What is the building construction?
The construction of a particular building may provide tips on the types of doors that may be encountered. The doors in a balloon-frame, single family dwelling will have vast differences than those encountered in a fire-proof multiple dwelling. Firefighters should know what types of door construction and which way most doors will swing in the various types of building construction. The tools required to force entry into these various building types may vary. Which way does the door swing? This is typically one of two answers: Inward or Outward. Identifying the swing of an unknown door in a zero/limited visibility environment is easiest done by feeling it. As a “rule-of-thumb”, if a door is recessed into a wall, and you cannot feel hinges, the door will open away from you (inward). Consequently, if a door is flush to the wall and hinges can be felt, then the door opens towards you (outward). What are the primary locking devices? Can you feel any locks on the door? Most primary locks can
