Buildings Construction Or Demolition

Question 1

ISO fires that contain fireworks or explosives, what are the considerations?

Answer 1

Consider offensive firefighting only where there is saveable life ​

Make use of substantial cover (buildings, walls or vehicles may collapse or shower glass) ​

Consider positioning and lashing off firefighting jets and
ground monitors following a suitable and sufficient risk assessment ​

Ensure full PPE is worn with helmet visors down

Question 2

If explosives / fireworks are involved in an ISO container crews should evac and emergency service personnel to what distance?

Answer 2

600m

Question 3

What are the hazards associated with scaffolding?

Answer 3

Scaffolding systems may collapse rapidly and independently of the building, depending upon the severity of the fire​

Collapse may occur beyond the site boundary, hoarding or fencing​

Collapse may pull down other elevations of the building to which it is attached​

The behaviour of aluminium and nylon plugs should be considered​

Not all scaffolding systems are load-bearing​

Presence of scaffolding systems can worsen the fire, particularly where there is non-fire retardant sheeting or netting​

Netting can become loose during a fire and may present an entanglement hazard​

The behaviour of scaffolding in fire is unpredictable and its use during a fire must be subject to an appropriate risk assessment

Question 4

What are the hazards and risks associated at a derelict building?

Answer 4

Children

Rough sleepers

Discarded drug paraphernalia

Illegal activities including the cultivation and production of illegal drugs

Tampered utilities and meters

Malicious traps

Illegal storage of hazardous materials, including gas cylinders

Fly-tipped waste, which could increase fire loading

Various animals, animal waste and carcasses

Question 5

When do scaffolding inspections have to be completed?

Answer 5

On completion and at least weekly there after

Question 6

What are the hazards associated with an ISO container?

Answer 6

Fire ball, blast and pressure waves ​

Communication difficulties ​

Limited areas of substantial cover ​

Backdraught and fire gas ignition ​

Fragmentation of ISO container 

Question 7

What are the hazards associated with demolition sites?

Answer 7

Weakened structures

Specialist plant

Explosives

Dust explosion

Debris, rubble, sharps

Unmarked basements or shafts

Question 8

What are the tactics for ISO containers?

Answer 8

Locate and check any relevant signage present which may assist with identifying the contents of the container(s) ​

Establish the contents of the container as soon as possible and liaise with the owner/responsible person(s) ​

Prevent any external fire, heat or other energy source/stimuli from affecting the container using direct cooling and sprays ​

Monitor the temperature of the external walls with Thermal Imaging Camera ​

Look for any signs of fire gases being released under pressure and at what height to determine the neutral plane. 

Avoid using disc cutters (TRU) to open which may contribute sparks - often the outside hinges may have pins which can be removed 

Question 9

What are the main causes of fire on building sites

Answer 9

Electrical faults -.

Smoking 

Temporary lighting and lamps -

Portable heaters -Placed against a combustible material or left unattended  ​

Arson 

Waste materials​

Flammable gases and liquids -

Question 10

The law requires inspection of scaffolding from which a person might fall from what height?

Answer 10

2m