1. Fire Fighter Tools and Equipment8
Fire Fighter Tools and Equipment

2. Objectives (1 of 5)
Describe the general purposes of tools and equipment.
Describe the 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.

3. Objectives (2 of 5)
List and describe tools and equipment that are used for rotating.
List and describe tools and equipment that are used for pushing or pulling.
List and describe tools and equipment that are used for prying or spreading.

4. Objectives (3 of 5)
List and describe tools and equipment that are used for striking.
List and describe tools and equipment that are used for cutting.
Describe the tools used in response and scene size-up activities.

5. Objectives (4 of 5) Describe the tools used in a forcible entry.
Describe the tools used during an interior attack.
Describe the tools used in search and rescue operations.
Describe ventilation tools.

6. Objectives (5 of 5)
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.

7. 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

8. General Considerations
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

9. Safety
Safety is the prime consideration for use of tools and equipment.
Safe equipment avoids accidental injury to:
Fire fighters
Other responders
Victims
Bystanders

10. Safe Operation Requires PPE
Approved helmet
Firefighting hood
Eye protection
Face shield
Gloves
Turnout coats
Bunker pants
Boots
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
Personal alert safety system (PASS)

11. Conditions of Use/ Operating Conditions
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

12. Effective and Efficient Use (1 of 2)
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 fire-ground operations.

13. Effective and Efficient Use (2 of 2)
Fire department may have standard operating guidelines specify tools and equipment needed for specific situations
Some carry a selection of tools and equipment in the pockets of bunker pants.

14. Functions (1 of 3) Rotating (assembly or disassembly)
Pushing or pulling
Prying or spreading
Striking
Cutting
Multiple use

15. Functions (2 of 3)

16. Functions (3 of 3)

17. Rotating Tools (1 of 2) Apply rotational force to turn
Most common are screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers
Apparatus carry tool kits with a wide selection

18. Rotating Tools (2 of 2) Various sizes and types of screw heads
Spanner wrenches are used for couplings.
Hydrant wrenches are used for hydrants.

19. Common Rotating Tools Box-end wrenches Gripping pliers
Hydrant wrenches
Open-end wrenches
Pipe wrenches
Screwdrivers
Socket wrenches
Spanner wrenches

20. Pushing/Pulling Tools
Extend fire fighter’s reach
Increase the power exerted on an object
Many different uses in fire department operations

21. Pike Pole (1 of 2)
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

22. Pike Pole (2 of 2) Most common size: 4' to 6' for use on 10' ceilings
Head designs vary for different ceiling types.

23. Common Pushing/Pulling Tools
Ceiling hook
Clemens hook
Drywall hook
Multipurpose hook
Pike pole
Plaster hook
Roofman’s hook
San Francisco hook
Courtesy of Donald M. Colarusso.

24. Prying/Spreading Tools
May be as simple as a pry bar or complex as a hydraulic spreader
There are many variations.

25. Common Prying/Spreading Tools (1 of 2)
Claw bar
Crowbar
Flat bar
Halligan tool
Hux bar
Kelly tool
Pry bar
© 2003, Berta A. Daniels.

26. Common Prying/Spreading Tools (2 of 2)

27. Striking Tools Used to apply impact force
Used to gain entry or make openings

28. Common Striking Tools (1 of 2)
Hammer
Mallet
Sledgehammer
Maul
Flat-head axe
Pick-head axe
Battering ram
Chisel
Spring-loaded center punch

29. Common Striking Tools (2 of 2)

30. Cutting Tools 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.

31. Common Cutting Tools (1 of 2)
Axes
Bolt cutters
Chain saws
Cutting torches
Hacksaws
Handsaws
Hydraulic shears
Reciprocating saws
Rotary saws
Seatbelt cutter

32. Common Cutting Tools (2 of 2)

33. Saws Two main categories Handsaws include Manual Mechanical Hacksaws
Carpenter’s handsaw
Keyhole saw
Coping saw

34. Mechanical Saws Three main types Faster than handsaws
Chain, rotary, reciprocating
Faster than handsaws
Conserve fire fighter energy
Requires proper training
Heavy and sometimes hard to start
May require an electrical connection

35. Chain Saws Gasoline powered or powered by electricity
Special chains are good for cutting ventilation openings.

36. 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.

