Hand Tools
- Extend or multiply the actions of the body and increase effectiveness in performing specific functions
- Operate using simple machine principles
Power Tools
- Operate using an external source of power
- Faster and more efficient than hand tools
- Can be finicky, hard to carry
Safety
- Prime consideration
- Operate equipment with you, your partners, and bystanders in mind with appropriate PPE’s
Effective Tool Use
-Achieve desired goal
Efficient Tool Use
-Produce desired effect in a timely fashion
Functions of Tools
- Rotating
- Prying/Spreading
- Pushing/Pulling
- Striking
- Cutting
Pushing/Pulling Tools
- Pike Pole
- K Tool
- Drywall Hook
Rotating Tools
- Spanner Wrench
- Box-end Wrench
- Open-end Wrench
- Gripping Pliers
- Screwdriver
- Pipe Wrench
Prying/Spreading Tools
- Halligan
- Pry Bar
- Hydraulic Spreaders
- Rabbet Tool
Striking Tools
-Impact force to gain entrance or make an opening
- Hammer
- Maul
- Flat-head Axe
- Spring-loaded Center Punch
Cutting Tools
-Cut things, that’s about the gist of it
Hacksaw
Designed to cut metal
Carpenter’s Handsaw
Designed to cut wood
Coping saw
Cuts curves in wood
Keyhole saw
Specialty saw, narrow, slender, can cut keyholes in wood.
Response/Size-Up
- Consider information from dispatch along with preincident plan about location.
- Upon arrival at the scene, company officers size up situation and develop action plans for each company following SOG’s
Forcible Entry
-Can use axe, prying tool, K tool, the irons
Interior Firefighting
Basic set of tools includes
- Prying tool, such as Halligan
- Striking tool, axe/sledgehammer
- Cutting tool, axe
- Pushing/pulling tool, pike pole
- Strong hand light
Search and Rescue
- Same basic tools as interior attack team
- Probe for victims using tools
- Additional tools include TIC, portable lights, and life lines
RIC
-Tools must be staged and ready
- RIC
- Additional Lighting
- Life Lines
- Prying Tools
- Striking Tools
- Cutting tools, including power saw
- SCBA and spare air cylinders
Ventilation Tools/Equipment
- Many of the same as forcible entry
- Power saws and axes commonly used
- PPV fans
Overhaul
- Examine fire scene for hidden fires
- Use simple hand tools
- Shovels and rakes to clean up
- Pushing tools
- Prying tools
- Striking tools
- Cutting tools
- Debris-removal tools
- Water-removal equipment
- Portable lighting
- TIC
2 Types of Saws
- Handsaws
- Mechanical Saws
3 Main Saws
- Chainsaws
- Rotary
- Reciprocating
