1. Forcible Entry Tools and Their Safe Operation Firefighter I

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3. Firefighting Tools Commonly Used for Forcible Entry 3 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

4. Cutting Tools Axes – Pick-head axe » 6- or 8-pound head » Very versatile tool » Often used in ventilation to open up roofs and create ventilation openings » The pick of the axe can also be used to break windows for ventilation – Flat-head axe » 6- or 8-pound head » Used to open up roofs and create ventilation openings » Not as versatile as a pick-head axe 4 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

5. Metal Cutting Tools Bolt cutters – Used on bolts, chains, lock hasps, padlocks, and shackles – Do not use on case-hardened steel Rebar cutters – Hydraulic or manual – Can often cut metal items that bolt cutters cannot – Excellent for use on security bars 5 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

6. Metal Cutting Tools (continued) Cutting torches – Effectively cut materials that other cutting tools cannot – Oxyacetylene Cutting Torch » Burns oxygen and acetylene » Flame temperature of 5,700 degrees F » Unstable gas » Must be kept in an upright position » Use is diminishing in fire service 6 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

7. Metal Cutting Tools (continued) Burning bars – Also called exothermic cutting tools – Can cut through most metallic, semi-metallic, and composite materials – Produces temperatures in excess of 10,000 degrees F – Rods range from ¼ inch to 1 inch in diameter, and from 18 inches to 10 feet long 7 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

8. Metal Cutting Tools (continued) Plasma cutters – Produce temperatures up to 25,000 degrees F – Require a power supply and compressed gas like air, nitrogen, or other inert gas or gas mixture Cutting flares – Cut metal or concrete – Exothermic – Approximately the size of highway flares – Produce temperatures up to 6,800 degrees F – No power supply is necessary – Portable 8 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

9. Saws Handsaws – Carpenter’s handsaw (rip and crosscut) – Hacksaw – Drywall saw – Keyhole saw 9 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

10. Saws (continued) Power saws – Chain saws » Commonly used during ventilation operations » When equipped with a carbide tip they can cut rapidly through many different types of roofing materials 10 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

11. Saws (continued) Rotary saws – have many uses, but if the blade is changed to cut wood, they are effective in ventilation operations 11 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

12. Saws (continued) Reciprocating saws – Powerful – Versatile – Easy to control – Short, straight blade that moves in and out – Use of different blades allows for many different materials to be cut 12 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

13. Saws (continued) Circular saws – Originally designed for construction use – Can be used when power (electrical) is readily available – Small battery units are also available 13 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

14. Pushing/pulling tools Pushing/pulling tools – have very limited use in forcible entry – Pike pole – used for pushing or pulling ceilings down in ventilation operations to provide a path for smoke, heat, and fire gases to exit the building through established ventilation openings 14 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

15. Pushing/pulling tools (continued) – Roofman’s hook – used to sound roofs and can be used to pry roof shingles if necessary – Other pushing/pulling tools Clemens hook Plaster hook Drywall hook San Francisco hook Multipurpose hook Rubbish hook 15 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

16. Prying Tools Manual prying tools – Crowbar – Halligan bar – part of a “set of irons” (when paired with a flat- head axe) – Pry bar – Hux bar – Claw tool – Kelly (through the lock) tool – Pry axe – Flat bar (nail puller) – Ram bar 16 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

17. Prying Tools (continued) Hydraulic Prying Tools – Rescue tools Spreaders used for vehicle extrication can spread up to 32 inches Hydraulic ram bars have a spreading range from 36 to 63 inches Hydraulic door opener 17 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

18. Tool Safety Cutting tools – Make sure you have the correct tool for the job – Wear your personal protective equipment (PPE) while doing the job. Gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection should all be used – Maintain situational awareness – Keep unauthorized people out of the work area 18 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

19. Tool Safety (continued) Metal cutting tools – Firefighters should wear face shields and eye protection to protect their eyes and face – Make sure that they are operated according to the manufacturer’s specifications – Be aware of high temperatures ranging from 5,700 to 25,000 degrees F Cutting torches Burning bars Plasma cutters Cutting flares 19 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

20. Tool Safety (continued) Handsaws – Be aware of sharp edges, and keep hands and extremities away from the blades Power saws – Operate tools in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and safety instructions – Be aware of sharp edges and blades, and keep hands and extremities away from the blades – Wear gloves and eye protection as well as hearing protection 20 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

21. Tool Safety (continued) Pushing/pulling tools – When pushing or pulling ceilings with a pike pole, be aware of falling ceiling and roofing material – Don’t use prying tools as pulling tools or pulling tools as prying tools. Use the tools how they are intended – Maintain tool handles to avoid splinters and other damage 21 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

22. Scene Safety/Life Safety Hazards Associated With Forcible Entry The first consideration is always the safety of both the lives of the firefighters and the building occupants – Understand the different types of security barriers and the hazards associated with each – Select the appropriate tool for the job – Wear the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 22 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.

23. Resources 0135151112, Essentials of Firefighting (5 th Edition), International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA). Photographs used with permission from IFSTA (Slides 6 – 8, 14, 15, 19, 20) 23 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved. Images and other multimedia content used with permission.