Upon completion of this unit of study, the student should be able to:

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3 UNIT OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this unit of study, the student should be able to: 1. Identify the various types of forcible entry tools and to safely carry the tools. 2. Demonstrate the safe use of forcible entry tools. 3. Identify the methods for cleaning and maintaining forcible entry tools. 4. Identify materials and construction features of doors and door locks. 5. Identify materials and construction features of windows and window locks. 6. Describe the procedures to use in forcing doors, windows, and walls. 7. Demonstrate the proper techniques in forcing doors, windows, and walls. 8. Identify the methods of through the lock entry for doors and windows. Forcible Entry - 1

4 NFPA STANDARDS Successful completion of the information in this section is necessary to fulfill the requirements of the following sections of NFPA : Fire Fighter I Standard 5.3.4* Force entry into a structure, given personal protective equipment, tools, and an assignment, so that the tools are used as designed, the barrier is removed, and the opening is in a safe condition and ready for entry. (A) Requisite Knowledge. Basic construction of typical doors, windows, and walls within the department's community or service area; operation of doors, windows, and locks; and the dangers associated with forcing entry through doors, windows, and walls. (B) Requisite Skills. The ability to transport and operate hand and power tools and to force entry through doors, windows, and walls using assorted methods and tools * Conduct a search and rescue in a structure operating as a member of a team, given an assignment, obscured vision conditions, personal protective equipment, a flashlight, forcible entry tools, hose lines, and ladders when necessary, so that ladders are correctly placed when used, all assigned areas are searched, all victims are located and removed, team integrity is maintained, and team members safety - including respiratory protection - is not compromised. (A) Requisite Knowledge. Use of forcible entry tools during rescue operations, ladder operations for rescue, psychological effects of operating in obscured conditions and ways to manage them, methods to determine if an area is tenable, primary and secondary search techniques, team members roles and goals, methods to use and indicators of finding victims, victim removal methods (including various carries), and considerations related to respiratory protection. (B)* Requisite Skills. The ability to use SCBA to exit through restricted passages, set up and use different types of ladders for various types of rescue operations, rescue a fire fighter with functioning respiratory protection, rescue a fire fighter whose respiratory protection is not functioning, rescue a person who has no respiratory protection, and assess areas to determine tenability Clean and check ladders, ventilation equipment, SCBA, ropes, salvage equipment, and hand tools, given cleaning tools, cleaning supplies, and an assignment, so that equipment is clean and maintained according to manufacturer s or departmental guidelines, maintenance is recorded, and equipment is placed in a ready state or reported otherwise. 2 - Forcible Entry

5 NFPA STANDARDS (A) Requisite Knowledge. Types of cleaning methods for various tools and equipment, correct use of cleaning solvents, and manufacturer s or departmental guidelines for cleaning equipment and tools. (B) Requisite Skills. The ability to select correct tools for various parts and pieces of equipment, follow guidelines, and complete recording and reporting procedures. Fire Fighter II Standard 6.3.2* Coordinate an interior attack line for a team s accomplishment of an assignment in a structure fire, given attack lines, personnel, personal protective equipment, and tools, so that crew integrity is established; attack techniques are selected for the given level of the fire (e.g., attic, grade level, upper levels, or basement); attack techniques are communicated to the attack teams; constant team coordination is maintained; fire growth and development is continuously evaluated; search, rescue, and ventilation requirements are communicated or managed; hazards are reported to the attack teams; and incident command is apprised of changing conditions. (A) Requisite Knowledge. Selection of the nozzle and hose for fire attack, given different fire situations; selection of adapters and appliances to be used for specific fireground situations; dangerous building conditions created by fire and fire suppression activities; indicators of building collapse; the effects of fire and fire suppression activities on wood, masonry (brick, block, stone), cast iron, steel, reinforced concrete, gypsum wallboard, glass, and plaster on lath; search and rescue and ventilation procedures; indicators of structural instability; suppression approaches and practices for various types of structural fires; and the association between specific tools and special forcible entry needs. (B) Requisite Skills. The ability to assemble a team, choose attack techniques for various levels of a fire (e.g., attic, grade level, upper levels, or basement), evaluate and forecast a fire s growth and development, select tools for forcible entry, incorporate search and rescue procedures and ventilation procedures in the completion of the attack team efforts, and determine developing hazardous building or fire conditions. Forcible Entry - 3

6 I. Forcible Entry (Essentials p. 395) A. Skillful methods of forcible entry will aid in the saving of lives, minimize property, and result in better public relations B. Forcible entry can be required in areas where normal openings are locked or blocked for fire fighter access C. Forcible entry techniques should not be used when normal means of access are available 1. At every door or window remember to "Try before you pry" 2. Fire fighters must make every effort to minimize the damage created by any forcible entry techniques 3. At commercial and industrial occupancies, look for a lock box ("Knox box") which will contain a door key D. Some security measures may be extreme and force fire fighters to look for alternative means of entry E. Fire fighters must understand: 1. Basic construction of doors, windows, and walls 2. Operation of doors, windows, and locks 3. Dangers associated with forcible entry 4. How to carry and operate hand and power forcible entry tools 5. Forcible entry methods for various types of doors and windows 4 - Forcible Entry

