Academy and training Flashcards
During the FFs probationary year, what is The Training Academy is responsible for?
The Training Academy is responsible for:
• Providing the probationary packets and skills check sheet on the Training
Website.
• Provide the PFF’s initial Company Officer with a file containing a copy of the PAF
given the PFF at the completion of the Recruit Academy and a copy of the Probationary Firefighter Timetable Checklist with dates provided by the Fire Department Personnel and Wellness office.
• Scheduling and administering the 3 probationary written and skill test evaluations. The Training Academy will notify the shift Captain and BC of the date and time for the evaluation.
• Provide support for the Company Officer to help correct any training deficiencies.
Three probationary evaluations are used to evaluate each probationary firefighter during the fourth, eighth and twelfth month of probation. The evaluation is administered by the Training Division and is used to measure improvement, knowledge, and maintenance level of skills.
302.00
3/4
During the FFs probationary year, what is the Company officer responsible for?
The Company Officer is responsible to know and understand the probationary process and (with the assistance of his company members) have a plan to make the PFF successful.
Some of the specific duties include:
• Assist the PFF in preparing for their 4-month Evaluations. They should assist the PFF with all manipulative skills, as well as providing ample opportunity for studying and learning the assigned material used on the written portion of the evaluations.
• Ensure that the PFF is making adequate progress on their Probationary Packet.
• Give the PFF a progress report (this is not a City Performance Appraisal) at the end of each month at their station. A copy will be placed in the PFF’s hard copy file, one will be saved electronically. Complete the Monthly Skill Checklist. (A copy may be retained in the PFF’s local file).
• Ensure that the Probationary Firefighter arrives at the Training Academy on the correct date at the scheduled time for their Quarterly Evaluations
• Complete Performance Appraisal’s for the Probationary Firefighter when notified by the Personnel and Wellness Division or BC Aide.
• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date station file for the PFF, and forward this file in a timely manner to the PFF’s next supervisor. The Captain may also create a file in their H-drive to save each monthly evaluation.
• When the PFF moves to their next rotation, it is imperative that the Captain contact their new supervisor and share any accolades or concerns with the PFF performance. This is also a great time to forward the electronic reviews that you saved in your H-drive.
302.00
3/4
It is the ongoing responsibility of the Probationary Firefighter to prepare for and successfully complete all probationary testing.
PFF’s will be expected to:
- Pass all written tests with a score of 80% or better
- Do their own work (don’t cheat – yourself or the Department) • Perform satisfactorily during practical skills evolutions
- Complete scheduled training modules
Staffing and Overtime
• Probationary firefighters are not permitted to sign up for overtime, either on fire apparatus or transportation units, during the first six months of probation following successful completion of the fire academy.
• Probationary firefighters may work holdover at their assigned station with their assigned crew prior to the 6-month rule at their BC’s approval.
• Probationary firefighters may begin signing up for overtime after completing 6 months of probation with successful progress reports from two different Captains identifying that the individual “meets standards”.
• Probationary firefighters may do time trades with members of their recruit class only, for the first 6 months in the field. Upon successful completion of this 6 months, probationary firefighters will fall in line with MFMD time trade policies.
• The East Deputy office may supersede the 6-month overtime rule to meet operational demands and organizational needs.
302.00
4/4
Is the skill and ability to control the depletion of an air supply to achieve the longest possible duration and provide the best opportunity for survival in the event of an emergency.
Air management.
This requires the application of the Rule of Air Management (ROAM), which states, “Know how much air is in your SCBA, and manage that air so that you leave the IDLH environment BEFORE your low air warning alarm activates.” Put simply, air equals time. The amount of time/air that is available to work is what is left after subtracting the time/air consumed going into the building, and allowing an equal amount of time/air to get out of the building, not including the reserve air.
Air management has to be both a team effort and an individual responsibility.
303.00
2/30
All Mesa Fire & Medical Department SCBA’s are equipped with a ______ __ ______ low air alarm.
Visible and Audible.
