8
Fire Fighter
Tools and
Equipment
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Objectives (1 of 5)
• Describe the general purposes of tools
and equipment.
• Describe the safety considerations for
the use of tools and equipment.
• Describe why it is important to use tools
and equipment effectively.
• Describe why it is important to know
where tools are stored.
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Objectives (2 of 5)
• List and describe tools and equipment
that are used for rotating.
• List and describe tools and equipment
that are used for pushing or pulling.
• List and describe tools and equipment
that are used for prying or spreading.
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Objectives (3 of 5)
• List and describe tools and equipment
that are used for striking.
• List and describe tools and equipment
that are used for cutting.
• Describe the tools used in response and
scene size-up activities.
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Objectives (4 of 5)
• Describe the tools used in a forcible
entry.
• Describe the tools used during an
interior attack.
• Describe the tools used in search-andrescue operations.
• Describe ventilation tools.
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Objectives (5 of 5)
• Describe the hand tools needed during
an overhaul assignment.
• Describe the importance of properly
maintaining tools and equipment.
• Describe how to clean and inspect hand
tools.
• Describe how to maintain power plants
and power tools.
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Introduction
• Tools are used for a wide range of activities.
• Fire fighters must know how to use tools and
equipment
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Effectively
Efficiently
Safely
In dark, limited visibility environments
• Same tools used different ways in each
phase of fire suppression and rescue
operations
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General Considerations
• Hand and power tools used in all fire
suppression and rescue operations
• Hand tools
– Extend or multiply body actions
– Increase task effectiveness
– Use simple machine principles
• Power tools
– Powered by electric motors or internal combustion
engines
– Faster and more efficient
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Safety
• Safety is the prime consideration for use
of tools and equipment.
• Safe equipment avoids accidental injury
to:
– Fire fighters
– Other responders
– Victims
– Bystanders
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Safe Operation Requires PPE
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Approved helmet
Firefighting hood
Eye protection
Face shield
Approved firefighting
gloves
Turnout coats
Bunker pants
Boots
Self-contained
breathing apparatus
(SCBA)
• Personal alert safety
system
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Conditions of Use/
Operating Conditions
• Begin learning under optimal conditions.
• As proficiency increases, practice under more
realistic conditions.
• Eventually, be able to use tools with no
visibility.
• Requires ability to work safely in noise and
around other activities
• Your department may require you to practice
skills in total darkness.
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Effective and Efficient Use (1 of 2)
• Use the least amount of energy to
accomplish the task.
• Objective is to complete task safely and
quickly.
• Many are surprised by the strength and
energy required for tasks.
• You will learn which tools are used
during various fireground operations.
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Effective and Efficient Use (2 of 2)
• Fire department may have standard
operating guidelines specify:
– Tools and equipment needed for specific
situations
– Tools and equipment to be carried by fire
fighter as personal gear
• Many carry a selection of tools in their
pockets.
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Functions
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Rotating (assembly or disassembly)
Pushing or pulling
Prying or spreading
Striking
Cutting
Multiple use
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Rotating Tools (1 of 2)
• Apply rotational force to turn
• Most common are screwdrivers,
wrenches and pliers
• Requires basic skills
• Apparatus carry tool kits with a wide
selection
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Rotating Tools (2 of 2)
• Various sizes and types of screw heads
• Spanner wrenches are used for
couplings.
• Hydrant wrenches are used for
hydrants.
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Common
Assembly/Disassembly Tools
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Box-end wrenches
Gripping pliers
Hydrant wrenches
Open-end wrenches
Pipe wrenches
Screwdrivers
Socket wrenches
Spanner wrenches
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Pushing/Pulling Tools
• Extend fire fighter’s
reach
• Increase the power
exerted on an object
• Many common
poles and hooks
• K-tool is used to pull
lock cylinders.
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Common Pushing/Pulling Tools
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Pike pole
Plaster hook
Ceiling hook
Clemens hook
Drywall hook
Multipurpose hook
Roofman’s hook
San Francisco hook
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Pike Pole (1 of 2)
• Wood or fiberglass pole with sharpened
point metal head attached to one end
• Primarily used to pull down ceilings
• Available in different sizes, handles, and
head configurations
• Head designs vary for different ceiling
types.
