Forcible Entry Lieutenant Qualifications Packet. Outward Swinging Door.
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Transcript of FORCIBLE ENTRY. Modern society is security conscious Private homes Commercial occupancies Vehicles...
FORCIBLE ENTRY
FORCIBLE ENTRY
Modern society is security conscious Private homes Commercial occupancies Vehicles
Forcible entry The technique used by fire department personnel to gain
access to a structure whose normal means of access is locked, blocked or nonexistent
INTRODUCTION
Forcible entry, when properly used, does a minimal amount of damage to the structure or structural components and provides quick access for fi refighters
should not be used when normal means of access are readily available
may be required to open means of egress (exit) from structures
INTRODUCTION
Knowing the construction features of doors, windows and other barriers, knowing proper tool selection and knowing forcible entry techniques greatly enhances a fi refighter’s eff ort on the fi reground
Ability to use forcible entry techniques quickly and eff ectively demonstrates professionalism to the community you serve
INTRODUCTION
A fi refighter must have a complete working knowledge of the tools available to perform the task Using the proper tool will make the difference in whether
the barrier faced is successfully forced
Forcible entry tools can be divided into four basic categories Cutting tools Prying tools Pushing / pulling tools Striking tools
FORCIBLE ENTRY TOOLS
Cutting Tools Many different types
Often specific to the type of materials they can cut and how fast they can cut them
No such thing as a single cutting tool that will effi ciently cut all materials Using a cutting tool in a way it was not designed can destroy the
tool and endanger the operator Cutting tools may be either manual or powered
FORCIBLE ENTRY TOOLS
Axes and Hatchets The most common type of cutting tool available in the fire
service Two basic types
Pick-head Flat-head
Pick-head axe 6 pound or 8 pound head Handle made of either wood or fiberglass Effective for cutting through natural and lightweight materials
CUTTING TOOLS
Axes and Hatchets Flat-head axe
6 or 8 pound head Handles made of either wood or fiberglass Cuts through a variety of natural and lightweight materials Can be used as a striking tool
CUTTING TOOLS
Handsaws There are times when the handsaw is necessary because of
a small work space Commonly used handsaws
Carpenter's handsaw Keyhole saw Hacksaws Coping saw
CUTTING TOOLS
Power Saws Make fast and effi cient cuts in a variety of materials Times when these saws should and should not be used Divided into categories
Rotary (circular) saw Reciprocating saw Chain saw Ventilation saw
CUTTING TOOLS
Power Saws Do not push a saw (or any tool) beyond the limits of its
design and purpose Two things may occur
Tool failure Injury to the operator
Never use a power saw in a flammable atmosphere Always use eye protection when operating any power saw
CUTTING TOOLS
Power Saws Rotary (Circular) Saw
Fire service version is often gasoline powered Blades spin more than 6,000 rpm Blades range from large-toothed blades for quick rough cuts to
fine teeth for a more precise cut Carbide tipped teeth are superior to standard blades
Less prone to dulling with heavy use
CUTTING TOOLS
Power Saws Rotary (Circular) Saw
Blades specifically designed for cutting metal are also available Often used in forcible entry
Following both manufacturer’s recommendations and department SOGs are imperative to maintaining a firefighter’s personal safety when operating saws
CUTTING TOOLS
Reciprocating Saw Powerful, versatile and highly controllable saw Can use a variety of blades for cutting different materials Require electricity
CUTTING TOOLS
Chain Saw (Vent Saw) Used for years by the logging industry
Sometimes more effi cient than the rotary saw Powerful enough to penetrate dense material yet lightweight
enough to be easily handled in awkward positions Should not be used to cut metal
CUTTING TOOLS
Metal Cutting Devices and Cutting Torches Bolt cutters
Cuts bolts, iron bars, pins, cables, hasps, chains and some padlock shackles
Advances in security technology are limiting the use of bolt cutters Materials shatter the cutting surface or cause the handles to fail
CUTTING TOOLS
Metal Cutting Devices and Cutting Torches Cutting Torch
Operates by burning away the material being cut Uses a mixture of flammable gases to generate a flame with a
temperature of more than 5,700° F
CUTTING TOOLS
Prying Tools Provide an advantage for opening doors, windows, locks
and moving heavy objects Hand (manual) prying tools use the basic principle of the
lever to provide a mechanical advantage Leverage applied incorrectly works against the firefighter
