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Fire Fighter Tools and Equipment

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Objectives (1 of 2) • Describe the general purposes of tools and equipment.• Describe safety considerations for the use of tools and

equipment.• Describe why it is important to use tools and equipment

effectively.• Describe why it is important to know where tools are stored.

• List and describe tools and equipment that are used for rotating, pushing or pulling, prying or spreading, striking and cutting.

• Describe the tools used in response and scene size-up activities.

• Describe the tools used in a forcible entry.

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Objectives (2 of 2)

• Describe the tools used during an interior attack.

• Describe the tools used in search-and-rescue operations.

• Describe ventilation tools.• Describe the hand tools needed during an overhaul

assignment.• Describe the importance of properly maintaining tools and

equipment.• Describe how to clean and inspect hand tools.• Describe how to maintain power plants and power tools.

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Introduction

• Tools are used for a wide range of activities.• Fire fighters must know how to use tools and

equipment– Effectively– Efficiently– Safely– In dark, limited visibility environments

• Same tools used different ways in each phase of fire suppression and rescue operations

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General Considerations

• Hand and power tools used in all fire suppression and rescue operations

• Hand tools – Extend or multiply body actions– Increase task effectiveness– Use simple machine principles

• Power tools– Powered by electric motors or internal combustion

engines– Faster and more efficient

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Safety

• Safety is the prime consideration for use of tools and equipment.

• Safe equipment avoids accidental injury to:– Fire fighters– Other responders– Victims– Bystanders

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Safe Operation Requires PPE

• Approved helmet• Firefighting hood• Eye protection• Face shield• Approved firefighting

gloves

• Turnout coats• Bunker pants• Boots• Self-contained

breathing apparatus (SCBA)

• Personal alert safety system

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Conditions of Use/ Operating Conditions

• Begin learning under optimal conditions.• As proficiency increases, practice under more

realistic conditions.• Eventually, be able to use tools with no

visibility.• Requires ability to work safely in noise and

around other activities• Your department may require you to practice

skills in total darkness.

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Effective and Efficient Use• Use the least amount of energy to accomplish the task.• Objective is to complete task safely and quickly.• Many are surprised by the strength and energy required

for tasks.• You will learn which tools are used during various

fireground operations.

• Fire department may have standard operating guidelines specify:– Tools and equipment needed for specific situations– Tools and equipment to be carried by fire fighter as personal gear

• Many carry a selection of tools in their pockets.

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Functions

• Rotating (assembly or disassembly)

• Pushing or pulling

• Prying or spreading

• Striking

• Cutting

• Multiple use

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Rotating Tools

• Apply rotational force to turn• Most common are screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers• Requires basic skills• Apparatus carry tool kits with a wide selection• Various sizes and types of screw heads• Spanner wrenches are used for couplings.• Hydrant wrenches are used for hydrants.

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Common Assembly/Disassembly Tools

• Box-end wrenches• Gripping pliers• Hydrant wrenches• Open-end wrenches• Pipe wrenches• Screwdrivers• Socket wrenches• Spanner wrenches

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Pushing/Pulling Tools• Extend fire fighter’s reach• Increase the power exerted on an object• Many common poles and hooks• K-tool is used to pull lock cylinders.

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Pike pole Plaster hook Ceiling hook Clemens hook Drywall hook Multipurpose hook Roofman’s hook San Francisco hook

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Pike Pole• Wood or fiberglass pole with sharpened point metal head attached

to one end

• Primarily used to pull down ceilings

• Available in different sizes, handles, and head configurations

• Head designs vary for different ceiling types.

• Most common size: 4' to 6' for use on 10' ceilings

• Closet hooks are 2' to 4'.

• 12' to 14' are for high ceilings.

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Prying/Spreading Tools

• May be as simple as a pry bar or complex as a hydraulic spreader

• There are many variations.• Pry bar—hardened steel rod that is tapered

on one end• Halligan—includes a sharp pick, flat prying

surface, and a forked claw• Hydraulic spreaders—often used for

extrication

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Common Prying/Spreading Tools

• Claw bar• Crowbar• Flat bar• Halligan tool• Hux bar• Kelly tool• Pry bar

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Striking Tools

• Used to apply impact force• Used to gain entry or make openings• Axe—two types: flat-head or pick-head

– Both have a wide cutting blade.– Flat-head can be used as a striking tool.– Flat-head and a Halligan are called “the irons.”– Pick-head used for puncturing/pulling/prying.

• Spring-loaded center punch—used primarily to break car windows

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Common Striking Tools

• Hammer • Mallet• Sledgehammer• Maul• Flat-head axe• Pick-head axe• Battering ram• Chisel• Spring-loaded

center punch

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Cutting Tools

• Tools with a sharp edge to sever an object

• Range from knives to saws and torches• Each is designed for certain materials.• Fire fighters can be injured and tools

ruined if used incorrectly.• Bolt cutters are often used to cut chains

and padlocks.

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Common Cutting Tools

• Axes• Bolt cutters• Saws• Reciprocating saws• Cutting torches• Hydraulic shears• Seatbelt cutter

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Saws

• Two main categories– Manual – Mechanical

• Handsaws include– Hacksaws– Carpenter’s

handsaw– Coping saw– Keyhole saw

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Mechanical Saws

• Three main types– Chain, rotary, reciprocating

• Faster than handsaws• Conserve fire fighter energy• Requires proper training• Disadvantages

– Heavy and sometimes hard to start– May require an electrical connection

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Chain Saws

• Gasoline-powered or powered by electricity

• Special chains are good for cutting ventilation openings.

