16 Collapse Hazards of Buildings Under Construction

Question 1

The major life hazard during a daytime fire in a high-rise under construction will be ___________________ and especially the worker inside the ______________.

Answer 1

workers trapped on upper floors / cab of a crane

Question 2

The major life hazard of a high-rise under construction after work hours will be ________________.

Answer 2

the firefighters

Question 3

NFPA designates buildings under construction or demolition as ___________________.

Answer 3

Special occupancy structures.

Question 4

“Special Occupancy Structures” kill ___________ firefighters per 100,000 fires.

Answer 4

8 to 10

Question 5

Store and office fires kill _________ firefighters per 100,000 fires.

Answer 5

4 to 8

Question 6

Residence buildings kill ____ firefighters per 100,000 fires.

Answer 6

4

Question 7

There are two different types of framework for high-rise structures:

Answer 7

1. Reinforced concrete
2. Structural steel

Question 8

One concrete floor is poured every _________.

Answer 8

48 hours

Question 9

How many days until concrete reaches its maximum strength?

Answer 9

27

Question 10

There are two types of concrete spalling experienced during fires.

Answer 10

1. Explosive - which propels concrete downward with an explosive force and is accompanied by a loud noise.
2. Dropping spalling - similar to a plaster ceiling collapse

Question 11

Because of their fire history, shanties are required to be __________________ construction and at least ____________ from the building under construction.

Answer 11

Noncombustible / 30 feet

Question 12

Types of fires at construction sites:

Answer 12

1. Stored lumber
2. Wood shanty
3. rubbish
4. Propane
5. Coal and coke heating equipment
6. Electric
7. Torch cutting and welding
8. Flammable liquid

Question 13

The most serious type of fire at construction sites involve the __________________ used to support a cast-in-place concrete floor.

Answer 13

combustible formwork

Question 14

What is the recommended strategy to extinguish fires in formwork supporting floors?

Answer 14

Outside aerial master streams

Question 15

What will be the major cause of fire extension of a framework fire in a cast-in-place building under construction?

Answer 15

Burning timbers

Question 16

What are two reasons asbestos-removal protective measures required by the EPA create problems during a fire?

Answer 16

1. Plywood encasing the building adds tons of combustible material into the building
2. The sealing of the building with plywood prevents ventilation to remove smoke during a fire.

Question 17

At what height/floor level do most states require a vertical standpipe system to be installed and operational during construction?

Answer 17

75-feet or 7th floor

Question 18

Which standpipe valve is often overlooked?

Answer 18

The basement standpipe valve (often used as a condensation drain)

Question 19

When is the best time to do a pre-plan inspection in a building under construction or demolition?

Answer 19

On a weekend