Forcible Entry (Fire Fighter I) CHAPTER 12 Forcible Entry (Fire Fighter I) 1

Fire Fighter I Objectives Describe the situations and circumstances that require forcible entry into a structure. List the general safety rules to follow when using forcible entry tools. List the general carrying tips when using forcible entry tools. List the general maintenance tips when using forcible entry tools. 2

Fire Fighter I Objectives List the types of tools used in forcible entry. List the striking tools used in forcible entry. Describe the tasks that striking tools are used for in forcible entry. List the prying and spreading hand tools used in forcible entry. 3

Fire Fighter I Objectives Describe the tasks that prying and spreading hand tools are used for in forcible entry. List the cutting tools used in forcible entry. Describe the tasks that cutting tools are used for in forcible entry. List the lock and specialty tools used in forcible entry. 4

Fire Fighter I Objectives Describe the tasks that lock and specialty tools are used for in forcible entry. Describe the basic components of a door. Explain the differences between a solid-core and a hollow-core door. Describe the basic classifications of doors. 5

Fire Fighter I Objectives Explain how the door classification affects forcible entry operations. Describe the basic configurations of window construction. Describe the common styles of window frames. Explain how the style of window frame affects forcible entry operations. 6

Fire Fighter I Objectives Describe the major components of a door lock. Describe the major components of a padlock. Describe the four major types of locks. Explain how the type of lock affects forcible entry operations. 7

Fire Fighter I Objectives Describe the tools used to force entry through locks. Describe how to force entry through security gates and windows. Explain the differences between load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls. Describe the materials used in exterior and interior walls. 8

Fire Fighter I Objectives List the basic steps and considerations in forcible entry operations. Describe how forcible entry operations affect salvage operations. 9

Introduction Forcible entry Method to gain access when normal means of entry cannot be used Requires strength, knowledge, proper techniques, and skill Use amount of force appropriate to situation. 10

Introduction Arrange to secure the opening before leaving scene. Consider type of construction, entry points, securing devices, and best tools and equipment for the situation. Keep up with how new styles of windows, doors, locks, and security devices operate. 11

Forcible Entry Situations Required at emergency incidents where time is a critical factor Company officer selects: Point of entry Method to be used “Try before you pry!” 12

Forcible Entry Tools Fire fighters must know: Which tools are available Uses and limitations of each tool How to select the right tool How to operate each tool How to carry each tool How to inspect and maintain each tool 13

General Tool Safety Always wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Use the right tool for the job. Keep tools clean and serviced. Take broken tools out of service for repair. Keep tools in proper area or container. 14

General Carrying Tips Request assistance with heavy tools. Use your legs to lift heavy tools. Keep sharp edges away from your body. Carry long tools pointing down. Be aware of wires. 15

General Maintenance Tips All tools should be in a ready state. Tools must be in working order, in their storage place, and ready for use. Tools require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure readiness. 16

Types of Forcible Entry Tools Striking tools Prying/spreading hand tools Cutting tools Lock tools 17

Striking Tools Used to generate an impact force directly on an object or another tool Head usually made of hardened steel 18

Striking Tools Flat-head axe One side is a cutting blade. Other side is a flat striking surface. Fire fighters often use flat side to strike a Halligan tool and drive a wedge into an opening. 19

Striking Tools Battering ram Used to forced doors and breach walls Usually made of hardened steel and has handles Two to four people needed to use 20

Striking Tools Sledgehammer Come in various weights and sizes Head can weigh from 2 to 20 lbs. Handle may be short or long. Can be used alone or with other striking tools 21

Prying/Spreading Hand Tools Halligan tool Widely used Commonly used to perform forcible entry Incorporates three tools: the adz, pick, and claw 22

Prying/Spreading Hand Tools Pry bar Made from hardened steel Commonly used to force doors and windows, remove nails, or separate building materials Various shapes allow fire fighters to exert different amounts of leverage. 23

Prying/Spreading Hand Tools Pry axe A multipurpose tool Used to cut and force open doors and windows Includes adz, pick, and claw Consists of body and handle Courtesy of Paratech Inc. 24

Prying/Spreading Hand Tools Hydraulic tools Includes: Spreaders Cutters Rams Require hydraulic pressure 25

Prying/Spreading Hand Tools Rabbet tool Small hydraulic spreader operated by a hand- powered pump As spreader opens, it applies a powerful force that opens doors. 26

Cutting Tools Primarily used for cutting doors, roofs, walls, and floors Hand-operated and power cutting tools 27

Cutting Tools Axe Many different types Cutting edge used to break into plaster and wood walls, roofs, and doors Types include flat- head, pick-head, and multipurpose axes 28