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Rotary Saws

• Gasoline powered or electric

• Round metal blade with teeth or flat, abrasive composite disk

• Choice of blade depends on type of material to be cut.

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Reciprocating Saws

• Powered by electricity or battery

• Blade moves back and forth.

• Different blades are used for different materials.

• Most commonly used to cut metal during vehicle extrication

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Hydraulic Shears

• Requires extensive training

• Used with hydraulic spreaders and rams for vehicle extrication

• Quickly cuts metal posts and bars

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Cutting Torches

• Produce extremely high temperature flame

• Heats heavy steel objects until they melt and can be cut through (5,700° F)

• Specialized training required

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Multiple Function/Special Use Tools

• Reduce the tools needed to achieve a goal

• Includes rakes, brooms, shovels, air bags, come alongs, and tripods

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Phases of Use

• Each phase of fire suppression may require certain tools and equipment.

• Basic phase of fire suppression– Response/Size-up– Forcible entry– Interior attack– Search and rescue– Rapid Intervention Crew– Ventilation– Overhaul

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Response/Size-Up

• Consider information from dispatch.– May indicate the nature and gravity of the

situation and problems that might arise

• Begin considering tools needed.

• On arrival, company officer will size-up and develop action plans following SOPs.

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Forcible Entry

• Locked, blocked entries and security systems challenge forcible entry tasks.

• Typical tools for forced entry– Axe– Prying tool– K tool– Other prying tools

• Many techniques may be required to gain entry.

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Interior Attack

• Interior attack involves multiple tasks performed simultaneously or in rapid succession.

• Basic tools should be carried by every crew member.

• Specialized tools should be carried for particular assignments.

• A basic set of tools includes a prying, striking, cutting, and pushing tool and a hand light.

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Interior Attack Team Tools

• Interior attack team is responsible for advancing hose lines, locating and extinguishing the fire.

• Basic tools for reaching the fire– Prying tools (Halligan Tool)– Striking and cutting tools (Flat-head axe)– Pushing tool (short pike pole)– Hand light

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Search and Rescue• Search team carries same tools as

interior attack team.– Pushing tool (Short pike pole)– Prying tool (Halligan tool)– Striking tool (Sledgehammer or flat-head axe– Cutting tool (axe)– Hand light

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• In addition, may need closet hook, thermal imaging camera, portable lights, and lifelines

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Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)

• RIT stands ready for immediate assistance to lost, trapped, injured fire fighters.

• Standard interior firefighting tools used by RIT plus specialty tools for fire fighter rescue

• All equipment should be staged for immediate use.

• Special equipment includes thermal imaging camera, portable lighting, lifelines, prying tools, striking tools, cutting tools, SCBA, and spare air cylinders.

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Ventilation• Many tools are the same as for forcible entry.• Power saws and axes are commonly used.• Fans are used to remove smoke or introduce fresh air.• Horizontal ventilation requires opening doors and windows.• Interior openings may need to be created.

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• Vertical ventilation requires openings in the roof.

• Special tools needed include positive pressure fans, exhaust fans, cutting tools, and long pike poles.

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Overhaul• Examines fire scene to extinguish hidden fires• Burned debris must be removed.• Accomplished using hand tools• Pike poles used to pull ceilings and open walls• Axes and saws used to open walls

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• Prying and striking tools used to open closed spaces

• Shovels, brooms, and rakes used to clear debris

• Thermal imaging used to “see” hot spots

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Tools Used in Overhaul

• Pushing tools• Cutting tools• Prying tools• Striking tools• Debris-removal tools

• Water-removal equipment

• Ventilation equipment

• Portable lighting • Thermal imaging

camera

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Tool Staging

• Many departments have SOPs for staging tools at scenes.– Salvage covers at designated location for layout of

commonly used tools– Saves time and energy

• SOPs specify staged tools and equipment.• Location may be outside or on convenient

interior floor of high-rise structure.• Apparatus operators may transport tools

to/from staging area.

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Maintenance

• Tools and equipment must be maintained to ensure readiness.

• Use power tools only with proper training.• Use equipment only for its intended purpose.• Clean tools according to manufacturer.• Clean and inspect all hand tools after use.• Avoid painting tools.• Power equipment should be left in “ready”

state.

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Hand Tool Maintenance

• Remove all dirt and debris.

• If appropriate, use soap and water.

• Dry tools completely.

• Sharpen cutting tools.

• Inspect for damage.

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Power Tool “Readiness”• Remove debris, clean and dry unit.• Fill with fresh fuel.• Replace dull/damaged blades/chains.• Inspect belts.• Ensure guards are in place.• Clean and inspect hydraulic hoses.• Inspect power cords for damage.• Clean, inspect and test all fittings.• Start to ensure it operates properly.• Empty tanks on water vacuums.• Clean and dry tanks, hoses, and nozzles on water vacuums.

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Summary• Fire fighters must understand purpose of each tool and piece of

equipment on apparatus.– Tools and equipment used in all fire suppression phases

– Tools/equipment used in smoke, darkness, limited motion

– Fire fighters must know tool/equipment location.

– Fire fighters must know safe, effective operation.• Most tools/equipment perform one or more function(s):

– Rotating (assembly/disassembly)– Pushing or pulling– Prying or spreading– Striking or cutting

• Fire fighters should know common tools for each phase of fire suppression sequence.

• Proper maintenance ensures proper operation during emergency.

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