refers to the techniques used to gain access into a compartment, structure, facility, or site when the normal means of entry is locked or blocked
Forcible entry techniques
do minimal damage to the structure or structural components and provide quick access to the emergency
The Incident Commander (IC) or your supervisor will determine where to force entry based upon the following factors:
o Tactics that must be fulfilled
o Location of the fire or hazard
o Stage of the fire
o Effect on ventilation
o Effort required to force entry
Forcible entry tools can be divided into four basic categories:
o Cutting tools
o Pushing/pulling tools
o Prying tools
o Striking tools
are the most common types of cutting tools used by firefighters
Cutting Tools
the pick-head axe and the flat-head axe
Pick-head axes
axe is a versatile forcible entry tool that can be used for cutting, prying, and digging
o 6-pound or an 8-pound head
The pick-head axe is very effective for chopping through:
o Wooden structural components
o Shingles
o Aluminum siding
o Other roof coverings
o Other natural and lightweight materials
The flat-head axe
is the same as the pick-head axe in size, design, and construction, except that a flat striking face replaces the pick end
Metal cutting devices
are used to cut through heavy-duty locks, metal-clad doors, window security bars and grilles, and similar items
types of metal cutting devices
o Bolt cutters
o Cutting torches
o Manual or powered rebar cutters
o Bolts
o Iron bars
o Pins
o Cables
o Chains
o Hasps
o Some padlock shackles
case-hardened materials found in locks and other security devices
to cut any energized cables unless the cutters are insulated and designed for that task
o Security bars
o Gates
o Grilles
o Hinges
o Rebar
o Oxyacetylene cutting torches
o Oxy-gasoline cutting torches
o Burning bars
o Plasma cutters
what something that must be done when cutting with a cutting torch
hydraulic cutting tools
o are available in both powered and manual versions
o Firefighters can use rebar cutters to cut steel reinforced bars (rebar) in concrete walls or to cut door or window security bars
Handsaws
o Hacksaw
o Drywall saw
o Keyhole saw
o Circular saw
o Rotary saw
o Reciprocating saw
o Chain saw
Circular saw
This saw is especially useful in situations where electrical power is readily available, and heavier and bulkier power saws are too difficult to handle
used in the fire service are usually gasoline powered with changeable blades available for cutting wood, metal, and masonry.
o When using a rotary saw to cut metal, have a charged hoseline or portable fire extinguisher nearby because of the sparks produced in the cutting operation
The reciprocating saw
This saw has a short straight blade that moves in and out with an action similar to that of a handsaw
o is very powerful, versatile, and easy to control
are commonly used for forcible entry, ventilation, rescue, and overhaul operations
o They can be powered by gasoline engines, electricity, compressed ait, or hydraulic power