Forcible Entry Quiz: Firefighter Tactics & Safety

Questions and Answers

Which method would be used to force an overhead door?

Attach a chain to the handle of the door and use a hydraulic door opener to pull the chain upward.

Use vise grips to pry the door up to prevent it from closing.

Use a rotary saw to cut an opening, then enter and use the lift mechanism to open the door fully. (correct)

Pry the door open using a Halligan and flat head axe.

When using a rotary saw to cut metal, firefighters should:

first try a hand tool to accomplish the task.

have a charged hoseline nearby. (correct)

use an air-monitoring device beforehand.

have a RIC team standing by.

When breaching an exterior metal wall with a rotary saw, firefighters should:

have a team standing by with an uncharged hoseline.

start cuts on either side of the nails or rivets that fasten the wall to the studs.

be aware that the vibration of the saw will greatly increase the possibility of structural collapse.

have a charged hoseline or fire extinguisher available. (correct)

Which kind of door would be forced by inserting a rotary saw blade through the opening and cutting the security bar?

Double-swinging door with a drop bar Signup and view all the answers

K-tools and shove knives are used for:

through-the-lock forcible entry. Signup and view all the answers

If the blade of an axe is too thick, regardless of its sharpness:

it will be difficult to drive the axe head through ordinary objects. Signup and view all the answers

When using power saws for forcible entry, firefighters must:

be aware of hidden electrical wires and gas lines. Signup and view all the answers

Windows with safety film may require _____ to break the windows.

cutting tools Signup and view all the answers

Unprotected metal surfaces on tools should not be painted because:

paint hides defects. Signup and view all the answers

An electromagnetic lock is an example of a:

High security lock Signup and view all the answers

Before performing forcible entry at a commercial or industrial occupancy, a firefighter should 'try before you pry' and:

Look for a lock box near the main entrance Signup and view all the answers

Which type of lock commonly found in residential applications has a single cylinder and is mounted above the door knob?

Tubular deadbolt lock Signup and view all the answers

If a door is opened, a structure's _____ will change, which may cause the fire to grow.

ventilation profile Signup and view all the answers

Which rescue tool can be placed in a door frame to spread the frame far enough apart so that the door can swing open?

Hydraulic ram Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tools act as a lever to provide mechanical advantage when opening doors and windows or moving heavy objects?

Prying tools Signup and view all the answers

Which factor affects the decision of where to force entry?

How forcible entry will affect ventilation Signup and view all the answers

To prevent injuries while using forcible entry tools, always:

Ensure that you have room to operate the tool properly Signup and view all the answers

Wallboard that has been reinforced with Lexan®:

Can be identified during preincident surveys Signup and view all the answers

If the lock of a metal-frame double-hung window does not force with minimum pressure applied:

It may be quicker to break the glass and open the lock manually Signup and view all the answers

Which tool would best be suited for forcing a metal-clad inward-swinging door in a masonry wall?

Rabbit tool Signup and view all the answers

Never use a power saw:

In a flammable atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

Fiberglass tool handles should be maintained by:

Washing with a mild detergent Signup and view all the answers

Interior fire doors:

Will not lock in place when closed Signup and view all the answers

Unlike a pick-head axe, a flat-head axe can be used to:

Strike another tool to force it through a doorjamb Signup and view all the answers

Which forcible entry task is a pick-head axe well suited to perform?

Remove shingles and other roof coverings Signup and view all the answers

Padlocks and surface bolts are examples of:

Locking devices Signup and view all the answers

Plaster or gypsum wall covering on interior walls:

Is designed to provide fire resistance and limit fire spread within the structure Signup and view all the answers

Which situation would call for the use of a pushing or pulling tool such as a drywall hook or a pike pole?

Opening a ceiling to check for fire extension Signup and view all the answers

Which forcible entry technique changes the ventilation profile of the building because it cannot be undone once completed?

Breaking the glass in the door Signup and view all the answers

Sliding doors can be forced by:

Lifting the sliding panel up and out of its track Signup and view all the answers

When gaining access to a property by forcing a gate, firefighters should:

Choose the method that is effective, but causes the least damage Signup and view all the answers

When selecting tools to perform forcible entry, firefighters must select the tool that:

Is most appropriate for the task at hand Signup and view all the answers

How should prying tools be carried?

Pointed or sharp edges facing away from the body Signup and view all the answers

A _____ is a wedge-shaped tool that widens to break the shackle of a padlock.

duck-billed lock breaker Signup and view all the answers

Why must forcible entry and door control be coordinated?

Breaking a door or window introduces a new source of oxygen to the fire Signup and view all the answers

Security barriers such as bars, grilles, and Lexan® windows:

Require specialized training and tools to force Signup and view all the answers

What is required for forcible entry operations involving cutting torches?

Charged hoseline standing by Signup and view all the answers

Glass shards that result from firefighters breaking windows during forcible entry:

Can create a dangerous surface for firefighters advancing hoselines Signup and view all the answers

Double-swinging doors:

Can often be pried apart using a rambar or Halligan Signup and view all the answers

When tempered plate glass doors are encountered:

The glass should only be broken as a last resort Signup and view all the answers

A J-tool is made of rigid, heavy gauge wire and is designed to:

Open a double-swinging door that is equipped with panic hardware Signup and view all the answers

Security doors and gates cause a problem for firefighters during forcible entry operations, because they:

Require extra planning and will delay entry Signup and view all the answers

The techniques used in structural forcible entry:

Should do minimal damage and provide quick access Signup and view all the answers

Manual bolt cutters cannot cut hasps, padlock shackles, or:

High-security chains Signup and view all the answers

Which tool would be helpful when performing forcible entry in an area with limited space?

