Ch 12 - Forcible Entry

Forcible entry includes what two things that will help facilitate the placement of the first hoseline?

- Sizing up the situation - Picking the right tool for the situation (231).

Three types of Door Locks

-Mortise -Rim -Cylindrical (238).

Magnetic Locking Devices

A fail-safe lock that operate on DC electrical current (1094). Modern office buildings utilize magnetic locking devices, making it very difficult to force (232).

Windows: Glazing - Low-E glass

A low-emissivity (low-E) coating is applied to each layer of glass in the unit. Each unit can be double- or triple-glazed (meaning it has two or three vertical panels). Each panel is separated by an air gap that is normally filled with some type of inert gas such as argon or krypton. In areas with ultraviolet (UV) issues, window manufacturers offer a form of "superglass" technology. The most common superglass is called low-E glass, which has a metallic film vacuum-deposited on each side. On a double-pane unit, the film is on the outside of the inner pane. Firefighters will have a very difficult time venting these windows (249).

Lexan

A polycarbonate resin thermoplastic glazing that has an impact resistance 250 times greater than safety glass. It won't shatter and is half the weight of glass. Self-extinguishing and has one-third the conductivity of glass. Usually found in high-crime areas or areas that are prone to vandalism. Fires with Lexan involved are difficult to ventilate because Lexan cannot be broken with conventional forcible-entry tools. The best tools for Lexan are either a power saw with a carbide-tipped blade or a reciprocating saw with a coarse wood-tooth blade. The Halligan and axe can be used to force the framing or mullions, making it possible to remove the entire pane of Lexan. If at ground level, a portable ladder can push the while assembly in (250).

Wythe

A wythe is a single vertical stack of brick (257).

What tools would you typically use when forcing residential doors?

An axe and Halligan tool (235).

Awning windows

Awning windows are like casement windows, but open upward instead of sideways. Normally used for basement windows. Similar to casement windows, crank handle can be removed for added security and like casement windows, small size limits vent and access capabilities (252).

Breaching walls and floors

Breaching walls and floors should usually be a last resort. Breaching interior walls is an emergency method to exit a fire area if the normal route of egress is not an option due to unexpected fire growth. Use a reciprocating saw if you're on the RIT team and need to breach an interior wall. It may make sense to breach interior walls for hose line in duplex, triplex or "sandwich" apartments. A valance of greater depth over a doorway or window might be a beam or double header, indicting that the wall is a bearing wall. Breaching exterior walls for access or line placement is not a sound firefighting tactic. Power saws are measured in horsepower. Saws can bog down in heavy smoke and are limited to a 4" cut if using the common 12" blade on circular saws. If an exterior wall is three wythes thick, brick-faced concrete block, or solid filled concrete block, it can be breached with a battering ram. Make an upside down V-shaped opening (the upside down V shape may aid in keeping wall stability) (256-257).

Rex Tool

Called the "A-tool on steroids". Has tapered blades that pull a variety of lock cylinders. A chisel on the opposite end drives out rim locks once the cylinder is removed (233).

Casement windows

Casement windows open sideways at the turn of a crank. The advantage is the whole window can be cracked slightly and still (with the handle removed) prevent entry by intruders. These windows are a disadvantage for the fire service because vent and access are limited by the way they open and their size. They close tightly due to the lock draws the sash against the frame. The handle can be removed for additional security (250).

Forcing entry to security gates or roll-down gates

Common to find roll down gates in urban areas protecting commercial establishments. Finding access can be a challenge. Requires a team of firefighters using hand saws, a power saw, and bolt cutters. Size up is critical. The main purpose is to allow for access to quickly attack the fire. A cone cut allows for stream application at ceiling level prior to entry for a quick knockdown (248-249).

Fox Lock

Commonly found in the rear of commercial buildings or occupancies where high security is a concern, the lock mounted on the outside of a steel door, which is made up of two crossbars installed into the metal door jamb adding extra security (232/1087). Two bars that hold the door closed from the inside. The bars are attached on a rotating plate on the door. Looking from the outside, you'll be presented with two sets of bolts. The lower set of bolts indicate the direction that you would turn the key to remove the bars from the keeper. If you fail to pull out the knob, it will only spin and not engage the bars. When forcing entry, you will normally find a plate surrounding the lock with four bolts. Shear three of the four bolts, thus exposing the cylinder. Then, remove the cylinder with the point of the Halligan tool. Use the 5/32 square tool to open the locking mechanism. Turn the key toward the bottom two bolts while pushing in (239).

