CVFD Training – Forcible Entry SFFMA Training Objectives: 2-01.01 – 2-01.02

Cutting Tools Manually operated/powered Often specific to types of materials they cut No single tool safely/efficiently cuts all materials Using tool on materials for which it is not designed can cause problems Firefighter I

Axes Most common types of cutting tools Two basic types Pick-head Flat-head Smaller axes and hatchets Firefighter I

Pick-Head Axe Available with 6-pound or 8-pound (2.7 or 3.6 kg) head Used for cutting, prying, digging Handle either wood or fiberglass Effective for chopping through variety of materials (Continued) Firefighter I

Pick-Head Axe Pick end can be used to penetrate materials that resist being cut by blade Blade can be used as striking tool Most often used in structural fire fighting operations Firefighter I

Flat-Head Axe Available in 6-pound or 8-pound (2.7 or 3.6 kg) head weights Wooden or fiberglass handle Used to chop through same materials as pick-head axe Blade can be used for same purposes as pick-head axe (Continued) Firefighter I

Flat-Head Axe Used in conjunction with other tools to force entry Commonly carried with Halligan bar; set known as “irons” Used in both structural and wildland fire fighting operations Firefighter I

Metal Cutting Devices Bolt cutters Used in forcible entry in a variety of ways Advancement in security technology has limited use (Continued) Firefighter I

Metal Cutting Devices Rebar cutters Powered version Manual version Used to cut rebar when breaching concrete Used to cut security bars on windows/doors (Continued) Firefighter I

Metal Cutting Devices Oxyacetylene cutting torches Hand-carried and wheeled units Cut through heavy metal components Generate flame temperature more than 5,700ºF (3 149ºC) Cut through iron, steel with ease Use diminishing in fire service (Continued) Firefighter I

Metal Cutting Devices Relatively new system Oxygasoline cutting torches Relatively new system Conventional cutting torch, dual-hose Produce cutting flame in range of 2,800ºF (1 538ºC) Fully functional under water Advantages (Continued) Firefighter I

Metal Cutting Devices Burning bars Exothermic cutting rods Ultra-high temperature cutting device, capable of cutting virtually any metallic, nonmetallic, or composite material Cut through concrete or masonry Cut through metals much faster Temperatures above 10,000ºF (5 538ºC) (Continued) Firefighter I

Metal Cutting Devices Plasma arc cutters Ultrahigh-temperature metal-cutting devices with temperatures as high as 25,000ºF (13 871ºC) Require power supply, one of several compressed gases (Continued) Firefighter I

Metal Cutting Devices Exothermic cutting flares Used for cutting metal or concrete Size/shape of fusees or highway flares Produce 6,800ºF (3 760ºC) flame lasting 15 seconds to two minutes Advantages Courtesy of Pyrotechnic Tool Co. (Continued) Firefighter I

Metal Cutting Devices Handsaws May be needed when power saw unavailable Include carpenter’s handsaw, keyhole saw, hacksaw, drywall saw Extremely slow in comparison to power saws (Continued) Firefighter I

Metal Cutting Devices Power saws Most useful tools in fire service Types include circular, rotary, reciprocating, chain, ventilation saws Many able to run on AC and DC power Safety issues (Continued) Firefighter I

Metal Cutting Devices Circular saws Useful when electrical power readily available and heavier, bulkier saws too difficult to handle Small battery-powered units available (Continued) Firefighter I

Metal Cutting Devices Rotary saws Usually gasoline powered with changeable blades Different blades available based on material (Continued) Firefighter I

Metal Cutting Devices Reciprocating saw Blade moves in/out similar to handsaw Variety of blades When equipped with metal-cutting blade, ideal for cutting sheet metal, structural components on vehicles Battery-powered available (Continued) Firefighter I

Metal Cutting Devices Chain saw Used for years by logging industry Useful during natural disasters Commonly used as ventilation tool Firefighter I

Prying Tools Useful for opening doors, windows, locks, and moving heavy objects Manually operated types use principle of lever and fulcrum Hydraulic can be powered or manual Firefighter I

Manual Prying Tools Some can be used as striking tools; most cannot Use only for intended purpose for safe and efficient operation Firefighter I

Hydraulic Prying Tools Effective in extrication rescues Useful in forcible entry situations Useful for prying, pushing, pulling Rescue tools, hydraulic door opener Hydraulic spreader Hydraulic ram Hydraulic door opener Firefighter I