Cutting Tools Bolt cutters Used to cut components, such as bolts, padlocks, chains, and chain-link fences Available in several different sizes The longer the handle, the greater the cutting force. 29

Cutting Tools Circular saw Gasoline powered Light, powerful, and easy to use Blades can be changed quickly. Carbide-tipped blades Metal-cutting blades Masonry-cutting blades 30

Lock and Specialty Tools Used to disassemble the locking mechanism on a door Cause minimal damage to the door and the door frame Experienced user can usually gain entry in less than a minute. 31

Lock and Specialty Tools K tool A tool J tool Shove knife Duck-billed lock breakers Locking pliers and chain Bam-bam tool 32

Doors Basic construction: Door Jamb Hardware Locking mechanism 33 © AbleStock 33

Wood Slab Doors Solid core Hollow core Solid wood core blocks covered by a face panel Hollow core Lightweight, honeycomb interior 34

Wood Ledge Doors Panel Doors Wood doors with horizontal bracing Solid wood doors made from solid planks to form a rigid frame with solid wood panels set into the frame 35

Metal Hollow-core metal doors Solid-core metal doors Have a metal framework interior so they are lightweight Solid-core metal doors Have a foam or wood interior to reduce weight without affecting strength 36

Glass Generally steel frame with tempered glass or tempered glass only with no frame Easy to force Produce a large amount of broken glass 37

Types of Doors Inward-opening Outward-opening Sliding doors Revolving doors Overhead doors 38

Types of Doors Hinges indicate if door is inward- or outward-opening. Hinges are visible. Inward Hinges are not visible. 39

Door Frames Two styles wood-framed doors Stopped door frames Rabbeted door frames Metal-framed doors are more difficult to force open. 40

Inward-Opening Doors Design Made of wood, steel, or glass Have an exterior frame with a stop or rabbet Locking mechanisms range from standard door knob locks to deadbolt locks or sliding latches. 41

Inward-Opening Doors Forcing entry Determine what type of frame the door has. Use a prying tool near the locking mechanism to pry the stop away from the frame. Use a striking tool to force the prying tool further into the jamb. 42

Outward-Opening Doors Design Used in commercial occupancies and for most exits Designed for quick exit Made of wood, metal, or glass Usually have exposed hinges 43

Outward-Opening Doors Forcing entry First check to see whether hinges can be disassembled or hinge pins removed. If not, place adz end of prying tool into the door frame. Use striking tool to drive adz end into jamb. Leverage the tool to force the door outward away from the jamb. 44

Sliding Doors Design Made of tempered glass in a wood or metal frame Have two sections and a double track A weak latch on the frame of the door secures the movable side. Courtesy of Horton Automatics 45

Sliding Doors Forcing entry Check whether a security rod is in the track. If not present, use a pry bar to lever door away from locking mechanism. If necessary, break the glass. 46

Revolving Doors Design Made of four glass panels with metal frames Designed to collapse outward when certain pressure is applied Usually adjacent to outward-opening doors 47

Revolving Doors Forcing entry Should be avoided whenever possible Opening will not be large enough to allow many people to exit. Can be done by attacking the locking mechanism directly or by breaking the glass. 48

Overhead Doors Design Can roll up or tilt Made of wood or metal May be hollow core or solid core Secured with cylinder locks, padlocks, or automatic openers © Dave White/iStockphoto.com © Photodisc/Creatas 49

Overhead Doors Forcing entry Break out a panel or window and manually operate lock from within. Always securely prop door open to prevent door closing. Use emergency release cord for safety If a security roll-up door, cut triangle-shape entry. 50

Windows Usually easier to force than doors Frames made of wood, metal, and vinyl Glass is the easiest way to force a window but also the most dangerous. 51

Windows Safety Wear PPE with face and eye protection. Clear area of personnel. Coordinate with fire attack to prevent flare-ups and backdrafts. Completely clear frame of glass shards. 52

Glass Construction Regular glass Double/triple-pane glass Plate glass Laminated glass Tempered glass 53

Regular or Annealed Glass Commonly used because it is inexpensive Larger pieces called plate glass Easily broken with a pike pole Watch out for shards. 54

Double- and Triple-Pane Glass Used in many homes because it improves home insulation Uses two panes with an air pocket between them Two panes need to be broken separately. Watch out for shards. 55

Plate Glass Commercial plate glass is stronger, thicker glass used in large window openings. Can easily be broken with a Halligan tool or pike pole Watch out for large shards. 56

Laminated Glass Also known as safety glass Molded sheet of plastic between two sheets of glass Commonly used in vehicle windshields 57

Tempered Glass Specially heat-treated Four times stronger than regular glass Common in side and rear vehicle windows and commercial or sliding doors Breaks into small pellets without sharp edges 58

