings.
• Numerical data rounded according to IS 2:1960.

Summary Diagram

flowchart TD
    A[Steel 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 Texture]
    H --> I[Non-slip Surface]

This combination ensures the axe is durable, safe to use, and performs optimally.

IS 5505: Performance Evaluation Tests for Rescue Axes

Primary Cutting Test (Clause 5.1)

• Test Material:
  • Mild steel plate of 3.15 mm thickness, at least 1 meter long.
  • Supported at a height of minimum 30 cm above ground.
• Procedure:
  • Create a cut of minimum 60 cm length using the rescue axe.
  • The axe must not become wedged in the plate.
  • Cutting and serrated edges should remain free from dents.
• Repetition:
  • Repeat identical test on a 4.00 mm thick aluminium alloy plate.
  • Performance must be consistent.

Steel Composition (Clause 2.1)

Additional Requirements

• Metal components must have a bright finish (Clause 4.2).
• Test outcomes must be rounded following IS 2:1960.

flowchart LR
    A[Begin Test] --> B[Position 3.15mm Steel Plate]
    B --> C[Cut 60cm Slit]
    C --> D{Is axe wedged?}
    D -- No --> E{Are edges dent-free?}
    D -- Yes --> F[Fail]
    E -- Yes --> G[Repeat on 4mm Aluminium Plate]
    E -- No --> F
    G --> H{Matches Performance?}
    H -- Yes --> I[Pass]
    H -- No --> F

These tests confirm the axe’s resilience and cutting capability as per IS 5505.

IS 5505: Marking Protocols for Rescue Axes

Essential Marking Elements (Clause 6.1)

Each axe must bear clear and permanent markings indicating:

• The manufacturer’s name or trademark
• The phrase "Tested for 20,000 volts"
• The year when manufactured

ISI Certification Mark (Clause 6.1.1)

• The axe may display the ISI mark, signifying conformity with the standard under rigorous inspection and quality assurance.
• Usage of the ISI mark is regulated by the Indian Standards Institution (Certification Marks) Act.

Rounding Instructions (Clause 0.4)

• Marking and test values must be rounded as directed by IS 2:1960.
• Maintain the same number of significant figures as specified.

Marking Summary Table

This ensures traceability and verifies electrical safety compliance.

IS 5505: Sampling, Inspection, and Conformity Checks

• Clause 7.1: Each randomly selected sample undergoes thorough inspection for compliance with material, dimensional, and construction standards.

• Rounding Practice (Clause 0.4): Test results must be rounded as per IS 2:1960, retaining the number of significant digits.

• ISI Marking (Clause 6.1.1): Denotes adherence to IS 5505 supported by ISI’s quality control system.

Inspection Process Overview

Rounding Rule (IS 2:1960)

• Round test measurements to the decimal places matching the standard’s specified values.
• Example: A specified dimension of 12.5 mm (one decimal place) with a measured value of 12.47 mm should be rounded to 12.5 mm.

flowchart TD
    A[Select Sample] --> B[Verify Dimensions & Material]
    B --> C{Complies with Standard?}
    C -- Yes --> D[Accept Sample]
    C -- No --> E[Reject Sample]
    D --> F[Apply IS 2 Rounding]
    E --> F
    F --> G[Attach ISI Mark if Applicable]

This process assures consistent quality and conformity to IS 5505 for rescue axes.