Mortise Lock

Commonly used lock (before cylindrical locks became prevalent). Have seen resurgence in recent commercial and residential construction. Includes a *lock body* (installed within the "mortise cut-out" in the door) and the *lock trim* and includes a variety of designs, a *strike plate* and the *keyed mortise cylinder*. This final piece operates the locking and unlocking function of the mortise lock (238).

Thermal Pane Windows

Double- or triple-gazed window that improve energy efficiency and eliminate drafts (1106). These are much more difficult to force entry and ventilate into than single-pane windows (232).

Breaching floors

Floors have been breached to do the following: -Vent cellar fires -Allow water application to cellar fires from the floor above -Put water on fires in voids between flooring layers -Rescue -Allow for drainage and runoff. Cutting masonry floor is very dangerous because the fire is likely weakening the much-needed supports to the heavy floor. Serious considerations need to be made as to the risk versus reward of this operation (257).

Keyless garage door entry tool

Forcing an opening in a garage door can be difficult. This tool will unlock nearly any overhead garage door that uses an automatic opener. The tool is slipped between the garage door panels to pull the emergency release rope attached to the automatic opener and manually lift the garage door (234).

Window gates

Gates that act similar to the burglar bars - to protect. Some are operable by pushing a button to release them, or a key may be needed. Many people install them illegally against code regulations. Open window and attack the hinges. Attack top hinge first with the Halligan tool and afterward, attack the bottom hinge. Once both are removed, slide the gate toward the lock and this will open the window 2/3 the way. Do not kick the gate, it could jam (254).

Heavy-duty padlocks

Have shackles larger than 1/4" in diameter, the toe and heal both lock. Made of hardened steel (steel is heated to give it more strength). Preferred method is to use a power saw with a metal-cutting blade. It's necessary to cut both sides of the lock. Use a pair of Vice-Grips to hold the lock in place while cutting, it's a safer way to operate. If a power saw is not appropriate (near a gasoline spill or natural gas leak), the duck bill will work. Insert the duck bill in the opening of the lock and drive it with a maul or heavy axe. Bolt cutters are ineffective on case-hardened steel. Pipe wrench works effectively as long as there is room to twist (236-237).

Regular padlocks

Have shackles less than 1/4" in diameter, are not case-hardened. Shouldn't be much of a problem. If there are only a few locks to cut, it may be easier and faster to use a power saw to cut. Otherwise use a Halligan tool and heavy flat-head axe. Insert the pike in the opening and drive with the heavy axe. Use the fork end of the Halligan around the staple and twist. You can also use bolt cutters (236-237).

Forcing hurricane-resistant garage doors

Hurricane-resistant doors are one of the more interesting doors that firefighters come up against. It requires a team of firefighters with hand tools, power saw, and bolt cutters. Size up is critical before committing firefighters to task. Access usually requires the removal of a pad lock and the cutting of the door near the lock mechanism to make it accessible (248).

Forcing sliding doors

If there are no homemade security devices in the track, such as a cut-down broomstick or 2x4, or pipe, forcing the door should not present much of a problem. Place fork of Halligan tool with the bevel side against the door jamb and snap the lock striker of the frame. If there is a homemade device, you will have to break the glass. Remember this will cause oxygen to be added to the fire and may increase the fire (247).

Window bars

In high-crime areas, people try to make their home impregnable. More and more windows are being covered with outside bars, also called *burglar bars*. Often the bars are mounted with lag screws in the exterior of the building. Some are also set directly into the building's masonry or frame. Fires in buildings with strong security devices should be handled differently than fires in unsecured buildings. These devices make a building unsafe for firefighters and occupants who need a quick exit out. Security bars on windows and doors should be addressed by the incident commander, and communicated to all personnel on the scene. Removing these bars should be done quickly and often with help from the RIT (252).

Duck Bill

Incorporates basic physics to break locks. Has a long tapered end and a flat back strike zone. It can fit almost any lock shackle. The 18" handle ensures hands are kept away from the strike area. The duck bill's striking surface combines well with a maul or back of an axe (233).

