LESSON PLAN

COURSE : Fire Basic Recruit Course (FBRC)

MODULE : IV – Basic Firefighting Training
SUBJECT : Fundamentals of Forcible Entry
METHODOLOGY : Lecture/Discussion
NUMBER OF HOURS : Four Hours (4)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES : At the end of the lesson, the trainees should be able to:

1. discuss forcible entry correctly.

2. identify different forcible entry tools correctly and none

maybe omitted.

3. employ the maintenance and methods of forcible entry

tools with a sense of ownership.

4. analyze the techniques / procedures when executing

forcible entry precisely;

5. appreciate forcible entry in fire service to lessen the

damage to properties or even save lives with full
understanding.

LEARNING AIDS : LCD Projector, Screen, Portable Computer,

REFERENCES : Hall, Ricahrd et. al. IFSTA Essentials of firefighting

(4th edition). Oklahoma, USA. 2001

Module on Aviation Basic Firefighting

http://www.NFPA.org/education

New York Fire Department. Forcible Entry Techniques and

Procedures. 2011
I. INTRODUCTION

Preparatory Activities

 Opening Prayer
 Introduce the instructor
 Checking of attendance thru class marcher of the day
 Administrative announcement

Developmental activities. The students will be asked:

 What are these? (showing actual forcible entry tools)

 Would you know how to use them?
 Where do we use these tools?

II. PRESENTATION

 Introduce and discuss the following specific subject areas, given examples
to make point clear when necessary.

- Forcible entry, tools and its maintenance

- Construction and forcible entry

 Emphasis on the following key points

- Methods of forcible entry

- Safety in using the tools

 Summarize the Lesson/Important Points Discussed

- Forcible entry plays an important role in fire operation; may it be in rescue or

suppression.

- This enables you to respond in time to put out the fire or save lives and
properties.

III. APPLICATION

Flash three different types of doors with its secondary locking devices.

IV. TEST

From the doors presented, identify what tools you can use to forcibly enter and write
down the procedures in doing so.
 LESSON TIMETABLE

MODULE : IV – Basic Firefighting Training

SUBJECT : Fundamentals of Forcible Entry

METHODOLOGY : Lecture/Discussion

DURATION : Four Hours (4)

STRATEGY / REFERENCE / EVALUATION

DURATION CONTENT / TOPIC
ACTVITY TOOLS / OUTPUT
15 mins. Introduction    
  - Opening Prayer    
- Showing forcible Discussion
  entry tools.  
1 Hr. & 30 - Forcible entry, tools Discussion / Manual/Books/
mins. and its maintenance Lecture/ Internet/
Pamphlet/
pictures and
actual tools
 
15 mins. Break      
- Construction and
1 Hr. & 30 forcible entry Discussion / Manual/Books/
mins. - Methods of forcible Lecture/ Internet/
entry. Pamphlet/
- Safety in using the
tools.
 
5 mins. Showing a three type  Pictures of door
of doors.
25 mins.  Application Trainees
Identify what tools to should be
be used and able to
enumerating the identify
procedures in possible
performing forcible tools needed
entry. and list down
procedures
 Closing Prayer to forcibly
enter the
structure.
 
 LESSON MANUSCRIPT
(Fundamentals of Forcible Entry)

Introduction

In the fire service, the term “forcible entry” is defined as the act of gaining entry into a
building or occupancy through a door, window or even through a wall, by the use of force. The
act of forcible entry has always been the primary goal of every firefighter.

The ability to gain entry o secured areas and buildings is a primary operation at fires and
other emergencies. It is often one of the first operations conducted at a scene. Conducting the
act of forcible entry requires the combination of knowledge, skills, and experience.

A. Knowledge

A working knowledge of many types of locks, hardware, doors, and other assemblies is
essential to successful forcible entry operations. Firefighters must be able to “size-up”
the quickest and easiest way to gain access to the buildings such as the doors.

B. Skills

The element of skill involves a firefighter’s ability to apply knowledge of building

construction, lock assemblies, tools, and techniques to accomplish the necessary tasks
of forcible entry. This means choosing the proper tools and applying the best techniques
when using tools.

