Firefighter Tools And Equipment
CHAPTER 8
Saturday 01/26/2013
Lecture
Divide into groups
AM
PM
Sunday 01/27/2013
Divide into groups to go over tools and Equipment
Chainsaws / Rotary Saws
Hand Tools
Inventory and Tool familiarization
Hydraulic Tools / Gas Powered Equipment
You Are The Fire fighter
You respond on a call. The engine or
truck your riding on comes to a stop.
You can see fire coming out of the
second-story window of a single
family residence.
As you unbuckle your seatbelt, the
captain tells you to get the Halligan
Tool and a flat head axe and follow
him. Meanwhile, another engine
company pulls a hose line and
advances it to the front door. You
and the captain try to open the door,
but its locked. Everyone dons their
SCBA face piece, the hose line is
charged with water, and you position
the Halligan Tool and force open the
door.
Questions:
1. Where on the apparatus are these tools stored?
2. Do you know how to use these tools?
3. If you did not have these tools, what would
you do?
Introduction
Firefighters use tools and equipment to perform a
wide range of activities. A fire fighter must know
how to use tools effectively, efficiently, and safely,
even when its dark or visibility is limited.
This chapter provides an overview of the
general functions of the most commonly used
tools and equipment and discusses how they
are used during fire suppression and rescue
operations. The same tools may be used in
different ways during each phase of fire
suppreession or rescue operations.
Tools and equipment are used in almost all fire
suppression and rescue operations. As you
progress through your training ,you will learn how
to use and operate diferent types of tools and
equipment used by fire departments.
Hand tools are used to extend or multiply the
actions of your body and increase your effectiveness
in performing specific functions. Most hand tools
operate using simple machanical principles. a pike
pole extends your reach, allows you to penetrate
through a ceiling, and enables you to apply force to
pull down ceiling material. An axe multiplies the
cutting force you can exert on a given area. Power
tools and equipment use an external source of
power, such as an electric motor or an internal
combustion engine, and are faster and more
efficient than hand tools.
Safety
Though tools differ in their function, power source, and size, general safety rules apply to the use of all
tools.
General Hazards of Tool Use:
There are a variety of hazards associated with improper tool use and faulty tools. Some of these hazards
are unique to the tool while others are common for many types of tools.
Examples of hazards and associated injuries include the following:
Being struck by a tool, or moving part can cause bone fractures, concussions, and internal organ damage.
Rotating blades, drills, and other cutting tools can cut and puncture tissue.
Objects can fly off during many tool operations. Depending on an object's size, shape, speed, and
material, it can cause a variety of injuries to various body parts. Small flying objects are a particular
hazard to the eyes.
The power source of a tool may present a hazard on its own. For example, electricity can cause burns and
shocks. Electric shocks can paralyze the nerve centers, stop breathing, and stop the heart. Heat from the
electric current can burn the skin and damage internal organs. Other power sources like gasoline can
combust and start fires.
Tools can create noise hazards and hearing damage.
Safety
Safety Practices :

General safety rules apply to both stationary and portable power tools. The following safety rules apply to
many of the tools you are going to use:

Personal Protective Equipment : (minimum)
 Coat
 Helmet
 Safety glasses
 gloves
 possibly SCBA

Use safety glasses . hearing protection. respiratory protection, or special protective clothing when needed.

Noise produced by power tools can drown out other sounds... like a person shouting "STOP!" or "HELP!“

Stay alert to your surroundings.

