1. Fire Fighter Tools and Equipment

2. 8
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.

3. 8
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.

4. 8
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.

5. Objectives (4 of 5) Describe the tools used in a forcible entry.8
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-and-rescue operations.
Describe ventilation tools.

6. 8
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.

7. Introduction Tools are used for a wide range of activities.8
Introduction
Tools are used for a wide range of activities.
Fire fighters must know how to use tools and equipment
Effectively
Efficiently
Safely
In dark, limited visibility environments
Same tools used different ways in each phase of fire suppression and rescue operations

8. General Considerations8
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

9. 8
Safety
Safety is the prime consideration for use of tools and equipment.
Safe equipment avoids accidental injury to:
Fire fighters
Other responders
Victims
Bystanders

10. Safe Operation Requires PPE8
Safe Operation Requires PPE
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

11. Conditions of Use/ Operating Conditions8
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.

12. Effective and Efficient Use (1 of 2)8
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.

13. Effective and Efficient Use (2 of 2)8
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.

14. Functions Rotating (assembly or disassembly) Pushing or pulling8
Functions
Rotating (assembly or disassembly)
Pushing or pulling
Prying or spreading
Striking
Cutting
Multiple use

15. Rotating Tools (1 of 2) Apply rotational force to turn8
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

16. Rotating Tools (2 of 2) Various sizes and types of screw heads8
Rotating Tools (2 of 2)
Various sizes and types of screw heads
Spanner wrenches are used for couplings.
Hydrant wrenches are used for hydrants.

17. Common Assembly/Disassembly Tools8
Common Assembly/Disassembly Tools
Box-end wrenches
Gripping pliers
Hydrant wrenches
Open-end wrenches
Pipe wrenches
Screwdrivers
Socket wrenches
Spanner wrenches

18. Pushing/Pulling Tools8
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.

19. Common Pushing/Pulling Tools8
Common Pushing/Pulling Tools
Pike pole
Plaster hook
Ceiling hook
Clemens hook
Drywall hook
Multipurpose hook
Roofman’s hook
San Francisco hook

20. 8
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.

21. Pike Pole (2 of 2) Most common size: 4' to 6' for use on 10' ceilings8
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.

22. Prying/Spreading Tools8
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

23. Common Prying/Spreading Tools8
Common Prying/Spreading Tools
Claw bar
Crowbar
Flat bar
Halligan tool
Hux bar
Kelly tool
Pry bar

24. Striking Tools Used to apply impact force8
Striking Tools
Used to apply impact force
Used to gain entry or make openings
Axe—two types: flat-head or pick-head
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

25. Common Striking Tools 8 Hammer Mallet Sledgehammer Maul Flat-head axe
Pick-head axe
Battering ram
Chisel
Spring-loaded center punch

26. Cutting Tools Tools with a sharp edge to sever an object8
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.

27. Common Cutting Tools Axes Bolt cutters Saws Reciprocating saws8
Common Cutting Tools
Axes
Bolt cutters
Saws
Reciprocating saws
Cutting torches
Hydraulic shears
Seatbelt cutter

28. Saws Two main categories Handsaws include 8 Manual Mechanical Hacksaws
Carpenter’s handsaw
Coping saw
Keyhole saw

29. Mechanical Saws Three main types Faster than handsaws8
Mechanical Saws
Three main types
Chain, rotary, reciprocating
Faster than handsaws
Conserve fire fighter energy
Requires proper training
Disadvantages
Heavy and sometimes hard to start
May require an electrical connection

30. Chain Saws Gasoline-powered or powered by electricity8
Chain Saws
Gasoline-powered or powered by electricity
Special chains are good for cutting ventilation openings.

31. Rotary Saws Gasoline powered or electric8
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.

32. Reciprocating Saws 8 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

33. Hydraulic Shears Requires extensive training8
Hydraulic Shears
Requires extensive training
Used with hydraulic spreaders and rams for vehicle extrication
Quickly cuts metal posts and bars

34. Cutting Torches Produce extremely high temperature flame8
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

35. Multiple Function/Special Use Tools8
Multiple Function/Special Use Tools
Reduce the tools needed to achieve a goal
Includes rakes, brooms, shovels, air bags, come alongs, and tripods

36. 8
Phases of Use
Each phase of fire suppression may require certain tools and equipment.
Basic phase of fire suppression
Response/Size-up
Forcible entry
Interior attack
Search and rescue
Rapid Intervention Crew
Ventilation
Overhaul

37. Response/Size-Up Consider information from dispatch.8
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.

38. 8
Forcible Entry
Locked, blocked entries and security systems challenge forcible entry tasks.
Typical tools for forced entry
Axe
Prying tool
K tool
Other prying tools
Many techniques may be required to gain entry.

39. 8
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.

40. Interior Attack Team Tools8
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

41. 8
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

42. 8
Search and Rescue (2 of 2)
In addition, may need closet hook, thermal imaging camera, portable lights, and lifelines

43. Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)8
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.

44. Ventilation (1 of 2) Many tools are the same as for forcible entry.8
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.

45. 8
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.

46. Overhaul (1 of 2) Examines fire scene to extinguish hidden fires8
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

47. Overhaul (2 of 2) Prying and striking tools used to open closed spaces8
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

48. Tools Used in Overhaul Pushing tools Cutting tools Prying tools8
Tools Used in Overhaul
Pushing tools
Cutting tools
Prying tools
Striking tools
Debris-removal tools
Water-removal equipment
Ventilation equipment
Portable lighting
Thermal imaging camera

49. Tool Staging Many departments have SOPs for staging tools at scenes.8
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.

50. 8
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.

51. Hand Tool Maintenance Remove all dirt and debris.8
Hand Tool Maintenance
Remove all dirt and debris.
If appropriate, use soap and water.
Dry tools completely.
Sharpen cutting tools.
Inspect for damage.

52. Power Tool “Readiness” (1 of 2)8
Power Tool “Readiness” (1 of 2)
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.

53. Power Tool “Readiness” (2 of 2)8
Power Tool “Readiness” (2 of 2)
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.

54. 8
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.

55. Summary (2 of 2) Most tools/equipment perform one or more function(s):8
Summary (2 of 2)
Most tools/equipment perform one or more function(s):
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.