C. Experience

The experience required in safely performing forcible entry is acquired by two means.
One is through drills and practice at training sessions and other is at the scene of actual
fires and emergencies. Both are the means by which skill is developed and knowledge is
gained as well as reinforced. The important experience is gained from field operations
where firefighter’s skills and knowledge are put to true test.

FORCIBLE ENTRY TOOLS

The successful and safe performance of forcible entry lies in the knowledge of the
different types of tools as well as their proper applications. Listed hereunder are the types of
forcible entry tools:

1. STRIKING TOOLS – The group or family of striking tools, such as Halligan Tool, in order
to drive it into place. The striking tools can also be used to deliver impact directly to and
break the door or lock to be forced.

Sledgehammer
Punch & Chisel
Lock breaker
Flathead Axe
Maul
 Hammer
Battering Ram
2. PRYING TOLLS – The group or family of prying tools is used to spread apart a door
from its jamb, move objects or expose a locking device.

Halligan Toll
Pry Bar
Crow Bar
Claw Tool

3. CUTTING TOLLS – The group or family of cutting tools is used to cut away materials
and expose the locking device or cut through a door or wall to accomplish forcible entry.

Axe
Torch
Bolt Cutter
Power Circular Saw

4. PULLING TOOLS – These tools are grouped by the type of head and handle length and
are used to open up walls and ceilings, to vent windows and to pull up roof boards or
other building materials.
Pike Pole

5. THROUGH-THE-LOCK – The “K tool’ is designed to pull out lock cylinders and expose
the mechanism in order to open the lick with various key tools.

Examples of “Through-The-Lock Tools”

“K” Tool
“A” Tool
Pick & Key Tool
Rex Tool
Vise Grip

SAFETY WITH FORCIBLE ENTRY TOOLS

Firefighter must be familiar with the above listed forcible entry tools, their operation, and
their maintenance during training, which should result in its safe operation.

A number of General Rules apply to all operations as follows:

1. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for proper operations;

2. Always wear Personal Protective Equipment;
3. Do not attempt to cut material other than that for which a blade or tool was designed for;
4. Operate with regard to the safety of others in the immediate work area;
5. Make sure that tools are in proper operating condition before use;
6. Most forcible entry operations require team work. Never attempt to use tools alone that
require two firefighters.
7. When the task is complete and if the tool is no longer needed, secure t to prevent
tripping or other hazards.
8. Tools should be stored and easily accessible.
Forcible Entry Tools

A. Rotary & Chain Saw

B. Carrying Tools
C. Axes
D. Prying Tools
E. Hooks or Pike Poles
F. Striking Tools

A. Rotary and Chain Saws- As the use of security gates and over head doors increases,
the power saw has become the tool of choice to remove the door or gate. These saws
present a number of hazards and firefighters must be aware of these to complete the
operation safely. The following are the suggested safety measures in using rotary and
chain saws:

 Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions;

 Conduct daily checks for operation and blade condition;
 Check the saw for fuel and proper operation before proceeding to the location;
 Equip the saw with a carry strap;
 Use the right blade for the material being cut;
 Never carry a running saw up a ladder or through a crowd of firefighters; and
 Power saws require two firefighters: the saw operators and a guide firefighter.

B. Carrying Tools- Many forcible entry tools have sharp or pointed ends and must be
carried safely from fire apparatus to the fire scene. Firefighters should always be aware
of their safety of the other firefighters.

C. Axes- Carry the axe with the blade away from the body and the pick head covered.
Never carry an axe over the shoulder.

D. Prying tools- Similar to axe, pointed and sharp edges should be carried away from the
body and covered it, if possible.

E. Hooks or Pikes Poles- The tool head, the hook end, should be carried down and close to
ground. Depending on the handle length, beware of over-head electrical wires and other
obstructions. Inside a building, carry the handle close to the body with the hooked end
toward the ceiling.

F. Striking Tools- These tools tend to be heavy and the head should be carried close to the
ground. When using these tools do not use free-swing motion. Firmly grasp the tool with
two hands and used a controlled and accurate stroke to move the tool.
MAINTENANCE OF FORCIBLE ENTRY TOOLS

Proper tool maintenance is the first step to tool safety, and tools must be inspected and cleaned
on a regular basis. Check for wear and damage parts: tools should be removed from service or
repaired when defects are found.

