Chapter 13 Flashcards
242
What roles do Fire Officers perform in relation to properties within their communities (what critical task do the perform)?
- Identifying and correcting fire safety hazards
- Developing and maintaining pre-incident plans.
- Promoting fire safety through public education.
243
Pre-incident planning
document developed by gathering general and detailed data used by responding personnel to determine the resources and actions necessary to mitigate anticipated emergencies at a specific facility.
243
Recommended Practice for Pre-incident Planning
NFPA 1620
243
high value property
contains equipment, materials, or items that have a high replacement value.
243-244
high risk property
has the potential to produce a catastrophic property or life loss in the event of a fire. (ie nuclear power plant, bulk fuel storage)
244
Today what are pre-incident plans meant to identify?
They are meant to advance the strategies tactic and actions that should be taken if a predictable situations occurs, and to make the firefighters familiar with the building.
244
NFPA 1620 Outlines a six- step method for pre-incident plans
- ID physical elements and site conditions
- ID occupant considerations
- ID fire protection systems and water supply
- ID special hazards
- ID emergency operations considerations
- ID special or unusual characteristics of common occupancy
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NFPA 1620 Pre-Incident plans procedure
Step one
- Identify physical elements and site conditions:
This step is all about identifying all the structural elements of the building. The size and dimensions, construction, floor plan, stairwell locations, utilities etc
244-245
NFPA 1620 Pre-Incident plans procedure
Step two
- Identify Occupant Considerations:
This part of the preincident plan looks at the occupants their age and physical and mental condition and decided how and if they will be evacuated. the preincident plan should plan on where these occupants would be moved to and what services they may need. Long term tracking of the occupants may be needed as well.
245
NFPA 1620 Pre-Incident plans procedure
Step three
- Identify Fire Protection Systems and Water Supply
Evaluate the building size and contents to determine water supply. Document the location of hydrants and their flow rates, ideally the hydrants would feed off a large main as part of a grid system. If demand exceeds available water then preincident plan should identify a way to mitigate the lack of water ( relay operations or water shuttle). FDCs and FACPs should be noted.
245
NFPA 1620 Pre-Incident plans procedure
Step four
- Identify Special Hazards:
Document any special hazards and ensure required resources (spec ops) are sent during emergencies. Special hazards may include flammable/combustable liquids, biological agents, chemicals etc. Pre-incident plan should note contact information for facility hazmat coordinator and location of material safety data sheet.
246
NFPA 1620 Pre-Incident plans procedure
Step five
5.Identify Emergency Operation Considerations:
Preincident plan should plan on how to fight a fire in this building. Where CP should be located.
246-247
NFPA 1620 Pre-Incident plans procedure
Step six
- Identify Special or Unusual Characteristics of Common Occupancy:
Particular hazards for each occupancy group researched then cross reference types of hazards with code and incidents with the goal of IDing hazards that specific occupancy groups tend to have with that particular building and try to plan for that hazard….ie multiple FFer deaths occur in places of assembly. Then analysis the specific assembly building and try to find ways to mitigate those hazards that contribute to those deaths.
247
What is the goal of preincident planning?
to develop a written plan that would be valuable to both the owner of the building and the fire department if an incident occurs at that location.
247
What is the relationship between state fire codes and local fire code?
State fire codes are applied state wide and tend to set a minimum standard. Where local codes are only applicable within the jurisdiction and tend to be more stringent requirements.
247
Mini/max code
mini/max code is where the local code may not exceeded the state minimum, no local control over fire code.
247
catastrophic theory of reform
Fire codes are often adopted or amended in reaction to fire disasters
247
Authority having jurisdiction
term used in NFPA to refer to an organization, office or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard.
Authority having jurisdiction for a state would be the state fire Marshall.
AHJ has the ability to delegate the power to enforce the code to the fire officers, fire inspectors, and other individuals who actually conduct inspections.