Clothing:
 Never wear loose clothing or jewelry that can become entangled in power tools.
Personal Protective Equipment
Structure / Auto
Helmet
Hood
Eye Protection
Gloves
Turnout Coat
Turnout Pants
Boots
SCBA
PERSONAL ALERT SAFETY SYSTEM (PASS ALARM)
Wildland
Helmet
Gloves
Shroud
Nomex Pants
Nomex Jacket
Eye Protection
Wildland Boots
Two Way Radio
Fire Shelter
Safety Tips
Always use the right tool for the job!
• Forcing a small tool to do a big job causes the tool to strain.
• A strained tool can kickback or break, causing injury.
Never use a tool that you are unfamiliar with.
• Get proper training.
Before each use, inspect your tools.
• Check the alignment of moving parts, breakage of parts, and cracks.
When you're tired, you're attention span is reduced.
• Pay attention to your work is very important when working with tools.
•
Make sure you're fit to do the job!
Disconnect the power source when performing maintenance, cleaning, or changing blades and bits.
Be wary of dropping tools.
•
Don't rest a tool on the edge of the workstation.
• Secure tools when working at heights.
The material being worked- on should be well secured.
• Make sure that you are well balanced when operating a tool.
• Sometimes, a "kickback" from a tool can throw the operator off balance, causing injury.
• Don't work in an awkward position. You may not have complete control of the tool or the material you
are working on.
Never lock a tool in the ON position if you are working under conditions that require you to stop the tool
quickly.
• Guarding is one of the best ways to minimize a hazard. Make sure that machine guards are in place on
large and small equipment.
Use and Operation of Tools
The best way to learn how to use tools and equipment properly is under optimal conditions of visibility and
safety.
• In the beginning, you should be able to see what you are doing and practice without endangering
yourself and others.
• As proficiency increases, practice using tools and equipment under more realistic working conditions.
• Eventually, you will be able to use tools and equipment safely and effectively even when darkness or
smoke decreases visibility.
•
You need to be able to work safely in hazardous areas,
• where you are surrounded by noise and other activities,
• while wearing all of your protective clothing and using your SCBA.
Many departments require fire fighters to practice certain skills and evolutions in total darkness or with their
face masks covered to simulate the darkness of actual fires.
Use and Operation of Tools
Effective use of tools








Effective and efficient use of tools and equipment means using the least amount of energy to accomplish the task.
Being effective means you achieve the desired goal and that you produce the desired effect without wasting time or
energy.
When assigned a task on the fireground, your objective is to complete that task safely and quickly.
 If you waste energy by working inefficiently, you will not be able to perform additional tasks.
 However, if you know which tools and equipment are needed for each phase of firefighting, you will be able to
achieve the desired objective quickly and have the energy needed to complete the remaining tasks.
New fire fighters are often surprised by the strength and energy required to perform many tasks.
 An aggressive, continuous program of physical fitness will enable you to maintain your body in the optimal
state of readiness.
As your training continues, you will learn which tools and equipment are used during different phases of fireground
operations.
 For example, the tools needed for forcible entry are different from the tools usually needed for overhaul.
 Knowing which tools are needed for the work that must be done will help you prepare for the different tasks
that unfold on the scene of a fire.
Most fire departments have standard operating procedures or guidelines that specify the tools and equipment
needed in various situations.
 As a fire fighter, you must know where every tool and piece of equipment is carried on your apparatus.
 Knowing how to use a piece of equipment does you no good if you cannot find it quickly.
Your company officer is responsible for telling you which tools to bring along for different situations.
Some fire fighters carry a selection of small tools and equipment in the pockets of their turnout coats or bunker
pants.
 Check to see if your department requires you to carry certain tools and equipment at all times.
 Ask senior fire fighters for recommendations about what tools and equipment you should carry.
Tools And Equipment
Hand Tools
Power Tools
Tool Function

An engine or truck company carries a number of tools and different types of equipment.

Often, the easiest way to learn and remember these tools is to group them by the function each performs.