7 II. Forcible Entry Tools (Essentials p. 397) A. Selection and use of the proper tools are the keys to rapid and successful forcible entry in an emergency B. Cutting tools 1. Cutting tools can be specific to the types of materials they cut a. No single tool can safely and effectively cut all materials b. Using a cutting tool on incompatible materials can damage the tool and endanger fire fighters 2. Axes - most common fire service cutting tools a. Typically with a 6-pound or 8-pound head b. Effective for cutting through wood, shingles, and other natural and lightweight materials c. Pick-head axe (1) Most versatile forcible entry tool (2) Can be used for cutting, prying, or digging (3) The pick end can penetrate materials that can resist cutting by the blade (4) The blade can be used to break windows or as a prying tool d. Flathead axe (1) Can be used with other tools to force entry Forcible Entry - 5

8 (2) Used to strike other tools to force the bit end into a door jam or window sill (3) Commonly carried with a Halligan bar as set known a "irons" 3. Metal cutting tools a. Boltcutters (1) Used to cut bolts, iron bars, pins, cables, hasps, chains, and some padlock shackles (2) Never attempt to cut case-hardened materials typically found in locks and other security devices b. Rebar cutters (1) Available as manual and powered hydraulic tools (2) Manual cutters can be used in areas where hydraulic hoses cannot reach (3) Used to cut rebar when breaching concrete walls and security bars on windows and doors c. Oxyacetylene cutting torches (1) Available in hand-carried and wheeled units (2) Used to cut heavy metal other tools might not cut (3) Can generate a flame of over 5,700 o F 6 - Forcible Entry

9 (4) Fire service use is diminishing due to safety issues with acetylene gas (5) Only personnel trained in the proper use should attempt to use a cutting torch d. Oxy-gasoline cutting torches (1) Fueled by a mixture of gasoline and oxygen (2) Uses a conventional cutting torch and dualtank system (3) Gasoline is delivered to the torch in liquid form instead of a gas (4) Can generate a flame of up to 2,800 o F (5) Use in the fire service is increasing due to: e. Burning bars (a) Availability of gasoline (b) Gasoline cost lower than other fuels (c) Since a liquid is being used, safety is increased because flame cannot travel back through the hose (1) Also called exothermic cutting rods or "thermal lance" (2) The torch feeds oxygen through the rod and produces temperatures of over 10,000 o F (3) Can cut through concrete and masonry which other torches cannot Forcible Entry - 7

10 f. Plasma cutters (1) Ultrahigh temperature cutting devices which can produce over 25,000 o F (2) Require a power supply and either air, nitrogen, argon-hydrogen, or argon-helium mixtures (3) An electric arc cuts the material and a gas jet is heated into plasma, which blows the molten material from the cutting area g. Hand saws (1) Used when a power saw in unavailable or will not fit in the area needed (2) Common hand saws used in the fire service: (a) Carpenter's handsaw (b) Hacksaw (c) Drywall saw (d) Keyhole saw h. Power saws (1) Circular saws: useful in many fire service applications where power is available (2) Rotary saws (a) Usually gasoline-powered (b) A wide variety of blades are available for different materials 8 - Forcible Entry

11 (c) Carbide-tipped blades are less prone to dulling with heavy use (d) Some blade guards are not designed for use with carbide-tipped blades (3) Reciprocating saws (a) Powerful, versatile, and controllable (b) Ideal for cutting metal parts during vehicle extrications (4) Chain saws C. Prying tools (a) Most commonly used for ventilation (b) Must be equipped with carbide-tipped chain, depth gauge, and kickback protection 1. Used for opening doors, windows, locks, and moving heavy objects 2. Manual prying tools a. Crowbar b. Halligan or Holligan bar c. Pry bar d. Claw tool e. Pry axe f. Hux bar Forcible Entry - 9

12 g. Kelly tool h. K-tool i. Rambar (1) Very efficient for prying doors (2) The forked end is inserted between the door and frame just above or below the lock and driven in by the sliding weighted handle (3) Using the handle as lever, the door is then popped open (4) Eliminates the need for a second tool and second fire fighter to strike the pry tool j. Prying tools must be used only for their intended purposes 3. Hydraulic prying tools a. Hydraulic rescue spreader (1) Most commonly used in vehicle extrication (2) Can be used in some other forcible entry situations (3) Depending on the model, the tips can spread as much as 32-inches b. Hydraulic rams: can be used to spread a door frame far enough apart for the door to open c. Hydraulic door opener (1) Hand operated spreading device 10 - Forcible Entry

13 (2) Can be placed between a door and door frame to cause the locking mechanism or door to fail D. Pushing and pulling tools 1. Used for breaking glass and opening walls or ceilings 2. Except for the roofman's hook, pike poles and hooks should not be used to pry 3. Standard pike pole 4. Clemens hook 5. Drywall hook 6. Trash hook 7. San Francisco hook 8. Roofman hook E. Striking tools 1. Sledgehammer 2. Maul 3. Battering ram 4. Flathead axe 5. Hammer 6. Punch 7. Chisel Forcible Entry - 11

14 8. In some cases, only a striking tool may be required to force entry 9. May also be used in conjunction with only tools to gain entry 10. Can be dangerous when improperly used, carried, or maintained F. No one single forcible entry tool will handle every forcible entry situation 1. Tool combinations needed will vary depending on: a. Building construction b. Building security c. Available tools 2. The proper tools must be selected for the intended job or the operation can become dangerous III. Forcible Entry Tool Safety (Essentials p. 407) A. Fire fighters must be properly trained and familiar with all tools they may use B. Power tools should not be used in potentially flammable or explosive atmospheres C. When tools are not being used, they should be placed in designated areas D. Prying tool safety 1. An extension or "cheater" bar should never be used with a prying tool 12 - Forcible Entry

