Breaching is a technique used to break through reinforced concrete floors and walls. This method is employed in situations where buildings have collapsed due to major natural disasters, blocking entrances and exits, making it impossible to enter or rescue without breaking through the concrete.

Types of Breaching

Dirty Breaching

• Used when there are no victims near the planned opening area.
• Quickly breaks through reinforced concrete to create an opening.

Clean Breaching

• Used when there are victims near the planned opening area.
• Ensures that debris does not fall on the victims, keeping the space clean while creating an opening.

Preparation

• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including earplugs and masks.
• Ensure an escape route is available.
• Use ventilation fans to ensure proper air circulation.

Internal Inspection

• Use a drill to create search holes to inspect the internal situation and ensure no victims are near the planned opening.
• Measure wall and floor thickness with a measuring tape and use gas detectors to check the environment.

Marking

• Draw a triangle with sides of about 90 cm around the search hole using chalk or a pen.
• Make cuts along the markings using an engine cutter.

Dirty Breaching Procedure

1. Draw the markings and make cuts with an engine cutter.
2. Drill along the blue marked areas until the rebar is visible.
3. Create holes with a drill to weaken the concrete, avoiding the rebar.
4. Break the concrete with a sledgehammer, leaving only the rebar.
5. Cut the rebar with an engine cutter.
6. Bend the cut rebar with a sledgehammer and secure it with tape.

Clean Breaching Procedure

1. Draw the markings 10 cm inside the planned opening area and make cuts with an engine cutter.
2. Drill along the blue marked areas until the rebar is visible.
3. In case of floor breaching, prevent concrete from falling by tying a rope to a rod and securing it to the rebar in the search hole.
4. Repeat the drilling and chipping process to expose only the rebar in the groove.
5. Cut the rebar with clippers.
6. Bend the cut rebar with a sledgehammer and secure it with tape.

These procedures are just one method of breaching and should be used as a reference.

Reference page: Learn essential traffic rescue techniques, including vehicle stabilization, victim assessment, airbag protection, and safe victim extraction to save lives.

References　National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

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