Wired Glass Tempered glass with wire reinforcement Often used in fire-rated doors Difficult to break or force 59

Double-Hung Windows Design Forcing entry Two sashes move up and down Open or break locking mechanism 60

Single-Hung Windows Design Forcing entry Only lower sash moves Use same technique as double-hung window. 61

Jalousie Windows Adjustable, overlapping sections of tempered glass Operated by hand crank Difficult to force Avoid if possible. 62

Awning Windows Like jalousie, but fewer panels Break lower panel and operate crank. 63

Horizontal-Sliding Windows Similar to sliding doors Force in the same manner as sliding doors (use pry bar to break latch). Attempt to locate another window if a security rod is present. 64

Casement Windows Steel- or wood-frame Crank open Should be avoided To force, break glass, unlock, and open manually. 65

Projected Windows <Insert Fig 12-21> Can project inward or outward Avoid forcing entry. To force entry, break a pane, unlock, and open the window manually. <Insert Fig 12-21> 66

Parts of a Door Lock Latch Operator lever Deadbolt 67

Parts of a Padlock Shackle Unlocking mechanism Lock body 68 Courtesy of IR Safety and Security - Americas 68

Safety Keep cutting tools sharp. Use proper PPE. Have others stand away. 69

Cylindrical Locks Design Forcing entry Locks and handles are set into predrilled holes Forcing entry Place a pry bar near locking mechanism and lever it. 70

Padlocks Most common locks on the market today Regular- and heavy-duty are available. Come with various unlocking devices 71

Padlocks Hockey puck lock Cannot be forced through conventional means Locks must be twisted from their mounting tabs Courtesy of Master Lock Company LLC 72

Padlocks Forcing entry Cut the shackle or hasp. Breaking the shackle is the best method. If padlock is made of case-hardened steel, many conventional methods will be ineffective. 73

Common Tools Used to Force Entry Bolt cutters Duck-billed lock breakers Bam-bam tools Locking pliers and chain 74

Mortise Locks Latch will lock door. Bolt can be used for added security. Difficult to force Use through-the-lock technique. Courtesy of IR Safety and Security - Americas 75

Rim Locks and Deadbolts Used as secondary locks Have a bolt that extends at least 1" into the door frame Difficult to force Use through-the-lock method. Courtesy of IR Safety and Security - Americas 76

Security Gates and Windows Usually equipped with a lock or a locking mechanism Designed to keep criminals out but can make it difficult for fire fighters to gain access Remove the lock or cut the gate and bars. 77

Breaching Walls and Floors Breach only as a last resort. First consider whether wall is load-bearing. Could cause collapse if breached Non-weight-bearing walls can be removed safely. 78

Exterior Walls Can be constructed of one or more materials Breaking through can be very difficult. Courtesy of DOE/NREL, Credit - Ed Hancock 79

Interior Walls Usually constructed of wood or metal studs covered by plaster, gypsum, or sheetrock Breaching can be dangerous. 80

Interior Walls Locate a stud away from electrical outlets and switches. Make a small hole to check for obstructions. If area is clear, expand to reveal studs. 81

Floors Most floors are wood or poured concrete. Both can be difficult to breach. This is truly a last resort. Use a rotary saw with appropriate blade. 82

Vehicle Entry Entry can be gained by breaking a side window. Should be far away from trapped child or pet Use a spring-loaded center punch or other sharp object. 83

Systematic Forcible Entry Before taking action Double check address. Look for a lockbox. Evaluate the threat level. Consider entry with least amount of damage. Work in a coordinated fashion with team members. 84

Forcible Entry and Salvage Try to keep damage to a minimum. Secure structure before leaving. Ensure the building owner is called to secure the building. 85

Summary Forcible entry is required where time is of the essence. “Try before you pry.” Four types of forcible entry tools are used: Striking tools Prying or spreading tools Cutting tools Lock and specialty tools 86

Summary Four major components to a door: door, jamb, hardware, and locking mechanism. Doors are constructed of wood, metal, or glass. Classification of doors include: inward, outward, sliding, revolving, and overhead. 87

Summary Window construction can be: glazed, regular or annealed, double-pane, plate, laminated, or tempered. Window frame designs include: double-hung, single-hung, jalousie, awning, horizontal- sliding, casement, and projected. 88

Summary Locks range from push-button to computer- operated. The three major parts of a lock are the latch, operator level, and deadbolt. All padlocks have shackles, an unlocking mechanism, and a lock body. 89

Summary The four categories of locks are cylindrical, padlocks, mortise, and rim. Consider if a wall is load-bearing before breaching. 90

Summary Steps in systematic forcible entry: Think. Look for lockbox. Evaluate situation. Enter with least amount of damage. Secure property during salvage. 91