15 a. Puts forces on a tool greater than it was designed to withstand b. Can causes injury if the tool breaks or slips 2. Do not use prying tools for striking unless designed for that purpose E. Rotary saw safety 1. Injuries can occur from the blade continuing to spin after the throttle is released F. 2. Another hazard is the twisting caused by the spinning blade 3. All cuts should be started after a saw has reached its full revolutions per minute to prevent binding in the material being cut Safety with all power saws 1. Match the saw to the task and material being cut 2. Never force a saw beyond its design limits 3. Always wear proper protective equipment, including eye protection 4. Inspect a saw before and after each use 5. Do not use any power saw in a flammable atmosphere or near ignitable liquids 6. Keep nonessential and unprotected people out of the area 7. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines Forcible Entry - 13

16 8. Keep blades clean and sharpened 9. Watch for hidden hazards such as wiring, gas lines, or pipes 10. Start all cuts with a saw running at full rpm's G. Carrying tools 1. Axes a. Axes should be carried close to body b. With pick-head axes, the pick should be covered with a hand c. Axes should never be carried on the shoulder 2. Pike poles and hooks a. When outside, carry these tools with the tool head down, close to the ground and ahead of the body b. When entering a building, invert the tool and carry it with the head upright close to the body 3. Prying tools should be carried with pointed or sharp edges away from the body 4. Striking tools should be carried with the heads close to the ground 5. Power tools should never be carried while running 14 - Forcible Entry

17 H. Care of tools 1. Wooden handles a. Check for cracks, blisters, and splinters b. Sand the handle to minimize hand injuries c. Check the tightness of the head d. Wooden handles should not be painted to avoid concealing damage or defects e. Coat with boiled linseed oil to prevent roughness or warping 2. Fiberglass handles a. Clean handles with mild detergent and water b. Check the tightness of the head c. Check for damage and cracks 3. Cutting edges a. Check for nicks, tears, or metal spurs b. Replace cutting edges when needed c. File the edges, grinding will weaken the tool d. Axe heads (1) May break if extremely sharp or too thin (2) If too thick, it may be difficult to drive through materials Forcible Entry - 15

18 (3) If too sharp, it may stick in the material being struck (4) Axe heads should not be painted (a) Can hide flaws and damage (b) Can cause the cutting edge to stick 4. Unprotected metal surfaces a. Keep clean of rust b. Keep lightly oiled with lightweight machine oil c. Do not paint d. Keep free of burred or sharp edges 5. Power equipment a. Follow manufacturer's instructions b. Ensure power tools will start c. Replace blades if worn d. Check all electrical cords for cuts or frays e. Check safety guards f. Ensure the fuel is fresh IV. Forcing Doors (Essentials p. 413) A. Locked or blocked doors are the common forcible entry problem 16 - Forcible Entry

19 1. Fire fighters must be able to recognize: a. How the door functions b. How it is constructed c. How it is locked 2. Fire fighters should always remember to try to open the door before forcing it 3. It is critical to maintain control of a door a. Opening a door and creating more ventilation that can affect fire behavior b. A door may have to be blocked open to stop it from closing on a hoseline c. Disoriented fire fighters have passed closed doors without knowing they missed a possible escape route B. Door types 1. Swinging doors a. May swing inward or outward b. If the door hinges can be seen, it swings toward you c. Door jambs (1) Rabbeted jamb: a shoulder milled into the door casing Forcible Entry - 17

20 (2) Stopped jamb (a) Piece of molding attached to the door frame for the door to close on (b) Can be easily removed with prying tools d. Panel doors: made of solid wood members with wood or plastic panels inset e. Slab doors (1) Hollow core (a) Most interior doors in newer construction are hollow core (b) Made of plywood veneer panels glued over a web or grid of glued wooden strips (2) Solid core f. Ledge doors (a) Plywood covering (b) Filled with wooden planks or insulation material (c) Heavier and more expensive than hollow core doors (1) Found in warehouses, barns, storerooms, and sheds (2) Made of planks, often tongue and groove, fastened to horizontal and diagonal ledge boards 18 - Forcible Entry

21 (3) Usually have a surface locking mechanism g. Metal swinging doors (1) More difficult to force open (a) Set in metal frames (b) Rigid and resist penetration by hand tools (c) When set in concrete walls, power tools will be needed to force entry (2) Hollow metal filled with fire-resistant material (3) Metal clad: solid wood doors covered with a metal skin (4) Tubular metal (a) Made of seamless rectangular tube sections with glass or metal panels (b) Common in commercial occupancies 2. Sliding doors a. Open in the same plane as the opening b. Attached to a metal track by roller or guide wheels c. "Pocket doors" (1) Move laterally into a "pocket" framed into a wall Forcible Entry - 19

22 (2) Usually suspended from an overhead track (3) When closed, only the door edge is visible d. Most common sliding doors are used in homes for patios, porches, or balconies (1) Typically have glass panels set in a metal or wooden frame (2) The sliding glass section moves past a stationary glass panel (3) May be double or triple pane glass or tempered glass e. May be barred or blocked by rods or "burglar blocks" which eliminates the possibility of forcing open the door without breaking the glass 4. Revolving doors a. Constructed of glass panels that revolve around a center shaft b. Turns within a metal or glass housing assembly that is open on each side for entry c. Difficult to force when locked d. Equipped with a mechanism that allows them to collapse and be locked open in an emergency e. There are usually swinging doors on either side of a revolving door which should be used for entry before attempting to force the revolving door 20 - Forcible Entry

