Henderson Fire Department

1
2011
2

• Henderson Fire Department

Forcible Entry "The Irons"
2011
3
Objectives

• Demonstrate the ability to use the irons on
  residential doors
• Demonstrate the ability to use the irons on
  commercial doors
• Demonstrate the ability to use the irons in low
  visibility situations

4
Forcible Entry

• The efficiency of firefighters forcing entry
  into a building is dependent on two major
  factors
• Choosing the appropriate tools
• Applying the proper technique to the structural
  component

5
Conventional Forcible Entry

• Performed with Irons
• Two Man Team
• Irons man (the one holding the halligan)
• The Axe Man or Striker

6
Forcing The Door

• Simplified 3 Steps
• Gap
• Set
• Force
• Dont forget to try the door firstTry before
  you Pry

7
Forcing Inward Swinging Doors

1. Gap the Door

8
Forcing Inward Swinging Doors

• 2. Set the Tool

9
Irons Man

• Eyes on the FORK end of the Halligan Tool where
  it is being driven into the Gap.
• Keep moving the Halligan Tool away from the door
  as it is being Struck.

10

• The tool is SET when the ARCH of the FORK is
  even with the inside edge of the door.

Arch
11
Striking the Halligan

• Communication
• The member holding the Halligan Tool (forcible
  entry firefighter) controls the operation.
• The member with the axe strikes the Halligan Tool
  PERPENDICULAR TO THE ADZ.
• The member with the axe may have to stand, crouch
  or kneel to obtain the best position.
• The member with the axe strikes the Halligan only
  when told.
• The commands HIT, DRIVE and STOP must be
  understood.

12
Communication

• Hit swing and hit the Halligan ONE time
• Drive Hit repeatedly until a STOP command
  is given
• Stop Means STOP
• Shoulder Hit - axe can be slid down the shaft
  to strike the shoulder
• Control the Door - Halligan is SET and the door
  is ready to be forced.

13
The Striker or Axe Man

• Maintain Control
• Short chopping blows.
• Perpendicular to the adz.
• In line with the shaft

14
Forcing Inward Swinging Doors

• 3. Force the Door

Push in sharply to create maximum force. If
strong resistance is met, a second firefighter
may be used to assist. As the door opens, the
second firefighter must MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE
DOOR.
15
Force the Door
16
Forcing Outward Swinging Doors

• Forcing outward opening Doors. (doors that open
  toward you) The procedure is identical, except
  the Halligan tool is reversed so the arch of the
  fork will be facing the door not the door jam.
  Again it is Critical to control the door in these
  operations.

17
Forcing Outward Swinging DoorsUsing the Adz End
- 1 of 2
Gapping the Door (Top View)
Gapping the Door (Front View)
18
Forcing Outward Swinging DoorsUsing the Adz End
2 of 2
Set the Tool (Top View)
Force the Door (Top View)
19
Using the Adz End
20
Forcing Outward Swinging DoorsUsing the Fork End
Force
Set
Gap
21
Pay Attention

• Stay alert to Fire and Smoke Conditions
• Control the Door
• Advise Command of your Progress

22
ALTERNATE METHODS TO GAP AN INWARD OPENING DOOR
1
2
Pike or Adz into the Frame
23
ALTERNATE METHODS TO GAP AN INWARD OPENING DOOR
Bevel to the Frame
24
ALTERNATE METHODS TO GAP AN INWARD OPENING DOOR

• Batter the Door

25
ALTERNATE METHODS TO GAP AN INWARD OPENING DOOR
Batter the Door Frame
26
ALTERNATE METHODS TO GAP AN INWARD OPENING DOOR
Remove the Door Stop
27
Inward Swinging Steel Door

• Size up door, check for heat, and try the handle
• Shock Load the Door (Batter the Door)
• Gap the door with the adze
• Set the tool with the bevel of the fork towards
  the door Stop when the fork is all the way
  around the frame
• Force the Door
• Hook the door with the adze and draw it closed
  Control the Door

28
Outward Swinging Steel Door

• Size up door, check for heat, and try the handle
• Shock Load the Door (Batter the Door)
• Gap the door with the adze
• Set the tool with the bevel of the fork towards
  the jamb
• Force the Door
• Control control the door

29
Forcing a door in zero/limited visibility or
Narrow Hallways

• Double Hit Method
• Shoulder Hit

30
Shoulder Hit
The shoulder of the fork end of the Halligan must
besquared off to do this.
31
Summary

• Try before you Pry
• Gap Set Force
• With the combination of the axe and Halligan, the
  forcible entry team can generally force any door
  or occupancy. It is a simple matter of technique
  and leverage.

32
QUESTIONS? See additional info in HFD TASK
Standard 15 and Forcible Entry Prop
Powerpoint-instructional