Pushing/Pulling Tools Limited use in forcible entry Tools of choice when breaking glass, opening walls or ceilings Includes variety of tools Pike poles, hooks give reach advantage (Continued) Firefighter I

Pushing/Pulling Tools When using a pike pole to break a window, a firefighter should stay upwind of window and higher than window (Continued) Firefighter I

Pushing/Pulling Tools Except for roofman’s hook, pike poles and hooks should not be used for prying Pike pole’s strength is pushing or pulling Firefighter I

Striking Tools Examples Sometimes only tool required In forcible entry, used with another tool Dangerous when improperly used, carried, or maintained Firefighter I

Tool Use No single forcible entry tool provides a firefighter with needed force/leverage to handle all forcible entry situations Firefighters may have to combine two or more tools to accomplish task (Continued) Firefighter I

Tool Use Types of combinations carried vary Most important consideration is selecting proper tools for job Preincident surveys help determine necessary tools Firefighter I

Forcible Entry Tool Considerations Become familiar with all tools used Read/follow manufacturers’ guidelines Use extreme caution in atmospheres that could be explosive Keep tools in properly designated places on apparatus Firefighter I

Prying Tool Safety Using incorrectly can cause serious injury or damage the tool If job cannot be done with tool, do not strike handle of tool; use larger tool Do not use prying tool as striking tool unless designed for purpose Firefighter I

Rotary Saw Safety Use with extreme care Blades from different manufacturers may look alike but not be interchangeable Twisting caused by spinning blade a hazard (Continued) Firefighter I

Rotary Saw Safety Start all cuts at full rpm Store blades in clean, dry environment Do not store composite blades in compartment where gasoline fumes accumulate Firefighter I

Other Power Saw Safety Match saw to task and material Never force saw beyond design limitations Wear proper PPE Fully inspect saw before/after use (Continued) Firefighter I

Other Power Saw Safety Do not use when working in flammable atmosphere Maintain situational awareness Keep unprotected/nonessential people out of work area (Continued) Firefighter I

Other Power Saw Safety Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for operation Keep blades/chains well sharpened Be aware of hidden hazards Firefighter I

Carrying Forcible Entry Tools Axes If not in scabbard, carry with blade away from body With pick-head axe, grasp pick with hand to cover Never carry on shoulder (Continued) Firefighter I

Carrying Forcible Entry Tools Prying tools — Carry with any pointed/ sharp edges away from body Combinations of tools — Strap tool combinations together (Continued) Firefighter I

Carrying Forcible Entry Tools Pike poles and hooks Carry with tool head down, close to ground, ahead of body When entering building, carefully reposition tool and carry with head upright close to body (Continued) Firefighter I

Carrying Forcible Entry Tools Striking tools Keep heads close to ground Maintain firm grip Power tools Never carry running tool more than 10 feet (3 m) Transport to where working, start there Firefighter I

General Care/Maintenance of Forcible Entry Tools Forcible entry tools function as designed when properly maintained Tool failure on fireground may have harsh consequences Always read manufacturers’ recommended maintenance guidelines Firefighter I

Care of Wooden Handles Inspect for cracks, blisters, splinters Sand if necessary Wash with mild detergent and rinse, wipe dry Do not soak in water Apply coat of boiled linseed oil (Continued) Firefighter I

Care of Wooden Handles Do not paint/varnish handle Check tightness of tool head Limit amount of surface area covered with paint for tool marking Firefighter I

Care of Fiberglass Handles Wash with mild detergent, rinse, and wipe dry Check for damage, cracks Check tightness of tool head Firefighter I

Care of Cutting Edges Inspect cutting edge Replace cutting heads when required File cutting edges by hand Sharpen blade as specified in SOP Firefighter I

Care of Plated Surfaces Inspect for damage Wipe clean or wash with mild detergent, water Firefighter I

Care of Unprotected Metal Surfaces Keep free of rust Oil metal surface lightly Do not paint metal surfaces Inspect metal for chips, cracks, sharp edges; file off when found Firefighter I

Care of Axe Heads How well maintained directly affects performance DO NOT PAINT Firefighter I

Power Equipment Read, follow manufacturers’ instructions Be sure battery packs fully charged Inspect periodically; ensure will start manually (Continued) Firefighter I

Power Equipment Check blades for damage, wear Replace damaged, worn blades Check electrical components for cuts, other damage Ensure all guards functional, in place Ensure fuel is fresh; mixture may separate, degrade over time Firefighter I