BASIC PRINCIPLES OF FORCIBLE ENTRY

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Define Forcible Entry.
• Determine the outcomes of forcible entry.
• Identify factors to consider when performing forcible entry.

Forcible Entry - Technique used to gain access into a compartment, structure, facility or site when normal means of entry is locked or blocked.

FORCIBLE ENTRY HAS TWO OUTCOMES WHEN PERFORMED PROPERLY

• Should only cause minimal damage to structure or structural components when applied properly
• Provides quick access to emergency

FORCIBLE ENTRY CAN BE APPLIED IN A VARIETY OF SITUATIONS

• Vehicles
• Aircraft
• Marine Vessels
• Railway Passenger Cars

THE INCIDENT COMMANDER MUST WEIGH SEVERAL FACTORS TO DETERMINE ENTRY POINT

• Tactics that must be fulfilled
• Location of the fire or hazard
• Stage of the fire
• Effect on ventilation
• Amount of effort required to force entry

FIREFIGHTERS SHOULD NEVER FORCE ENTRY WITHOUT ORDERS

• First - "try before you pry" at every door or window
• Second - look for lockbox near main entrance on commercial and industrial occupancies

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Doors & Locks
• Proper Tools
• Security Barriers

DOORS & LOCKS

• Construction
• Direction of opening
• Type of frame
• Type of lock
• Mounting of lock

PROPER TOOLS

• Know current tools needed for particular job
• Adjust entry activity based upon available tools
• Use tools for their intended purpose to make entry

SECURITY BARRIERS

• Bars
• Grilles
• Lexan Windows
• Others?
• Specialized Training?
• Egress Options?

SUMMARY

• Properly performed forcible entry provides quick access while causing minimal property damage.

SUMMARY

• Incident Commander decides if, when, why to perform forcible entry

SUMMARY

• General considerations in forcible entry include doors & locks, proper tools, and security barriers

THANK YOU!