Professional Documents
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Tools & Equipment
Tools & Equipment
CHAPTER 8
You respond on a call. The engine or
truck your riding on comes to a stop.
You can see fire coming out of the
second-story window of a single
family residence.
As you unbuckle your seatbelt, the
captain tells you to get the Halligan
Tool and a flat head axe and follow
him. Meanwhile, another engine
company pulls a hose line and
advances it to the front door. You
and the captain try to open the door,
but its locked. Everyone dons their Questions:
SCBA face piece, the hose line is
charged with water, and you
position the Halligan Tool and force 1. Where on the apparatus are these tools stored?
open the door. 2. Do you know how to use these tools?
Firefighters use tools and equipment to perform a Hand tools are used to extend or multiply the
wide range of activities. A fire fighter must know actions of your body and increase your effectiveness
how to use tools effectively, efficiently, and safely, in performing specific functions. Most hand tools
even when its dark or visibility is limited. operate using simple machanical principles. a pike
pole extends your reach, allows you to penetrate
through a ceiling, and enables you to apply force to
This chapter provides an overview of the pull down ceiling material. An axe multiplies the
general functions of the most commonly used cutting force you can exert on a given area. Power
tools and equipment and discusses how they are tools and equipment use an external source of
used during fire suppression and rescue power, such as an electric motor or an internal
operations. The same tools may be used in combustion engine, and are faster and more
different ways during each phase of fire efficient than hand tools.
suppreession or rescue operations.
Though tools differ in their function, power source, and size, general safety rules apply to the use of all tools.
There are a variety of hazards associated with improper tool use and faulty tools. Some of these hazards are
unique to the tool while others are common for many types of tools.
Examples of hazards and associated injuries include the following:
Being struck by a tool, or moving part can cause bone fractures, concussions, and internal organ damage.
Rotating blades, drills, and other cutting tools can cut and puncture tissue.
Objects can fly off during many tool operations. Depending on an object's size, shape, speed, and material, it
can cause a variety of injuries to various body parts. Small flying objects are a particular hazard to the eyes.
The power source of a tool may present a hazard on its own. For example, electricity can cause burns and
shocks. Electric shocks can paralyze the nerve centers, stop breathing, and stop the heart. Heat from the
electric current can burn the skin and damage internal organs. Other power sources like gasoline can
combust and start fires.
General safety rules apply to both stationary and portable power tools. The following safety rules apply to
many of the tools you are going to use:
Use safety glasses . hearing protection. respiratory protection, or special protective clothing when needed.
Noise produced by power tools can drown out other sounds... like a person shouting "STOP!" or "HELP!“
Stay alert to your surroundings.
Clothing:
Never wear loose clothing or jewelry that can become entangled in power tools.
Personal Protective Equipment
Structure / Auto
Helmet
Hood
Eye Protection
Gloves
Turnout Coat
Turnout Pants
Boots
SCBA
PERSONAL ALERT SAFETY SYSTEM (PASS ALARM)
Wildland
Helmet
Gloves
Shroud
Nomex Pants
Nomex Jacket
Eye Protection
Wildland Boots
Two Way Radio
Fire Shelter
Safety Tips
Always use the right tool for the job!
• Forcing a small tool to do a big job causes the tool to strain.
• A strained tool can kickback or break, causing injury.
Never use a tool that you are unfamiliar with.
• Get proper training.
Before each use, inspect your tools.
• Check the alignment of moving parts, breakage of parts, and cracks.
When you're tired, you're attention span is reduced.
• Pay attention to your work is very important when working with tools.
• Make sure you're fit to do the job!
Disconnect the power source when performing maintenance, cleaning, or changing blades and bits.
Be wary of dropping tools.
• Don't rest a tool on the edge of the workstation.
• Secure tools when working at heights.
The material being worked- on should be well secured.
• Make sure that you are well balanced when operating a tool.
• Sometimes, a "kickback" from a tool can throw the operator off balance, causing injury.
• Don't work in an awkward position. You may not have complete control of the tool or the material you
are working on.
Never lock a tool in the ON position if you are working under conditions that require you to stop the tool
quickly.
• Guarding is one of the best ways to minimize a hazard. Make sure that machine guards are in place on
large and small equipment.
Use and Operation of Tools
The best way to learn how to use tools and equipment properly is under optimal conditions of visibility and
safety.
• In the beginning, you should be able to see what you are doing and practice without endangering
yourself and others.
• As proficiency increases, practice using tools and equipment under more realistic working conditions.
• Eventually, you will be able to use tools and equipment safely and effectively even when darkness or
smoke decreases visibility.
Many departments require fire fighters to practice certain skills and evolutions in total darkness or with their
face masks covered to simulate the darkness of actual fires.
Use and Operation of Tools
Effective use of tools
Effective and efficient use of tools and equipment means using the least amount of energy to accomplish the task.
Being effective means you achieve the desired goal and that you produce the desired effect without wasting time or
energy.
When assigned a task on the fireground, your objective is to complete that task safely and quickly.
If you waste energy by working inefficiently, you will not be able to perform additional tasks.
However, if you know which tools and equipment are needed for each phase of firefighting, you will be able to
achieve the desired objective quickly and have the energy needed to complete the remaining tasks.
New fire fighters are often surprised by the strength and energy required to perform many tasks.
An aggressive, continuous program of physical fitness will enable you to maintain your body in the optimal
state of readiness.
As your training continues, you will learn which tools and equipment are used during different phases of fireground
operations.
For example, the tools needed for forcible entry are different from the tools usually needed for overhaul.
Knowing which tools are needed for the work that must be done will help you prepare for the different tasks
that unfold on the scene of a fire.
Most fire departments have standard operating procedures or guidelines that specify the tools and equipment needed
in various situations.