Hydraulic prying tools can either be powered hydraulic or manual hydraulic Manual hydraulic tools operate slower
PRYING TOOLS
Manual Prying Tools Variety of hand prying tools is available to the fire service
Crowbar Halligan-type bar Hux bar Claw tool Kelly tool Pry axe Flat bar
PRYING TOOLS
Hydraulic Prying Tools Hydraulic rescue spreader tool Most often associated with vehicle extrication has some
uses in forcible entry Depending on manufacturer, spread as much as 32 inches
PRYING TOOLS
Hydraulic Prying Tools Hydraulic ram
Designed primarily for vehicle extrication Spreading capabilities ranging from 36 inches to an extended
length of nearly 63 inches Place the ram in between either side of a door frame to spread
the frame apart
PRYING TOOLS
Hydraulic Prying Tools Hydraulic door opener, is a hand-operated spreader device
and is relatively lightweight Consists of a hand pump and spreader device Pressure usually causes the locking mechanism or door to
fail Valuable tool when more than one door must be forced
Apartments or hotels
PRYING TOOLS
Pushing / Pulling Tools Limited use in forcible entry
Tool of choice for breaking glass and opening walls or ceilings Tools includes
Standard pike pole Clemens hook Plaster hook Drywall hook San Francisco hook Multipurpose hook Roofman's hook
PUSHING / PULLING TOOLS
Pushing / Pulling Tools Gives the firefighter additional reach
Stay out of the way of falling debris Pike poles and hooks should not be depended on for
leverage
PUSHING / PULLING TOOLS
Striking Tools Basic hand tool consisting of a weighted head attached to a
handle Sledgehammer (8, 10 and 16 pounds) Maul Flat-head axe Sledge hammer Multi-tool
STRIKING TOOLS
Tool Combinations No single forcible entry tool provides the firefighter with the
needed force or leverage to handle all forcible entry situations
The most important factor to consider is selecting the proper tools to do the job Pre-incident surveys will help to determine what tools are
required
TOOL COMBINATIONS
Hand and power tools used in the fi re service can be extremely dangerous if misused or used carelessly
In atmospheres that could be explosive, extreme caution should be taken in the use of power and hand tools that may cause arcs or sparks
TOOL SAFETY
Prying Tool Safety Using prying tools incorrectly creates a safety hazard
Not acceptable to use a "cheater bar" Can put forces on the tool that are greater than the tool was designed to
handle
TOOL SAFETY
Circular Saw Safety Must be used with extreme care to prevent injury from the
high-speed rotary blade Store blades in a clean, dry environment free of
hydrocarbon fumes Hydrocarbons will attack the bonding material in the blades and
make them subject to sudden disintegration during use Match the saw to the task and the material to be cut
Never push a saw beyond its design limitations Wear proper protective equipment Do not use any power saw when working in a flammable
atmosphere or near flammable liquids
TOOL SAFETY
Circular Saw Safety Keep unprotected and nonessential people out of the work
area Follow manufacturer's guidelines for proper saw operation Keep blades and chain well sharpened
A dull saw is more likely to cause an accident than a sharp one Be aware of potential hidden hazards
TOOL SAFETY
Carrying Tools Carry tools and tool combinations in the safest manner
possible Axes
Carry the axe with the blade away from the body Pick-head axes
Grasp the pick with a hand to cover it Axes should never be carried on the shoulder
TOOL SAFETY
Carrying Tools Prying Tools
Carry these tools with any pointed or sharp edges away from the body
Combinations of Tools Strap tool combinations together Halligan type bars and flat-head axes can be “married” together
and strapped
TOOL SAFETY
Carrying Tools Pike Poles and Hooks
Carry with the head down, close to the ground and ahead of the body
These tools can severely injure anyone poked with the working end of the tool
TOOL SAFETY
Carrying Tools Striking Tools
Keep the heads of these tools close to the ground Maintain a firm grip
Power Tools Never carry a power tool that is running Carry the tool to the area where the work will be performed and
start it there
TOOL SAFETY
Care and Maintenance of Forcible Entry Tools Proper care and maintenance of all forcible entry tools are
essential ingredients of any forcible entry operation Tools will function as designed if they are properly maintained
and kept in the best of condition
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Wood Handles Inspect the handle for cracks, blisters or splinters Sand the handle to minimize hand injuries Wash the handle with mild detergent, rinse and wipe dry
Do not soak the handle in water because it will cause the wood to swell
Apply a coat of boiled linseed oil to the handle to prevent roughness and warping Do not paint or varnish the handle
