Chapter 9 Set 02: Firefighting Forcible Entry Tools

What are the four basic categories of forcible-entry tools?

Cutting, prying, pushing/pulling, and striking.

How should a cutting tool be selected?

Match its capabilities and limitations to the material and task; no cutting tool suits every material.

What are the two basic firefighting axes?

Pick-head and flat-head axes.

What are the most common cutting tools used by firefighters?

Axes.

Why are small axes and hatchets generally unsuitable for forcible entry?

They are too light and inefficient, although useful during salvage and overhaul.

What head weights and handle materials are common for pick-head axes?

6- or 8-pound hardened-steel heads with wooden or fiberglass handles.

What tasks can a pick-head axe perform?

Cutting, prying, and digging, primarily during structural firefighting.

What materials can an axe blade cut during forcible entry?

Wood components, shingles, aluminum siding, and other suitable lightweight roof or building materials.

What is the pick on a pick-head axe used for?

Penetrating materials that the blade cannot easily cut.

What additional uses does the side of a pick-head axe blade have?

Breaking glass or prying doors.

How does a flat-head axe differ from a pick-head axe?

It has a flat striking face instead of a pick.

What is the flat face of a flat-head axe used for?

Striking another tool into a doorjamb or windowsill.

Where are flat-head axes used?

Structural and ground-cover firefighting.

What tools may be used to cut metal security devices?

Bolt cutters, cutting torches, and rebar cutters, as appropriate for the material.

What can bolt cutters cut when the material is within their capability?

Bolts, pins, hasps, some padlock shackles, iron bars, cables, and chains.

What limits manual bolt cutters on modern security devices?

Hardened materials may break the blades or handles, and some locks prevent access to the shackle.

What material should not be cut with ordinary bolt cutters?

Case-hardened material in locks and other security devices.

What face and eye protection is needed when using bolt cutters?

A face shield and eye protection against flying fragments.

When may bolt cutters be used on energized cables?

Only when insulated and specifically designed for that task.

What forcible-entry items can cutting torches cut?

Security bars, gates, rebar, grilles, and hinges.

What cutting-torch types are listed in the chapter?

Oxyacetylene, oxy-gasoline, burning bars, and plasma cutters.

What training is required for cutting and burning devices?

Training specific to the device and its manufacturer's recommendations.

What must be in place during cutting-torch operations?

A charged hoseline to cool metal and control sparks.

Where must cutting torches not be used?

In or near flammable or explosive atmospheres, where flame, sparks, or slag can ignite materials.

What are hydraulic rebar cutters used for?

Cutting reinforcing steel and door or window security bars.

What is the tradeoff of a manually operated hydraulic rebar cutter?

It requires more effort but can work beyond the reach of a powered tool's supply hose.

When are handsaws useful for forcible entry?

When power is unavailable or working space is limited.

What handsaws are identified in the chapter?

Hacksaws, drywall saws, and keyhole saws.

What four power-saw types are commonly used?

Circular, rotary, reciprocating, and chain saws.

What power sources may operate firefighting saws?

Batteries, gasoline engines, electrical outlets or generators; some chain saws use compressed air or hydraulics.

What are circular saws used for in the fire service?

Cutting during firefighting, rescue, and overhaul, especially where electricity is available and heavier, bulkier saws are difficult to handle.

What distinguishes a rotary saw?

A rotating blade, commonly gasoline powered, with interchangeable blades for different materials.

What materials can a rotary saw cut with the correct blade?

Wood, metal, and masonry.

What fire protection should be available when a rotary saw produces sparks?

A charged hoseline or suitable fire extinguisher.

How fast may a rotary-saw blade rotate?

More than 6,000 rpm, depending on the saw.

How do coarse- and fine-tooth saw blades differ?

Coarse teeth make rough cuts; fine teeth make more precise cuts.

What is an advantage of carbide-tipped blades?

They resist wear better than standard blades.

How does a reciprocating saw work?

A straight blade moves back and forth, similar to a handsaw.

What can a reciprocating saw with a metal-cutting blade cut?

Vehicle body and structural metal, metal doors, and metal wall panels.

What operations may require a chain saw?

Forcible entry, ventilation, rescue, overhaul, debris removal, and cutting storm-damaged trees or limbs.

What can special chain-saw chains cut?

Wood, stone, concrete, or brick, depending on the chain.

What chain-saw features are identified for firefighting use?

Kickback protection, chain brakes, carbide-tipped chains, and depth gauges.