Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
1
Fire Fighter Tools and Equipment
8 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.
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.