American Lock Series 2000 locks

Known as "Hockey puck locks", made of case-hardened steel and have the locking pin inside. Preferred method is to use a power saw with a metal-cutting blade. Make a notch 2/3 the way from the keyway with the blade. Then cut the pin side. If a saw isn't available, use an 18" pipe wrench with a 36" extension. Place wrench around lock and twist off the lock. This will not work if there is a guard around the lock (237-238).

Window guards

Known as "child guards" are usually 3 or 4 horizontal bars that interlock and slide into a prescribed opening. The device is installed on the lower sash to prevent children from falling out. Normally screwed to the outside of the lower sash of the window frame. Forcing is not normally a problem (254-255).

Cylindrical Lock

Locking mechanisms are round in shape. The locking mechanism is contained in the door's lever or knob, not in the door (unlike the Mortise lock). *Key-in-the-knob locks* and *deadbolt locks* are two examples of cylindrical locks. The bolt itself on a deadbolt has a flat "squared" end, as opposed to a spring latch which is beveled. The cylinder is set into the face of the door; the bolt is moved in and out by either a key or a thumb latch by the occupants inside the building (239).

Rim Lock

Locks in which the body of the lock is surface-mounted on the inside of the door. A cylinder extends through the door to the outside, where the lock is opened by a key. A vertical bolt lock is secured to its mating plate in the same fashion a door hinge is secured by its pin. To remove the lock you must destroy it (238).

Forcing inward-opening door with hydraulic spreading tool

Manual tools are more common for forcing entry, however the hydraulic spreading tool can be used also. First, size up the situation. Work in teams of two. Keep a Halligan available to assist. "Shock and gap" the door or loosen it on the lock side with the Halligan. Then place the spreaders of the tool in the opening and operate the tool with short pump strokes to force the door open. A rope or hose strap should be used to hold the door so that when it's opened it does not swing into room prematurely and expose firefighter to danger. Some hydraulic forcible-entry tools utilize a small spring to keep tool in work mode. This spring can get easily dislodged. If it fails, the firefighter should know which way to manually push the tool into work mode. It's a good idea to put hydraulic tools under a load to test them. This tool will work best on strong doors. Some wooden doors with strong locks actually blow the door jam. The tool works best with the jaws directly on the lock. Some residential occupants put angle iron around the door lock to prevent people from forcing them. You will need to place the jaws as close to the lock as possible to force it open (245-246).

Forcing Magnetic Locks on Ornamental Entry Gates

Many gates are also equipped with magnetic lock assemblies. These will often have large flat plate handle to protect the locking mechanism and magnet. Pull door to take slack out of the gate, which creates a gap. Insert the adz end of the Halligan into the space and pried downward to pop the magnet's hold. Quick and easy tactic to perform to force entry when faced with these gates (241).

Double Keyed locks

Many locks on exterior doors are double keyed, which is when a key is needed to turn the lock on either side of the lock cylinder (232).

Windows

Normal point of entrance in a fire operation rarely involves entering through a window, and while there are exceptions, we typically enter through the door. In a working fire, we won't be forcing windows, but will be breaking them. Flying glass can be dangerous to victims and firefighters. While many front doors are fortified, second-floor windows may have a cheap lock. A portable ladder or fire escape will provide the least damaging way to gain entry. Send at least two firefighters when using a window for entry. Windows were single pane up until the mid-1980s, which was bad for the homeowner but good for firefighters. Windows would fail early in the fire and prevented firefighters from entering potentially explosive situations (249).

Residential Overhead garage doors

Normally found in garages. Garage door panels are made of fiberglass, fiberboard, steel, aluminum or wood. Windows are optional. Three types of garage doors: 1) Roll-up - doors with hinged sections that roll on a track. 2) Swing-up - Once piece that arcs up. 3) Hinged - Pair of doors that open outward (243).

Forcing residential overhead garage doors

Normally residential overhead garage doors are found with glass windows or wooden panels. The best method with these types of doors is to break one of the panels and reach in and unlock the door. Break a panel near the lock, but also near where you think the cross bar may be, so if double-keyed, you can put the fork of the Halligan on the bar and beat it in by hitting the head of the Halligan tool with the maul. This should pull the bar out of its keeper in the door track, enabling the door to be opened. If there's an electric opener, break one of the panels and reach in and pull the release cord. The through-the-lock method can work here also. Use the K-tool or A-tool and pull the cylinder. If the methods don't work you can use a power saw and make an inverted V cut or a box cut (247). -After forcing the door, you need to secure it so it doesn't fall. Use a ladder or a 6' hook and prop it under the door. -When overhauling, inspect where the door track supports pierce the ceiling. Check for extension (248).

