SOP Manual - Cleveland Fire Department

Cleveland Fire Department
Operations Manual
C. Tools
2. Exposed Buildings
When the fire building is one of a row of attached structures, Ladder/Truck
crews should force entry into the building on each side of the fire building.
Whether or not Ladder/Truck Company personnel have to enter these buildings
at the time they are opened, they should be opened so that firefighters can
quickly enter them if necessary.
Ladder/Truck companies should not force entry into exposures when force is not
required. Always check the entry door before it is forced, since it may not have
been locked.
Many commercial occupancies participate in the Knox Box-Knox Lock
program. The box is mounted near the main entrance. Most of our vehicles
carry keys to the Knox Box for entry to the building. Attempt not to force entry
into a building equipped with a Knox Box, unless obvious fire conditions exist.
A Ladder/Truck crew that is well trained in the use of forcible-entry tools will work
quickly and efficiently with minimal damage. A poorly trained crew will work slowly
and will not use the tools correctly. Incorrect use of the tools will result in excessive
damage, even if the crew works at a snail’s pace.
Personal safety must be emphasized - especially with regard to power tools - in training
sessions as well as in actual operations. Eye and hand protection are of the utmost
importance. A Ladder/Truck Company member who neglects this protection to save time
will defeat the purpose if an injury results. Ladder/Truck personnel must be extremely
careful when working with hand tools near glass, when using power saws, and when
using air - or hydraulic-powered forcing tools, cutting torches, etc. Anyone not actually
involved in the operation should stand clear of the area.
1. Cutting Tools
The cutting tools most often used for forcible entry are pickhead and flathead
axes, bolt cutters, power saws, air-operated and hydraulic cutters.
In addition, the adz (chisel) end of a halligan or Kelly tool can be used to cut and
can be driven by a flathead axe or maul. Of the two axes, the pickhead is usually
kept sharper for cutting. The Flathead axe, not sharpened to as fine edge, is
useful for forcing and prying.
2. Prying and Forcing Tools
The tools available for prying and forcing work are the halligan tool, pry-axe,
and similar devices. The flathead axe is often used for such work, either alone
or driven by another flathead axe, or to drive some other tool.
Effective: June 1, 1997 Revised: 5/14/2009 Page | 215
Approved by: Chief Chuck Atchley