37. Reciprocating Saws Powered by electricity or battery
Different blades for different materials
Most commonly used to cut metal during vehicle extrication

38. Hydraulic Shears Requires extensive training
Used with hydraulic spreaders and rams for vehicle extrication
Quickly cuts metal posts and bars

39. 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
© 2003, Berta A. Daniels.

40. Multiple Function/Special-Use Tools
Multiple-function tools reduce the tools needed to achieve a goal
Special-use tools perform other functions:
Rakes, brooms, and shovels for ground fires

41. Phases of Use Basic phase of fire suppression Response/size-up
Forcible entry
Interior attack
Search and rescue
Rapid intervention
Ventilation
Overhaul

42. 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.

43. Forcible Entry Locked or blocked entries and security systems
Typical tools for forced entry
Axe
Prying tool
K tool
Other prying tools

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

45. Interior Attack Team Tools
Interior attack team is responsible for advancing hose lines, locating and extinguishing the fire.

46. Search and Rescue (1 of 2)
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

47. Search and Rescue (2 of 2)
In addition, may need closet hook, thermal imaging camera, portable lights, and lifelines

48. Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)
Ready for immediate assistance to lost, trapped, or injured fire fighters.
All equipment should be staged.
Special equipment includes thermal imaging camera, portable lighting, lifelines, prying tools, striking tools, cutting tools, SCBA, and spare air cylinders.

49. Ventilation (1 of 2) Similar to forcible entry
Power saws and axes are common
Fans are used to remove smoke or introduce fresh air.
Horizontal ventilation requires opening doors and windows.
Interior openings may be created.

50. Ventilation (2 of 2)
Vertical ventilation requires openings in the roof.
Special tools needed include positive pressure fans, exhaust fans, cutting tools, and long pike poles.

51. Overhaul (1 of 2) 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

52. Overhaul (2 of 2) Prying and striking tools used to open closed spaces
Shovels, brooms, and rakes used to clear debris
Thermal imaging used to “see” hot spots

53. Tools Used in Overhaul Pushing tools Prying tools Striking tools
Cutting tools
Debris-removal tools
Water-removal equipment
Ventilation equipment
Portable lighting
Thermal imaging camera

54. Tool Staging Many departments have SOPs for staging tools at scenes.
Salvage covers at designated location for layout of commonly used tools
SOPs specify staged tools and equipment.
Additional personnel may transport tools to and from staging area.

55. Maintenance (1 of 2)
Tools and equipment must be maintained to ensure readiness.
Tools and equipment must be ready for use before you respond to an emergency incident.
Use power equipment only after you have been instructed on its use.
Use equipment only for its intended purpose.

56. Hand Tool Maintenance Remove all dirt and debris.
If appropriate, use soap and water.
Dry tools completely.
Sharpen cutting tools.
Inspect for damage.
Avoid painting tools.

57. Power Tool “Readiness”—Fire Fighter II Standard (1 of 2)
Remove debris, clean and dry unit.
Fill with fresh fuel.
Replace dull or damaged blades.
Inspect belts.
Ensure guards are in place.
Clean and inspect hydraulic hoses.
Inspect power cords for damage.

58. Power Tool “Readiness”—Fire Fighter II Standard (2 of 2)
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.

59. Summary (1 of 2)
Fire fighters must understand purpose of each tool and piece of equipment on apparatus:
In all fire suppression phases
In smoke, darkness, decreased visibility, limited motion
Location
Safe, effective operation

60. Summary (2 of 2) Most tools/equipment perform one or more function(s):
Rotating (assembly/disassembly)
Pushing or pulling
Prying or spreading
Striking or cutting
Proper maintenance ensures proper operation during emergency.