Chapter 9 Set 04: Forcible Entry Tools: Safety, Maintenance, guidelines

What PPE is emphasized for forcible-entry tools?

Appropriate full PPE, especially hand, eye, and hearing protection; protect feet when operating power saws.

What injuries can improper tool use cause?

Strains, sprains, fractures, abrasions, and lacerations.

What basic rules govern tool selection and condition?

Use undamaged tools suited to the task and only for their intended purpose.

How should a firefighter stand while operating a forcible-entry tool?

With weight balanced on both feet and enough room to operate safely.

What should firefighters anticipate when a barrier gives way?

A sudden release of stored energy.

What precautions protect people near tool operations?

Keep other personnel clear and remain aware of gas or vapor ignition hazards.

What instructions govern tool operation and maintenance?

Manufacturer guidance and departmental SOPs.

How should unused tools be stored on apparatus?

In their designated locations, secured in proper brackets.

What should be done when a prying tool cannot complete the job?

Use a larger suitable tool; do not strike its handle.

What is a cheater bar?

A pipe slipped over a prying-tool handle to increase its length and leverage.

What hazard does a cheater bar create?

It can overload the tool, causing slipping, breakage, or shattering; use a larger tool instead.

What additional eye protection is required when using striking tools?

Safety glasses or goggles in addition to the helmet face shield.

What hazards come from damaged striking surfaces?

Flying metal chips or splinters.

When should power saws be inspected?

Before and after use.

What rules govern saw and blade selection?

Match the saw and blade to the material, use manufacturer-approved blades, and stay within design limits.

Where must power saws not be operated?

In flammable atmospheres or near flammable liquids.

What condition should saw blades and chains be kept in?

Sharp; dull cutting equipment increases accident risk.

What hidden hazards must be considered before sawing?

Electrical wires, gas lines, and water lines.

What happens to a rotary-saw blade after the throttle is released?

It continues spinning.

What force must an operator account for when controlling a rotary saw?

Its twisting, gyroscopic or torsion effect.

At what speed should a saw begin a cut according to the chapter?

Full operating rpm, to reduce blade binding.

How should saw blades be stored?

In a clean, dry environment.

Why must composite blades be kept away from accumulated gasoline fumes?

Hydrocarbons can damage their bonding material, allowing them to deteriorate and shatter during use.

What precautions apply to lifting and transporting heavy tools?

Lift with the legs, obtain help when needed, and avoid running with tools.

How should an axe be carried when not in a scabbard?

Blade away from the body; cover a pick with the hand and never carry the axe on the shoulder.

How should a prying tool be carried?

With its pointed or sharp edges away from the body.

How can the irons be carried together?

Nest the Halligan and flat-head axe together and secure them with a strap.

How should pike poles and hooks be carried outside a structure?

Head down, close to the ground, and ahead of the body.

How should a pike pole or hook be carried inside a structure?

Reposition it with the head upright and close to the body.

How should striking tools be carried?

With their heads close to the ground and a firm grip.

What distance limit does the chapter give for carrying an operating power tool?

Never carry it operating more than 10 feet; transport it to the work area before starting it.

How should a power saw be positioned during carrying?

Blade forward and toward the ground.

What prevents fuel leakage while carrying a gasoline-powered tool?

A tight fuel cap with its gasket in place.

What should happen to damaged or excessively worn tools?

Remove them from service, tag them, and send them for repair or replacement through department procedures.

What defects should be checked on wooden tool handles?

Cracks, blisters, splinters, and a loose tool head.

How should a wooden handle be cleaned?

Wash with mild detergent, rinse, and dry; do not soak it because the wood may swell.

How should rough wooden handles be maintained?

Sand away splinters and apply boiled linseed oil; do not paint or varnish the handle.

How should identification markings be applied to wooden handles?

Use minimal surface area, such as small tape labels or adhesive barcodes.

How does the chapter direct handling of linseed-oil cleaning rags?

Wash with detergent and water, rinse, lay flat until completely dry, then dispose of them.

How should fiberglass handles be maintained?

Wash with mild detergent, rinse, dry, inspect for damage or cracks, and check head tightness.

What defects should be checked on axe cutting edges?

Chips, cracks, and spurs; replace the head when necessary.

How should axe cutting edges be sharpened?

By hand filing according to departmental SOPs, rather than grinding.

What problems come from an axe edge being too thin or too thick?

A thin edge may chip or break; a thick edge is difficult to drive through material.

Why should an axe's cutting surface not be painted?

Paint can cause sticking and binding.

How should plated tool surfaces be maintained?

Wipe them clean or wash with mild detergent, rinse, dry, and inspect for damage.

How should unprotected metal surfaces be cleaned and repaired?

Remove dirt or rust with emery cloth or steel wool and hand-file burrs without making edges excessively sharp.

Why should tool surfaces not be ground during routine maintenance?

Heat may destroy the metal's temper and weaken the tool.

Where should light machine oil be used on tools?

On unprotected metal surfaces, but not on striking surfaces.

What solvent should be avoided because it can weaken handles?

1,1,1-trichloroethane.

Why should unprotected metal tool surfaces not be painted?

Paint can hide defects such as cracks, chips, and burrs.