3-20 Flashcards
What does the term Lightweight Construction refer to?
Structural systems and assemblies that are fabricated from components that have substantially less mass than traditional construction methods used for equivalent applications.
Lightweight Construction components may consist of what?
may be assembled from various combinations of combustible and non-combustible materials including wood and steel.
Unprotected lightweight construction systems that are involved in or exposed to fire are susceptible to rapid failure in as little as ___ mins.
4
Examples of lightweight construction include….
lightweight trusses and wood I-beams used in place of solid sawn lumber.
When was Engineered trusses and flooring put to use.
Trusses in residential homes after 1970
Flooring systems first came to Brampton after 1985
Duties at Lightweight Construction fire. (list 7)
1- Initial response shall follow Structure fire SOG 3-25
2- on-scene personnel shall attempt to determine the presence of elements of lightweight construction and ensure that the IC is made aware
3- Upon discovery/confirmation of involvement of Lightweight construction in the fire, the IC should undertake a Haz Risk Analysis to ensure the safety of personnel is maintained
4- If the IC is unable to determine the type of const. in a fire building built post 1970, it should be assumed that engineered roof trusses are present - if built post 1990 it should be assumed that lightweight flooring is present.
5- Extreme caution shall be applied in situations where lightweight construction is or could be involved in a fire. The possibility of rapid and sudden structural failure must be anticipated
6- fire occurs and lightweight const. is suspected or known to be present. all personnel operating at the incident scene shall be notified of the potential hazard. Operations shall be conducted in a manner that recognizes the risk of rapid structural failure. Consider using emergency alerting as per the SOG
7- Extreme caution should be exercised when personnel are allowed to operate directly above or below areas that are supported by lightweight construction during a fire. All personnel shall be immediately withdrawn from such areas if there are indications that unprotected lightweight construction is involved in or exposed to the fire. Consider using ladders to access upper floors where the main floor may be at risk.
How can crews prepare themselves for the possibility of encountering lightweight construction.
Personnel shall conduct pre-planning inspections of new and existing buildings, including multi-family residential buildings, to identify buildings with lightweight construction elements and to develop appropriate strategies and tactics. Locations with unprotected lightweight floor systems should be forwarded to communications so that a caution note may be added.
