Checking for Extension, Overhaul and Forcible Entry

E. Restoration and protection

  1. Building

      a. If vertical ventilation required, openings must be covered as much as possible

      b. Holes can be covered with salvage covers or plastic sheets - ridge board needed for flat roofs

      c. Roof drains must be cleared of debris

  2. Furnishings and stock

      a. Items removed during firefighting operations should be returned to building if possible

      b. Cover items which must remain outside

      c. Security should be arranged for building and contents

      d. Cover items returned to building that could be damaged by water

V. Tools (1-1-5)

A. Forcible entry implies speed

  1. Forcible entry operations should be carried out quickly as possible

  2. Forcible entry should create as little damage as possible

  3. Both speed and minimal damage are achieved through proficiency with tools

  4. Personal safety must be emphasized

B. Cutting tools

  1. Tools most often used are axes, bolt cutters, power saws, and air and hydraulic cutters

  2. Chisel end of halligan or kelly bar can be used for cutting

  3. Cutting torches for special entry

C. Prying and forcing tools

  1. Tools are halligan tool, claw tool, kelly too, pry axe, hux bar, and similar devices

  2. Flathead axe often used

  3. For heavy work, maul or hammerhead pick can be used

  4. Hydraulic- and air-powered tools available in various sizes and types

  5. Power tools should be used where heavy or barred doors common

  6. Battering ram effective for breaking through heavy doors and walls

D. Lock pullers

  1. Designed to remove cylinder locks

  2. Driven onto locked cylinder and then pulled with halligan or similar tool

E. Hoisting Tools

  1. Review basic knots used for hoisting small tools

      a. Clove hitch

      b. Bowline

      c. Figure eight on a bight

      d. Figure eight reweave

  2. Review basic tool tying

      a. Axe

      b. Pike pole

      c. Haligan bar

      d. Smoke ejector

       e. Roof ladder

VI. Forcible Entry Through Windows and Doorways (1-1-6)

A. Windows

  1. Double-hung windows

      a. Window that allows simplest and quickest access to building

          (1)Forced by prying up bottom section at center of window

          (2)If top section made of small panes, pane nearest lock can be removed and window unlocked

       b. If must be used for entry and cannot be forced quickly, it should be completed knocked out

          (1)If at ground level, use axe or other appropriate tool

          (2)Above ground situations may be not be discovered until window is reached

          (3)Remove all splinters of glass before going through

       c. Position ladders upwind from windows

       d. When time and/or fire does not permit use of tool, knock out window with ladder

       e. Glass panes may be replaced with unbreakable plastic panes

           (1)May be cut with power saw

           (2)With other than steel frame, knock out entire window frame

           (3)May have knock out panel which can be removed by striking corner with pick of axe

  2. Casement windows

       a. Window hinged vertically with moving part of window attached to crank

           (1)Window crank usually light

           (2)Window lock located in middle or bottom of window

       b. Best way to open window is break out pane of glass, reach in and unlock window, and force it

           open with pry tool

       c. If heat not intense, remove second pane to operate crank

       d. Many casement windows too narrow to allow entry

       e. Narrow windows often located at sides of large glass picture window

  3. Other windows

       a. Design of some windows prevents use for quick access

           (1)Very heavy metal frames

           (2)Wire within glass

           (3)Horizontally hinged sections that swing out when window is opened