Check the tightness of the tool head
Limit tool marking
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Fiberglass Handles Wash the handle with mild detergent, rinse and wipe dry Check the tightness of the tool head
Cutting Edges Inspect the cutting edge for nicks, tears or metal spurs Replace cutting edges when required File the cutting edges by hand
Grinding weakens the tool
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Plated Surfaces Inspect for damage Wipe plated surfaces clean or wash with mild detergent and
waterUnprotected Metal Surfaces
Keep free of rust Oil the metal surface lightly. avoid using any metal
protectant that contains trichloroethane Avoid painting Inspect the metal for spurs, burrs or sharp edges and file
them off when found
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Axe Heads The manner in which the axe head is
maintained directly affects how well it works
If the blade is extremely sharp and its body is ground too thin pieces of the blade may break when cutting
If the body of the blade is too thick, regardless of its sharpness, it may be diffi cult to drive the axe head through ordinary objects
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Power Equipment Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions Inspect and ensure power tools will start Check blades for completeness and readiness Replace blades that are worn Check all electrical components for cuts and frays Ensure that all guards are functional and in place Ensure that fuel is fresh
Fuel mixtures may deteriorate over time
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Door Size-Up and Construction Features Primary obstacle firefighters face in gaining access to a
building is a locked or blocked door Size-up of the door is an essential part of the forcible entry
task How the door functions How it is constructed How it is locked
SIZE UP
Door Size-Up and Construction Features Doors function in one of the following ways
Swinging (either inward or outward) Sliding Revolving Overhead
SIZE UP
Door Size-Up and Construction Features Firefighters should try the door to make sure that it is
locked before force is used “try before you pry!”
If the door is locked, begin additional size-up Which way does it swing?
Look for the door In or out?
Does it slide left or right? Does it roll up?
SIZE UP
Door Size-Up and Construction Features Access doors to residences usually
swing inward Commercial, public assembly doors
and industrial doors, swing outward There will be times that even that best
size-up and forcible entry effort will not be successful Remember not to get focused on one
effort and one technique Spending too much time forcing a door is
counterproductive If the door proves too well secured, find
another door
SIZE UP
Door Size-Up and Construction Features After determining how a door functions, you must
understand how the door is constructed Doors range in construction types from interior hollow core to
high-security steel Most common door encountered is the wood swinging door,
followed by the steel swinging door
SIZE UP
Wood Swinging Doors Three general categories of wood swinging doors
Panel Slab Ledge
Entry doors on structures are usually panel or slab
SIZE UP
Wood Swinging Doors The door is only one component of a door assembly Doorjambs are the sides of the opening into which the door
is fitted Rabbeted jamb
A shoulder milled into the casing that the door closes against to form a seal Stopped jamb
Has a piece of molding added to the door frame for the door to close on
SIZE UP
Panel Doors wood panel doors are made of solid wood members insert
with panels panels may be wood or plastic
panel doors often have panels fitted into the door to allow in light glass Lexan (polycarbonate) plastic Plexiglas
SIZE UP
Slab Doors a very common door constructed in two ways
solid core hollow core
many interior doors in residences are hollow core core or center portion of door is made
up of web or grid of glued wood strips over which several layers of plywood veneer panels have been glued
SIZE UP
Slab Doors (cont.) most exterior slab doors found on newly constructed
residences are hollow core exterior slab doors on older homes may
be solid core not pierced by windows or other
openings panels on a slab door are purely decorative
SIZE UP
Slab Doors (cont.) the core of a solid core door is constructed of some type of
solid material very old homes, the door may be made of
thick planks that have been tongue and grooved together
modern solid core doors may be fi lled with a material used for insulation or soundproofing
plywood veneer covering
SIZE UP
Ledge Doors also know as “batten doors” found on warehouses, storerooms, barns
and sheds made of built-up materials, including
boards, plywood sheeting, particleboard, etc.
