forcible entry using irons,class.

1. Spokane Valley Fire Department Training Division Forcible Entry using the flat head axe and a Halligan tool… The "Irons"

3. Forcible Entry on Inward Opening Door (Most common for residential exterior)

4. 1. Have hoseline ready, feel for heat. 2. Try before you pry, it may be unlocked Prior to attempting to open the door:

5. Have a plan to control the door when it swings open.

6. Set the forks slightly above or below the latch or deadbolt. Shove them between the jam and the door, with the tool arm near the door surface. Note the angle of the fulcrum against the door for inward opening door

7. The axe man should use short controlled blows perpendicular to the adz. Strikes will be less likely to miss and hit Iron’s man hand at this 90 degree angle.

8. Iron’s man should be pulling the halligan toward him as the forks are being forced between the door frame and the door.

9. Continue to force the forks into the jam while pulling the halligan perpendicular to the doorframe

10. Be sure to force the forks in at least 1 to 1 ½ inches past the door frame. Otherwise you will not get an adequate purchase and will need to start over

11. Pop the door by sharply forcing the halligan toward the door.

12. Keep control of the door, stay low and to the side. Have full PPE and SCBA properly donned and hoseline ready.

13. Pull strap to close door if conditions require.

14. The adz can also be used to open an inward opening door.

15. Push irons toward the door to force it open.

16. Be sure to control the door with a hose strap or other tool.

17. The next three slides show the baseball swing technique.

18. The point is driven into the door frame.

19. Push down on the halligan, forcing the adz against the door.

20. Forcible Entry on Outward Opening Door (Typical for commercial occupancy) Identifying exposed hinges Feeling the door for heat

21. Try before you pry

22. Note the fulcrum angle

23. Ax man strikes on the command of the Iron’s man The Iron’s man keeps his eyes on his position with the forks, he does not need to watch the Axe man

24. Drive the forks past the inside of the door 1 to 1 ½”.

25. Axe man comes up to control door prior to Iron’s man pulling the tool to pop the door

26. Have hoseline in place while opening door. Note position of foot to limit doors opening.

27. Recessed doors may prevent you from using the forks technique. This wall will limit your space to pry

28. Use the adz end of the halligan for these situations.

29. Or… You may have a recessed door with limited space for the axe man to operate.

30. Now there is more room for the axe man to operate

31. Be sure to drive the adz 1 to 1 ½” into the door.

32. Once the adz is driven far enough, pull the bar toward you and pop the door Or… A varied method is to push down on the bar and pop the door

33. When your crew is out on inspections or EMS calls, take a look around the building. If you were assigned to force entry: - what would you open up? - what tools do you need to do it?

34. This is an outward swinging commercial door. Which way are you placing your halligan fulcrum?

35. The fire service has long valued good forcible entry skills as a means to quickly gain access to the building to fight fire. We should also recognize the importance of gaining additional egress points in large buildings in case things start going badly for interior crews. Be sure someone is assigned to force as many openings as possible. (Control openings per IC and ventilation requirements)

37. Most exit doors for commercial buildings are outward swing. How are you going to open this one? Did you see the Knox Box?

38. Try before you pry Have a hoseline in position Have your full PPE and SCBA donned. Open the door slowly, (hazardous door entry) Know the trade, make it safe for interior crews and be able to do it efficiently, effectively and professionally.