Chapter 9: Fire Fighter Tools and Equipment Chapter 10: Ropes and Knots Chapter 12: Forcible Entry Chapter 19: Salvage and Overhaul 1

Fire Fighter II Tools and Equipment Objectives Describe the tools used in search and rescue operations. Explain how tools and equipment are staged for rapid access. Describe how to maintain power equipment and power tools.

Fire Fighter II Ropes and Knots Objectives Describe the hardware components used during a rope rescue. Describe the characteristics of a carabiner. Describe the characteristics of a harness. List the types of incidents that might require a rope rescue. 3

Fire Fighter II Forcible Entry Objectives List the general safety rules to follow when using forcible entry tools. List the general carrying tips when using forcible entry tools. List the general maintenance tips when using forcible entry tools. List the types of tools used in forcible entry. List the striking tools used in forcible entry. 4

Fire Fighter II Forcible Entry Objectives Describe the tasks that striking tools are used for in forcible entry. List the prying and spreading hand tools used in forcible entry Describe the tasks that prying and spreading hand tools are used for in forcible entry. List the cutting tools used in forcible entry. Describe the tasks that cutting tools are used for in forcible entry. Describe the tasks that lock and specialty tools are used for in forcible entry. 5

Fire Fighter II Salvage and Overhaul Objectives Describe the types of generators used to power lighting equipment. Describe how generators operate. Describe how to clean and maintain lighting equipment. Describe how to maintain generators.

Search and Rescue Search team carries: Pushing tool (short pike pole) Prying tool (Halligan tool) Striking tool (sledgehammer or flat-head axe) Cutting tool (axe) Hand light <insert Firefighter II icon> 7

Search and Rescue May also need: Thermal imaging device Portable lighting Lifelines Prying, striking, and cutting tools SCBA and spare air cylinders Litter or patient packing device 8

Tool Staging Many departments have SOPs for staging tools at scenes. Salvage covers at designated location for layout of commonly used tools SOPs specify staged tools and equipment. Additional personnel may transport tools to and from staging area. 9

Cleaning and Inspecting Power Equipment and Tools Used for lighting, ventilation, salvage, and overhaul Test frequently. Fill with proper fuel. After returning from a fire, clean, inspect, and record maintenance data. 10

Steps for Cleaning and Inspecting Power Tools All tools should be left in “ready state.” Read and follow manufacturer-provided manuals. Learn proper procedure for reporting a problem with power tools and taking it out of service. 11

Technical Rescue Hardware Ropes often used to access and extricate individuals Several hardware components may also be needed. Carabiner secures and connects lines. 12

Harnesses Secures person to a rope or object Ladder belt harness Seat harness Chest harness 13

Harnesses Courtesy of Donald M. Colarusso, AllHandsFire.com

Rope Rescue Raising and lowering rescuers to access injured or trapped individuals Rope rescue courses cover the technical skills needed to raise or lower people. 15

Rope Rescue Incidents Rescuers often have to lower themselves and determine how to get victim to safety. Extreme cases could involve a helicopter. The type and number of ropes will depend on the situation. 16

Trench Rescues Often are complicated and require a number of skills Shoring Air-quality monitoring Confined space operations Ropes 17

Confined Space Rescue Often difficult to extricate victim due to poor ventilation and limited entry/exit Often very complex Courtesy of Captain David Jackson, Saginaw Township Fire Department 18

Water Rescue The simplest situation may involve throwing a rope to a person in the water. Complex situations may require ropes stretched across the stream with a tethered boat. © Mike Meadows/AP Photos 19

Forcible Entry Tools Fire fighters must know: Which tools are available Uses and limitations of each tool How to select the right tool How to operate each tool How to carry each tool How to inspect and maintain each tool 20

General Tool Safety Always wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Use the right tool for the job. Keep tools clean and serviced. Take broken tools out of service for repair. Keep tools in proper area or container. 21

General Carrying Tips Request assistance with heavy tools. Use your legs to lift heavy tools. 22