generally locked with some type of surface lock, hasp, padlock, bolt or bar
hinges generally pin type, fastened with screws or bolts
SIZE UP
Metal Swinging Doors are classified as hollow metal, metal covered
and tubular more diffi cult to force due to their construction and
design most often set in a metal doorjamb very little “spring” to the door
generally considered impractical to force a metal door in a metal frame in masonry
SIZE UP
Metal Swinging Doors (cont.) vary greatly in their construction metal covered doors may have a solid wood door
underneath the metal or it may be a hollow metal door filled with fire-resistive materials
the structural design of tubular metal doors is of seamless rectangular tube sections groove is provided in the rectangular
tube for glass or metal panels found on exterior openings of modern buildings
SIZE UP
Metal Swinging Doors (cont.) tubular aluminum doors are comparatively light in weight,
are strong and are not subject to much spring when faced with the need to force a
metal door consider the use of power tools, especially
rotary saws or hydraulic tools do not waste too much time
trying to force the door may be easier to breach the wall next to a steel door
SIZE UP
Sliding Doors travel either left or right of their opening and in the same
plane as the opening attached to a metal track by roller or guide
wheels often called pocket doors when used as
an interior door more common type of sliding door is
the door assembly used in patio areas of residences or as doors to porches or balconies in houses, hotels and apartments
SIZE UP
Sliding Doors (cont.) the glass panels and sliding door are heavy glass window
panels set in a metal or wood frame glass panel normally double-
thickness glass newer doors may be triple-
glass pane some doors may have
tempered (safety) glass
SIZE UP
Sliding Doors (cont.) may sometimes be barred or blocked by a
metal rod or a special device commonly called “burglar blocks” easily seen from the outside practically eliminates any possibility of
forcing without causing excessive damage
SIZE UP
Revolving Doors made up of quadrants that revolve around a center shaft turns within a metal or glass housing
assembly that is open on each side to allow user’s entry and egress
may be locked in various ways and in general, they are considered diffi cult to force when locked
SIZE UP
Revolving Doors (cont.) usually, there are swinging doors on either side of the
revolving door more effective to force through the swinging door
all revolving doors are equipped with a mechanism that allows them to collapse during an emergency
three basic types of mechanisms involved panic proof drop arm metal braced
SIZE UP
Revolving Doors (cont.) Panic-Proof Type
has a ¼ inch cable holding the door quadrants apart
triggered by forces pushing in opposite directions on the quadrants
Drop-Arm Type has a solid arm passing through one
of the quadrants a pawl is located on the quadrant the arm passes through
press the pawl to disengage the arm, then push the quadrant to one side
SIZE UP
Revolving Doors (cont.) Metal-Braced Type
resembles a gate hook and eye assembly to collapse, lift the hook and fasten it back against the fixed
quadrant hooks are located on both side of the quadrant
SIZE UP
Overhead Doors generally constructed of wood, metal or fiberglass pose quite a forcible entry problem
heavily secured sometimes motor driven and usually
spring loaded or balanced forcible entry may be diffi cult, but it
is not impossible classified as follows
sectional (folding) rolling steel slab
SIZE UP
Overhead Doors (cont.) sectional (folding) overhead door is not too diffi cult to force
entry through unless it is either motor driven or remotely controlled latch mechanism is generally located in the center of the door
controls two locks, one located on each side of the door lock and latch may also be located on only one side
SIZE UP
Overhead Doors (cont.) sectional overhead doors may be forced by prying upward
at the bottom of the door with a good prying tool less damage will be done and time will be saved if a panel is
removed and the latch is turned from the inside
may be locked with a padlock through a hole at either end of the bar or the padlock may even be in the track
cut a hole in the door to gain access and remove the padlock
SIZE UP
Overhead Doors (cont.) pivoting or overhead slab doors, sometimes called “awning
doors”, are more diffi cult to force due to the nature of the door spring mechanism must pivot the door out and up care must be taken to not jam the door in its
tracks or it will not open wood pivoting doors are very heavy locked similarly to the sectional or folding doors
