Henderson Fire Department Objectives Demonstrate the ability to use the irons on residential doorsDemonstrate the ability to use the irons on residential.

Henderson Fire DepartmentHenderson Fire Department

ObjectivesObjectives

• Demonstrate the ability to use the irons on Demonstrate the ability to use the irons on residential doors residential doors

• Demonstrate the ability to use the irons on Demonstrate the ability to use the irons on commercial doorscommercial doors

• Demonstrate the ability to use the irons in Demonstrate the ability to use the irons in low visibility situationslow visibility situations

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

Forcible EntryForcible Entry

Conventional Forcible Entry

Performed with “Irons”

• Two Man Team– “Irons man” (the

one holding the halligan)

– “The Axe Man” or “Striker”

Forcing The Door

Simplified – 3 Steps1.Gap2.Set 3.Force

Don’t forget to try the door first……”Try before you Pry”

Forcing Inward Swinging Doors

1. Gap the Door

Forcing Inward Swinging Doors

2. Set the Tool

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.

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

Arch

Striking the HalliganCommunication• 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.

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.

The “Striker” or “Axe Man”

Maintain Control

• Short chopping blows.

• Perpendicular to the adz.

• In line with the shaft

Forcing Inward Swinging Doors

3. Force the DoorPush 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.

Force the Door

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.

Forcing Outward Swinging Doors

Using the Adz End - 1 of 2

Gapping the Door (Top View)

Gapping the Door (Front View)

Forcing Outward Swinging Doors

Using the Adz End – 2 of 2

Set the Tool (Top View)

Force the Door (Top View)

Using the Adz End

Forcing Outward Swinging Doors

Using the Fork End

Gap Set Force

Pay Attention

• Stay alert to Fire and Smoke Conditions

• Control the Door

• Advise Command of your Progress

ALTERNATE METHODS TO GAP AN INWARD OPENING DOOR

1 2

Pike or Adz into the Frame

ALTERNATE METHODS TO GAP AN INWARD OPENING DOOR

Bevel to the Frame

ALTERNATE METHODS TO GAP AN INWARD OPENING DOOR

Batter the Door

ALTERNATE METHODS TO GAP AN INWARD OPENING DOOR

Batter the Door Frame

ALTERNATE METHODS TO GAP AN INWARD OPENING DOOR

Remove the Door Stop

Inward Swinging Steel Door1. Size up door, check for heat, and try the

handle2. Shock Load the Door (Batter the Door)3. Gap the door with the adze4. Set the tool with the bevel of the fork

towards the door – Stop when the fork is all the way around the frame

5. Force the Door6. Hook the door with the adze and draw it

closed – “Control the Door”

Outward Swinging Steel Door

1. Size up door, check for heat, and try the handle

2. Shock Load the Door (Batter the Door)

3. Gap the door with the adze

4. Set the tool with the bevel of the fork towards the jamb

5. Force the Door

6. “Control” – control the door

Forcing a door in zero/limited visibility or Narrow Hallways

• Double Hit Method

• Shoulder Hit

Shoulder Hit

The shoulder of the fork end of the Halligan must besquared off to do this.

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.

QUESTIONS?

See additional info in HFD TASK Standard 15 and Forcible Entry Prop

Powerpoint-instructional