Forcible entry

Question 1

What considerations need to be given when making forced entry to an area?

Answer 1

• The most suitable point of entry• The safety of personnel and appliances• Keeping damage to a minimum• Rescue requirements• The safety of any occupants

Question 2

Why is communication with the Incident Controller important?

Answer 2

It may prevent unnecessary damage if a second crew already made entry at a different point of the premise

Question 3

What is the order of entry?

Answer 3

• Glass• Timber• Masonry

Question 4

What is the reasoning behind the order of entry?

Answer 4

Easiest to hardest to force entry, lowest to highest cost to replace

Question 5

What is the principal entrance?

Answer 5

It’s the normal or main point of entry i.e. front door or main gate as this provides access to grounds, halls, stairways leading to the remainder of the premise.

Question 6

What is the secondary entrance?

Answer 6

Could be a side or rear door or window. If buildings do not have a side entrance the quickest entry may be through an adjoining property. Use a ladder to scale walls or fences.

Question 7

What considerations should be given if cutting a rural fence?

Answer 7

• Is there access through a gate? Cut chain link if gate is locked.• Livestock present?• Notify TAMS/Landowner/Leasee as soon as practicable• Cut in the middle of a fence not a post• Considerations for securing fence

Question 8

What are the 4 different point of entry?

Answer 8

• Principal Entrance• Secondary Entrance• Fences and Walls• Rural Fencing

Question 9

What are the different type of locking systems?

Answer 9

• Padlocks• Mortice/Bore Locks (Standard Locks)• Night Latches• Dead Locks• Rivers Locks (secure doors at two more points)• Electronic Locks

Question 10

What should you consider before forcing open a lock?

Answer 10

Check that it’s not locked. Try before you Pry

Question 11

What should you consider when cutting chains with padlocks?

Answer 11

Cut a chain link so the lock and chain can be reused.

Question 12

Can you use the blades of a hydraulic cutter on a padlock?

Answer 12

No. Do not use blades on hydraulic cutting equipment on padlocks as this will damage the blades

Question 13

What are some different types of doors?

Answer 13

• Hinged Doors• Panel Doors• Barred Doors• Sliding Doors• Sliding Patio Doors• Automatic Doors• Cantilever Doors• Roller Shutter Doors• Wicket Gates

Question 14

What are some different types of windows?

Answer 14

• Glasso Toughened Glasso Safety Glass• Sash Windows• Casement and Awning Windows• Fixed Windows• Barred Windows• Aluminium sliding windows• Security Screens

Question 15

What are some things to consider when using forcible entry tools?

Answer 15

• All personnel using/assisting with the tools must wear PPE (Helmet, Gloves and safety eye wear)• Clear area of any people not involved• Keep Body parts away from head area of tools• Watch for flying objects (pieces of metal, etc)

Question 16

What are some forcible entry tools?

Answer 16

• Axes• Halligan Tool• Sledge Hammer• Bolt Cutters• Crowbars• Pinch Bars• Saws• Rescue Equipment• Tool Box• Hydraulic Door Opener

Question 17

What are some things to consider when attending lock outs?

Answer 17

• Request AFP to attend• Contact Government Housing Authority if housing commission owned• Request ID from person claiming to be building owner/occupier• Document ID into personal notebook

Question 18

What are some things to consider when gaining entry for a lock out?

Answer 18

• Access can be made through any means that will cause no damageo Access through upper levelo Lift back roof tiles and enter through manhole• If urgent due to fire or injury to life make entry causing as little damage as possible

Question 19

Why should forced entry actions be recorded and how?

Answer 19

• The information may be vital to police and fire investigators. • Note prior damage• Inform S.O. of intended actions before forcible entry is made• Document into personal notebook• Document other relevant information in notebook• Inform Fire Investigator (if required)

Question 20

What things should be considered when breaking a pane of glass?

Answer 20

Ensure no one is on the other sideUse the flat part of the axeGive a sharp but not hard blow to the top corner area of the pane of glassDrive the glass into the room and not onto anyone working belowKeep your hands higher than the head of the axe to prevent pieces of glass slipping along the handle causing cuts to the hand/arms