The activation of the Vibralert low air alarm indicates that the individual is consuming the reserve air supply. The reserve air supply is not intended for routine use, but to provide a margin of safety and a small supply of air in an emergency. While activation of the Vibralert requires that the firefighter must immediately leave the hazardous atmosphere, waiting until the Vibralert activates before deciding that it is time to exit allows for no margin of error. It is the Company Officer’s responsibility to monitor their crew’s air supply and ensure that the crew has exited an IDLH atmosphere before consumption of reserve air begins (i.e. the Vibralert activates).
303.00
3/30
What are the 5 key aspects of air management?
- Begin with a full cylinder.
There are five key aspects of air management that must be addressed to effectively manage a limited air supply. The first and most overlooked aspect is beginning an operation or assignment with less than a completely full cylinder. This practice lacks professionalism. The mindset that says it is OK to use a cylinder that is 500 PSI below “full” fails to realize the fact that this air pressure is lost and cannot be conveniently replaced in a hazardous atmosphere at a working event. Air that is lost is time that is lost. In order to make an air supply last as long as possible, start with the largest air supply possible. - Know how much air is left in the cylinder.
The second aspect of air management is to always know the amount of air that is left in the cylinder. Air management requires an awareness of the time in a hazardous environment, and time is measured by the amount of air left in the cylinder. This should be reaction driven; firefighters should automatically check their air levels throughout events. A few reminders for firefighters to check air level are: prior to entry, tactical benchmarks, elapsed time notifications, task completion, and room-to-room travel or distance traveled. In addition, Company Officers should include the remaining air supply when giving PCAN reports. These frequent checks will keep members in tune with their diminishing air supply. Wet divers are always mindful of their air supply. If they run out of air while still under water, they cannot breathe water for a few seconds while they ascend. They know how much time they have left before they start their ascent to the surface. It is important firefighters inherit this same sense of awareness in regard to air supply. Firefighters must always know how much time they have left before they need to begin exiting a hazardous atmosphere. - Self awareness.
The third aspect of air management is self-awareness. This comes from the member knowing exactly how long it will take to completely breathe down their air cylinder. This knowledge can only come from participation in some sort of SCBA consumption exercise. This drill involves having firefighters doing the same activities they would be expected to perform at a working event while breathing down an air supply. This will give a more accurate estimate of time that a given air supply will last for a particular firefighter, and will prove valuable to supervisors, the member, and their crew. Since fitness levels typically fluctuate through a firefighter’s career, this exercise needs to be repeated on a regular basis. The knowledge of self-time constraints will build a firefighter’s self-awareness. - Strong knowledge of the SCBA.
The fourth aspect of air management is a strong knowledge of their SCBA. Knowing how to use all of the emergency features of an SCBA can be critically important. This knowledge has to be gained ahead of time through study and practice, not during an actual emergency event. A solid technical base will enhance the firefighter’s knowledge and confidence to swiftly identify problems and circumvent the needless loss of air/time. - Psychological control. Be mindful of your breathing.
The last aspect of air management is psychological control, or one’s own ability to control their breathing rate. Controlled breathing is a conscious effort to inhale naturally through the nose and to force exhalation from the mouth. Another technique to conserve air is called “skip breathing”. This technique is to take a short breath, hold, take a second short breath before exhaling, and then relax with a long exhale. Each breath should take 5 seconds. Practicing controlled breathing during training will help firefighters to maximize the efficient use of air while they are working. The need to control breathing to manage air consumption is critical in a lost or trapped situation. During an event command may have to coach a firefighter on breathing control. The ability to stay calm and control breathing will lengthen the duration of air supply and therefore lengthen the time available to be rescued.
303.00
4/30
While the cylinders are rated by NIOSH to last 45 minutes, this rating, called the service life, is the result of tests performed by a breathing machine and should not be used as an expectation of true air supply duration. The duration of the air supply will depend on such factors as:
- The degree of physical activity of the firefighter.
- The physical condition of the firefighter.
- The physical size of the firefighter.
- The degree to which a firefighter’s breathing is affected by excitement, fear or other emotional factors.