247-248
building code vs fire code
building code and fire code establish minimum safety standards.
Building codes contain regulations that apply to the construction of a new building or extension or major renovation of an existing building.
Fire Codes applies existing building and to situations that involve a potential fire risk or hazard.
Building code requires the sprinklers be installed fire code ensures the sprinklers are maintained and functioning properly.
248
who enforces state fire codes?
The state fire Marshall usually delegates that responsibility to local fire officials.
248
Ordinance
law enacted by authorized subdivision of a state such as a city, town or county.
248
model codes
documents developed by a standards-developing organization, such as the NFPA, and made it available for adoption by authorities have jurisdiction.
248
what does a complete set of model codes include?
building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire codes
248
what is the primary advantage of a model code?
The same regulations apply in many jurisdictions, and all of the requirements are coordinated to work together without conflicts.
248
What are the two paths that a model code may be adopted by a jurisdiction?
Adoption by reference - where the jurisdiction passes an ordinance and adopts a specific edition of the model code. ie jurisdiction adopts NFPA1
Adoption by transcription when the adopts the entire text ie when jurisdiction copy the language of the code and insert that into the actual ordinance.
248
how often is model code updated?
3-5 years
249
How long does code last?
For as long as the building is occupied for the same purpose. If the use of the building changes ie residential to assembly , or is extensively remodeled then the code must be brought current.
249
What are two reasons for fire companies to preform inspections
- clarify means of access and egress
2. status of built in fire protection features
249
What does the inclusion of FPS allow in terms of building construction?
It allows more flexibility in the design of the building. The travel time to exits can increase, the access for apparatus could be restricted the building can be taller etc.
249
What are the numbers behind sprinklers effectiveness?
NPFA’s U.S. Experience with Sprinklers
Sprinklers operated 91% of the time the fire was large enough to activate them
Of that 91% activation they were effective in controlling the fire 96% of the time. Giving a combined performance of operating effectively 87% of the time.
Wet pipe 89% effective …. Dry Pipe 76%
249
What is the best method to ensure sprinkler systems work as they should?
Inspections
249
What are the three primary components of water based fire protection systems?
Automatic sprinkler systems
Standpipe systems
Fire pumps
250
Which systems requires less maintenance, dry pipe or wet pipe sprinkler systems?
wet pipe require less maintenance, since dry systems activations then require the whole system to empties and filled with air/nitrogen
250
Deluge
wet or dry system where all sprinklers are open and ready to discharge water. Smoke, flame fire detectors activate and open control value and the whole system is activated dumping large amounts of water to quickly extinguish the fire.
250
Preaction
similar to a dry system but includes a separate detection system that triggers the dry pipe to fill, sprinkler head then still has to activate.
250
Standpipe systems
class 1 - discharge 2.5 for FD use class 2 -discharge 1.5 and hose for civilian use class 3 - both
250
What are the four types of special extinguishing systems that may be used in various structures?
- carbon dioxide
- dry/wet chemical
- Halon/clean agent
- Foam
251
Carbon Dioxide Systems
fixed system that discharge CO2 from either low -pressure or high-pressure tanks to protect specific devices or process or flood an enclosed space.
Extinguishes fire through displacement of oxygen. heavier than air.
251
Dry/Wet Chemical
Fixed chemical extinguishing systems discharge a chemical extinguishing agent pipe, hoses, nozzle.
Wet chemical used in commercial cooking and may have a cap to ensure nozzle not clogged with grease. react with grease and form foam blanked.
Dry chemical leave residue that is difficult to clean up.
Both activated by fusible link or pull station
251
Halon
Extinguishing agent of choice for computer rooms, great abut kills ozone layer so banned, legacy systems can still be charged.
New replacement clean agents work in the same way by flooding a room and displacing oxygen.
These chemicals are toxic and have an alarm that sounds warning people to get out before system activates.