Most of the tools used by fire departments fit into one of the following functional categories.
• Rotating (assembly or disassembly)
• Pushing or Pulling
• Prying or Spreading
• Striking
• Cutting
• Multiple Use
Tools That Rotate
BOX-END WRENCHES/OPEN-END
WRENCHES
PLIERS
HYDRANT WRENCH
SPANNER WRENCH
PIPE WRENCH
SCREWDRIVER
SOCKET WRENCHES
Tools For Pushing Or Pulling
Pike pole
K - Tool
Pry Bars
Rubbish Hook
Tools Used For Prying Or Spreading
Crowbar
Flat Bar
Halligan Tool
Pry Bar
Hydraulic Spreaders
Tools Used For Striking
Battering Ram
Chisel
Flat Head Axe
Hammer
Mallet
Pick Head Axe
Sledge Hammer
Single Jack
Spring - Loaded Center Punch
Tools Used For Cutting
Axe
Bolt Cutters
Wire Cutters
Knife
Chain Saw
Hack Saw
Hydraulic Shears
Reciprocating Saw
Rotary Saw
Seatbelt Cutter
Special Use Tools
•
PULASKI
The Pulaski Axe is a special forest fighting tool. Along with the standard single bit edge, there also is a special
Mattock blade for dirt grubbing and trenching.
MCCLOUD
The Forestry "McLeod" Fire Tool is a combination hoe/rake with bolted blade, 3 ½" teeth and 4' wood handle.
Forestry shovel:
This is a short handled shovel about 1.2 m (4 feet) long. The shovel is the workhorse of the wildfire inventory, it is used
to scrape light fuels from the dirt when building fire line, may be used to throw dirt cooling or smothering flames and
the edges are sharpened allowing it to chop down saplings and cut branches from brush or trees.
BRUSH HOOK
Bush hooks are ideal for cutting medium-sized, non-woody brush. The hooks can be used like an axe. The blades cut
easily on the "pull" stroke. Bush hooks can be safer to use than axes, yet as effective as axes.
Special Use Equipment
Extrication Tools
• Hydraulic Spreaders
• Air Bags
• Air Chisel
• Come A Long
• High Lift Jack
• Cribbing
• Hack Saw
• Socket Set
Power Tools
4 CATEGORIES
Power Tools
Electric
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Blowers
Circular Saws
Reciprocal Saws
Drill Motors
Power Tools
BATTERY OPERATED

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Drill Motors
Reciprocal Saws
Power Tools
HYDRAULIC


SPREADERS

Hurst

Holmatro
Bottle JACKS
Power Tools
GASOLINE POWERED

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Chain Saws
Rotary Saws
Generators
Blowers
Power Units
Gasoline Powered Tools
How do they Function
2 Stroke / 4 Stroke
Engines
2 Stroke Engine
Two-stroke Basics
This is what a two-stroke engine looks like: You find two-stroke
engines in such devices as chain saws and jet skis because
two-stroke engines have three important advantages over
four-stroke engines:
(1.)Two-stroke engines do not have valves, which simplifies
their construction and lowers their weight.
(2.)Two-stroke engines fire once every revolution, while fourstroke engines fire once every other revolution. This gives
two-stroke engines a significant power boost.
(3.)Two-stroke engines can work in any orientation, which can
be important in something like a chainsaw. A standard
four-stroke engine may have problems with oil flow unless
it is upright, and solving this problem can add complexity
to the engine.
These advantages make two-stroke engines lighter, simpler and
less expensive to manufacture. Two-stroke engines also
have the potential to pack about twice the power into the
same space because there are twice as many power strokes
per revolution. The combination of light weight and twice
the power gives two-stroke engines a great power-toweight ratio compared to many four-stroke engine
designs.
You don't normally see two-stroke engines in cars, however.
That's because two-stroke engines have a couple of
significant disadvantages that will make more sense once
we look at how it operates.
4 Stroke Engine
Almost all cars currently use what is called a four-stroke
combustion cycle engine to convert gasoline into
motion. The four-stroke approach is also known as the
Otto cycle, in honor of Nikolaus Otto, who invented
the 4 cycle engine in 1867.
To understand the mechanical differences between a two
stroke and four stroke engine, we need to first consider
how the four stroke engine works.
The four strokes are:
Intake
Compression
Combustion
Exhaust
Each time the piston rises and falls it turns the crankshaft
which is responsible for turning the wheels.,which is
converted into forward motion.
Note that the spark plug only fires once every other
revolution in a 4 cycle engine.
Advantages of a Two Stroke Engine
A 2 stroke has more get-up-and-go because it fires
once every revolution, giving it twice the
power of a four stroke, which only fires once
every other revolution.
A 2 stroke packs a higher weight-to-power ratio
because it is much lighter.
A 2 stroke is less expensive because of its simpler
design.
A 2 stroke can be operated in any orientation
because it lacks the oil sump of a four stroke
engine, which has limited orientation if oil is
to be retained in the sump.
Disadvantages of a 2 Stroke Engine
2 stroke engines wear faster and have shorter
engine life than a four stroke due to the lack of
a dedicated lubricating system.
2 stroke engines require special two stroke oil also
known as ("premix") with every tank of gas,
adding expense and at least a minimal amount
of hassle.
2 stroke engines are heavy polluters because of the
simpler design and the gas/oil mixture that is
released prior to, and in the exhaust (also
creates an unpleasant smell).
2 stroke engines are less fuel-inefficient than a
four stroke engine.
2 stroke engines have a high-decibel whine that
may exceed legal noise limits in some areas,
depending on the product and local applicable
laws.
Phases Of Fire Ground Operations
The process of extinguishing a fire usually involves a sequence of steps or stages.
1.
Each phase of a fire ground operation may require the use of certain types of tools and equipment.
The basic steps of fire suppression include:
1.
Response/size-up:

2.
Forcible entry:

3.
A rapid intervention company/crew (RIC) is a team of fully equipped personnel that is designated to provide immediate assistance
to injured or trapped fire fighters.
Ventilation:

7.
As its name suggests, this phase involves a search for any victims trapped by the fire and their rescue from the building.
Rapid intervention:

6.
During this phase, a team of fire fighters is assigned to enter a structure and attempt fire suppression.
Search and rescue:

5.
This phase applies when entry to buildings, vehicles, aircraft, or other confined areas that are locked or blocked, requiring fire
fighters to use special techniques to gain access.
Interior attack:

4.
This phase begins when the emergency call is received and continues as the units travel to the incident scene. The last part of this
phase involves the initial observation and evaluation of factors used to determine the strategy and tactics that will be employed.
This step involves changing air within a compartment by natural or mechanical means.
Overhaul:

The final phase is to ensure that all hidden fires are extinguished after the main fire has been suppressed.
Response And Size-up
What does this have to do with tools and Equipment
1.The response and size-up phase enables you to anticipate
emergency situations.
2.At this time, you should consider the information from the
dispatcher along with pre-incident plan information about
the location.
3.This information can provide you with an idea of the nature and
possible gravity of the situation as well as the types of
problems that might arise.
–
For example, an automobile fire on the highway may
present different problems and require different tools
than a call for smoke coming from a single-family
house.
–
A different thinking process occurs when you are
dispatched at midnight to a house fire that may have
trapped a family inside than when you respond to a
report of a kitchen stove fire at suppertime.
4.Even though information is limited, this is the time to start
thinking about the types of tools and equipment that you
might need.
5.Most fire departments have standard operating procedures or
guidelines that specify the tools and equipment required for
different types of fires.
6.Upon arrival at the scene, the company officers will size-up the
situation and develop the action plans for each company,
following standard operating procedures and guidelines.
Forcible Entry
1.
Gaining entrance to a locked building or structure can
present a challenge to even the most seasoned fire
fighter.
2.
Buildings are often equipped with security devices
designed to keep unwanted people out.
a . These same devices can make it very difficult for fire
fighters to gain access to the building.
3.
Forcible entry is the process of entering a building by
overcoming these barriers.
4.
Several types of tools can be used in forced entry,
including an axe, a prying tool, or a K tool.
5.
A flat-head axe and a Halligan tool are often used in
combination to quickly pry open a door, although they
may permanently damage both the door and the
frame.
6.
Prying tools used for gaining access include pry bars,
crowbars, Halligan tools.
7.
A K tool can be used to pull out a cylinder lock
mounted in a wood or heavy metal door, so that the
lock can be released.
This is a comparatively nondestructive process that
leaves the door and most of the locking mechanism
undamaged.
The building owner can have the lock cylinder
replaced at a relatively low cost.
a.
b.
Forcible Entry
8. Various striking tools can be used for forcible
entry when brute force is needed to break into a
building.
a. These include flat-head axes, hammers,
sledgehammers, and battering rams.
9. Sometimes the easiest or only way to gain access is
to use cutting tools.
a. An axe can be used to cut out a door panel.
b. A rotary saw or chain saw can be used to cut
through a roll up door, or a wood wall.
c. Bolt cutters can be used to remove a padlock.
d. Power saws can be used to cut through metal
security bars.
10. Many techniques can be used to gain entry into
secured structures.
a. The exact tool needed will depend upon the