A. Metal Heads and Parts

 Remove any dirt or rust with steel wool or emery cloth;

 Use a metal file to maintain the proper profile and cutting edge;
 Sharpen edges and remove burrs with a file;
 Do not keep the blade edge grind too sharp; this may cause it to chip when in use;
 Do not grind the blade because it can overheat and cause it to lose the temper and
become soft;
 Do not paint the metal parts. Keep them lightly oiled, if desired.

B. Fiber-glass handles

 Check for damage or cracks;

 Wash them with soap and water and dry completely;
 Make sure metal parts are secure.

C. Wood handles

 Check for damage and sand off any splinters;

 Do not paint or varnish the handles;
 Ensure that the head is securely fastened to handle;
 Clean with soap and water, rinse and then dry complete.

CONSTRUCTION AND FORCIBLE ENTRY

The type and construction of different features of buildings, such as doors, windows,
gates, walls, floors and roofs must be recognized and understood by firefighters to conduct a
forcible entry.

DOOR CONSTRUCTON

The door assembly consists of the door itself, the frame or jamb, mounting hardware
and locking device mounted in the jamb which is rabbeted or has a stop attached to it.

A rabbeted jamb is formed or milled into the casing that the door closes against to form a
seal. The stopped jamb has a piece of molding nailed or attached to the casing for the door to
close against.
Types of Doors

A. Wood Doors – there are three types of wood doors:

 have a solid stile and rails with panels made of wood or glass or other materials;
 are flat or have a smooth surface and may be of either hollow-core or sold-core
construction;
 are built with solid material, usually individual boards and are common in barns
and warehouses.

B. Metal Doors – are manufactured either as hollow-core or metal clad. These are usually
installed in metal frames and can be very secure. The metal clad door,
which has a steel surface with a wood core. Generally, metal doors are
used in commercial construction and as exterior doors in residential
construction. Forcible entry may be accomplished in a number of ways
depending on the installation and number of locks.

C. Glass Doors – there are two types of glass doors which are commonly used today. They are
as follows:

1. Metal or tubular frame glass door which is common type of glass doors;
and

2. Tempered or frameless glass doors which is a laminated safety glass and

polycarbonate glazing (Lexan).

D. Door Swing Direction – doors are hung in jambs with hinges, and the forcible entry is
accomplished by working with the direction of swing. Doors with exposed or
visible hinges will swing toward the forcible entry team. If no hinges are
visible and there is a stop on the door frame, the door will swing away from
you.

E. Sliding Doors – usually found in residential occupancies and consist of sliding and fixed
section of tampered glass in a wood or metal frame.

F. Residential Garage Doors – Overhead garage doors used in residential construction are
typically three to five section folding doors of wood or metal construction.
Older style doors may be one-piece slabs that tilt-up into the garage. A
folding overhead garage door may be forced by any several methods:

 Break a panel or window, reach in, and unlock the securing device;
 Pull the lock cylinder and utilize through-the-lock tool; and
 Automatic openers hold the door in the closed position. To disconnect the
opener, break out the panel near the attachment mechanism, reach in
with the tool to grab the release cord, and pull.
G. Commercial Garage Doors – Commercial overhead doors are similar in operation and
construction to residential doors. The exception to this is the type of
locking and security devices. The doors may be forced using the same
methods mentioned for residential doors or by cutting the door with a
rotary saw.

H. Roll-down Steel Doors – Roll-down steel doors are of heavy steel construction to provide a
higher level of security or as a rated door in a firewall or separation. The
method used to force these doors will depend on the type and number of
locks and security devices. They generally use three (3) different methods
of opening and closing:

a. Manually operated – the steel gate is lifted by hand with the assistance
of springs;
b. Chan operated – a chain hoist mechanism is used to lift the door;
c. Electrically operated – an electric motor connected to a switch is used
to raise and lower the door.

In general, the best way to accomplish a forcible entry in this type of

doors s to:

a. Cut or force the locks;

b. Attack the hardware; and
c. Cut through the gate

I. Gates and Fences – Security gates used in commercial occupancies provide security while at
the same time allow for the display of merchandise. The most common
means of securing these gates is to use padlocks.