SIZE UP
Overhead Doors (cont.) pry outward with a bar at each side near the bottom
tends to bend the lock bar enough to pass the keeper
SIZE UP
Overhead Doors (cont.) rolling steel doors, used as high-security doors
designed to keep people out locked with several padlocks and pins can be manually operated, mechanically operated or motor
driven among the toughest forcible entry
challenges faced by firefighters best accessed by cutting a
triangle-shaped opening rotary rescue saw or a cutting torch
SIZE UP
Fire Doors protect door openings in walls that are required to be rated
as fire-barrier assemblies or fire wall assembly includes the door, frame and associated hardware types of standard fire doors
horizontal and vertical sliding single and double swinging overhead rolling
SIZE UP
Fire Doors (cont.) fire doors may be mechanically, manually or electrically
operated two standard means by which fire doors operate
self-closing when the door is opened, it returns to the closed position on its own
automatic-closing normally remain open, close when the hold-open device releases the door
upon activation of either a local smoke detector or a fire alarm system
SIZE UP
Fire Doors (cont.) swinging fire doors
generally used on stair enclosures opened and closed frequently
vertical sliding fire doors normally open and arranged to close automatically
overhead rolling fire doors installed where space limitations
prevent installation of other types arranged to close automatically
SIZE UP
Fire Doors (cont.) most interior fire doors do not lock when they close when passing through an opening protected by
a fire door, block the door open to prevent its closing and trapping you fire doors have also been known to close and cut
off the water supply in a hoseline
SIZE UP
Locking devices vary from a simple lock to a series of very sophisticated locking devices
Locks are divided into four basic types mortise lock bored (cylindrical) lock rim lock padlock
LOCKS AND LOCKING DEVICES
Mortise Lock designed to fit into a cavity in the door
consists of a latch mechanism and an opening device
when the lock is in the lock position, the bolt protrudes from the lock into a keeper that is mortised into the jamb
LOCKS AND LOCKING DEVICES
Mortise Lock (cont.) newer mortise locks may also have larger and longer dead-
bolt features for added security found on private residences, commercial
buildings and industrial buildings
LOCKS AND LOCKING DEVICES
Bored (Cylindrical) Lock named because their installation involves boring two holes
at right angles to one another one through the face of the door to accommodate the main
locking mechanism and the other in the edge of the door to receive the latch or bolt mechanism
one type of bored lock is the key-in-knob lock
LOCKS AND LOCKING DEVICES
Bored (Cylindrical) Lock key-in-knob has a keyway in the outside knob
inside knob may contain either a keyway or a button latch bolt usually no longer than ¾
inch vulnerable to prying operations
LOCKS AND LOCKING DEVICES
Rim Lock one of the most common locks in use today surface mounted
used as an add-on lock for doors that already have other types of locks
found in all types of occupancies identified from the outside by a
cylinder that is recessed into the door
LOCKS AND LOCKING DEVICES
Padlock include portable or detachable locking
devices two basic types of padlocks
regular have shackles of ¼ inch or less in diameter not case-hardened
heavy-duty have shackles more than ¼ inch in diameter case-hardened toe and heal locking (both ends of the shackle are locked)
LOCKS AND LOCKING DEVICES
Rapid-Entry Key Box System all necessary keys to the building, storage
areas, gates and elevators are kept in a key box mounted at a high-visibility location on the
building’s exterior only fire department carries a
master key unauthorized duplication of the
master key is prevented key blanks are not available to
locksmiths cannot be duplicated with conventional equipment
NON-DESTRUCTIVE RAPID ENTRY METHOD
Conventional Forcible Entry is the use of standard fire department tools to open doors
and windows if there are no glass panels in the door to break and a door
is definitely locked the firefighter must force the door open the best combination is the 8-pound flat-
head axe and the Halligan type bar
CONVENTIONAL FORCIBLE ENTRY
Breaking Glass first technique of forcible entry is to break the glass near
the door or in the door reach inside and operate the lock mechanism
may be easier to break the glass, but will it cause more damage?
if breaking the glass is the most appropriate method of entry, do it!