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Pike Pole (2 of 2)
• Most common size:
4' to 6' for use on 10'
ceilings
• Closet hooks are 2'
to 4'.
• 12' to 14' are for
high ceilings.
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Prying/Spreading Tools
• May be as simple as a pry bar or complex as
a hydraulic spreader
• There are many variations.
• Pry bar—hardened steel rod that is tapered
on one end
• Halligan—includes a sharp pick, flat prying
surface, and a forked claw
• Hydraulic spreaders—often used for
extrication
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Common Prying/Spreading Tools
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Claw bar
Crowbar
Flat bar
Halligan tool
Hux bar
Kelly tool
Pry bar
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Striking Tools
• Used to apply impact force
• Used to gain entry or make openings
• Axe—two types: flat-head or pick-head
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Both have a wide cutting blade.
Flat-head can be used as a striking tool.
Flat-head and a Halligan are called “the irons.”
Pick-head used for puncturing/pulling/prying.
• Spring-loaded center punch—used primarily
to break car windows
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Common Striking Tools
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Hammer
Mallet
Sledgehammer
Maul
Flat-head axe
Pick-head axe
Battering ram
Chisel
Spring-loaded
center punch
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Cutting Tools
• Tools with a sharp edge to sever an
object
• Range from knives to saws and torches
• Each is designed for certain materials.
• Fire fighters can be injured and tools
ruined if used incorrectly.
• Bolt cutters are often used to cut chains
and padlocks.
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Common Cutting Tools
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Axes
Bolt cutters
Saws
Reciprocating saws
Cutting torches
Hydraulic shears
Seatbelt cutter
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Saws
• Two main
categories
– Manual
– Mechanical
• Handsaws include
– Hacksaws
– Carpenter’s
handsaw
– Coping saw
– Keyhole saw
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Mechanical Saws
• Three main types
– Chain, rotary, reciprocating
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Faster than handsaws
Conserve fire fighter energy
Requires proper training
Disadvantages
– Heavy and sometimes hard to start
– May require an electrical connection
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Chain Saws
• Gasoline-powered
or powered by
electricity
• Special chains are
good for cutting
ventilation openings.
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Rotary Saws
• Gasoline powered
or electric
• Round metal blade
with teeth or flat,
abrasive composite
disk
• Choice of blade
depends on type of
material to be cut.
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Reciprocating Saws
• Powered by electricity
or battery
• Blade moves back and
forth.
• Different blades are
used for different
materials.
• Most commonly used to
cut metal during vehicle
extrication
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Hydraulic Shears
• Requires extensive
training
• Used with hydraulic
spreaders and rams
for vehicle
extrication
• Quickly cuts metal
posts and bars
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Cutting Torches
• Produce extremely
high temperature
flame
• Heats heavy steel
objects until they
melt and can be cut
through (5,700° F)
• Specialized training
required
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Multiple Function/Special Use Tools
• Reduce the tools
needed to achieve a
goal
• Includes rakes,
brooms, shovels, air
bags, come alongs,
and tripods
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Phases of Use
• Each phase of fire suppression may require
certain tools and equipment.
• Basic phase of fire suppression
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Response/Size-up
Forcible entry
Interior attack
Search and rescue
Rapid Intervention Crew
Ventilation
Overhaul
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Response/Size-Up
• Consider information from dispatch.
– May indicate the nature and gravity of the
situation and problems that might arise
• Begin considering tools needed.
• On arrival, company officer will size-up
and develop action plans following
SOPs.
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Forcible Entry
• Locked, blocked entries and security systems
challenge forcible entry tasks.
• Typical tools for forced entry
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Axe
Prying tool
K tool
Other prying tools
• Many techniques may be required to gain
entry.
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Interior Attack
• Interior attack involves multiple tasks
performed simultaneously or in rapid
succession.
• Basic tools should be carried by every crew
member.
• Specialized tools should be carried for
particular assignments.
• A basic set of tools includes a prying, striking,
cutting, and pushing tool and a hand light.