23 f. Locking mechanisms to lock revolving doors open (1) Panic-proof type: has a cable holding door panels in place triggered by pushing in opposite directions on the panels (2) Drop-arm type (a) Has a solid passing through one door panel (b) A pawl is located on the panel (c) The pawl is pushed to disengage the arm and the panel then pushed parallel with the next one (3) Metal-braced type (a) Resembles a hook-and-eye lock assembly (b) Hooks on both sides of a door panel are lifted and fastened back against the fixed panel to lock the door open 5. Overhead doors a. Used for garages and loading docks b. May be constructed of wood, metal, or fiberglass c. Usually heavily secured and spring-loaded or balanced d. Difficult to force entry through Forcible Entry - 21

24 e. Sectional or folding overhead doors (1) Not difficult to force unless motor driven (2) Constructed of panels hinged together (3) May have locking mechanisms on one or both sides (4) Forcing sectional overhead doors (a) Remove a panel or break a window and operate the latch from the inside (b) For doors with an electric opener, remove a panel or break a window and pull the release handle on the track (5) All overhead doors should be blocked open to prevent injury should the control mechanism fail (6) If operated by a suspended opener, fire fighters should take precautions should the motor brackets fail f. Tilt-slab doors - "awning doors" (1) Sometimes called awning doors (2) Typically constructed of one large slab (3) Uses a spring mechanism to pivot the door out and upward (4) Usually have lock on one side 22 - Forcible Entry

25 (5) Can sometimes be forced by removing the door entirely or cutting the lock bolt with a rotary saw g. Rolling steel overhead doors: "sheet curtain doors" (1) Often used as high-security service doors (2) May be manually operated, mechanical, or motor driven (3) May have a pedestrian door nearby (4) Extremely difficult to force open (5) Forcing entry in roll-up or sheet curtain doors (a) Common procedure was formally to cut a large triangular cut in the center of the door (b) The triangular cut could cause a door to jam and not fully open (c) The best procedure is to use a rotary saw and cut a square or rectangular opening about 6' high and nearly as wide as the door (d) Once inside, personnel should use the lift mechanism to raise the door and prop the door open h. Telescoping overhead doors (1) Consist of interlocking, inverted "U"- shaped sections Forcible Entry - 23

26 6. Fire doors (a) When raised each section moves into the one above (b) When closed, the sections telescope out (2) Operated by chain-hoist mechanisms either manually or electrically operated a. Protect door openings in fire-rated separation walls b. Types of fire doors (1) Horizontal or vertical sliding (2) Single or double swinging (3) Overhead rolling c. May be manually, mechanically, or electrically operated d. Counterbalanced fire doors are usually vertical sliding and found on freight elevator openings (1) Mounted on face of the wall inside of the elevator shaft (2) Almost always manually operated e. Self-closing fire door (1) Return to closed position immediately after opening (2) Usually installed in stairway enclosures 24 - Forcible Entry

27 f. Automatic-closing fire doors (1) Held open by a fusible link or magnetic mechanism (2) Doors close on activation of alarm or detection system or when fusible link opens (3) Usually found in hallways and corridors g. Vertical sliding fire doors are normally open and close automatically h. Overhead rolling fire doors are installed where space limitations prohibit other types of doors (1) May be operated by fusible links or detection systems (2) Whenever possible, entrance should be gained by another method instead of attempting to force these doors (3) Rolling overhead fire doors can also be found over food serving lines to separate a commercial kitchen from a dining area C. Locks and locking devices 1. Mortise locks a. Fits into a cavity in a door b. Consists of a latch mechanism and opening device c. Newer mortise locks have a deadbolt Forcible Entry - 25

28 d. Found in residences, commercial, and industrial buildings 2. Bored (cylindrical) locks a. Installation involves boring two holes at right angles (1) One through the door face for the locking mechanism (2) One through the door edge for the latch or bolt b. "Key-in-knob" lock (1) Has the key hole in the outside knob (2) The inside knob has either a push button or a push and turn button 3. Rim lock a. Surface-mounted as an add-on b. Can be identified from the outside by a cylinder separate from the opening mechanism 4. Padlocks a. Portable, detachable locking devices b. Standard padlocks have shackles of 1 / 4 -inch or less in diameter and not case-hardened c. Heavy-duty padlocks (1) Have shackles of more than 1 / 4 -inch in diameter and case-hardened 26 - Forcible Entry

29 (2) "Toe and heel locking": both ends of the shackle are locked when depressed (3) Both sides must be cut to remove the lock D. Nondestructive rapid entry - rapid-entry lockbox systems 1. All needed keys or numeric keypad combinations are in a lockbox on a building's exterior 2. Only the fire department has a master key to open all such boxes in its jurisdiction 3. Proper mounting is the owner's responsibility but the fire department should indicate the desired location E. Conventional forcing methods through doors 1. If there are no glass panels near a door, the door will have to be forced open a. Many departments use a rambar since it requires only one person to use b. Other departments use a flat-head axe in combination with a Halligan bar 2. Breaking glass a. If there is a glass pane near the locking mechanism, it will be faster and cause less damage to break the glass and reach through to unlock the door b. Personnel must have full protective equipment, including eye and hand protection when breaking glass Forcible Entry - 27