- The degree of training or experience which the firefighter has with the SCBA.
- Whether or not the cylinder is fully charged at the start of the work period.
- A loose or improperly fitting face piece which is not able to make an adequate seal.
303.00
6/30
The cylinder valve assembly is constructed of forged aluminum and consists of:
- A dual pressure gauge indicating pressure at all times.
- A quick release fitting that inserts into the pressure reducer on the back frame.
- A threaded fill port with dust cap.
- An elastomeric bumper for valve protection.
- A hand wheel activated valve mechanism with a spring loaded,positive action, ratchet type lock for “lock open service”.
- A safety relief device utilizing a frangible disk.
The back frame is made of stamped aluminum alloy and combined with, composite material, Kevlar shoulder straps and waist belt to make a harness assembly. The back frame assembly uses a unique “Snap-Change” mechanism to engage the cylinder valve assembly to the pressure reducer. The upper part of the cylinder is secured by an adjustable retention strap and cylinder latch.
303.00
7/30
On the heads up display, After initialization, the rectangular indicator lights will show the level of the air supply as follows:
a. FULL cylinder is indicated by two green lights glowing near the center of the display.
b. THREE-QUARTERS cylinder is indicated by a single green light glowing.
c. ONE-HALF cylinder is indicated by the yellow light flashing slowly at once a second. The user must consider leaving the hazardous atmosphere to replace cylinder.
d. ONE-QUARTER cylinder end of service time indicator is indicated by the red light at the far left flashing rapidly at ten times a second. When the warning light is flashing rapidly, the User must leave the hazardous atmosphere immediately
When the batteries require changing, the round LOW BATTERY indicator at the far right of the display will light for 20 seconds and then begin to flash slowly at once a second. When the LOW BATTERY indicator is actuated, the batteries will have sufficient life to operate the HEADS-UP display longer than the longest duration cylinder installed on the respirator. However, the batteries (requires 6 “AA” cell batteries) must be changed immediately upon termination of use, or before reentry into a hazardous atmosphere
303.00
20/30
In the event of a SCBA malfunction or a suspected malfunction, implement the appropriate procedure:
- Vibralert alarm actuates during use and before the air supply is depleted to 33% of full capacity. The primary reducer may have failed and the system automatically transferred to the backup system. NOTIFY CREW MEMBERS AND, WITH A PARTNER, LEAVE THE CONTAMINATED AREA IMMEDIATELY!
- Should the air supply be partially or completely cut off during use, fully open the purge valve (red knob on regulator) by turning it counterclockwise (pointer on knob downward) and check to be certain the cylinder valve is fully opened. NOTIFY CREW MEMBERS AND, WITH A PARTNER, LEAVE THE CONTAMINATED AREA IMMEDIATELY!
- Should the air supply begin to flow freely into the face piece during use, fully open the purge valve by turning it clockwise, partially close the cylinder valve by pushing in and rotating clockwise to regulate the flow of air to satisfy the requirements of the user. Do not close the cylinder completely. NOTIFY CREW MEMBERS AND, WITH A PARTNER, LEAVE THE CONTAMINATED AREA IMMEDIATELY!
303.00
26/30
A large amount of energy is generated by the rotation of the chain around the guide bar. If anything occurs that stops this rotation, reactive forces occur instantly. The most hazardous of these forces to the operator is _______.
Kickback.
This condition occurs when the upper quadrant of the bar nose contacts a solid object or is pinched. The resultant force may cause the entire saw to be thrown out of the cut and toward the operator in the plane of the guide bar.
When cutting, the operator should strive to be positioned to keep the chain out of line with the body. The proper positioning of the chainsaw and body could prevent injury from a broken chain, flying debris, or chainsaw kickback. Chains are capable of dislodging and throwing objects such as nails, small rocks and splinters a considerable distance. Eye protection shall be worn by all members involved in cutting operations.
304.01
5/14
To avoid kickback, the following precautions should be taken:
- Hold the chain saw firmly with both hands.
- Be aware of the bar tip location at all times.
- Never bring the nose of the guide bar into contact with any object.
