Forcible Entry Tools and Their Safe Operation
Course
Firefighter I
Unit XI
Forcible Entry
Essential
Question
Why is it
important to
understand tool
selection and
tool safety when
conducting
forcible entry at a
fire scene? How
important is
successful
forcible entry to
the overall task
of fighting fire?
TEKS
§130.299(c)
(17)(C), (18)(E)
Rationale
Forcible entry techniques are used by fire personnel to gain entry into
buildings, vehicles, aircraft, and other areas of confinement when normal
means of entry are locked or blocked (IFSTA). To effectively perform forcible
entry, firefighters need to be familiar with the firefighter tools used to force
entry and how to use them safely. When done correctly, forcible entry
minimizes property damage and provides quick access at the emergency
scene. Forcible entry should only be done only when traditional means of
access are not available. It needs to be done correctly and safely. This lesson
will discuss the safe use of forcible entry tools and how to use them
effectively.
Objectives
The student will be able to:
1. Safely demonstrate tools used for forcible entry
2. Describe procedures for safe operation of those tools at emergency
scenes
Engage
Engage your students in a discussion on firefighter safety and effective tool
use. Ask the students what tools are used for forcible entry, and ask them for
specific examples of each tool’s use. Discuss what types of tools can be used
for what building components and/or if they must be used only for specific
purposes. Discuss safe uses for each, and identify bad habits that firefighters
might develop if they become complacent with a tool. Use the Discussion
Rubric for assessment.
Prior Student
Learning
Key Points
The purposes
I. Firefighting Tools Commonly Used for Forcible Entry
and maintenance
A. Cutting tools
of various
1. Axes
firefighting tools;
a. Pick-head axe
NPFA 1500
i. 6- or 8-pound head
(Firefighter
ii. Very versatile tool
Health and
iii. Often used in ventilation to open up roofs and create
Safety) and
ventilation openings
situational
iv. The pick of the axe can also be used to break windows
awareness
for ventilation
related to safety
b. Flat-head axe
i. 6- or 8-pound head
Estimated Time
ii. Used to open up roofs and create ventilation openings
5 hours
iii. Not as versatile as a pick-head axe
2. Metal Cutting tools
a. Bolt cutters
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i.
Used on bolts, chains, lock hasps, padlocks, and
shackles
ii. Do not use on case-hardened steel
b. Rebar cutters
i. Hydraulic or manual
ii. Can often cut metal items that bolt cutters cannot
iii. Excellent for use on security bars
c. Cutting torches
i. Effectively cut materials that other cutting tools cannot
ii. Oxyacetylene cutting torch
(a) Burns oxygen and acetylene
(b) Flame temperature of 5,700 degrees F
(c) Unstable gas
(d) Must be kept in an upright position
(e) Use is diminishing in the fire service
d. Burning bars
i. Also called exothermic cutting tools
ii. Can cut through most metallic, semi-metallic, and
composite materials
iii. Produces temperatures in excess of 10,000 degrees F
iv. Rods range from ¼ inch to 1 inch in diameter, and
from 18 inches to 10 feet long
e. Plasma cutters
i. Produce temperatures up to 25,000 degrees F
ii. Require a power supply and a compressed gas like
air, nitrogen, or other inert gas or gas mixture
f. Cutting flares
i. Cut metal or concrete
ii. Exothermic
iii. Approximately the size of highway flares
iv. Produce a 6,800 degrees F
v. No power supply is necessary and they are portable
3. Handsaws
a. Carpenter’s handsaw (rip and crosscut)
b. Hacksaw
c. Drywall saw
d. Keyhole saw
4. Power saws
a. Chain saws
i. Commonly used during ventilation operations
ii. When equipped with a carbide tip they can cut rapidly
through many different types of roofing materials
b. Rotary saws – have many uses, but if the blade is changed
to cut wood, they are effective in ventilation operations
c. Reciprocating saws
i. Powerful
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ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
Versatile
Easy to control
Short, straight blade that moves in and out
Use of different blades allow for many different
materials to be cut
d. Circular saws
i. Originally designed for construction use
ii. Can be used when power (electrical) is readily
available
iii. Small battery units are also available
B. Pushing/pulling tools – have very limited use in forcible entry
1. Pike pole – used for pushing or pulling down ceilings in
ventilation operations to provide a path for smoke, heat, and fire
gases to exit the building through established ventilation
openings
2. Roofman’s Hook – used to sound roofs and can be used to pry
roof shingles if necessary
3. Clemens hook
4. Plaster hook
5. Drywall hook
6. San Francisco hook
7. Multipurpose hook
8. Rubbish hook
C. Prying tools
1. Manual prying tools
a. Crowbar
b. Halligan bar – part of a “set of irons” (when paired with a
flat-head axe)
c. Pry bar
d. Hux bar
e. Claw tool
f. Kelly (through the lock) tool
g. Pry axe
h. Flat bar (nail puller)
i. Ram bar
2. Hydraulic Prying Tools
a. Rescue tools
i. Spreaders used for vehicle extrication can spread up
to 32 inches
ii. Hydraulic ram bars have a spreading range from 36 to
63 inches
iii. Hydraulic door opener
II. Tool Safety
A. Cutting tools
1. Make sure you have the correct tool for the job
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B.