30 3. Forcing swinging doors a. A prying tool is placed just above or below lock between the door and the jamb b. The tool is angled slightly up or down c. The tool is struck with the back side of a flathead axe to drive it between the door and jamb d. For inward swing doors, the tool is then moved toward the door, forcing it open e. For outward swing doors, the tool is then pulled away form the door, forcing it open f. If a metal or metal-clad door in a metal frame set in concrete, other techniques may be needed (1) A hydraulic door opener may be used (2) A rotary saw may be needed to cut around the locking mechanism 4. Forcing sliding doors a. May be forced by using a prying tool to pry the door away from the jamb to break the lock striker b. The glass may have to be broken as a last resort (1) Tempered glass shatters into small cubelike pieces when broken (2) Strike the glass with the pick of a pick-head axe in a bottom corner (3) Face and eye protection must be worn 28 - Forcible Entry

31 5. Double-swinging doors a. If secured only with a mortrise lock, pry the doors far enough apart to let the bolt slip past the receiver b. A rotary saw may be used to cut the deadbolt between the doors 6. Doors with drop bars a. A drop-bar assembly is a horizontal wooden or steel security bar held in place with metal stirrups on the inside of the doors b. To force, spread the space between the doors with a rambar or Halligan and insert a narrow tool in the opening and lift the bar up and out c. The rotary saw blade may also be inserted into the space between the doors to cut the security bar 7. Tempered plate glass doors a. Metal-frame doors with tempered plate glass panels will be found in commercial and institutional occupancies b. The glass may have to be broken as a last resort (1) Tempered glass shatters into small cubelike pieces when broken (2) Strike the glass with the pick of a pick-head axe in a bottom corner (3) Face and eye protection must be worn Forcible Entry - 29

32 8. Through-the-lock forcible entry a. Preferred method for commercial and highsecurity doors b. Effective and does minimal damage if done correctly c. Removing the lock cylinder from the door frame (1) If the lock cylinder is not protected by a collar or shield, it may be unscrewed from the door (a) Place a set of locking pliers on the lock cylinder and unscrew the lock cylinder from the door (b) A key tool is inserted in the cylinder opening to open the lock (2) Using a K-tool (a) Slide the K-tool over the lock cylinder (b) Tap the K-tool down on the cylinder (c) Insert the blade of a Halligan-type bar into the strap on the K-tool (d) Drive the K-tool further on the cylinder using a flat-head axe (e) Pry up on the tool to pull the cylinder out (f) After the cylinder has been removed the locking mechanism must then be opened using a key tool or screwdriver 30 - Forcible Entry

33 (3) A-tool (a) Does the same job as the K-tool but may cause more damage (b) Can rapidly remove the cylinder lock (c) Has a sharp notch with machined cutting edges to cut behind the protective collar of a lock cylinder (4) J-tool (a) Made of rigid, heavy-gauge wire designed to fit through the space behind double-swinging doors with panic hardware (b) Inserted between the doors to allow the tool to be rotated 90 degrees (c) A fire fighter pulls the tool to contact the panic hardware and then pulls to operate the hardware (5) Shove knife (a) Flat-steel tool resembling a putty knife with a notch in one edge (b) On outward-swinging doors, the blade is inserted between a door and frame and used to depress the latch Forcible Entry - 31

34 9. Padlocks a. If the lock is small with shackles less than 1 / 4 - inch and not case-hardened, one of the following can be tried: (1) Use boltcutters on the shackle or the chain (2) Insert the hook of a Halligan into the lock shackle and strike the Halligan with a flathead axe to drive the hook through the shackle (3) Place the fork of a Halligan over the padlock's shackles and twist the lock until the shackles break b. Heavy-duty padlocks with shackles of more than 1 / 4 -inch in diameter and case-hardened are more difficult to force (1) Duck-billed lock breaker (a) Wedge-shaped tool that will widen and break padlock shackles (b) Inserted into the lock shackle and driven with another tool until the shackles break (2) Bam-bam tool (automotive dent puller) (a) Uses a case-hardened screw that is screwed into the padlock keyhole (b) Sharp pulls with the sliding hammer will pull the tumbler out of the padlock 32 - Forcible Entry

35 (c) Will not work with Master Locks, American Locks, and other high-security locks with case-hardened retaining rings (3) High security padlocks may have to be cut with a power saw, cutting torch, or hydraulic cutters (a) One fire fighter should stabilize the lock with a locked pliers and chain while the shackle is cut V. Gates and Fences (Essentials p. 438) A. Fire fighters should be cautious when entering fenced areas which may contain livestock or guard dogs B. Barbed wire fences can be cut with boltcutters C. Chain-link fences 1. Can be cut with a rotary saw near the fence posts a. To provide space for apparatus access b. Reduces danger of recoil of wires when cut 2. An alternative method is to cut the wire bands holding the chain-link to the posts and lay the fence fabric on the ground D. A-frame ladders may be used to bridge masonry and ornamental metal fences E. In some gated communities, access through a secure gate may be the only way in Forcible Entry - 33

36 1. Usually controlled by electronic locks with a keypad 2. If necessary, entry may be forced by prying the gate open VI. Forcing Windows (Essentials p. 439) A. Windows are many times easier to force than doors 1. Entry can be made through a window to open a locked door from the inside 2. Breaking glass is the most common technique but also requires that the glass and frame be cleared 3. Breaking the wrong window can disrupt ventilation, increase fire growth, and draw fire into uninvolved areas 4. Breaking window glass can increase hazards to fire fighters and civilians a. Flying glass shards can travel some distance from windows b. Glass shards on floors can make footing dangerous c. Flying glass can cause injuries to victims inside a structure 5. Wired glass is more difficult to break and may require a sharp tool, such as an axe pick, to chop wired glass from its frame 6. Double- and triple-glazed windows can be expensive and time consuming to remove 34 - Forcible Entry

