Chap 15 High Rise Buildings

Question 1

These are considered to be a building in which the highest floor is beyond the reach of available ladders

Answer 1

High Rise Building

Question 2

Ductwork component in an HVAC system that provides an avenue for air flow and returns air to the system

Answer 2

Plenum

Question 3

Significant construction features that affect the way fire departments operate at older high rise buildings?

Answer 3

• Windows that can be opened from the inside
• Lack of central air conditioning or plenums (ductwork)
• Compartmentalization

Question 4

A type of floor layout in which components common to every floor, such as elevators and bathrooms, are centered around the core of the building.

Answer 4

Central (or center) core construction

Question 5

The only way to vent a window in newer (post 1960s) high rise buildings.

Answer 5

Break it, which sends glass flying into the street and is therefore an undesirable fire operations tactic in high rise buildings.

Question 6

Key tactical consideration in high rise fires is the utilization of the buildings systems which include:

Answer 6

• Standpipes
• sprinklers
• HVAC systems
• Elevators
• Fire command station
• Communications systems
• Fire pumps

Question 7

Fire pumps should be able to deliver their rated capacity, which is what?

Answer 7

50 PSI at the highest floor outlet, with a relief valve limiting the pressure to 15 psi

Question 8

A device that prevents smoke travel throughout the HVAC system; often activated by a fire alarm system.

Answer 8

Damper

Question 9

One of the most critical aspects of firefighting in modern high-rise fires is what?

Answer 9

Gaining a handle on air movement throughout the building.

Question 10

Where is the best place to get control of the buildings systems?

Answer 10

At the fire command center located in the lobby.

Question 11

When possible, where should a forward staging be area be set up?

Answer 11

Two floors below the fire floor

Question 12

What should all engine companies reporting into work at high rise fires bring?

Answer 12

Additional hoselines and extra SCBA cylinders.

Question 13

All hose line in High rise operations should be at least what size??

Answer 13

2 ½ inch diameter

Question 14

A phenomenon found in high rise fires wherein heated smoke rises until it establishes equilibrium with the surrounding area and then moves horizontally.

Answer 14

Stratification

Question 15

A phenomenon found in high rise fires wherein as heated air rises and then cools, it forms a layer, or ceiling, from which more rising smoke banks.

Answer 15

Stack effect

Question 16

Specific operations that must be performed in high rise fires?

Answer 16

• Establishing a command post
• staging area
• rehab
• deploying engine, ladder, and rescue companies,
• coordinating search and rescue efforts
• coordinating personnel relief