- Don’t overreach.
- Avoid cutting above shoulder height.
- Operate the chainsaw at full throttle during cutting.
A chain brake is provided on chainsaws to prevent injury due to kickback. There are two ways that a chain brake is engaged: manual and automatic.
Members can manually engage a chain brake by pushing the hand guard forward with the left hand. This is a safety precaution the operator shall use when moving from place to place in the work area.
Automatic engagement most often occurs when the chainsaw kicks back, causing the left hand to strike the hand guard. This occurs very quickly and the brake engages within 1/10 of a second.
304.01
6/14
Carbide tips will become dull with normal use. Dull chains should be replaced when:
A radius on the cutting edge is visible to the naked eye or if you find three broken tips in a row or six total in the chain.
If carbide tips become damaged, it will be necessary to replace the chain when:
1. Missing/damaged tips on 3 or more cutters in a row.
2. Missing/damaged tips on 6 or more cutters anywhere.
3. Cracked/broken tie straps.
4. Dull chain.
5. Bar is damaged.
304.01
11/14
The 18” is a Unifire smoke ejector. This smoke ejector has?(read only)
A 5.5HP Honda 4 cycle motor. It weighs 75 pounds and is rated at 14,800CFM with a 4 blade composite fan blade.
Note: If the engine does not start after about three tries, do not keep trying with the choke closed as this will flood the engine. Instead, fully open the choke and try. Also check that the stop-switch is at ON.
304.03
2/6
The 21 inch is a Tempest power blower.This smoke ejector has?(read only)
A 5.5HP, 4 cycle Honda engine. It weighs 90 pounds and is rated at 21,150CFM with a wooden propeller and is carried on MFMD Ladder trucks.
Note: If the engine does not start after about three tries, do not keep trying with the choke closed as this will flood the engine. Instead, fully open the choke and try. Also check that the stop-switch is at ON.
304.03
2/6
The model 2007U, 27-inch spreader has a maximum spreading force of ________ pounds, a maximum pulling force of ______ pounds and a squeezing force in the tips with closed arms of _____ pounds. Weight including fluid and couplers is __ pounds.
Spreads @ 23,000 Pulls @ 14,000 Squeezes @ 9,700 @ the tips Weighs 41 pounds. These tools operate at a maximum working pressure of 10,500 PSI which is supplied by a Holmatro gasoline powered hydraulic pump. 304.04 2/7
The Mesa Fire Department uses two 5-inch cutters: Model 2001U uses mineral based hydraulic fluids. The 2001U has a working pressure of 10,500 psi and is used with the Holmatro hydraulic pump: The 2001U has a cutting force of ______ pounds in the recess and _____ pounds in the blade center. The tool weighs ____ pounds.
Cutting force of 63,400 in the recess and 41,00 at the center.
Weighs 27 1/2 pounds.
These tools operate at a maximum working pressure of 10,500 PSI which is supplied by a Holmatro gasoline powered hydraulic pump.
304.04
4/7
The hydraulic twin plunger RAM has a pushing power of ______ lbs. and a pulling power of _____ lbs. The RAM has a weight of ____ lbs., collapsed length of _______ inches, and an extended length of ________inches. This tool will accommodate interchangeable pushing and pulling heads.
Pushing power of 22,400 and pulling power of 11,200. Weighs 36 1/2 pounds. Collapses to 27 1/2 inches and extends to 43 3/8 inches. These tools operate at a maximum working pressure of 10,500 PSI which is supplied by a Holmatro gasoline powered hydraulic pump. 304.04 7/7
What is the proper pressure to run the AJAX tool?
The proper pressures to operate the tool is 90 PSI for normal auto body metal. Heavier metals such as door locks, nader pins, door hinges, etc. require higher pressures 150 to160 PSI. Maximum pressure should never exceed 300 psi.
Each kit should contain an air chisel, pry bar, four chisels, quarter-inch air hose, oil and regulator. The regulator has a safety blow off of above 325 PSI. Turn the control knob on the regulator clockwise to increase the air pressure to the chisel and counterclockwise to decrease the pressure. The chisel has a safety retainer so the non- turn tools won’t fall free.