37 B. Checkrail or double-hung windows 1. Frames may be wood, metal, or vinyl clad 2. The top and bottom sashes are fitted into the window frame and slide up or down 3. Secured by one or two thumb-operated locks 4. May also be secured by window bolts 5. To force through a double-hung window a. Insert the blade of an axe or prying tool under the center of the bottom sash b. Pry upward to force the screws out of the lock c. Push the lower sash up to open the window d. Metal framed windows are more difficult because the lock mechanism may not pull out and jam 6. Breaking window glass may be the fastest means of access in an emergency a. Stand with the wind to the back b. Hold the tool with the hands higher than the point of impact to prevent glass from falling on them c. Use the flat side of an axe or a pike pole d. Clear the window frame of all remaining glass e. Clear the window space of curtains and blinds Forcible Entry - 35

38 C. Casement or hinged windows 1. Frames may be wood or metal 2. May be called "crank out windows" because opened with a small hand crank 3. Mounted on side hinges that swing outward, away from the frame 4. Locking mechanisms may be thumb-operated locks or latch-type devices 5. Difficult to force and another means of entry should be sought if possible D. Projected or factory windows 1. Typically in factories, warehouses, and industrial locations 2. Usually have metal sashes and function by pivoting at the top or bottom 3. The best method of forcible entry is to find another entry point a. The metal frames make forcible entry difficult b. Usually several feet above the floor c. Often cover a large area E. Awning windows 1. Consist of large sections of glass about a foot wide with a metal or wood frame 2. Supported at each end with an operating mechanism 36 - Forcible Entry

39 3. Each panel opens when the crank is turned F. 4. Awning windows should be avoided for forcible entry Jalousie windows 1. Consist of small sections of glass about 4-inches wide held in place by a frame at each end 2. Supported at each end with an operating mechanism 3. Each panel opens when the crank is turned 4. Jalousie windows should be avoided for forcible entry G. Other window types 1. Hopper window: similar to an awning window except hinged at the bottom 2. Tilt-turn window: tilts out for ventilation and can be fully opened for cleaning or escape 3. Slider or gliding window: made of a fixed sash and a second sliding sash on a track 4. Fixed or picture window: large solid glass unit that does not open H. High security windows 1. High security windows should be identified during pre-fire planning so fire personnel know what tools will be needed should entry be needed Forcible Entry - 37

40 2. Plexiglass or Lexan thermoplastic windows a. Lexan is 250 times stronger than safety glass b. Lexan is almost impossible to break using normal forcible entry methods c. Lexan can be cut using a rotary power saw with a carbide-tipped blade d. Striking a Lexan window with impact tools may be effective if the entire pane can be punched through the frame 3. Barred or heavy-gauge metal screened windows a. Can be extremely difficult and time-consuming to force entry b. If the bolt heads holding the bar assembly are visible, attempt to shear off the heads by placing the blade of a flat-head axe behind the bolt head and striking the axe with a Halligan c. Cut the bars or screen frame with a rotary power saw, cutting torch, or hydraulic rebar cutter VII. Breaching Walls (Essentials p. 445) A. It may be necessary to open a wall to gain access to a structure or to a fire area 1. Breaching load-bearing walls can be very dangerous 2. Breaching an improper location or removing too many structural members can lead to collapse 38 - Forcible Entry

41 3. The area chosen for breaching must be clear of: a. Electrical wiring b. Plumbing c. Gas lines B. Plaster or gypsum interior partition walls 1. May or may not be load bearing 2. Plaster and gypsum wallboards are relatively easy to penetrate with tools 3. Determining if there is fire in partition walls a. Feel for hot spots b. Look for discolored wallpaper or blistered paint c. Listen for sounds of burning d. Look for smoke around cracks and seams 4. Forcing techniques a. Select the location for the opening b. Check for electrical plugs and switches and plumbing fixtures in the area c. Sound the wall to locate the studs d. Cut the plaster board along the studs e. Break the plaster between the studs Forcible Entry - 39

42 5. Reinforced gypsum walls a. In some new construction, interior walls in public access areas are covered with gypsum wallboard reinforced with Lexan b. The Lexan reinforcement is bonded to the back of the wallboard so its presence cannot be determined from visual examination c. Power saws will be needed to breach these types of walls C. Brick and concrete block walls 1. Can be difficult to breach during emergency operations 2. Forcing techniques a. Battering ram: slow and labor intensive b. Rotary power saws with masonry blades c. Sledgehammer: difficult and time-consuming 3. If a masonry wall needs to be breached to apply water to a fire quickly, a penetrating nozzle can be driven through the wall D. Concrete wall 1. Slower and more difficult than masonry walls 2. Often reinforced with steel rebar 3. Should be done only when absolutely necessary and there are no other alternatives 40 - Forcible Entry