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Interior Attack Team Tools
• Interior attack team is responsible for
advancing hose lines, locating and
extinguishing the fire.
• Basic tools for reaching the fire
– Prying tools (Halligan Tool)
– Striking and cutting tools (Flat-head axe)
– Pushing tool (short pike pole)
– Hand light
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Search and Rescue (1 of 2)
• Search team carries same tools as
interior attack team.
– Pushing tool (Short pike pole)
– Prying tool (Halligan tool)
– Striking tool (Sledgehammer or flat-head
axe
– Cutting tool (axe)
– Hand light
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Search and Rescue (2 of 2)
• In addition, may
need closet hook,
thermal imaging
camera, portable
lights, and lifelines
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Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)
• RIC stands ready for immediate assistance to
lost, trapped, injured fire fighters.
• Standard interior firefighting tools used by
RIC plus specialty tools for fire fighter rescue
• All equipment should be staged for immediate
use.
• Special equipment includes thermal imaging
camera, portable lighting, lifelines, prying
tools, striking tools, cutting tools, SCBA, and
spare air cylinders.
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Ventilation (1 of 2)
• Many tools are the same as for forcible entry.
• Power saws and axes are commonly used.
• Fans are used to remove smoke or introduce
fresh air.
• Horizontal ventilation requires opening doors
and windows.
• Interior openings may need to be created.
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Ventilation (2 of 2)
• Vertical ventilation
requires openings in
the roof.
• Special tools
needed include
positive pressure
fans, exhaust fans,
cutting tools, and
long pike poles.
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Overhaul (1 of 2)
• Examines fire scene to extinguish
hidden fires
• Burned debris must be removed.
• Accomplished using hand tools
• Pike poles used to pull ceilings and
open walls
• Axes and saws used to open walls
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Overhaul (2 of 2)
• Prying and striking
tools used to open
closed spaces
• Shovels, brooms,
and rakes used to
clear debris
• Thermal imaging
used to “see” hot
spots
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Tools Used in Overhaul
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Pushing tools
• Water-removal
equipment
Cutting tools
• Ventilation
Prying tools
equipment
Striking tools
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Portable
lighting
Debris-removal tools
• Thermal imaging
camera
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Tool Staging
• Many departments have SOPs for staging
tools at scenes.
– Salvage covers at designated location for layout of
commonly used tools
– Saves time and energy
• SOPs specify staged tools and equipment.
• Location may be outside or on convenient
interior floor of high-rise structure.
• Apparatus operators may transport tools
to/from staging area.
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Maintenance
• Tools and equipment must be maintained to
ensure readiness.
• Use power tools only with proper training.
• Use equipment only for its intended purpose.
• Clean tools according to manufacturer.
• Clean and inspect all hand tools after use.
• Avoid painting tools.
• Power equipment should be left in “ready”
state.
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Hand Tool Maintenance
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Remove all dirt and debris.
If appropriate, use soap and water.
Dry tools completely.
Sharpen cutting tools.
Inspect for damage.
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Power Tool “Readiness” (1 of 2)
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Remove debris, clean and dry unit.
Fill with fresh fuel.
Replace dull/damaged blades/chains.
Inspect belts.
Ensure guards are in place.
Clean and inspect hydraulic hoses.
Inspect power cords for damage.
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Power Tool “Readiness” (2 of 2)
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Clean, inspect and test all fittings.
Start to ensure it operates properly.
Empty tanks on water vacuums.
Clean and dry tanks, hoses, and
nozzles on water vacuums.
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Summary (1 of 2)
• Fire fighters must understand purpose of
each tool and piece of equipment on
apparatus.
– Tools and equipment used in all fire suppression
phases
– Tools and equipment used in smoke, darkness,
decreased visibility, limited motion
– Fire fighters must know tool/equipment location.
– Fire fighters must know safe, effective operation.
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Summary (2 of 2)
• Most tools/equipment perform one or more
function(s):
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Rotating (assembly/disassembly)
Pushing or pulling
Prying or spreading
Striking or cutting
• Fire fighters should know common tools for
each phase of fire suppression sequence.
• Proper maintenance ensures proper
operation during emergency.
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