method of entry and the type of obstacle.
11. Because experience usually determines the best
way to gain entry in each situation, rely on the
orders and advice of your captain and coworkers.
Tools And Equipment for Interior Firefighting
1.
The process of fighting a fire inside a building involves
several tasks that are usually performed
simultaneously or in rapid succession by fire fighters.
2.
Some basic tools and equipment should be carried by
every crew working inside a burning building.
3.
Crews may also carry specialized tools and equipment
needed for their particular assignment.
4.
The basic tools enable firefighters to solve problems
they may encounter while performing interior
operations.
a. For example, the crew may encounter
obstacles such as locked doors, or they may need to
open an emergency escape route.
b. They may need to establish horizontal
ventilation by forcing, opening, or breaking a window.
c. They may have to gain access to the space
above the ceiling by using a pike pole or to make a hole
in a wall or floor with an axe.
Tools And Equipment for Interior Firefighting
5. A powerful light is important, because smoke
can quickly reduce interior visibility to just a
few inches.
6. The basic set of tools for interior firefighting
includes:
a. A prying tool, such as a Halligan tool
b. A striking tool, such as a flat-head axe or
sledgehammer
c. A cutting tool, such as an axe
d. A pushing tool, such as a pike pole
e. A strong hand light or portable light
7. The specific tools that must be carried by each
crew are usually defined in a fire department’s
training manuals and standard operating
procedures.
8. The interior attack team is responsible for
advancing a hose line, finding the fire, and
applying water to extinguish the flames.
9. They need the basic tools that will allow them
to reach the seat of the fire.
Tools And Equipment used for Search And Rescue
1. Search and rescue needs to be carried out quickly shortly
after arrival on the fire ground.
2. A search team should carry the same basic hand tools as
the interior attack team:
a. Pushing tool (short pike pole)
b. Prying tool (Halligan tool)
c. Striking tool (sledgehammer or flat-head axe)
d. Cutting tool (axe
e. Hand light
3. In addition to being equipped for forcible entry and
emergency exit, a search-and-rescue team might also
use tools to probe under beds for unconscious victims.
a. A short pike pole is relatively light and reduces
the time needed to search an area by
extending the fire fighter’s reach.
b. An axe handle can also be used for this
purpose.
4. Other types of tools used for search and rescue include
thermal imaging cameras, portable lights, and
lifelines.
Examples of Rescue Tools
Examples
AXES
SAWS
Chain Saw
Rotary Saw
EXTRICATION TOOLS
Hydraulic spreaders
Air Bags
Pry Bars
COME A LONG
AIR CHISEL
SOCKET WRENCHES
PLIERS
Tools And Equipment used for Rapid Intervention
1.
A rapid intervention company or crew (RIC) is designated
to stand by to provide immediate assistance to any fire
fighters who become lost, trapped, or injured during an
incident or training exercise.
2.
The RIC team should have the standard set of tools for
interior firefighting as well as extra tools and equipment
particularly important for search and rescue tasks.
3.
The extra tools and equipment should help them find and
gain access to a fire fighter who is in trouble, extricate a
fire fighter who is trapped under debris, provide breathing
air for a fire fighter who has experienced an SCBA failure
or run out of air, and remove an injured or unconscious
fire fighter from the building.
4.
All of this equipment should be gathered and staged with
the rapid intervention crew where it will be immediately
available if it is needed.
5.
The special equipment that a rapid intervention team
should carry includes:
Thermal image camera
Additional portable lighting
Lifelines
Prying tools
Striking tools
Cutting tools, including a power saw
SCBA and spare air cylinders
Hose Line
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
Tools And Equipment used for Ventilation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Many of the same tools used for forcible entry are also
