Forcible Entry Tools and Their Safe Operation Firefighter I

Forcible Entry Tools and Their Safe Operation Firefighter I

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Firefighting Tools Commonly Used for Forcible Entry

Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

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Cutting Tools

Axes– Pick-head axe

» 6- or 8-pound head» Very versatile tool» Often used in ventilation to open up roofs

and create ventilation openings» The pick of the axe can also be used to break

windows for ventilation– Flat-head axe

» 6- or 8-pound head» Used to open up roofs and create ventilation

openings» Not as versatile as a pick-head axe


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Metal Cutting Tools

• Bolt cutters– Used on bolts, chains, lock hasps,

padlocks, and shackles– Do not use on case-hardened steel

• Rebar cutters– Hydraulic or manual– Can often cut metal items that bolt

cutters cannot– Excellent for use on security bars


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Metal Cutting Tools (continued)

Cutting torches– Effectively cut materials that other cutting

tools cannot– Oxyacetylene Cutting Torch

» Burns oxygen and acetylene» Flame temperature of 5,700 degrees F» Unstable gas » Must be kept in an upright position» Use is diminishing in fire service


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Burning bars– Also called exothermic cutting

tools– Can cut through most metallic,

semi-metallic, and composite materials

– Produces temperatures in excess of 10,000 degrees F

– Rods range from ¼ inch to 1 inch in diameter, and from 18 inches to 10 feet long


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• Plasma cutters– Produce temperatures up to 25,000 degrees F– Require a power supply and compressed gas

like air, nitrogen, or other inert gas or gas mixture

• Cutting flares– Cut metal or concrete– Exothermic– Approximately the size of highway flares– Produce temperatures up to 6,800 degrees F– No power supply is necessary – Portable


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Saws

Handsaws–Carpenter’s handsaw

(rip and crosscut)–Hacksaw–Drywall saw–Keyhole saw


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Saws (continued)

Power saws– Chain saws» Commonly used during

ventilation operations» When equipped with a

carbide tip they can cut rapidly through many different types of roofing materials


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Saws (continued)

Rotary saws– have many uses, but if the

blade is changed to cut wood, they are effective in ventilation operations


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Saws (continued)

Reciprocating saws– Powerful– Versatile– Easy to control– Short, straight blade that

moves in and out– Use of different blades allows

for many different materials to be cut


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Saws (continued)

Circular saws– Originally designed for

construction use– Can be used when power

(electrical) is readily available

– Small battery units are also available


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Pushing/pulling tools

Pushing/pulling tools – have very limited use in forcible entry– Pike pole – used for pushing or pulling ceilings

down in ventilation operations to provide a path for smoke, heat, and fire gases to exit the building through established ventilation openings


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Pushing/pulling tools (continued)

– Roofman’s hook – used to sound roofs and can be used to pry roof shingles if necessary

– Other pushing/pulling tools• Clemens hook• Plaster hook• Drywall hook• San Francisco hook• Multipurpose hook• Rubbish hook


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Prying Tools

Manual prying tools– Crowbar– Halligan bar – part of a “set of

irons” (when paired with a flat-head axe)

– Pry bar– Hux bar– Claw tool– Kelly (through the lock) tool– Pry axe– Flat bar (nail puller)– Ram bar


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Prying Tools (continued)

Hydraulic Prying Tools– Rescue tools • Spreaders used for vehicle

extrication can spread up to 32 inches• Hydraulic ram bars have a

spreading range from 36 to 63 inches• Hydraulic door opener


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Tool Safety

Cutting tools – Make sure you have the correct

tool for the job– Wear your personal protective

equipment (PPE) while doing the job. Gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection should all be used

– Maintain situational awareness– Keep unauthorized people out

of the work area


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Tool Safety (continued)

Metal cutting tools– Firefighters should wear face shields and

eye protection to protect their eyes and face

– Make sure that they are operated according to the manufacturer’s specifications

– Be aware of high temperatures ranging from 5,700 to 25,000 degrees F• Cutting torches• Burning bars• Plasma cutters• Cutting flares


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• Handsaws – Be aware of sharp edges, and keep hands and extremities away from the blades

• Power saws– Operate tools in accordance with

the manufacturer’s specifications and safety instructions

– Be aware of sharp edges and blades, and keep hands and extremities away from the blades

– Wear gloves and eye protection as well as hearing protection


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Pushing/pulling tools– When pushing or pulling

ceilings with a pike pole, be aware of falling ceiling and roofing material

– Don’t use prying tools as pulling tools or pulling tools as prying tools. Use the tools how they are intended

– Maintain tool handles to avoid splinters and other damage


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Scene Safety/Life Safety Hazards Associated With Forcible EntryThe first consideration is always the safety of both the lives of the firefighters and the building occupants– Understand the different types of

security barriers and the hazards associated with each

– Select the appropriate tool for the job

– Wear the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)


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Resources

• 0135151112, Essentials of Firefighting (5th

Edition), International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA).

• Photographs used with permission from IFSTA (Slides 6 – 8, 14, 15, 19, 20)


Documents

Forcible Entry Tools and Their Safe Operation Firefighter I