Forcing Inward-opening doors

One of the more common types of doors to force entry on. Work in teams of two while using a flat-head axe or maul and a Halligan tool. This method can be done with a single firefighter if necessary. First, size up the door to determine best means of entry. Next, insert Halligan between the door and frame near the lock. The flat-head axe is then used to drive the tool in further to allow door to be pried open. A rope or hose strap should be used to hold door so that when it's opened it does not swing into room prematurely and expose firefighter to danger (245).

Jalousie windows

Overlapping glass panes opened with a crank or turn-screw form the sections of a jalousie window. When opened, sections all air flow through a residence, but this type of window does not form a tight seal when closed. The glass louvers still allow air to pass through, even when closed tightly. The disadvantage for a homeowner with this type of window actually helps in fire situations, because the air leakage allows a fire to breathe and greatly diminishes the chance of a flashover (252).

Hurricane-resistant windows

People who don't live in hurricane prone areas are using hurricane-resistant windows because of the added security value. They'll likely across the country. Frames are built into homes that are constructed with concrete block walls. Set into openings with tap cons (3" long and 3/8" in diameter). The glass rests against the frame. These windows feature 3 panes of glass - two of which sandwich a protective interlayer-solar control plus low-E, argon gas, and heavy-duty double locks. The film gives the glass the ability to stay together. Hurricane-resistant windows provide challenges to firefighters. Requires a team of firefighters, with hand tools, chain or reciprocating saw, and pruning shears. A saw is necessary to cut through the window panes. If a saw is not available, use pruning shears. Use full PPE due to dust clouds (255).

Plate Glass

Plate glass is glass produced in thin sheets, used for windows and mirrors. This is the type of glass we see everyday as windows in storefronts. It's heavy and will shatter when you break. Underestimating the weight of the windows can cause injuries when breaking it. Anyone can break a window but we should treat every home or business we respond to as if a close relative owned it (249-250).

Padlocks

Portable devices used for either heavy-duty or regular service. Made of a *shackle* and a body that secure a door or a gate to a *hasp* or a chain. When sizing up padlocks, look at the whole picture. It's possible to find an expensive lock being held on by a cheap *staple and hasp* or chain, which would be easier to break the hasp or cut the chain and save the lock for reuse (236). *Shackle* - A U-shaped piece of metal. In a padlock, the shackle is the part which passes through an opening in an object and is ultimately locked into the case (1102). *Hasp* - A hinged metal strap designed to be passed over a staple and secured in place (1089).

Tools for window bar removal

Power tools such as the air chisel or rotary saw with a metal-cutting blade are the first choice tools for window bars. A sledgehammer and irons should be used as a backup. *Rotary gas-powered saw* One approach is to cut vertically through the edge of the hinge assembly to remove it from the doorframe. Another, cut through the deadbolt as if you were cutting the deadbolt on a metal door. You can also cut the bar segments that support and connect the lock mechanism to the gate. Cut the points where the bars are flattened into tabs and attached to the building with connections, it's the weakest link or attachment point. Cutting through the main bars with a rotary saw should be the last resort (it can be awkward and fatiguing). Be sure to keep the RPMs high for greatest cutting efficiency. *Flathead axe and Halligan* Use the adz end of the Halligan driven by the flathead axe as a muscle-powered version of the air chisel to shear off burglar bar hinges or connections (253-254).

Forcing entry with padlock

Primary point of attack will be the padlocks. Cutting the padlock is the fastest way to gain entry. When cutting, remember to pull the pin that holds the lock to the hasp on the gate. After the pin is pulled, manually lift up the gate. If it's not feasible to remove the lock, attack the gate itself. Cut the gate and remove the slats Removing the slats will free up the slats and release the tension on the gate. Two methods to do this: 1) Make an inverted V. Leave a small piece at the apex uncut as this will allow the gate to stay in place while finishing the cut. 2) Second style is a slash cut. Make two parallel cuts from top to bottom and pull out the middle slat above the highest lock. Pull out the remaining two slats on either side. This will release the gate. It's a good idea to open all gates at the same time at a working fire. It will also eat up your blades quickly, so set priorities straight on what to cut first (248).