Handsaw Signup and view all the answers

When using hand tools to breach exterior wood frame walls it is safest to:

Strike and make cuts toward the center of the opening you want to create first Signup and view all the answers

When performing forcible entry, it is important to:

Be sure that other personnel are out of the immediate area Signup and view all the answers

Which location would likely be protected by a fire door?

The entrance to an office exit stairwell Signup and view all the answers

Which type of locking device that is often found in hotel rooms restricts the opening of a door using a U-shaped shackle that connects with a shaft and knob mounted on the doorframe?

Door limiter Signup and view all the answers

A _____ is an example of a striking tool used for forcible entry.

sledge hammer Signup and view all the answers

Partial or total structural collapse could be a direct result of:

Breaching a load-bearing exterior wall of a fire-weakened structure Signup and view all the answers

Which tool would be practical to use to make an opening that is large enough for a firefighter to pass through in a brick or concrete block wall?

Jack-hammer Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you find a forcible entry tool that is damaged?

Tag the tool, remove it from service, and send it to the proper authority Signup and view all the answers

Which type of lock is mounted on the inside surface of the door and is used as a supplemental lock for doors?

Rim lock Signup and view all the answers

If you must enter through a jalousie window, it may be faster and more efficient to:

Cut through the wall around the entire window assembly and remove it Signup and view all the answers

One problem with breaching interior and exterior walls is that:

They may conceal electrical wires and gas pipes Signup and view all the answers

Power tools should be started:

In the area where the work will be performed Signup and view all the answers

If you can see the hinges of a door, it:

Swings toward you Signup and view all the answers

Which is an unsafe action that can cause injury to firefighters?

Using a cutting tool to cut a material for which it was not designed Signup and view all the answers

Which tool was developed to force entry on locks with protective collars or cone-shaped covers?

A-tool Signup and view all the answers

Damage resulting from forcible entry may be reduced by:

Using a lock box, if available Signup and view all the answers

Wooden tool handles should be inspected for:

Splinters Signup and view all the answers

When outside a structure, a pike pole should be carried with the tool head:

Down and positioned ahead of the body Signup and view all the answers

If a building has security bars on the windows:

All bars should be removed to allow emergency egress for inside crews if adequate resources are available Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Forcible Entry Tools and Techniques

Electromagnetic Locks: Considered high security locks.
Forcible Entry Practices: "Try before you pry" involves checking for lock boxes.
Residential Lock Types: Tubular deadbolt locks are common above doorknobs.
Ventilation Profile: Changing this by opening a door can increase fire growth.

Tools for Forcible Entry

Hydraulic Ram: Used in door frames to allow the door to swing open.
Prying Tools: Provide mechanical leverage to open doors and windows.
Rabbit Tool: Effective for forcing metal-clad inward-swinging doors.
J-tool: Opens double-swinging doors equipped with panic hardware.

Safety Measures

Using Forcible Entry Tools: Always ensure adequate operating space to prevent injuries.
Power Saw Use: Prohibited in flammable atmospheres for safety.
Firefighter Safety: Make sure personnel are clear of the immediate area during forcible entry.

Structural Considerations

Interior Fire Doors: Will not lock in place when closed; important for ventilation control.
Wallboard: Reinforced with materials like Lexan® can be identified during preincident surveys.
Breaching Walls: Risk of breaching the integrity of a fire-weakened structure, especially load-bearing walls.

Entry Techniques and Challenges

Breaking Glass: Should be a last resort, particularly for tempered glass doors.
Sliding Doors: Can be forced by lifting the panel out of its track.
Gates and Security Barriers: Effective methods must minimize damage while allowing emergency access.

Tool Selection and Maintenance

Tool Selection: Choose tools based on the specific entry task; not just portability.
Damaged Tools: Should be tagged, removed from service, and reported to authorities.
Maintenance of Tool Handles: Wooden and fiberglass handles require regular inspection for safety.

Situational Awareness

Forcing Entry Strategy: Consider the impact on ventilation and fire behavior.
Security Doors: Require additional planning, potentially delaying entry.
Glass Shards from Windows: Create hazards for advancing firefighters; risk of injury needs to be managed.

Specialized Techniques

K-tools and Shove Knives: Designed for through-the-lock forcible entry.
Using Rotary Saws: They must be used with caution, especially with a charged hoseline on standby.
Duck-billed Lock Breaker: A tool specifically for breaking padlock shackles.

Summary of Lock Types

Rim Locks: Commonly used as supplemental locks.
Padlocks and Surface Bolts: Examples of locking devices frequently encountered in various scenarios.
Door Limiters: Used to restrict door openings, often found in hotel rooms.

By familiarizing oneself with these tools, techniques, and considerations, firefighters can effectively and safely perform forcible entry in various situations.### Axe Blade Thickness

A thick axe blade reduces its effectiveness in cutting through common materials, despite being sharp.
When the blade is too thick, it becomes difficult to penetrate ordinary objects.

Power Saws and Electrical Safety

Firefighters using power saws must be cautious of concealed electrical wires and gas lines during forcible entry.
Awareness of potential hazards is critical for safety when operating cutting tools in unfamiliar environments.

Breaking Windows with Safety Film

Cutting tools are required to break windows that have safety film applied.
The presence of the safety film makes traditional breaking methods less effective.

Metal Tool Maintenance

Unprotected metal surfaces on tools should not be painted, as paint can obscure defects that may lead to tool failure.
Paint can chip off during use, diminishing the tool's effectiveness and possibly creating hazardous conditions.

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Description

Test your knowledge on forcible entry techniques from Chapter 9 of the IFSTA guidelines. This quiz covers essential terms and practices that firefighters should be familiar with before executing forcible entry. Evaluate your understanding of locks and proper protocol.

Ch 9 IFSTA - Forcible Entry Quiz