used to provide ventilation.
Power saws and axes are commonly used to cut
through roofs and vent combustion by-products.
Fans are often used either to remove smoke from a
building or to introduce fresh air into a structure.
With positive-pressure ventilation, fresh air is blown
into a building through selected openings to force
contaminated air out through other openings.
Negative-pressure ventilation uses fans placed at
selected openings to draw contaminated air out of a
building.
Ventilation fans can be powered either by electric or
gasoline motors or by water pressure.
Horizontal ventilation usually involves opening outer
doors and windows to allow fresh air to enter and to
remove contaminated air.
Unlocked or easily released windows and doors should
be opened normally.
Locked or jammed windows and doors may have to be
broken or forced open using basic interior firefighting
tools.
Tools And Equipment used for Ventilation
10. It may also be necessary to make interior openings
within the building so that contaminated air can reach
the exterior openings.
11. Vertical ventilation requires openings in the roof or the
highest part of a building to allow smoke and hot gases
to escape.
12. Whenever possible, existing openings such as doors,
windows, roof hatches, and skylights should be used
for vertical ventilation.
13. It may be necessary to force them open or to break
them using forcible entry tools.
14. In some circumstances it may be necessary to cut
through a roof to make an effective vertical ventilation
opening.
15. Cutting tools such as axes and power saws are used to
make these openings.
16. Pike poles will also be needed to pull down ceilings
after the roof covering is opened.
17. The special equipment needed for ventilation includes:
a. Positive-pressure fans
b. Negative-pressure (exhaust) fans
c. Cutting tools (power saws and axes)
c. Pulling and pushing tools (long pike poles)
d. Hose Lines
Salvage And Overhaul Equipment
1.
The purpose of overhaul is to examine the fire scene
carefully and ensure that all hidden fires are extinguished.
2.
Burned debris must be removed and potential hot spots in
enclosed spaces behind walls, above ceilings, and under
floors must be exposed.
3.
Both tasks can be accomplished using simple hand tools.
4.
Pike poles are commonly used for pulling down ceilings
and opening holes in walls.
5.
Axes, and sometimes power saws, are used to open walls
and floors.
6.
Prying and striking tools are also used to open closed
spaces.
7.
Shovels, brooms, and rakes are used to clear away debris.
Salvage And Overhaul Equipment
8.
The increasing use of infrared thermal imaging cameras
has made it possible to “see” hot spots behind walls
without physically cutting into them.
9.
Tools used during overhaul operations include:
a.
Pushing/Pulling tools (pike poles of
varying lengths, rubbish hooks)
b.
Prying tools (Halligan tool)
c.
Striking tools (sledgehammer, flat-head
axe, hammer, mallet)
d.
Cutting tools (axes, power saws)
e.
Debris-removal tools (shovels, brooms,
rakes, carryalls)
f.
Water-removal equipment (water
vacuums)
g.
Ventilation equipment (electric, gas, or
water-powered fans)
h.
Portable lighting
i.
Thermal imaging camera
Tool Maintenance
An important reason to perform regular maintenance on all tools
is to keep yourself safe. A rusty blade or broken gear can cause
you to suffer a serious injury. Never turn on a power tool if
you think it has been damaged.
To help prevent problems from occurring, it's important to keep
your tools in a clean, dry area, away from dust and moisture.
Dirt can get trapped in mechanisms either slowing them
down or stopping them altogether. Too much moisture can
cause rust, which can easily destroy a power tool. This is
especially true if they are battery powered. Batteries should be
checked often for leaks and changed according to factory
specifications. Electrical cords and plugs should also be
examined for damage before using.
Keeping your power tools oiled is also an important part of regular
maintenance. This helps maintain clean movement and also