Security gates or roll-down gates

Security gates are more commonly known to firefighters as roll-down gates. Normally found in strip malls and commercial occupancies known as taxpayers. Operate in three ways: 1) Manually operated - smaller size and wide slats with handles on the bottom. Gate is lifted by hand with assistance of springs. 2) Electrically powered - electric motor raises and lowers gate, activated by switch on wall. 3) Chain operated - chain hoist mechanism lifts the gate (244).

Sliding Doors

Sliding or patio doors are really door-sized windows that glide in tracks. First appeared in the Southwest U.S. in the 1950s. Sliding doors provide wide, easy access between indoors and outdoors (242).

Sliding windows

Sliding windows are like patio doors, but smaller. Primary advantage is that the sash doesn't protrude outward when open. One problem - often too small for effective vent and entry for the fire service. It's got the same type of locking mechanism as on a double-hung window. Best way to force this window is to use the Halligan tool with the bevel end against the wall, placing the fork end of the tool between the edge of the window and the window jamb and pushing the tool toward the wall (251-252).

Forcing an aluminum stile glass door using a power saw

Some doors are designed so that traditional means of forcing them with hand tools will cause substantial damage to the door. This goes into the third incident priority - property conservation. A power saw is an effective tool for stile glass. Requires at least two firefighters and the use of a Halligan tool, flat-head axe or maul and a power saw. First, size up the situation. Make a gap in the door with the hand tools, then use the power saw to cut the slide bolt and open the door. Safety is a primary concern for this operation. Often the frame of a glass and metal store door is part of a showcase window. The frames have quite a bit of play. You may be able to get the door somewhat easier using conventional forcible entry, even though the keeper of the lock has considerable throw (247).

Battering Ram

Sometimes the oldest and simplest tools are still the most effective. The battering ram is a 35", 35 lb one- or two-person tool. Invaluable for reaching trapped firefighters, battering rams can breach solid doors or concrete and brick walls (234).

Hurricane-resistant garage doors

Stronger reinforced garage doors are more common in hurricane or tornado areas. These type of renovations make forcible entry tougher. Hurricane-resistant garage doors are embedded with heavier vertical stiles and horizontal reinforcements, as well as impact-resistant steel skin and heavy-gauge sheathing. Also use heavy-gauge steel tracks supported with a high number of anchoring brackets to help maintain the door's integrity in high-wind situations (243-244).

What is known as the "Master keys" for all-purpose forcible-entry on the fireground?

The Irons (254).

Control the Door

The door is the only thing that keeps the fire in the area of origin. The only time it would be acceptable to remove a wood panel of a door would be in a minor emergency or of a very small fire, like a pot burning on the stove. Today it's recommended we control the door by leaving a firefighter there, or making sure we throw the slide bolt so that the door can't relock and close the door. (232).

Forcing Entry

The entry point for a fire attack will usually be at the front door. Any opening made will affect fire behavior, for example forcing doors or windows can disrupt or redirect ventilation, increasing fire growth. In tight buildings, opening a front door can even cause a backdraft. This makes it of utmost importance to control the door after forcible entry. Once inside, it's not uncommon to find a window gate with a padlock or a locked bedroom door. It's also not uncommon to find emergency exits locked so they can't be opened by hand. Firefighters entering any situation should always be thinking "what is my second means of egress?". The first thing we should do when entering any room is check to see if the second way out is accessible (232).

Inward opening doors

The majority of doors we encounter swing inward. Looking from the outside, if the hinges are not visible, the door is inward-opening. Usually found with more than one type of locking device. Single-family homes - the most common location of fires in the U.S. - typically use wood inward-opening doors with wooden frames. Some newer residential and commercial will see metal doors. Metal doors (usually steel) can have a hollow core, be filled with a honey-bomb cardboard or have a wooden core (also known as *Kalamein doors*). These doors are usually set in metal frames and create a formidable door. Kalamein doors are set in metal frames, as are metal doors. The Kalamein door is more pliable (more give). Because metal doors are stronger, they will not bend as much. The energy of the tool is more easily transferred to the lock (241).