CONVENTIONAL FORCIBLE ENTRY
Forcing Swinging Doors a common type of door is one that swings to open and close these doors can be either inward or outward swinging doors forcing entry through these types of doors are basic skills
CONVENTIONAL FORCIBLE ENTRY
Forcing Swinging Doors (cont.) inward swinging doors
conventional forcible entry of inward swinging doors requires either one or two skilled firefighters
CONVENTIONAL FORCIBLE ENTRY
Forcing Swinging Doors (cont.) outward swinging doors
present a different set of problems to get a forcible entry tool into the space between the door and the doorjamb,
open that space and allow the lock bolt to slip from its keeper sometimes called flush fitting
doors forced using either the adz end
or the fork end of the Halligan type bar
CONVENTIONAL FORCIBLE ENTRY
Special Circumstances circumstances where additional measures may need to be
taken to force a door due to building construction door construction higher security
a few of the doors needing additional forcing measures double swinging doors doors with drop bars tempered plate glass doors
CONVENTIONAL FORCIBLE ENTRY
Special Circumstances (cont.) double swinging doors
can present a problem depending on how they are secured secured only by a mortise lock, the door can be
pried apart far enough to let the bolt slip past the keeper
insert the adz end between the doors and pushing down and outward
security molding over the space between the two doors, must be removed
CONVENTIONAL FORCIBLE ENTRY
Special Circumstances (cont.) Doors with Drop Bars
either wood or steel, dropped across the door and held in place by wood or metal stirrups insert small narrow tool into space between double doors and
try to lift bar up and out of its stirrup cut a triangular hole into the door just below the bar insert the blade of a rotary power saw into either the space between
the jam and the door or between the doors in double doors and cut the bar
CONVENTIONAL FORCIBLE ENTRY
Special Circumstances (cont.) tempered plate glass doors
commercial stores, light industry and institutional occupancies
heavy and extremely expensive diffi cult to break glass
shatters into small cube-like pieces resists heat glass should be shattered at a bottom
corner use a tool with a pick or point
glass should be broken only as a last resort for access through-the-lock method
CONVENTIONAL FORCIBLE ENTRY
Through-The-Lock Forcible Entry is the preferred method of entry for many commercial
doors, residential security locks, padlocks and high-security doors
minimal amount of damage to the door performed correctly
requires a good size-up of both the door and the lock mechanism suitable for conventional forcible entry?
THROUGH-THE-LOCK
Through-The-Lock Forcible Entry (cont.) commercial doors, the lock cylinder can actually be
unscrewed from the door common on storefront doors protected by a collar or shield?
operating the lock as though you had the key to the lock use a key tool to operate the lock
mechanism once the cylinder is removed
THROUGH-THE-LOCK
Through-The-Lock Forcible Entry (cont.) requires patience and practice some examples of through-the-lock tools
K-tool J-tool shove knife
THROUGH-THE-LOCK
K-Tool useful in pulling all types of lock cylinders
rim, mortise or tubular used with a Halligan-type bar K-tool forced behind ring and face of cylinder until wedging
blades bite into cylinder metal loop acts as fulcrum for leverage
holds adz end of the prying tool once cylinder is removed, key tool
can be used
THROUGH-THE-LOCK
A-Tool tool accomplishes same job as the K-tool
slightly more damage to the door many locks are manufacture with
collars or protective cone-shaped covers prevent anyone from using a lock-pulling
device A-tool is a sharp notch with cutting edges machined into a
prying tool designed to cut behind the protective collar
THROUGH-THE-LOCK
J-Tool is a wire-type device designed to fit through the space
between double swinging doors equipped with panic hardware
can manipulate the panic bar operate with minimal pressure
exerted
THROUGH-THE-LOCK
Shove Knife flat steel tool, is one of the oldest burglar
tools rapid access to outward
swinging latch-type doors
THROUGH-THE-LOCK
Forcible Entry Involving Padlocks padlocks
portable locking device that are used to secure a door, window, gates, etc..
