ST Chapter 6
Doug Wade
What is the minimum height requirement for fire departments regarding walls?
One-and-one-half times the height of the wall.
What are the collapse indicators involving fire conditions?
Two or more floors fully involved, continued or heavy fire, high heat and heavy smoke conditions coupled with inadequate ventilation, and continued heavy fire for 15–20 minutes.
What type of construction features are considered collapse indicators?
Unprotected steel columns and beams exposed to heavy fire, unprotected lightweight steel and steel bar joist roofs subjected to heavy fire, and fire burning in areas with lightweight wooden components.
What are typical exterior wall collapse indicators?
Smoke showing through walls, old wall cracks enlarging, new wall cracks, fire showing through wall cracks, bulging walls, leaning walls, failure of part of a wall, visible spalling of a brick wall, spalling of concrete and exposure of steel, and a wall breaking down under a hose stream.
What are the three basic types of wall collapse?
90-degree collapse, inward-outward collapse, and curtain collapse.
What is the significance of collapse zones in firefighting?
The zone should cover an area at least equal to the height of the wall in question.
What are some indicators of interior collapse?
Cracking noises from a building, plaster sliding off walls in large sheets, and snow and ice masking fire conditions on roofs.
What precautions should be taken during hot work operations?
Maintain a 35-foot area clear of flammable liquids, dust, and remove lint or oily deposits; eliminate explosive atmospheres; sweep floors clean; wet down combustible floors; remove or protect combustible materials; cover openings; install approved welding pads; and post a fire watch.
What is the definition of live load in building construction?
The live load is the weight of materials in a building that is not permanent and can change constantly.
What constitutes a dead load in a building?
The dead load is the total weight of permanent building components such as structural members, air-handling systems, plaster, plumbing fixtures, and electrical components.
What is an eccentric load?
Eccentric loads create a pulling action on a wall with a downward thrust.
How does an impact load affect a building's stability?
An impact load is a weight forced upon a building, which can occur from actions like dropping equipment or jumping onto surfaces.
What is the difference between designed loads and undesigned loads?
Designed loads are those that a building was specifically designed to support, while undesigned loads are those that were not originally accounted for in the building's design.
What are the types of floor collapse?
Pancake collapse, V-type collapse, lean-to collapse, and unsupported floor collapse.
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Description
Discover key indicators of building collapse during fire incidents, including fire conditions, construction features, and environmental factors. Learn how to assess risks and ensure safety on the fireground effectively.
Questions
Download Questions1. Which type of construction feature should be considered a collapse indicator?
2. What type of load is introduced by firefighters during firefighting operations?
3. What is a significant indicator of potential building collapse during a fire?
4. What is a typical exterior wall collapse indicator?
5. What precaution should be taken during hot work to prevent fire hazards?
6. What is a collapse indicator associated with water usage in a building?
7. What is the primary characteristic of a live load in a building?
8. Which of the following is an example of an eccentric load?
9. What must firefighters operating on the interior of an IDLH environment maintain at all times?
10. What is one method to assist accountability at a fire scene?
11. What defines a dead load in a building?
12. What type of floor collapse occurs when one or more floors collapse on top of each other?
13. What is the primary purpose of the Two-In-Two-Out rule in firefighting?
14. Who should conduct a Personnel Accountability Report (PAR) at the scene of a fire?
15. What is a key factor in determining the need to upgrade a Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) to a Task Force?
Study Notes
Building Collapse and Fire Safety Indicators
This document synthesizes critical indicators of building collapse and fire safety considerations, emphasizing the importance of recognizing structural vulnerabilities and effective incident management during firefighting operations.
Fire Conditions and Construction Types
- Fire Indicators: Signs such as multiple floors fully involved in flames, prolonged heavy fire, and high heat with dense smoke signal a heightened risk of collapse.
- Construction Vulnerabilities: Buildings with unprotected steel or lightweight components are particularly susceptible to failure under severe fire conditions.
Duration of Exposure and Wall Collapse Risks
- Time Factor: A sustained period of heavy fire (15-20 minutes) significantly increases the likelihood of structural failure, especially in lightweight constructions.
- Wall Collapse Signs: Observable indicators like bulging or leaning walls, cracks, and visible spalling suggest imminent wall failure. Smoke seeping through walls is also a critical warning sign.
Types of Collapses and Safety Protocols
- Collapse Types: Familiarity with different types of wall collapses—90-degree, inward-outward, and curtain collapses—is essential for safety planning. Similarly, understanding floor collapse types (e.g., pancake or V-type) helps responders anticipate risks.
- Establishing Safe Zones: Creating a safe perimeter around potential collapse areas is crucial for protecting personnel from hazards associated with structural instability.
Incident Command Responsibilities
- Role Clarity: The Incident Commander (IC) oversees scene management, ensuring completion of Post-Incident Analysis Reports (PAR). Clear communication between the IC and dispatch is vital for operational clarity.
Key Takeaways
- Recognizing early signs of fire conditions and structural weaknesses can prevent catastrophic failures during firefighting operations.
- Understanding various types of collapses aids responders in developing effective safety strategies on-site.
- Effective incident command relies on clear communication to ensure all personnel are informed about ongoing operations and potential risks.
This summary underscores the need for vigilance regarding building integrity during fires while highlighting critical operational protocols to enhance firefighter safety.