LOCKS

Locks are designed and intended to keep unwanted or unwelcome visitors out of a
building or occupancy. Firefighters, although not a welcome visitors, will face the problem of
locked door and entry access on a regular basis. The basic nomenclature of locks will assist the
firefighter in understanding the operation of most locks.

TYPES OF LOCKS

There are five (5) types of locks and their operation:

1. Key in the Knob Lock - is the most common in residential occupancies and/or interior
doors in commercial occupancies. The outside of the lock will have a keyway for
operation and the inside will have a keyway or button.
 2. Mortise Locks – is designed to fit into a cavity in the edge of a door and is usually found
in commercial occupancies. They are designed with three types of operating latches:

a. Dead Bolt – this lock has one sliding bolt and is locked or unlocked by one
complete turn of the key in the cylinder. This will only operate the dead bolt;
additional latches or locks are operated separately.

b. Dead Bolt and Latch – similar to the dead bolt, but with an additional latch
operated by a doorknob.

c. Pivoting Dead Bolt – this lock is used on metal and glass doors and has a
bolt that is housed vertically when retracted and pivots up to the horizontal
when place to the lock.

3. Rim Locks – also known as surface locks, is attached on the inside of a door with the
cylinder extending through the door and a keyway visible on the outside. There are
many variations of this lock but they are all mounted on the surface of the door.

4. Tubular Locks – are mounted in a hole that has been bored into the door and are best
described as a combination of a key in the knob lock uses a cylinder to operate the bolt
and is recognized by the cylinder’s cover which protrudes about ½” on each side of the
door.

5. Padlocks- are portable or detachable locking devices that are manufactured for regular
and heavy-duty service. This type of locking device has a movable shackle that locks
into the body of the lock and is used to _ __ a door or gate using a hasp of chan. The
come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

Regular padlocks have a shackle of less than ¼” in diameter and are not usually made
of hardened steel. These may be cut with a _____ or broken with a lock breaker. Heavy-
duty padlocks have shackles larger than ¼” in diameter and are made of hardened steel.

METHODS OF FORCIBLE ENTRY

For firefighter’s operation, there are three (3) standard methods of forcible entry:

1. Conventional Method – the primary tools used in this method are the “prying tools”,
consisting of the halligan tool and the flat head axe. This technique requires procedures
that will accomplish one or more of the following.

1. Force the doorway from the jamb, pulling the bolt away and free from the strike plate;
2. Break the lock or striker;
3. Break the door and/or the frame;
4. Force or remove the hinges;
5. Breach the wall or door
Procedures for door swings away from the forcible entry team:

 Size-up the door to determine swing; the number, type, and location of ____; and the
type of door and frame;
 Place the fork of the ____ into the gapped area with the level of the fork toward the door
no more than 6” above or below the center lock;
 Set the tool using the flathead axe or maul. Drive the _____in so that the tips are around
the door and locked in;
 If difficulty is experienced in setting for tool, ____ in with level toward frame to allow
easier entry;
 This procedure is ______ for each lock.

Procedures for door swings toward the forcible entry team:

 Check the door to determine swing, the number, type and location of the ____ and the
type of door frame and hinges;
 Create a _____ the door and jamb by driving the adz or fork end of the halligan tool
between the door and frame 6” above or below the lock;
 On __________, the gap may be started with the fork end;
 If the door is tight, work tool up and down to_______________;
 Set the tool by driving the ________ end past the door stop;
 Force the door by pulling the ___________ from the door.

2. Through-the-Lock

A. Procedures for Through-the-Lock Entry by unscrewing or wrenching the locking

cylinder:

 Size-up the lock to determine the type of lock and feasibility of utilizing this
method._________ with protective collars may not be able to be unscrewed;
 Using locking-type pliers, lock the _______into the cylinder;
 Removed the _________and insert the proper end of the key tool in order to operate the
locking mechanism.