The regulator is designed for use with 4500 PSI air tanks.
The standard hose in the kit is a 15 foot, heavy-duty, double braided hose with a bursting pressure of 1000 PSI.
304.05
2/3
Thermal Imaging Cameras (T.I.C.) are an effective tool that aid in a:(Read only)
More efficient search and rescue, supporting fire control efforts, assisting in locating lost or trapped firefighters, providing more effective training, supporting fire investigations and overall fire ground safety.
Imagers will enable firefighters to execute faster, more effective interior attacks on the fire. They will also enhance the safety of firefighters by helping to locate the shortest route to the fire, holes in the floor and obstacles in the structure.
Some other uses are:
• Reduces fatigue of interior crews because efficiency is increased in performing searches and suppression.
• Allows Rapid Intervention Crew (Rescue Sector) to quickly and efficiently locate downed firefighters.
• May be used to determine fluid level within a sealed container, which may be useful during an incident involving a hazardous material.
• May be used as a search tool to locate lost persons in open wilderness areas.
• ARFF uses inside of aircraft.
• Can be used to determine best location for vertical ventilation operations.
• Can be used to locate lost persons in swift water rescue situations.
• Isolate overheated appliances faster.
• Locate bad light ballast’s.
• Locate smoldering hot spots on brush fires or during overhaul operations on structure fires.
• Training. Use of the Imager (with transmitter) located on CV206 during training evolutions can help assist others viewing from outside.
The T3 Series features Super Red Hot high heat colorization. With the Super Red Hot feature, heat levels are identified by various color hues. Starting at 500*F, heated objects are tinted yellow and gradually transition to orange and then solid red as heat levels rise.
The T3 Series T.I.C. is equipped with Electronic Thermal Throttle (ETT). The ETT is ideal for pinpointing hot spots during overhaul, searching for overheated electrical equipment, or clarifying objects in ambient temperature situations.
304.07
1/5
What are the two acceptable knots for tying off the halyards on ladders?
Bangor and clove hitch.
304.09
3/3
The Mesa Fire and Medical Department uses a 10’ folding ladder as the “scissor” ladder for attic access. The ladder has __ inch rung centers with an opening width of ___”.
The Mesa Fire and Medical Department uses a 10’ folding ladder as the “scissor” ladder for attic access. The ladder has 14” rung centers with an opening width of 12 3/4”. It is critical when closing the ladder to keep your fingers on the outside and not pinch them. The ladder “locks”, by using the special locking device near the heel of the ladder.
304.11
2/2
Fire service ropes are classified into two categories; utility lines and life lines. What are their uses?
Utility lines(black bag; 100’ 3 strand nylon)
- Hoisting & lowering tools
- Rigging
- Crowd control
- Anchoring
Life lines(red bag; 100’ 1/2” kernmantle nylon)
- Rescue
- Stokes
- Immediate threat to safety
- one time use then returned to resource to be destroyed.
Laid (twisted) rope is used in MFMD for utility rope. One disadvantage of laid ropes is that they are susceptible to abrasion. This affects the ropes strength since a large portion of the load bearing strands are exposed. One advantage of the laid rope is that the exposed strands make it easy to inspect.
Kernmantle rope is used for all life safety situations in the MFMD. Kernmantle is a jacketed synthetic rope with a braided covering (mantle) over a core (kern) of the main load bearing strands. The core is made of high strength nylon fibers that account for 75 percent of the total strength of the rope. The sheath provides the rest of the rope’s overall strength and protects the core from abrasion and contamination. Inspecting a Kernmantle rope can be difficult because the damage may not be obvious.