range from the very simple, easily broken type to the high security, virtually impenetrable type
conventional forcible entry tools can be used additional tools are available
duck-billed lock breaker hammer-headed pick locking pliers and chain hockey puck lock breaker bam-bam tool
PADLOCKS
Forcible Entry Involving Padlocks (cont.) duck-billed lock breaker
is a wedge shaped tool that will widen and break the shackle of padlocks like using the hook of a Halligan type bar
driven by a maul or flat head axe until the padlock break
PADLOCKS
Forcible Entry Involving Padlocks (cont.) bam-bam tool
uses case-hardened screws driven into actual keyway lock mechanism of padlock
few hits with sliding hammer will pull lock tumbler out of padlock body
key tool or screwdriver can be inserted to trip lock mechanism
will not work on Master Locks, American Locks and other high quality locks case-hardened retaining ring
PADLOCKS
Cutting Padlocks with Saws or Cutting Torches may be quickest method of removing padlocks high security padlocks designed with heel and toe shackles
will not pivot if only one side of shackle is cut
do not try to cut a loose padlock fasten a set of locking pliers
and chain to the lock body
PADLOCKS
Fences can be made of wood, masonry, woven wire or metal may be topped with barbed wire or razor wire may also be used to keep guard animals on the premises
Cutting metal fences with bolt cutters or removing wood boards are ways to gain access
Wire fences should be cut near posts lessen the danger of injury from
the whip coil of loosened wires
FENCES
Using ladders to bridge fences, especially masonry fences, is another quick way of gaining access over a fence
SIZE-UP!
FENCES
Forcible entry can take place through windows, though they are not the preferred entry point into a fi re building sometimes easier to force than doors entry can be made to open a locked door from inside the
structureSize-up of windows is critical to a successful forced
entry
FORCING WINDOWS
Breaking widow glass on the fi reground presents a multitude of hazards to both fi refighters and civilians glass shards travel great distance from
windows on upper floors make movement for advancing hose teams or
rescue crews diffi cult may shower victims inside the structure
FORCING WINDOWS
Wire glass requires great eff ort to break and remove wire prevents the glass from falling out
of the frame
FORCING WINDOWS
Thermopane windows or triple-glaze windows can cost the owner a large sum of money determine if the benefits of breaking the window outweigh
the damage that will be caused or will breaking the window cause more damage than necessary
FORCING WINDOWS
Thermopane windows are more diffi cult to break shard removal diffi cult and time-consuming
Windows come in a variety of types and sizes basic windows include
double-hung (checkrail) hinged (casement) projected (factory) awning or jalousie
also various high-security windows Lexan barred screened
FORCING WINDOWS
Double-Hung (Checkrail) Windows extremely popular window in building construction manufactured in either wood, metal or vinyl
clad made up of two sashes top and bottom sashes are fitted into
window frame and operate by sliding up or down
newer double-hung windows, referred to as "replacement windows" not only move up and down, but tip inward for
cleaning
FORCING WINDOWS
Double-Hung (Checkrail) Windows (cont.) may contain ordinary glass, Thermopane glass, wire glass,
Plexiglas, acrylic plastic or Lexan plastic secured by one or two thumb-operated locking
devices located where the bottom of the top sash meets the top of the bottom sash may also be more securely fastened by window bolts
replacement windows two side-bolt type mechanisms located on each side of the sash
FORCING WINDOWS
Hinged (Casement) Windows constructed of wood or metal often called a "crank out window"
should not be confused with an awning or jalousie window
consists of two sashes mounted on side hinges that swing outward, away from the structure window crank assembly
FORCING WINDOWS
Hinged (Casement) Windows (cont.) locking devices vary from simple thumb-
operated devices to latch-type mechanisms can only be opened by operating the crank
mechanism extremely diffi cult to force
usually at least four locking device as well as two crank devices
very narrow and presents a more diffi cult entry
FORCING WINDOWS
Hinged (Casement) Windows (cont.) if possible another means of entry should be sought if not
break the lowest pane of glass and clean out the sharp edges
force or cut the screen in the same area reach in and upward to unlock the latch operate the cranks or leavers at the bottom completely remove the screen and enter
FORCING WINDOWS
Projected (Factory) Windows most often associated with factories, warehouses and other
commercial and industrial locations most often metal sashes with wire glass most practical method of forcing is the same
as that described for casement windows metal frames and wire glass make it diffi cult to effectively
accomplish rapid forcible entry
FORCING WINDOWS
Projected (Factory) Windows (cont.) may have bars over the outside and inside to prevent entry
best method of forcible entry is to seek another entry point! often cover a large area, but the window openings
