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IS 12805:1989 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for tool mcleod for fighting forest fires. This standard specifies the requirements for a McLeod tool, a hand tool used for fighting forest fires. It covers the material, dimensions, construction, workmanship, finish, and performance tests for both the tool head and its handle.
! The McLeod tool is a versatile dual-purpose tool, combining a hoe and a rake, essential for creating firelines by clearing flammable ground debris and digging in soil.
! Proper heat treatment to achieve the specified hardness (38-45 HRC) is critical for the tool's durability and ability to withstand rugged use without deforming or breaking.
! Ensure the wooden handle is free from defects like knots, cracks, and cross-grains as specified in IS 620 to prevent failure during use.
USFS 5100-354HUSDA Forest Service, San Dimas Technology and Development Center (SDTDC), USA
HighCurrent
McLeod Tool
Specifies the design, materials, and manufacturing requirements for the same type of wildland firefighting tool.
GSA A-A-2942AGeneral Services Administration (GSA), USA
HighCurrent
Tool, Firefighting (Mcleod Type)
A US government procurement standard for the McLeod tool, which typically references or aligns with the USFS specification.
NFPA 1977National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), USA
LowCurrent
Standard on Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire Fighting
Covers a wide range of wildland fire equipment and references hand tool standards like USFS specs, but does not specify tool design itself.
Key Differences
≠The required hardness for the blade is different. IS 12805 specifies 37-41 HRC, whereas the USFS 5100-354H standard requires a harder range of 45-50 HRC for increased durability and edge retention.
≠The specified blade materials differ. IS 12805 calls for Indian Standard steel grades (e.g., 55Si7), while USFS 5100-354H specifies high-carbon US steel grades like Alloy steel, Grade 1080 modified.
≠Handle material options are more restrictive in the Indian Standard. IS 12805 permits only a wooden handle, while the USFS specification allows for both wood (Ash or Hickory) and modern fiberglass composite handles.
≠The overall width of the tool head is smaller in the Indian Standard. IS 12805 specifies a width of 240 mm (approx. 9.45 inches), while the USFS tool is typically wider at 11.5 inches (approx. 292 mm).
Key Similarities
≈Both standards define a combination tool featuring a sharpened hoe edge and a multi-tined rake, designed for creating firebreaks by scraping, digging, and raking.
≈The design specifies exactly six tines for the rake portion of the tool head in both the Indian and USFS standards.
≈The required handle length is virtually identical. IS 12805 specifies 1200 mm, and USFS 5100-354H specifies 48 inches (1219 mm).
≈Both standards mandate that the tool be painted a conspicuous color (IS: 'Fire Red'; USFS: 'Red enamel or powder coat') to ensure high visibility in outdoor, often smoky, environments.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Blade Hardness
37 - 41 HRC
45 - 50 HRC
USFS 5100-354H
Overall Blade Width
240 ± 5 mm
11.5 inches (approx. 292 mm)
USFS 5100-354H
Handle Length
1200 mm
48 inches (1219 mm)
USFS 5100-354H
Number of Rake Tines
6
6
USFS 5100-354H
Permitted Handle Material
Wood only
Wood (Ash/Hickory) or Fiberglass
USFS 5100-354H
Tine Length
90 ± 5 mm
3.75 inches (approx. 95 mm)
USFS 5100-354H
Blade Material Specification
Steel as per IS 1570 (55Si7 or 65Si7)
Alloy steel, Grade 1080 modified
USFS 5100-354H
Total Weight (Max)
3.0 kg
Not explicitly capped, but head weight is 1.59 - 1.81 kg
USFS 5100-354H
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
What is the specified material for the McLeod tool head?+
The head shall be made from carbon steel of designations like 55C8 or 65C6 as per IS 1570 (Part 2), or an equivalent material (Clause 3.1).
What is the standard length of the handle?+
The overall length of the wooden handle is specified as 1200 ± 25 mm (Table 1).
How is the tool's performance tested?+
A chopping test is performed where the sharpened hoe edge is used to chop a wooden block 10 times without the edge breaking or cracking (Clause 6.2).
What are the marking requirements for the tool?+
The tool must be marked with the manufacturer's name or trademark and the batch/year of manufacture. It can also be marked with the ISI Certification Mark (Clause 7).