Emergency Entry Techniques Flashcards

A window-mounted air conditioning unit blocks a sash window that must be entered in an emergency. The locksmith should first:

Answer: Assess whether the A/C unit can be safely removed

Evaluating removal of the A/C unit is the safest first step, as it may allow entry without damaging the window or frame.

When a deadbolt thumb turn is visible through a mail slot or cat flap, a locksmith may use:

Answer: A long bent tool to rotate the thumb turn

A long bent tool inserted through an opening can reach and rotate an interior thumb turn to retract the deadbolt.

Which lock type is MOST resistant to shimming or loiding as an emergency entry technique?

Answer: Deadbolt lock

Deadbolts have a bolt that cannot be retracted by shimming because they require key or thumb turn rotation to retract.

A commercial building entry requires bypassing a magnetic lock (mag lock) after a power failure. The correct approach is:

Answer: Locate and use the REX (Request to Exit) device or backup power

Magnetic locks release when power is cut; using the REX device or emergency backup power is the proper bypass procedure.

During an emergency entry on a door with a high-security lock featuring anti-drill hardened steel inserts, the locksmith should:

Answer: Use a carbide-tipped drill bit and slow RPM

Carbide-tipped bits at low RPM can penetrate hardened steel inserts that would destroy standard drill bits.

A locked push-bar panic exit device on the interior of a commercial door can often be opened from the exterior by:

Answer: Using a through-the-door tool to press the panic bar

A through-the-door tool can pass through the letterbox or gap to press the interior panic bar and release the door.

What is the primary safety consideration before beginning any emergency entry on a residential property?

Answer: Verifying the requesting party's authority and identity

A locksmith must verify that the requesting person has legal authority to access the property before performing any entry.