Forcing inward-opening doors using a Halligan tool and Flat-head axe

The method used to force these doors depends on the position of the door in the frame. They may be flush fitting or recessed. *Flush fitting*: Doors may be forced using the adz or fork end of the Halligan tool. With fork end, place concave end of the tool facing toward the door. Slightly canted for ease of penetration as the tool is being driven in between the door and the jamb, bring it to perpendicular to avoid being driven into the jam. Once it's opened as much as it will go, remove and put the adz end of the Halligan tool 6" above or below the lock. Avoid penetrating the door stop, pry the tool downward and out. *Recessed*: Fork end of the Halligan cannot be used for these types of doors. Must use the adz end of the Halligan tool, in the same manner as the flush fitting doors (246-247).

Forcing entry to electric powered roll-down gates

The motor of the wall could be mounted outside or inside the building. If inside you may have to cut an inverted V or box cut to gain entry. These large gates often don't have slats that are removable. You can also gain entry and use the manual override cable and chain to raise the gate, which can be difficult in smoke conditions. Firefighters must coordinate their efforts. It may take several tries to pull the cable because the gears may not be lined up and may be stiff from lack of use. The second firefighter needs to pull the chain that raises the door. The gear ratio is typically low to accommodate the motor. Getting a large door fully open will have dramatic improvement on the fire operation. If the motor is outside, the manual override may be in the housing of the motor or locked in a vertical track alongside the gate. If there's a keyed switch outside, you have two options: pull the lock cylinder, turning the switch with a screwdriver, or shear the housing cover and jump the switch (249).

Officer's Tool / A-tool

There are a few versions of this tool. There's also the Rex tool, which was introduced by the FDNY. These tools are not front-line tools, but can be used if firefighters need to self-extricate in an emergency situation. This tool doubles as a component of the through-the-lock kit. Made with high-strength steel, has a pry bar on one end and an a-type lock puller and adz at the opposite end. The complete kit has a through-the-lock kit, a double-ended key tool and a shove knife stored inside the tool's shaft (233).

Forcing with the through-the-lock technique

There are two types of locks when dealing with the through-the-lock technique: the mortise lock and the rim lock. Use K-tool to remove the trim ring and the face of the lock cylinder. After getting a bite into the cylinder, the tool's blade will lock onto the cylinder and then be leveraged out. If the door is aluminum stile door with mortise pivoting dead bolts, a pair of vice grips may be used to turn the entire cylinder housing 1/4 turn clockwise to bend the two set screws that hold it in place. Cylinder can then be spun out of door by turning counter-clockwise. The cylinder can be reinstalled at the conclusion of the incident. *Mortise lock*: A key turns the cam that slides the bolt out of the strike. Use a Key tool to open lock after the cylinder has been removed. Keyway would normally be found at the 6 o'clock position. *Rim lock*: The key turns stem on the end of the cylinder, which fits into the back plate of the lock. Insert straight end of key tool into the slot and turn left or right. If the night latch is thrown, or if the shutter is present, take the point of the Halligan, insert it into the opening, and drive the lock off the door. Some firefighters carry a dental pick or a ground-down screwdriver to get the shutter (246).

Forcing Doors

There may be no need to force the door if there's another means of entry. Calls for fire should have no delay. Attack the normal point of entry - the route that most people take in a fire or emergency. Once open, doors may have to be open to prevent from closing on hoselines or remain visible as exits. - Halligan tool is held like a baseball bat, with hands spread apart. Hand at the hook is palm up, hand at the fork end is palm down. Your hand should never be anywhere expect the shaft. -Axe is held with upper hand 6" from the head of the axe, with the other hand near the bottom of the handle (244-245).

Tempered Glass

Treated either chemically or in a thermal process to add strength. In addition to the strength, tempered glass shatters into soft-edge tiny fragments instead of sharp-edged shards of typical pane glass. Side and rear windows of automobiles are made of tempered glass (250).

True or false: It is not uncommon to find whole houses in "cages"?

True (232).

Choosing the right tool

Try to choose the method that will cause the least amount of damage. It's important not to pigeonhole our thinking into having to do certain things the same way every time. Use the correct blade for the job at hand - for example don't use a wood-cutting blade (carbide tip) to cut a padlock. First thing to do is to "try the door first" to see if it's unlocked. "Forcible entry is an art, a skill to be honed by practice". Firefighters should clean the tools on every tour so they have to handle and touch the tools, and to be familiar with the weight and specific characteristics of each tool. One thing that's passed down to the new firefighter from a senior firefighter is to have confidence in yourself and your tools. The secret to forcible entry is self-confidence. Build self-confidence by training. Put theory into practice. Minor incidents are a great time to practice. It's all about muscle memory and self-confidence (235-236).