As a fire fighter, you must know where every tool and piece of equipment is carried on your apparatus.
Knowing how to use a piece of equipment does you no good if you cannot find it quickly.
Your company officer is responsible for telling you which tools to bring along for different situations.
Some fire fighters carry a selection of small tools and equipment in the pockets of their turnout coats or bunker pants.
Check to see if your department requires you to carry certain tools and equipment at all times.
Ask senior fire fighters for recommendations about what tools and equipment you should carry.
Tools And Equipment
Hand Tools
Power Tools
Tool Function
An engine or truck company carries a number of tools and different types of equipment.
Often, the easiest way to learn and remember these tools is to group them by the function each performs.
Most of the tools used by fire departments fit into one of the following functional categories.
• Rotating (assembly or disassembly)
• Pushing or Pulling
• Prying or Spreading
• Striking
• Cutting
• Multiple Use
Tools That Rotate
BOX-END WRENCHES/OPEN-END
WRENCHES
PLIERS
HYDRANT WRENCH
SPANNER WRENCH
PIPE WRENCH
SCREWDRIVER
SOCKET WRENCHES
Tools For Pushing Or Pulling
Pike pole
K - Tool
Pry Bars
Rubbish Hook
Tools Used For Prying Or Spreading
Crowbar
Flat Bar
Halligan Tool
Pry Bar
Hydraulic Spreaders
Tools Used For Striking
Battering Ram
Chisel
Flat Head Axe
Hammer
Mallet
Pick Head Axe
Sledge Hammer
Single Jack
Spring - Loaded Center Punch
Tools Used For Cutting
Axe
Bolt Cutters
Wire Cutters
Knife
Chain Saw
Hack Saw
Hydraulic Shears
Reciprocating Saw
Rotary Saw
Seatbelt Cutter
Special Use Tools
Special Use Equipment
Extrication Tools
• Hydraulic Spreaders
• Air Bags
• Air Chisel
• Come A Long
• High Lift Jack
• Cribbing
• Hack Saw
• Socket Set
Power Tools
4 CATEGORIES
Power Tools
Electric
Blowers
Circular Saws
Reciprocal Saws
Drill Motors
Power Tools
BATTERY OPERATED
Drill Motors
Reciprocal Saws
Power Tools
HYDRAULIC
SPREADERS
Hurst
Holmatro
Bottle JACKS
Power Tools
GASOLINE POWERED
Chain Saws
Rotary Saws
Generators
Blowers
Power Units
Gasoline Powered Tools
How do they Function
2 Stroke / 4 Stroke
Engines
2 Stroke Engine
Two-stroke Basics
Each time the piston rises and falls it turns the crankshaft
which is responsible for turning the wheels.,which is
converted into forward motion.
Note that the spark plug only fires once every other
revolution in a 4 cycle engine.
Advantages of a Two Stroke Engine
1. Each phase of a fire ground operation may require the use of certain types of tools and equipment.
2. Forcible entry:
This phase applies when entry to buildings, vehicles, aircraft, or other confined areas that are locked or blocked, requiring fire
fighters to use special techniques to gain access.
3. Interior attack:
During this phase, a team of fire fighters is assigned to enter a structure and attempt fire suppression.
5. Rapid intervention:
A rapid intervention company/crew (RIC) is a team of fully equipped personnel that is designated to provide immediate assistance to
injured or trapped fire fighters.
6. Ventilation:
This step involves changing air within a compartment by natural or mechanical means.
7. Overhaul:
The final phase is to ensure that all hidden fires are extinguished after the main fire has been suppressed.
Response And Size-up
What does this have to do with tools and Equipment
Examples
AXES
SAWS
Chain Saw
Rotary Saw
EXTRICATION TOOLS
Hydraulic spreaders
Air Bags
Pry Bars
COME A LONG
AIR CHISEL
SOCKET WRENCHES
PLIERS
Tools And Equipment used for Rapid Intervention
1. Many of the same tools used for forcible entry are also
used to provide ventilation.
2. Power saws and axes are commonly used to cut
through roofs and vent combustion by-products.
3. Fans are often used either to remove smoke from a
building or to introduce fresh air into a structure.
4. With positive-pressure ventilation, fresh air is blown
into a building through selected openings to force
contaminated air out through other openings.
5. Negative-pressure ventilation uses fans placed at
selected openings to draw contaminated air out of a
building.
6. Ventilation fans can be powered either by electric or
gasoline motors or by water pressure.
7. Horizontal ventilation usually involves opening outer
doors and windows to allow fresh air to enter and to
remove contaminated air.
8. Unlocked or easily released windows and doors
should be opened normally.
9. Locked or jammed windows and doors may have to
be broken or forced open using basic interior
firefighting tools.
Tools And Equipment used for Ventilation
B. Use power equipment only after you have been instructed on its use.
GARDEN HOSE
PIECE OF WOOD
HOUSEHOLD LADDER
Review
No where tools are kept
Engine
Truck
USAR
Safety
Know the hazards of the tool
Wear PPE
Use the right tool
Types of tools
Rotating
Pushing or Pulling
Prying or spreading
Striking
Cutting
Multiple Use
Power Supply
Battery
Fuel (Type of fuel)
Electric
Review
• Forcible Entry
• Interior Attack
• The time from Point of entry till Mop Up is complete
• Type of tools used to enter (other than hose)
• Is it for
• Fire attack
• Rescue
• Ventilation
• Search & Rescue
• Pike Poles
• Axes
• Webbing
Review
Rescue Tools
Rapid Intervention
Self supported from other operations
In stand by mode
Flexible
Ventilation
Vertical
Horizontal
Maintenance
Washing
Sharpening
Refueling
Verdugo Fire Academy
The End