Basic Firefighter Written Practice Exam

When using a blunt tool to break glass, which technique should be applied?

1. Strike the midpoint of the glass

2. Strike the corner of the pane

3. Strike at an angle

4. Strike from the opposite side

The correct answer is: Strike the corner of the pane

The technique of striking the corner of the pane when using a blunt tool to break glass is effective because it exploits the inherent weaknesses in the glass structure. Glass is more prone to fracture at its corners, where the stress is concentrated more than in the middle of flat surfaces. By targeting the corner, the blunt force can create a fracture line that rapidly propagates through the rest of the pane, allowing for a more efficient break. Using this method leads to reduced risk of glass shards scattering compared to other areas of the glass panel, which can create a dangerous situation. When breaking glass, it’s crucial to ensure safety and efficiency, making this technique particularly advantageous in emergency situations. The other techniques, such as striking the midpoint or at an angle, may not utilize the structural weaknesses effectively, and striking from the opposite side can be impractical or unsafe depending on the scenario. Therefore, targeting the corner provides a reliable strategy for safely and quickly breaking glass when necessary.