C.
D.
E.
2. Wear your personal protective equipment (PPE) while doing the
job. Gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection should all be
used
3. Maintain situational awareness
4. Keep unauthorized people out of the work area
Metal cutting tools
1. Bolt cutters – firefighters should wear face shields and eye
protection to protect their eyes and face
2. Rebar cutters – make sure that they are operated according to
the manufacturer’s specifications
3. Cutting torches
a. Oxyacetylene Cutting Torch
i. Flame temperature of 5,700 degrees F
ii. Unstable gas
iii. Must be kept in an upright position
4. Burning bars
a. Also called exothermic cutting tools
b. Produces temperatures in excess of 10,000 degrees F
5. Plasma cutters –temperatures up to 25,000 degrees F
6. Cutting flares –temperatures up to 6,800 degrees F
Handsaws – be aware of sharp edges and keep hands and
extremities away from the blades
Power saws
1. Operate in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications
and safety instructions
2. Be aware of sharp edges and blades, and keep hands and
extremities away from the blades
3. Wear gloves as well as eye and hearing protection
Pushing/pulling tools
1. When pushing or pulling ceilings with a pike pole, be aware of
falling ceiling and roofing material
2. Don’t use prying tools as pulling tools or pulling tools as prying
tools. Use the tools how they are intended
3. Maintain tool handles to avoid splinters and other damage
III. Scene Safety/Life Safety Hazards Associated With Forcible Entry
A. The first consideration is always life safety, both the lives of the
firefighters and the building occupants
1. Understand the different types of security barriers and the
hazards associated with each
2. Select the appropriate tool for the job
3. Wear the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Activities
1. Have students complete some assigned reading from the text about
forcible entry tools and tool safety. After reading the assignment, have
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students describe the safe operations of at least 10 tools used at
emergency scenes. Use the Writing Rubric for assessment.
2. Lay out a salvage cover and place examples of forcible entry tools on the
cover. Pass out index cards with the name and use of a forcible entry tool
on each. Have students match the card(s) handed out to them with the
appropriate tool. Students will then demonstrate the safe operation of each
tool (simulate if necessary). Use the Individual Work Rubric for
assessment.
3. Demonstrate for the students the Forced Entry through an OutwardSwinging Door Wedge-End Method. Then partner students and have them
take turns demonstrating the skill using the Forced Entry through an
Outward-Swinging Door Checklist as a guide and assessment.
Assessments
Forcible Entry Quiz and Key
Forced Entry through an Outward-Swinging Door Checklist
Discussion Rubric
Individual Work Rubric
Writing Rubric
Materials
Forcible Entry Tools computer-based presentation
Assorted forcible entry tools
Salvage cover
Index cards
Resources
0135151112, Essentials of Firefighting (5th Edition), International Fire Service
Training Association (IFSTA).
Accommodations for Learning Differences
For reinforcement, students will participate in peer teaching (mentoring) and
team learning; participate in guided research and note taking (web-based),
and keep journals (keywords and definitions).
For enrichment, students will participate in situational awareness exercises,
and classroom discussion and training exercises.
State Education Standards
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career and Technical Education
§130.299. Firefighter I (One to Two Credits).
(17) The student describes the handling of different types of
accidents and hazards. The student is expected to:
(C)
safely demonstrate ten types of tools used for forcible
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(18)
entry, rescue, and ventilation;
The student identifies safety procedures for ensuring a safe
environment. The student is expected to:
(E)
describe procedures for safe operation at emergency
scenes.