Hydraulic Spreading tool

Two types of hydraulic spreading tools. Both are typically employed to force inward-swinging metal doors, but do have other applications. During practice, become familiar with the number of pumps needed to fully open and how much the jaws spread with each pump. Check the tools by placing them under a load to verify proper operation. *Rabbit tool* - has spreading jaws attached to the end of a hose, which can spread 4" or 9" with 8,000 lb of force. *Hydra-Ram tool* - Another "Integrated" tool with spreading jaws as part of the hydraulic pump. Can spread 4" or 6" and applies 10,000 lb of force (233-234).

Magnetic and Electric Strike locks

Typically found on outward-opening entrance doors, gates, and inward-opening doors to large multiple dwellings and commercial buildings. Magnetic locks work only with DC current. Even if it looks like AC power supply, the AC voltage is being converted to DC in the lock. All are fail safe - they need constant source of current to remained locked. If power is removed, the lock will open. Electric Strikes are often used for "buzz in" type systems. May be fail-safe (needs power to keep locked) or fail-secure (stays locked without power). Most common by far is fail-secure. For egress, a door knob or lever on the lock allows for safe exit. Outward-swinging doors should be forced with Halligan and flat head axe. Start at the top and work downward. When the top magnet release, you may have to put the axe or chock into the space and let the Halligan slide down the gap to force the next magnet. Some doors only have a top magnet located 6-8" away from the door frame on the handle side. These doors can be forced with the Halligan tool by prying down on the adz or popping it with a hydraulic tool if it's inward-opening. Hydraulic spreaders are the tool of choice to force inward-swinging doors with electric strike doors and magnetic door locks. Use Halligan and axe to create a gap and insert the spreaders. These doors exert a force of 3,000 lb. When working on this door you must control the door with a hose strap or it will swing away quickly from you. Place a ten penny nail on the magnet to prevent it from closing once you have forced the door (240-241).

What is the key to getting past a lock?

Understand its vulnerability points and attack the lock at these points (236).

Bolt Cutters

Useful and effective for numerous cutting situations. Typical cutting tasks include padlocks, bolts, chain links, rivets, and reinforcing rods. Bolt cutters come in 18, 24, 30, and 36" sizes. Bolt cutters will not cut case-hardened steel (234).

Tempered Glass Door

Usually distinguishable by its lack of frame and little or no trim. Lock is usually found in the bottom stile. Its tempered glass is 4x stronger than plate glass. If smashed, it will explode into little pieces (242).

K-Tool

Very limited and has one function, to go through the lock. It's a lock-pulling device that is used in conjunction with a Halligan tool. Typically carried in a leather pouch, with a set of keys including a 5/32 square-head key, a key tool, and a shove knife (233).

Outward opening doors

When hinges are visible from the outside, the door will swing outward. Usually found in commercial occupancies, including places of public assembly, which are required to have doors that swing in the direction of egress for life safety purposes. Strip mall storefronts should have outward-opening tempered glass doors with aluminum frames, known as *aluminum stile doors*. The glass is heated to add strength. Outward-opening metal doors are often found in factories as well (242).

Wired Glass

Wire mesh fed into molten glass during manufacturing adds strength to wired glass. Installed for doors and roof applications, wired glass keeps objects from breaking through, and when the glass is broken, the wire holds pieces together. Ideal for deterring burglaries, wired glass also inhibits (prevents) the spread of fire (250).

Double-hung windows

With double-hung windows, both sashes move up and down vertically (a single-hung window has only the bottom sash that moves). Some have key locks that attach to the top rail of the lower sash. Can be used to keep window shut or partially open. Lock pins into the jamb. To force entry, place fork of the Halligan tool with the bevel side against the window-sill and pry inward and downward. This should break the weak window latch. Clear glass completely. Windows can be easily forced by placing the adz of the Halligan tool between the upper and lower sash against the window jamb and prying upward. This is faster and provides a better opening than breaking a double-paned glass window. The expression *"make a door"* means to remove both the bottom and top sashes for safety reasons (250-251).