Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Firefighter I - Firefighting Basic Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved.  Insert short video clip of chapter author describing the importance of this section of the manual 2 Introduction to Basic Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Introduction– Section Slide 3

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Chapter Objectives  List and describe general-purpose firefighting tools and equipment  Name a tool in a given picture with 100% accuracy  List and describe the safety considerations of each tool  Identify tools used during forcible entry 4 Introduction

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Chapter Objectives  Identify tools during overhaul  Identify tools used in fire attack  Describe the maintenance requirements for each type of tool and equipment  Describe cleaning and inspection procedures prior to and after use of tools 5 Introduction

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Tools in the Fire Service  Firefighting is a labor intensive, tool dependant occupation  Firefighters need to master the use of firefighting tools 6 Introduction

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Tools in the Fire Service  Tools should be used as an extension of one’s body  Allows firefighters to multiply their force or leverage 7 Introduction

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Basic Tools Classifications  Cutting  Cutting and striking  Striking  Pushing  Pulling  Prying  Use images from provided by Fire Engineering 8 Introduction

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Cutting Tools – Section Slide 9

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Types of Cutting Tools  Engine and truck companies carry two types of hand tools that strictly cut 10 Cutting Tools Pick-Head AxesBolt Cutters

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Features of a Pick-Head Axe  Single-bit axe  An ideal axe head weighs 8 lbs  Blade should be a smooth surface free of necks and dings 11 Cutting Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Features of a Pick-Head Axe  Opposite the blade is the pick  Pierces materials to create a starting point for cutting  Can be used to shatter materials 12 Cutting Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Cutting with a Pick-Head Axe  Make sure the area is clear of personnel  Accuracy is key to effectively using any axe  If the same spot is hit each time, a hole can easily be made 13 Cutting Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Cutting with a Pick-Head Axe  The following will work against you:  Gravity  Wind  Bad weather  Burning structure  Weight and restrictions of turnout gear 14 Cutting Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Swinging a Pick-Head Axe  Grasp the handle firmly and select a comfortable stance  Spread feet and center body weight  Flex your knees 15 Cutting Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Swinging a Pick-Head Axe  Hands should not go higher than shoulders when swinging  Do not let the axe head go behind head and shoulders 16 Cutting Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Swinging a Pick-Head Axe  Insert Video Clip of Firefighter Swinging an axe  Slide one hand along the shaft to meet the hand grasping the bottom  Swinging with one arm stiffened or “pushing” the tool will cause you to tire quickly 17 Cutting Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Swinging a Pick-Head Axe  Let the weight of the axe do the work  Concentrate on accuracy  The blade should strike the surface at a slight angle 18 Cutting Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Swinging a Pick-Head Axe  Video of pick-head axe in use outlining the previously covered techniques  Audio overlay describing the actions 19 Cutting Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Freeing a Jammed Pick-Head Axe  Do not pull as you may lose your balance and fall 20 Cutting Tools  Work the axe handle up and down a few times to release the blade

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Freeing a Jammed Pick-Head Axe  Grip the handle with one hand and grasp the pick with the other  Work the axe head back and forth to release the blade 21 Cutting Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Using the Pick Side of a Pick-Head Axe  Used to create a “starting” hole  Some materials may be too thick or have too much spring to allow for immediate cutting 22 Cutting Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Using the Pick Side of a Pick-Head Axe  Flip axe over and set your stance  Swing like you were using the blade side  Maintain a firm grip on the handle  Let the weight of the tool drive the pick 23 Cutting Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Using the Pick Side of a Pick-Head Axe  Video of Firefighter swinging the axe with the pick side out addressing previously described techniques 24 Cutting Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Freeing a Jammed Pick  Push handle forward a little and pull back toward you 25 Cutting Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Freeing a Jammed Pick 26 Cutting Tools  Lower to handle so it is parallel with the cutting surface  Rotate the handle 15° in either direction

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Bolt Cutters  Provide a quick and easy method of cutting through various items  It is crucial to use cutters appropriate for the materials being cut 27 Cutting Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Bolt Cutters  Dielectric bolt and wire cutters are not used by firefighters  Never cut through energized electrical lines 28 Cutting Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Features of Bolt Cutters  Made of high quality carbon steel  Have long fiberglass handles with rubber grips 29 Cutting Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Using Bolt Cutters  Evaluate material to be cut  Wear full PPE and eye protection  Know what will occur if you cut something  Cutting cables or cords could release something being held 30 Cutting Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Cutting Locks with Bolt Cutters  Cut shackle high on the shackle  Gives you another place to get a purchase  Cutting too close to the lock can jam the cutters 31 Cutting Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Cutting Locks with Bolt Cutters  Not designed to cut through case-hardened steel  Don’t try to “force it” using two firefighters  Select a different tool 32 Cutting Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Other Uses of Bolt Cutters  Removing wire mesh or lath during overhaul  Twisting off battery terminals on cars and trucks  Insert Image of Bolt cutters removing wire mesh during overhaul 33 Cutting Tools

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Cutting/Striking Tools– Section Slide 34

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Striking Tools– Section Slide 35

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Prying Tools– Section Slide 36

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Push-Pull Tools– Section Slide 37

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. What’s Used for What When?– Section Slide 38

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Tool Maintenance -Section Slide 39

Copyright © 2008 Emergency Training Solutions, LLC. All rights reserved. Summary-Section Slide 40