Nfpa forceable entry tools

How we force a door depends on fire conditions. If the structure is heavily involved, some damage to the door is acceptable, but we still need to consider door control and flow paths as well as the effects that the lack of both can have on fire conditions. How we force a year-old door for a welfare check involving a grandma is another story. Minimal damage in this instance is secondary only to gaining entry. If you cannot help grandma without destroying her home, you should reconsider your forcible entry methods and skills.

Chris DelBello is a year veteran of the fire service. He currently holds the rank of senior captain with the Houston Fire Department, working in the Midtown District. He is also the district training officer, which encompasses all the stations in downtown and midtown. Connect with DelBello via email. You must enable JavaScript in your browser to view and post comments. Get more info. More FireRescue1 Articles. More FireRescue1 Exclusives. Make FireRescue1 your homepage. What words of wisdom would you tell your rookie self?

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Topics Education and Training. Email Print Comment. Read next: How the Halligan tool changed the firefighting game. About the author Chris DelBello is a year veteran of the fire service. Tags Education and Training Search and Rescue. The 7 best firefighting movies of all time. The cookie settings on this website are set to 'allow all cookies' to give you the very best experience.

Please click Accept Cookies to continue to use the site. When it comes to fire and rescue equipment, the right tools make all the difference. From demolition equipment and forcible entry tools to vehicle stabilization, we have all the rescue equipment you need.

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Description Ice Rescue Systems helmet is a one-size-fits-most necessity for ice rescue safety. Our Dial Fit system lets you quickly and easily adjust the fit to accommodate almost any head size. Inward opening doors These doors sometimes have multiple locks, so there are variations on how to force them. Place the fork end of the halligan 6" above or below the lock with the bevel side of the fork touching the door. Slightly tilt the halligan toward the ceiling and strike the end of the halligan with the ax.

Drive the fork of the halligan past the interior door jamb. Once you have attained this position apply pressure on the halligan toward the door forcing it open. If resistance is met while driving the halligan with the ax, turn the halligan so that the bevel side of the fork is against the door jamb. Drive the halligan in and force the door. If additional leverage is needed, place the head of the ax between the door and the fork of the halligan.

This technique takes up the space between the door and the fork of the halligan. You can also use the hook end of the halligan by driving it into the door jamb 6" above or below the lock and apply downward pressure on the halligan. If the door has two locks, use the above procedures but place the tool between the locks. Never allow the door to spring open as this may expose you to heat, smoke or fire.

These types of doors can also be forced on the hinge side as well: Use the back of an ax and strike the solid part of the door adjacent to the upper hinge location. Always force the upper hinge first to allow heat and smoke to rise from the opening, then continue forcing the bottom hinge. Outward Opening Doors The methods used to force outward opening doors is determined by the position of the door in the frame.

With flush fitting doors, you can use either the adz or the fork end of the tool. If using the fork end of the halligan, place the concave side of the fork toward the door. Drive the tool between the door and the jamb, but avoid penetrating the jamb. When the tool has spread the door as far as it will go, force the adz end of the halligan away from the door. Another method is to place the adz end of the halligan 6" above or below the lock and drive it in the space between the door and the jamb — but don't penetrate the door stop of the jamb.

Pry down and out with the fork end of the halligan. You may sometimes encounter a recessed outward opening door with a wall adjacent to the lock side of the door. Place the adz end of the halligan 6" above or below the lock and drive it into the space between the door and the jamb.

Do not penetrate the door stop portion of the jamb. Forcible entry techniques are used in the fire service every day. While this article focuses on forcing residential doors, there are many areas of forcible entry and different techniques, which I will cover in future articles.

Technology has made forcible entry easier and our members are gaining access to areas quicker — but, being "old school," I pride myself on being able to force doors the conventional way, too. He has been with special operations for more than 16 years.