43 4. Breaching methods a. Using a chain saw with a diamond-tipped chain b. Using a pneumatic jackhammer E. Metal walls 1. Found in many buildings 2. Usually constructed of overlapping metal sheets fastened to metal or wooden studs 3. A power saw with a metal-cutting blade, air chisel, or axe may be used a. Sound the wall for supports and cut along the supports b. After the metal is cut, it should be folded out of the way for safety VIII. Breaching Floors (Essentials p. 449) A. Flooring materials and floor coverings vary greatly 1. Subfloor construction is usually wood or concrete 2. Concrete slab floors are common in residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies 3. Upper floors may be finished with lightweight concrete 4. Breaching methods depend on how a floor was constructed and the materials used Forcible Entry - 41

44 B. Wood floor breaching methods 1. Caution must be exercised to avoid cutting floor support joists a. May be spaced from 12 to 24 inches apart b. Wooden I-beams are usually spaced 24 inches apart c. Floor joists are covered with subflooring of either tongue and groove planks or sheets of plywood d. The finish flooring may be sheet vinyl, ceramic tile, hardwood, or carpeting 2. Determine the location for hole 3. Remove floor coverings such as tile and carpet 4. Sound for floor joists 5. Cut each side of the finished floor covering using angle cuts 6. Remove the finished flooring with the pick of an axe 7. Cut the subfloor using the same techniques 8. If using a power saw, remove carpeting before making any cuts C. Concrete floor breaching methods 1. All concrete floors are reinforced to some degree 42 - Forcible Entry

45 2. Fire fighters should avoid attempting to breach concrete floors unless absolutely necessary for rescue 3. The best method is to use a jackhammer 4. Concrete cutting blades can be used on power saws but the process will be extremely slow IX. Forcible Entry Summary A. Forcible entry is used to gain access when normal means of access or locked or blocked B. Properly done forcible entry methods should do minimal damage and provide rapid access C. Fire fighters must be thoroughly trained and proficient in safely using the variety of forcible entry tools available D. Forcible entry safety precautions 1. Try before you pry 2. Carry tools safely 3. Watch for explosive atmospheres 4. Block open doors and windows after opening 5. Do not place tools where they will be tripped over 6. Stand to side when breaking glass 7. Block overhead doors open 8. Watch for overhead obstructions and bystanders Forcible Entry - 43

46 9. Watch for plumbing and wiring 10. One large opening is usually better than several small ones 11. Have charged hose line available 44 - Forcible Entry

47 FORCIBLE ENTRY QUIZ Name: Date: 1. Which of the following should not be done when maintaining wooden handles on tools? a. Check for cracks b. Coat with paint c. Check for splinters d. Coat with boiled linseed oil 2. The preferred method for forcing commercial and high-security doors is. a. through-the-lock b. from the hinged side of the door c. by removing the door casing d. by the use of a duck-billed tool 3. When breaking plate window glass, the axe or other tool should be. a. swung with the cutting edge toward the window b. swung with the pick of the axe into the window c. used to pry the frame away rather than breaking the glass d. held so that the hands are above the point of impact 4. Which of the following is classified as a "prying tool"? a. Pick-head axe b. Halligan bar c. Pike pole d. Maul 5. Cutting edges on fire axes should be. a. sharpened with a grinder b. sharpened to a razor's edge sharpness c. painted with rust-resistant paint d. oiled lightly with light machine oil Forcible Entry - 45

48 FORCIBLE ENTRY QUIZ 6. A rabbeted door jamb. a. has a shoulder milled into the door casting. b. has a piece of molding attached to the door frame. c. is used with revolving doors. d. is easy to force open than a stopped jamb. 7. Bored (cylindrical) locks typically have. a. a rim lock b. a "key-in-the-knob" lock c. mortise locks d. a cylinder separate from the opening mechanism 8. What windows are the most difficult to force? a. Jalousie b. Casement c. Double-hung d. Hinged 9. When breaking tempered glass in a sliding door, fire fighters should. a. strike the pane near its center with the flat side of an axe b. strike the pane in a lower corner with the pick of an axe c. strike the pane with a pike pole near the upper section d. strike the pane with a maul near the center 10. Which of the following is recommended when breaching walls? a. Check for the presence of electrical wiring and plumbing within the wall b. Sound the wall to locate the studs c. Avoid cutting supports in load bearing walls d. All of the above 46 - Forcible Entry

49 INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE PRACTICAL SKILLS These Lead Instructor Practical Skills are designed to provide the Lead Instructor for a Fire Fighter I and II course with a more detailed overview of the practical skills required of all students. The appropriate skills from NFPA are listed at the front of each skill's section. Although the skills from NFPA are written as Job Performance Requirements, these have been divided into individual skill elements. This is to allow for consistency in the evaluation of each skill element. Students must successfully complete each step of each practical skill during the practical skills evaluation portion of a Fire Fighter I and II course. At the time of a Fire Fighter I and II Certification Examination, the skill steps have been prioritized to allow a student to miss a predetermined number of steps Forcible Entry

50 MISSOURI DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY FIRE FIGHTER I & II PRACTICAL SKILLS Forcible Entry Successful completion of the practical skills in this section are necessary to fulfill the requirements of the following sections of NFPA : Fire Fighter I Standard 5.3.4* Force entry into a structure, given personal protective equipment, tools, and an assignment, so that the tools are used as designed, the barrier is removed, and the opening is in a safe condition and ready for entry Clean and check ladders, ventilation equipment, SCBA, ropes, salvage equipment, and hand tools, given cleaning tools, cleaning supplies, and an assignment, so that equipment is clean and maintained according to manufacturer s or departmental guidelines, maintenance is recorded, and equipment is placed in a ready state or reported otherwise. Forcible Entry - 49

