FORCIBLE ENTRY Fire fighter I

FORCIBLE ENTRY DEFINITION Techniques used to get into buildings or other areas of confinement when normal means of entry are locked, blocked, or not provided.

CONSIDERATIONS The efficiency of firefighters in forcing entrance to a building is dependent on two major factors. Choosing the appropriate tool(s). Applying the proper technique to the structural component.

Be Prepared Select and carry the proper tools to do the job.

OBJECTIVE The firefighter I candidate, when given various forcible entry tools, will correctly identify their type, demonstrate their proper use and define the necessary procedures for maintaining each.

FORCIBLE ENTRY TOOL CATEGORIES Prying Cutting Pushing/Pulling Striking

CUTTING TOOLS Axes and hatchets. Hand saws. Bolt cutters. Cutting torches. Chain saws. Circular saws Reciprocating saws.

CUTTING TOOL SAFETY Know tools limits Do not operate power saw in flammable atmosphere Use eye protection Be aware of what is on the other side of surface to be cut when using power saws or cutting torch Use proper tool for material to be cut

Always wear appropriate PPE for the given operation.

PRYING TOOLS Halligan tools. Small pry bar/nail puller. Crow bar. Spanner wrench. Kelly tool. Rabbet tool. Power Hydraulic spreader.

It is not acceptable to use a cheater bar on a prying tool or to strike the handle of a pry bar with other tools. This can put forces on the tool greater than it was designed to withstand. If the job cannot be done with a given tool, select a different tool. Cheater bar – a piece of pipe added to a prying tool to lengthen the handle, thus providing additional leverage.

PUSHING AND PULLING TOOLS Pike poles. Plaster hooks. Powered hydraulic extension rams.

Pike poles strength is in pushing and pulling, not prying Pike poles strength is in pushing and pulling, not prying. If leverage is needed, then select the proper prying tool. Pike pole handles can be easily broken by use of inappropriate force.

STRIKING TOOLS Axes. Battering rams. Ram bars. Mallets. Hammers (includes sledgehammers or mauls). Chisels. Punches (includes automatic center punches). Picks.

SPECIALTY TOOLS

CARRYING TOOLS Axes – Carry an axe with the blade away from the body. With pick head, grasp the pick with one hand.

Prying tools – carry with sharp edges away from body Combination of tools -tools can be joined together Pike poles and hooks – carry with point down (outside) head upright (inside Striking tools – keep head down close to the ground Power tools – never carry power tools while they are running

MAINTENANCE AND CARE Care of handles: wood & fiberglass. Check for cracks, blisters, or splinters (wood handles). Sand wooden handles. Wash with warm soapy water & wipe dry. Apply a coat of boiled linseed oil (wood handles). Check to ensure the head is on tight.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE CUTTING EDGES Check to ensure the cutting edge is free of nicks and tears. Replace cutting edge of bolt cutters when needed. File the edges by hand, grinding takes the temper out of the metal.

MAINTENANCE AND CARE PLATTED SURFACES Inspect for damage. Wipe plated surfaces clean or wash with soap and water. Do not paint axe heads.

UNPROTECTED METAL SURFACES Keep clean of rust . Keep oiled when not used. Do not completely paint. Check to see all metal surfaces are free of burred or sharp edges.

POWER EQUIPTMENT See if equipment starts manually. Check blades and equipment for readiness. Check electrical cords for cuts and frays. Make sure appropriate guards are in place.

SUMMARY Forcible entry tools make entry an easier task than would be otherwise Safety is very important when carrying and operating forcible entry tools on the fire ground It is absolutely essential that forcible entry tools be properly inspected and maintained to ensure that failure does not occur when the tool is needed for an emergency operation