1. CVFD Training – Forcible Entry
SFFMA Training Objectives: –

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

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

19. 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

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

21. 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

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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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

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

28. 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

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

30. 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

31. 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

32. 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

33. 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

34. 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

35. 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

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

37. 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

38. 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

39. 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

40. 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

41. 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

42. 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

43. 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

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

45. 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

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

47. 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

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

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

50. 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