51 MISSOURI DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY FIRE FIGHTER I & II PRACTICAL SKILLS Forcible Entry - NFPA , Forcible Entry Tool Identification and Carries Skill Objectives: The candidate, given a forcible entry tool, will state the name of that particular tool. The candidate will then explain the use(s) of that tool. Any forcible entry tools that the department utilizes may be used in testing. Skill Procedure: The evaluator shall organize all of the department s forcible entry tools and present them to the candidate to name and then describe the use. Safety and proper protective clothing is to be stressed in these tests. A minimum of three tools shall be utilized. Students are allowed two chances at each skill for successful completion. Any step listed in italics missed shall result in failure of the skill. Otherwise, students are allowed to miss a maximum of one of the following steps and pass this skill. Items to be checked If the candidate: 1. Properly identifies all forcible entry tools 2. Correctly identifies use of all forcible entry tools 3. Wears suitable protective clothing 4. Carries the tool safely 50 - Forcible Entry

52 MISSOURI DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY FIRE FIGHTER I & II PRACTICAL SKILLS Forcible Entry - NFPA , Demonstrate Forcible Entry Techniques Skill Objective: The fire fighter shall force entry through at least two different types of doors Students are allowed two chances at each skill for successful completion. Any step listed in italics missed shall result in failure of the skill. Otherwise, students are allowed to miss a maximum of two of the following steps and pass this skill. Items to be checked If the candidate: Doors that open toward the fire fighter 1. Correctly identifies the type of door 2. Selects the proper forcible entry tool(s) 3. Inserts the blade of the tool between the door and jamb near the lock 4. Forces the blade in and against the rabbet or stop 5. Pulls the tool bar away from the door to move the door and jamb apart 6. Pulls the door open or pries the door open with another tool Doors opening away from the fire fighter 1. Correctly identifies the type of door 2. Selects the proper forcible entry tool(s) 3. Lays the blade of the tool flat against the door and inserts between the jamb and the door 4. Makes short prys with first tool to spread the jamb 5. Works the blade of the second tool between the door and the jamb, hammering the blade well into the opening 6. Pries the door away from the jamb until the bolt passes the keeper Forcible Entry - 51

53 MISSOURI DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY FIRE FIGHTER I & II PRACTICAL SKILLS Forcible Entry - NFPA , Demonstrate Forcible Entry Techniques - continued Sliding Door 1. Chooses the correct tool(s) 2. Inserts the blade between the jamb and the door at the lock 3. Pries the door away from the jamb 4. If the patio door is locked or blocked with a bar, the candidate should try to find another entrance or break the glass Overhead Door 1. Chooses the correct tool(s) 2. Locates the lock 3. Breaks panel and reaches in to unlock door or pull manual door release on a garage door opener 4. Pries up on door at the bottom 5. Blocks door open 52 - Forcible Entry

54 MISSOURI DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY FIRE FIGHTER I & II PRACTICAL SKILLS Forcible Entry - NFPA , Demonstrate Forcible Entry Techniques Skill Objective: The fire fighter shall force entry through one of the following types of windows. Students are allowed two chances at each skill for successful completion. Students are allowed to miss a maximum of one of the following steps and pass this skill. Items to be checked If the candidate: Checkrail Window 1. Chooses correct tool(s) 2. Locates the locking device 3. Pries up on the lower sash from the center 4. If doesn't work, breaks glass to unlock window Casement Window 1. Chooses the correct tool(s) 2. Breaks the lowest pane of glass 3. Cut or forces the screen 4. Unlocks the window and operates the cranks 5. Completely removes the screen Forcible Entry - 53

55 MISSOURI DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY FIRE FIGHTER I & II PRACTICAL SKILLS Forcible Entry - NFPA , Demonstrate Forcible Entry Techniques Skill Objective: The fire fighter shall force entry through one of the following types of walls. Students are allowed two chances at each skill for successful completion. Students are allowed to miss a maximum of one of the following steps and pass this skill. Items to be checked If the candidate: Metal Wall 1. Chooses a metal cutting saw or tool 2. Locates the studs on the building 3. Cuts along the studs 4. After cuts are made, metal is folded back Wood Frame Wall 1. Chooses the correct tool(s) 2. Removes siding 3. Sounds for studs 4. Watches for wiring and pipes in walls 5. Cuts along studs 54 - Forcible Entry

56 MISSOURI DIVISION OF FIRE SAFETY FIRE FIGHTER I & II PRACTICAL SKILLS Forcible Entry - NFPA , Demonstrate Maintaining and Inspecting Forcible Entry Tools Skill Objectives: The candidate, given a forcible entry tool, shall demonstrate an inspection of the tool and verbalize the inspection procedures. The candidate shall also verbally describe the maintenance of the tool including cleaning, maintaining cutting edges and handles. Skill Procedure: The evaluator shall select a forcible entry tool and present it to the candidate to inspect and describe the tool's maintenance. Students are allowed two chances at each skill for successful completion. Any step listed in italics missed shall result in failure of the skill. Otherwise, students are allowed to miss a maximum of one of the following steps and pass this skill. Items to be checked If the candidate: 1. Properly identifies the forcible entry tool 2. Correctly inspects the tool's handle for splinters, cracks, or other damage 3. Inspects the tool's head for tightness. 4. Inspects the working surface for dullness, damage, chips, cracks, or metal fatigue 5. Properly describes the maintenance of the tool including cleaning and maintaining cutting edges and handles Forcible Entry - 55