can preventing rusting. Oiling keeps your equipment running
smoothly and should be performed often.
Large tools require a more thorough maintenance. Filters should
be checked and changed often as well as oiling, dusting, and
testing between uses. Bolts, hoses, and other small parts
should be kept tight. Tools like chain saws will need
alignment and balancing occasionally to ensure that they
work properly. Blades Circular Saws will need to be replaced
periodically. If you're unsure of how to perform any necessary
maintenance, consult with a professional.
Never attempt to clean or fix a tool without experience and knowledge. Not
only could you potentially damage the tool, but you could seriously hurt
yourself in the process.
If an object becomes trapped in the power tool or the mechanisms fail, make
sure the machine is completely shut off before disassembling. Always
follow all given instructions on taking apart any piece of equipment and
then reassembling. Don't add or alter any parts.
The most important part of power tool maintenance is safety. You don't want
to be responsible for the ramifications of using a faulty tool. Performing
a little bit of maintenance will keep your power tools running smoothly
for years to come.
Maintaining and Repairing Tools
·
Install or repair equipment only if you are qualified. A faulty job could
cause serious injuries from mechanical failure, fire, or shock.
Maintain tools in proper working condition. Regularly inspect tools, cords and
accessories. Repair or replace problem equipment immediately. Keep
tools sharp, well oiled and stored in a dry place.
Never alter a tool in a manner that reduces its effectiveness or safety.
Tool Maintenance
A.
Tools and equipment must be properly maintained so that they will be ready for
use when they are needed.
1.
Keep equipment clean and free from rust.
2.
Keep cutting blades sharpened and fuel tanks filled.
3.
Every tool and piece of equipment must be ready for use before you respond to
an emergency incident.
B.
Use power equipment only after you have been instructed on its use.
C.
Use equipment only for its intended purposes.
1.
For example, a pike pole is made for pushing and pulling; it is not a lever and will
break if used inappropriately.
2.
Use the right tool for the job.
D.
Cleaning and Inspecting Salvage, Overhaul, and Ventilation Equipment and
Tools is a must.
1.
After returning from a fire, clean and inspect all of the tools usrd to ensure that
they are in a “ready state.”
E.
Cleaning and Inspect Hand Tools
1.
All hand tools should be completely cleaned and inspected after use.
2.
Remove all dirt and debris.
3.
If appropriate, use water streams to remove the debris and soap to clean the
equipment thoroughly.
4.
To prevent rust, metal tools must be dried completely, either by hand or by air,
before being returned to the apparatus.
5.
Cutting tools should be sharpened after each use.
6.
Before any tool is placed back into service, it should be inspected for damage.
7.
Avoid painting tools, because this will hide any possible defects or visible
damage.
8.
Keep the number of markings on a tool to a minimum.
Special Training Tools
GARDEN HOSE
PIECE OF WOOD
HOUSEHOLD LADDER
Review
 No where tools are kept



Engine
Truck
USAR
 Safety



Know the hazards of the tool
Wear PPE
Use the right tool
 Types of tools






Rotating
Pushing or Pulling
Prying or spreading
Striking
Cutting
Multiple Use
 Power Supply



Battery
Fuel (Type of fuel)
Electric
Review
• Response & size up
•
•
That’s when you begin planning
Be flexible things change
• Forcible Entry
• Interior Attack
•
•
The time from Point of entry till Mop Up is complete
Type of tools used to enter (other than hose)
• Is it for
•
•
•
Fire attack
Rescue
Ventilation
• Search & Rescue
•
•
•
Pike Poles
Axes
Webbing
Review
 Rescue Tools
 Rapid Intervention

Self supported from other operations
In stand by mode

Flexible

 Ventilation


Vertical
Horizontal
 Salvage & Overhaul


Preventing further damage to property
Cleaning up the mess
 Maintenance



Washing
Sharpening
Refueling
Verdugo Fire Academy
The End
Tools and Equipment
Chapter 8