The following formulas are used to determine weight loads for each rope. Note that the breaking strength is divided as to allow for safe usages. This equation allows for a “buffer” of sorts:
Utility line limit = breaking strength /5
Life line limit = breaking strength /10
304.13
5/6
Firefighters should be aware that although essential to rescue use, knots can still weaken rope strength. Examples of this are:(read only)
- Bowline- 50%
- Figure-8 on a bight- 40%
- Right angle bend (building edge)- 50% (try and pad all edges)
- Running rope through an eye splice to form a loop- 20%
- An eye splice with a carabineer- 0% loss
Ropes are either static or dynamic in type. Static rope has little give with 2-4% stretch when loaded. Dynamic ropes are constructed differently then static ropes and are made to stretch as much as 20% when loaded.
The Mesa Fire and Medical Department uses static rope for its operations.
304.13
6/6
Nomenclature the firefighter must know relative to rope:
-Working end: The part of the rope that is to be used in forming the knot.
-Standing part: The part between the working end and the running part.
-Running part: The part of the rope that is to be used for work such as hoisting, pulling or belaying.
-Dressing: Making the rope run smoothly w/o any extra bends or twists.
-Whipped: To terminate the ends by using shrink tubing.(304.14)
Rope ends are subject to fraying and must be properly whipped (terminated) using shrink tubing.
-Drawing up: The slow and even tightening of a knot.
-Slack: Release tension.
304.15
2/11
What are the five basic fire service knots?
-Clove hitch/keeper: Attaches to rounds without slippage.
This is a self-tightening knot used in hoisting. Usually used as a base knot in conjunction with a half hitch. It will not slip.
-Bowline: Forms non-slip loop at the tail of a rope.
The bowline is used to form a loop or tie a rope around an object.
- Becket/sheet bend: Attaches two ropes of unequal size. Can also be used to attach ropes of equal size.
- Figure 8: Primary rescue knot. Has various configurations
-Rescue knot: Forms personal body harness.
304.15
3/11
Air bags should be replaced every 10 years. How can the production date be found out?
The first 2 numbers of the serial number designate the production date.
304.16
4/4
The basic principle of drafting is to create a negative pressure (vacuum) inside the fire pump to allow atmospheric pressure on the water surface to force water up the suction tube into the fire pump.(read only)
-A perfect vacuum provides 14.7 psi of negative pressure at sea level or 30 inches of vacuum
-A fire apparatus primer should be able to develop 22 inches of vacuum in 30 seconds
-22 inches of vacuum will lift water approximately 24 feet
-The maximum practical lift for fireground operations is 20 feet
-Fire apparatus pumps are designed to supply their rated capacity at a lift of no
greater than 10 feet
-The size of the suction hose/hard sleeve affects the maximum flow for a given lift
305.09
2/4
The attack pack accessory bag should contain the following items:(read only)
2 - Folding spanner wrenches 1 - Elevator key-ring set 1 - Double male 1 1/2" 1 - Double female 1 1/2" 1 - Sector responsibility cards 5 - Rubber door straps 6 - Wooden wedges 1 – Phoenix 1 1⁄2” adapter (Orange) 1 – Tempe 2 1⁄2” adapter (White) 1 – 2 1⁄2” to 1 1⁄2” gated wye 5 – High rise hose straps 2 – Recessed sprinkler tool 2 – Door hangars 1 – 1 1⁄2” Pipe Female to 1 1⁄2” NH Male adapter 306.10 2/2
PCAAN stands for what and what should be included?
Position:
Outside or inside A/B/C/D
Conditions:
Visibility and heat.
Actions:
Working towards. S&R/FA, Extension
Air:
Lowest air bottle.
Needs:
Manpower, ventilation
307.01
4/17
Many benefits can be gained through the Minimum Company Standard process. Some of these are?
- Crews have the opportunity to make drilling a priority
- Individual performance can be evaluated by company officers
- Tasks not routinely performed will be practiced
- Command officers will have an accurate gauge to evaluate how much time a task may involve on the fireground
- Allows the evaluation of BSO and Day Personnel to insure determined skill competency
- Evaluation of crew consistency and competency
Each company will be responsible for completing:
1) Two-three minimum company operation evolutions.
2) Any skill or evolution requested by the Battalion Chief
307.01/02
2/17
What makes up Conventional construction?