themselves are very small function by pivoting at either the top or bottom
projected-in projected-out pivoted-projected
FORCING WINDOWS
Projected (Factory) Windows (cont.) projected-in
bottom rail of the window swings into the occupancy toward the person who is opening it
top rail slides in a metal channel projected-out
bottom rail of the window swings away from the building
top rail slides into a metal channel
FORCING WINDOWS
Projected (Factory) Windows (cont.) pivoted-projected
usually operated by a push bar that is notched to hold the window in place
screens are seldom used
FORCING WINDOWS
Awning and Jalousie Windows awning windows
consist of large sections of glass about 1 foot wide and as long as the window width
constructed with a metal or wood frame around the glass panel
FORCING WINDOWS
Awning and Jalousie Windows jalousie windows
consist of small sections about 4 inches wide and as long as the window width
usually constructed without frames and the glass is heavy plate that has been ground to overlap when closed
FORCING WINDOWS
Awning and Jalousie Windows (cont.) glass sections of both awning and jalousie windows are
supported on each end by a metal operating mechanism may be exposed or concealed
operating crank and gear housing are located at the bottom of the window
most the diffi cult of all types to force
FORCING WINDOWS
Lexan Windows is 250 times stronger than safety glass
30 times stronger than acrylic classified as self-extinguishing virtually impossible to break with
conventional forcible entry tools two recommended techniques
cut Lexan using rotary power saw with carbide-tipped medium toothed blade
discharge carbon dioxide extinguisher on Lexan, then immediately strike Lexan with point of a tool
FORCING WINDOWS
Barred or Screened Windows and Openings building owners add metal bars or metal mesh screens over
windows and sometimes door openings may be permanently installed, hinged at
the top or side or fitted into brackets and locked securely
forcing involves considerable time
FORCING WINDOWS
Barred or Screened Windows and Openings (cont.) more permanent security measure is to
install heavy metal bars in the masonry above and below the window
"burglar" bars vary in their types and construction attached directly to the building attached to the window frame
forcible entry is a diffi cult and time consuming task
FORCING WINDOWS
Barred or Screened Windows and Openings (cont.) considerations for burglar bar
shear off the bolt heads for the mesh screen or bar assembly it they are visible and accessible
cut bar assembly or screen from the building using an oxyacetylene torch
FORCING WINDOWS
Forcible entry situations may arise where it would be faster and more effi cient to gain access through the wall of a structure rather than through a conventional opening thorough knowledge of building construction and good size-
up techniques breaching load-bearing walls already weakened by fire can
be a very dangerous task walls conceal electrical wiring, plumbing and gas lines
BREACHING WALLS
Plaster or Gypsum Partition Walls interior walls may or may not be load bearing gypsum wallboard and plaster are relatively easy to
penetrate with forcible entry tools select location of opening check wall for electric wall plugs and
switches have a wide variety of forcible entry tools
available sound wall to locate studs
BREACHING WALLS
Plaster or Gypsum Partition Walls (cont.) cut along studs to make a large open remove one stud, if possible, from center of breach to
enlarge the opening use breach to gain access to area
and search to find the normal means of entry
BREACHING WALLS
Brick or Concrete Block Walls can be the toughest type to breach battering ram may be used to breaching
with handles and hand guards one end is jagged for breaking brick and stone
and the other end is rounded and smooth for battering walls and doors
requires two to four firefighters to use
BREACHING WALLS
Brick or Concrete Block Walls (cont.) power tools such as air chisels, hydraulic spreaders and
rotary rescue saws prove to be the best methods
for breaching
BREACHING WALLS
Metal Walls usually fastened to studs by nails, rivets, bolts, screws or
other fasteners metal cutting power saw is normally the best
tool to use metal should be cut along the studding
provide stability for the saw ease of repair
if no studs can be located, may bear the entire load of the structure cut a hole in the wall in the shape of a triangle distributes the walls load more evenly
BREACHING WALLS
Wood Floors wood joists usually spaced a maximum of 16 inches sub-floor consisting of either 1 inch boards or 4 foot by 8
foot sheets of plywood is first laid over the joists finish flooring is laid last
linoleum tile hardwood carpeting
BREACHING FLOORS
Wood Floors (cont.) plywood sub-flooring is generally laid at right angles to the
joist carpets and rungs should be
removed or rolled to one side before a floor is cut
BREACHING FLOORS
Concrete / Reinforced Concrete Floors Extremely diffi cult to force Opening them should be
bypassed if possible Most feasible means is to use a
compressed air or electric jack hammer
Concrete cutting blades are available for most portable power saws
BREACHING FLOORS