Ch. 14 Fire escape collapse Flashcards
Most fire escapes can be grouped into 1 of 3 classifications:
What are they?
Exterior screened stairways
Party wall balconies
Standard fire escapes (with mechanical street ladders)
Out of the three types of fire escapes we may encounter which is the safest?
The exterior screened stairway-enclosed with a high metal screen to prevent falling from outside the landing. It extends from the top floor of the bldg. to the street by way of a permanent, stationary metal stair with a handrail and the rise of the step is similar to a interior stairway. It has no sliding drop ladder, GOOSENECK ladder, or counterbalance stair. It is wide enough for 2 people to descend side by side
What is the negative feature of an exterior screened stairway?
It is constructed of metal and becomes rusted. When a rusted metal fire escape screened stairway step fails, the FF can fall the rest of the way down the flight of steps or fall through the stairs to the stairway below.
A Party wall balcony is strictly a horizontal exit, through the adjoining occupancy (bldg.). The party wall balcony has no stairway or ladders connecting the intermediate balconies or to the street. The real protection provided by a party wall balcony is the what between the two adjoining occupancies?
The un-pierced fire division wall between the 2 (bldg.’s) occupancies.
Party wall balconies were formerly constructed of metal, they are now constructed of what materials today?
Wood or concrete.
Party wall balconies become quickly overcrowded at fires because-there are no vertical stairways between them & most people do not go to the adjoining occupancy (bldg.).The main hazard of the party wall balcony is what?
The hazard of the party balcony is collapse FROM OVERLOADING OR FAILURE OF THE SUPPORTS fastening the balcony to the outside of the bldg.
When arriving at a fire where people have taken refuge on any type of fire escape, members should act immediately to remove them from these old, rusted metal structures. The SAFEST method to remove people from a party wall balcony is what?
Through the designated horizontal exit and into the adjoining (occupancy) apartment window or door.
If party wall balconies are involved, members should use portable or aerial ladders, taking special care not to strike the weakened fire escape with excessive force when placing the tip of the ladder on the fire escape railing. If possible the ladder shall be placed where.
If possible-the ladder should be leaned against the bldg., next to the fire escape.
Cross reference:
Portable ladder to fire escape railing-slightly above.
Aerial ladder alongside the fire escape 2” off the wall and 1-3 ft. above the railing.
When activating a sliding drop ladder on a standard fire escape where should the FF be positioned?
The FF should be positioned beneath the fire escape balcony. If the drop ladder falls out of the tracks the area under the fire escape will provide protection and the FF will not be struck with the outward falling ladder.
What is the one exception, according to DUNN that a FF would not be standing under the fire escape balcony when releasing the drop ladder?
When the balcony is overloaded with people and in danger of collapse.
When activating a counterbalance stair, FF’s should not stand beneath a counterbalance stairway or its cable, pulley wheel, or heavy metal balancing weights, as they are a collapse hazard. A safer alternative when encountering people awaiting rescue on a counterbalance stair would be?
FDNY ground ladders (This is also a safer alternative to use on standard fire escapes)