This type of construction utilizes heavy dimension lumber and large support members. Rafters and joists are usually 2 x 6 or larger. Decking is usually 1 x 6 set perpendicular or diagonal to rafters. This construction is more fire resistant than the lightweight construction found in modern day buildings. Conventional construction is fairly safe for firefighting ventilation. It is most often found in pre-1960 buildings and less often as the buildings age becomes newer.
308.02
2/2
Another name for a lightweight concrete roof?
Robertsons decking. Steel or wood sub-structure covered with corrugated metal “Robertson Decking”. An air-entrained mixture of sand, cement, and, occasionally, pea gravel is pumped on top of the metal decking to a depth of 3 - 4 inches. Wire mesh is embedded in the mixture for strength. When set, composition roofing is utilized as the final, waterproof layer.
308.06
2/2
SAWTOOTH ROOF(read only)
Constructed in commercial applications to yield additional light and ventilation. Constructed with rafters of 2 x 6 or larger lumber size. Rafters are usually 16 inches to 24 inches on center. Additional support is provided by joists and collar beams. Roof is constructed in semi-flat to steep pitches. 2 x 8 lumber or larger and utilizes wood and/or metal braces for added strength. Vertical portion is usually wired glass with openable panes. Sloped portion is covered with 1x sheathing or plywood decking. Waterproof cover is usually composition.
Easy to ventilate by opening hinged panes. This structure is designed for ventilation.
308.07
2/3
BRIDGE TRUSS ROOF(read only)
Wooden truss members constructed from 2 x 12 lumber with sloping ends. Usually a heavy grade of construction. Metal tie rods may be used vertically for additional support. Joists are 2 x 6 or 2 x 8 and covered with 1x sheathing and composition roofing. Metal tie rods will fail first when a truss is exposed to fire.
308.08
2/2
BOWSTRING ARCH ROOF(read only)
An arched roof with metal tie rods and turnbuckles which offer lateral support. Tie rods are used below each arch to support the outside walls. The tie rods will occasionally pass through the outside wall and anchor to steel plates. This will facilitate identification of the roof type. Tension is maintained by turnbuckles. Top chord arch members may be 2 x 12 or larger. Rafters are 2 x 10 covered by 1x sheathing and composition roofing. (Kerby’s Furniture at 422 E. Broadway Mesa, AZ)
The primary hazard is the early failure of metal tie rods. These rods provide lateral support for the exterior walls preventing the arches from pushing them outward, collapsing the building.
308.09
RIBBED (TRUSSED) ARCH ROOF(read only)
Usually large size (2 x 12 or 2 x 14) wooden timbers utilized in the construction of this roof. Some arches incorporate multiple laminated beams to form one arch. Rafters of 2 x 10 or larger wood are covered with 1x sheathing and composition roofing materials.
308.10
2/2
LAMELLA SUMMERBELL ROOF(read only)
Egg-crate, geometric, or diamond patterned roof. This roof is commonly called a “Summerbell Roof” because it was most often constructed by the Summerbell Company. Constructed of 2 x 12 lumber, steel plates, and bolts at junctions of framing. Roof decking is 1x sheathing covered by composition roofing materials. The arch form is supported externally by trusses or internally by metal tie rods with turnbuckles. Many high school gymnasiums have this type of roof.
Possible total roof collapse if the fire removes more than 20% of roof structure. Collapse will occur at this point from the “domino effect”.
308.11
2/2
CONVENTIONAL FLAT ROOF(read only)
Wood joists or rafters of various sizes laid across the outside walls or from the outside walls to interior walls or interior structural supports. Joists may also be suspended by metal hangers. Joists are covered with 1x sheathing or plywood decking and composition roofing material. This is a very common roof found often on older 1940s- 1960s homes and commercial.
308.12
2/2
Effective height of a building is:
The overall height from the base of the ladder to the eave line or top of parapet.
The effective height of the building and the access to the building will tell the officer what size ladders are to be used if they are to be used at all. It must be remembered that the best access to structures is usually by way of built in means (stairs, ramps, etc). Ladders should be employed only when other means are not suitable.
309.01
3/3