B. Procedures for Through-the-Lock Entry using “K” Tool

 Size-up the lock to determine the type of lock and feasibility of utilizing this method;
 The blade of the ________ is forced over the cylinder and decorative ring. Tap the “K”
Tool into place until firmly set;
 Place the adz of the ________into the loop of the “K” Tool. If necessary, the halligan tool
can be tapped firmly set the “K” Tool.
 Pull up on the halligan tool and pull the cylinder.
WINDOWS

Windows are found in many types, architectural styles, sizes and construction. These
are installed in buildings to provide light and natural ventilation. Usually, firefighters will forcibly
enter into a structure using door openings. However, windows may be used as alternate means
of entry especially for rapid intervention ream operations.

To successfully conduct forcible entry operations through windows, firefighters must

know about the following features of the windows:

1. Glazing – is the glass or other clear material portion of the window that allows light to
enter. The most common __________ material is glass. There are different type of
glass, the common of which are the following:

a. Regular or Plate Glass – is relatively breakable, and when struck with a tool, it
breaks into very sharp, knife-like shards. ___________ is used in larger windows
and is generally thicker than regular glass, with thickness of __________ being
the most common. This type of glass will break into large, heavy and sharp
pieces which can be very _______.

b. Tempered Glass – this material is glass that has been_________ to give it

additional strength. The ___________ to use when breaking tempered glass is to
strike the glass with a pointed tool, such as the pike of the halligan tool or pick
axe.

c. Laminated (Safety) Glass

d. Wire-Glass – wire glass has a wire mesh embedded between two or more layers
of glass. The primary purpose is to give the glass __________ fire resistance.
When exposed to high heat, the glass will break. To break the wire glass, strike
with a tool, an axe or halligan tool, then clean the glass out of the frame.

2. Sash
3. Frame
4. Security Devices

TEACHNIQUES FOR BREACHING WALLS AND FLOORS

A. Wall-Frame Walls

 Size-up the wall, trying to avoid the area around doors and corners due to narrow
stud spaces. It may be beneficial to create an __________ using an axe handle
or halligan bar to verify the size-up, check for obstruction, barriers and fire
conditions. The outcome of the inspection will determine if the firefighter should
move to another location;
 Remove the wall covering from the firefighter’s side first to prevent the extension
of ___________ into area;
 If plumbing pipes are encountered, try to bend or ___________ the pipes;
 When large enough_________is made, push in the wall cover over on the other
side to complete the hole.
 B. Masonry Walls (Block or Brick) – to breach these walls without utilizing power tools, the
only option may be 12-pound maul, the halligan tool, the flathead axe, or a battering
ham.

 Start by removing a single unit of block or brick. Work at the mortar joints
because this is usually the weak point;
 Once the mortar joint is weakened, use the largest striking tool available and
break the masonry unit;
 Proceed by knocking out the surrounding units or release them at the mortar
joint.

Note: When opening masonry walls with power tools, such as a power saw with masonry disc,
cut a triangle by making two angled cuts followed by a cut parallel to the mortar line. It may be
quicker to use the maul on the mortar line to break the bricks free.

Reinforced Concrete Walls and Floors

Solid concrete reinforced walls with steel reinforcing rods are extremely difficult to open
up even with the proper tools. The most common tools utilized are the jackhammer/chipping
hammer, the rotary power saw or K-12 with masonry blade, and the diamond-tipped chain saw.
An oxyacetylene torch may be needed to cut through the reinforcing rods.

C. Metal Walls

Before any cutting operations are started, the location of heavy structural members,
such as columns, should be determined. The tool of choice for this operation will be the
rotary saw with a metal cutting disk. The quickest cut is triangle cut large enough to
allow for safe entry.

D. Cutting Wood Floors with a Power Saw

The rotary saw with 12” diameter carbide-tipped blade will cut a maximum depth of 4”.
This should be sufficient to cut through most floors in one cut. Cut a hole of sufficient
size and proper shape. A rectangle, square or triangle can be cut, followed by the
removal of the finished flooring and the sub-flooring. Carpeting and ceramic tiling should
be removed before using the power saw.

GATES, FENCES AND BARS

Windows and other openings that require security measures are often fitted with gates,
fences or bars presenting unique forcible entry situation for firefighters. These bars, gates or
fences must be removed or forced out of the way to allow for entry and exit into the structure.