General Carrying Tips Keep sharp edges and points away from your body. Cover them with a gloved hand. Carry long tools pointing down. Be aware of overhead wires. 23

General Maintenance Tips All tools should be in a ready state. Tools must be in working order, in their storage place, and ready for use. 24

General Maintenance Tips Tools require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure readiness. Perform required checks conscientiously. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines. Keep proper records of maintenance, repairs, and warranty work performed. 25

Types of Forcible Entry Tools Striking tools Prying/spreading hand tools Cutting tools Lock tools 26

Striking Tools Used to generate an impact force directly on an object or another tool Head usually made of hardened steel 27

Flat-Head Axe One side is a cutting blade. Other side is a flat striking surface. Fire fighters often use flat side to strike a Halligan tool and drive a wedge into an opening. 28

Battering Ram Used to forced doors and breach walls Usually made of hardened steel and has handles Two to four people needed to use 29

Sledgehammer Come in various weights and sizes Head can weigh from 2 to 20 lbs. Handle may be short or long. Can be used alone or with other striking tools 30

Halligan Tool Widely used Commonly used to perform forcible entry Incorporates three tools: the adz, pick, and claw 31

Pry Bar Made from hardened steel Commonly used to force doors and windows, remove nails, or separate building materials Various shapes allow fire fighters to exert different amounts of leverage. 32

Pry Axe A multipurpose tool Used to cut and force open doors and windows Includes adz, pick, and claw Consists of body and handle Courtesy of Paratech Inc. 33

Hydraulic Tools Includes: Require hydraulic pressure Spreaders Cutters Rams Require hydraulic pressure 34

Rabbet Tool Small hydraulic spreader operated by a hand- powered pump As spreader opens, it applies a powerful force that opens doors. 35

Cutting Tools Primarily used for cutting doors, roofs, walls, and floors Hand-operated and power cutting tools 36

Axe Many different types Cutting edge used to break into plaster and wood walls, roofs, and doors Types include flat- head, pick-head, and multipurpose axes 37

Bolt Cutters Used to cut components, such as bolts, padlocks, chains, and chain-link fences Available in several different sizes The longer the handle, the greater the cutting force. 38

Circular Saw Gasoline powered Light, powerful, and easy to use Blades can be changed quickly. Carbide-tipped blades Metal-cutting blades Masonry-cutting blades 39

Lock and Specialty Tools Used to disassemble the locking mechanism on a door Cause minimal damage to the door and the door frame Experienced user can usually gain entry in less than a minute. 40

Lock/Specialty Tools K tool A tool J tool Shove knife Duck-billed lock breakers Locking pliers and chain Bam-bam tool 41

Electrical Generators Gas- or diesel-powered generators provide ample power. Portable Vehicle-mounted Building’s power supply is an option. 42

Lighting Methods Exterior lighting Fire fighters can see what they are doing, recognize hazards, and locate victims. Makes scene visible to drivers Provides some light inside structure 43

Lighting Methods Interior lighting Set up portable light at entry point to serve as a beacon for disoriented fire fighters. Illuminate interior areas as needed. Provide ample illumination to facilitate operations and increase safety. May be needed during daylight 44

Cleaning and Maintenance Follow manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid strong solvents. Test and run generators weekly/monthly. Inspect and test all power tools and equipment. Refill generator fuel tanks. 45

Summary Search and rescue teams carry same tools as interior attack team. Tool staging lays out commonly used tools. Properly maintain tools and equipment. Test power tools frequently and service regularly. Read and follow manufacturer's manuals and instructions for care/inspections. 46

Summary Two hardware pieces are used in rescue incidents: Carabiner Harness Rope rescues involve people trapped in inaccessible locations. Four types of forcible entry tools are used: Striking tools Prying or spreading tools Cutting tools Lock and specialty tools 47

Summary Electricity for lighting equipment is supplied by a generator, inverter, or a building’s electrical system. Portable electronic equipment should be cleaned and maintained. Salvage efforts prevent or limit secondary losses from smoke and water. 48