College and Career Readiness Standards
Cross-disciplinary Standards
I. Key Cognitive Skills
C. Problem solving
1. Analyze a situation to identify a problem to be solved.
2. Develop and apply multiple strategies to solve a problem.
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Name________________________________ Date__________________________
Forcible Entry Tools Quiz
1. _____ Bolt cutters can be used on which of the following?
a. Bolts
b. Chains
c. Lock hasps
d. All of the above
2. _____ Bolt cutters are not effective on
a. Lock hasps
b. Case hardened steel
c. Padlocks
d. All of the above
3. _____ Which of the following is an exothermic forcible entry tool?
a. Burning bar
b. Rebar cutter
c. Hydraulic spreader
d. Power saws
4. _____ Which of the following has a short blade that moves in and out?
a. Rotary saw
b. Skill saw
c. Reciprocating saw
d. Penetrating saw
5. _____ Which saw was originally designed for construction use?
a. Rotary saw
b. Circular saw
c. Skill saw
d. Chain saw
6. _____ Pike poles have a very limited use in forcible entry activities.
a. True
b. False
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7. _____ Which of the following is commonly referred to as a “set of irons”?
a. Pick-head axe and a ram bar
b. Flat-head axe and Kelly Bar
c. Hooligan bar and an A Tool
d. Halligan bar and a flat-head axe
8. _____ Spreaders used for vehicle extrication can spread up to ____ inches.
a. 24
b. 32
c. 42
d. 48
9. _____ Hydraulic ram bars have a spread from ____ to____ inches.
a. 12 to 24
b. 24 to 30
c. 30 to 48
d. 36 to 63
10. _____ Oxyacetylene cutting torches
a. Have a flame temperature of 5,700 degrees F
b. Use an unstable gas
c. Must be kept in an upright position
d. All of the above
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Forcible Entry Tools Quiz Key
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
D
B
A
C
B
A
D
B
D
D
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Name: _________________________
Date: __________________________
Forced Entry through an Outward-Swinging Door Checklist
Directions – You shall demonstrate the proper method of forcing entry through an outward
swinging door using the wedge-end method. You will begin on my instruction to start. The skill
will end when you state to me that you have completed all of the identified steps. Do you
understand these instructions?
2 pts.
each
Performance Objectives
Student(s) tries the door before prying. “Try before you pry.”
Firefighter 1: places the wedge end of a Halligan bar just below/above the
lock (if there are two locks, places the wedge between them).
Firefighter 2: strikes the striking plate of the Halligan using a flat-head axe,
driving the wedge between the door and the jamb (strikes the tool only when
directed by Firefighter 1).
Firefighter 1: pries down and out using the fork end of the tool
Either Firefighter 1 or Firefighter 2 opens the door.
Total points possible - 10
Instructor’s Signature
Date
10
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Name_______________________________________
Date_______________________________
Discussion Rubric
Objectives
4 pts.
Excellent
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Participates in group discussion
Encourages others to join the
conversation
Keeps the discussion progressing
to achieve goals
Shares thoughts actively while
offering helpful recommendations to
others
Gives credit to others for their ideas
Respects the opinions of others
Involves others by asking questions
or requesting input
Expresses thoughts and ideas
clearly and effectively
Total Points (32 pts.)
Comments:
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Name______________________________________
Date_______________________________________
Individual Work Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Follows directions
Student completed the work as directed,
following the directions given, in order and to the
level of quality indicated
Time management
Student used time wisely and remained on task
100% of the time
Organization
Student kept notes and materials in a neat,
legible, and organized manner. Information was
readily retrieved
Evidence of learning
Student documented information in his or her
own words and can accurately answer questions
related to the information retrieved
*Research/Gathering information (if relevant)
Student used a variety of methods and sources
to gather information. Student took notes while
gathering information
Total Points (20 pts.)
Comments:
12
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Name:____________________________________
Date:_____________________________
Writing Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
The writing has all required parts from
introduction to conclusion in smooth
transition.
The writing is interesting, supportive,
and complete.
The writing demonstrates that the
writer comprehends the writing
process.
Accurate spelling, grammar, and
punctuation
The content of paragraphs
emphasizes appropriate points.
The writer shows an understanding of
sentence structure, paragraphing, and
punctuation.
All sources and references are clearly
and accurately documented.
Total Points (28 pts.)
Comments:
13
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