Fire Fighter Tools and Equipment

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

General Considerations 8 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

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

Safe Operation Requires PPE 8 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

Conditions of Use/ Operating Conditions 8 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.

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.

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.

Functions Rotating (assembly or disassembly) Pushing or pulling 8 Functions Rotating (assembly or disassembly) Pushing or pulling Prying or spreading Striking Cutting Multiple use

Rotating Tools (1 of 2) Apply rotational force to turn 8 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

Rotating Tools (2 of 2) Various sizes and types of screw heads 8 Rotating Tools (2 of 2) Various sizes and types of screw heads Spanner wrenches are used for couplings. Hydrant wrenches are used for hydrants.

Common Assembly/Disassembly Tools 8 Common Assembly/Disassembly Tools Box-end wrenches Gripping pliers Hydrant wrenches Open-end wrenches Pipe wrenches Screwdrivers Socket wrenches Spanner wrenches

Pushing/Pulling Tools 8 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.

Common Pushing/Pulling Tools 8 Common Pushing/Pulling Tools Pike pole Plaster hook Ceiling hook Clemens hook Drywall hook Multipurpose hook Roofman’s hook San Francisco hook

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.

Pike Pole (2 of 2) Most common size: 4' to 6' for use on 10' ceilings 8 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.

Prying/Spreading Tools 8 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

Common Prying/Spreading Tools 8 Common Prying/Spreading Tools Claw bar Crowbar Flat bar Halligan tool Hux bar Kelly tool Pry bar

Striking Tools Used to apply impact force 8 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

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

Cutting Tools Tools with a sharp edge to sever an object 8 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.

Common Cutting Tools Axes Bolt cutters Saws Reciprocating saws 8 Common Cutting Tools Axes Bolt cutters Saws Reciprocating saws Cutting torches Hydraulic shears Seatbelt cutter

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

Mechanical Saws Three main types Faster than handsaws 8 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

Chain Saws Gasoline-powered or powered by electricity 8 Chain Saws Gasoline-powered or powered by electricity Special chains are good for cutting ventilation openings.

Rotary Saws Gasoline powered or electric 8 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.

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

Hydraulic Shears Requires extensive training 8 Hydraulic Shears Requires extensive training Used with hydraulic spreaders and rams for vehicle extrication Quickly cuts metal posts and bars

Cutting Torches Produce extremely high temperature flame 8 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

Multiple Function/Special Use Tools 8 Multiple Function/Special Use Tools Reduce the tools needed to achieve a goal Includes rakes, brooms, shovels, air bags, come alongs, and tripods

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

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.

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.

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.

Interior Attack Team Tools 8 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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Overhaul (1 of 2) Examines fire scene to extinguish hidden fires 8 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

Overhaul (2 of 2) Prying and striking tools used to open closed spaces 8 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

Tools Used in Overhaul Pushing tools Cutting tools Prying tools 8 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.