10s-1min
251
Foam systems
Low expansion foam systems used to protect hazards involving flammable or combustable liquids. Foam bubbles smother fire in foam blanket. high expansion foam excludes air and fill a large area with foam.
252
The goal for an inspector doing a maintenance inspection
Observe the system and ensure that no fire hazards exist and confirm that the built in fire protection features are in proper working order.
253
Construction Types
Type I, Fire resistive: construction elements are noncombustible protected from the effects of fire by encasing in concrete, gypsum, or sprain coatings. Most durable.
Type II, Noncombustible: Structural elements made of noncombustible or limited combustable materials. Structural elements are not protected from fire or limited.
Subtypes in rating hours.
Type III, Limited combustible (ordinary): load bearing walls are noncombustible masonry. Internal structural elements may be combustable or a combination of combustable and noncombustible. Usually no higher than four stories.
Type IV, Heavy timber: exterior walls are noncombustible and interior structural elements are unprotected wood beams and columns with large cross-sectional dimensions. Durable, may exceed water supply
Type V, Wood frame: the entire structure may be constructed of wood or any other approved material.
254
Occupancy type
refers to the purpose for which a building or portion of a building is used or is intended to be used.
254
Use groups
Code requirements are determined by the structures use group. Occupancies are classified into use groups based on the characteristics of the occupants, the activities, and the risk factor associated with the contents.
254
Assembly
Occupancy used for gatherings of people for deliberation, worship, entertainment, eating, drinking, amusement, or awaiting transportation.
Examples: churches, bars, nightclubs, sporting venues indoor, restaurants
254
Business
Occupancy used for account and record keeping transaction of business other than mercantile
Examples: dentist office, banks, hair salon, colleges and universities, insurance office, tv station
255
Educational
educational purposes from through the 12 grade
255
Industrial
occupancy where products are manufactured or processing, assembling, mixing, packing, finishing, decorating, or repair operations are conducted
Examples :Auto assembly plants, clothing manufacturing, food processing, cement plants, furniture production
255
Health Care
Occupancy used for purposes of medical or other treatment or for care of furor more persons where such occupants are mostly incapable of self preservation due to age, physical or mental disability or security measures not under the occupants control.
Examples: hospitals, nursing homes
255
Detention and Correctional
occupancy used to house four or more persons under varied degrees of restraint or security, where such occupants are mostly incapable of self preservation because of security measures not under occupants control
Examples: jails, prisons, detention facilities
255
Mercantile
occupancy used for the display and see of merchandise
Examples: retail stores, convenience stores, department stores, drug stores, shops
255-256
Residential (5)
occupancy provides sleeping accommodations for the purposes other than health care, detention,. or corrections. 5 subtypes
1-one/two family dwellings
2-lodging or rooming houses:buildings that sleep 16 or fewer on a transient or permanent w/o care, w/o meals and w/o separate cooking facilities.
3-Hotels: more than 16 transient
4-Dormitories: more than 16
5-Apartment buildings:three or more dwellings w/ separate cooking areas
256
Storage
Occupancy used primarily for storing or sheltering goods, merchandise, products, vehicles, or animals
Examples: cold storage plants, granaries, lumber yard, warehouse
256
Mixed
property has multiple types of occupancies w/i single structure. ie old commercial building turned into residential but with bakery on first floor
256
Unusual
misc ie towers, water tanks and barns
256
Standard system for identification of hazards of materials for emergency response
NFPA 704
256
What are all the colors in the NFPA 704 diamond, where are they and what do they represent? (2)
left diamond is blue and it represents health hazard
top diamond is red and it reps the flammability hazard
right diamond is yellow and it reps the reactivity hazard
bottom diamond is white and it reps the special hazard
rated 0-4, where 0 is all good and 4 is extreme danger
704 marker at entrance of building and doorway to chemical storage area.
258
When preparing for an inspection what activities are recommended? (5)
-Review the code that applies to that property
-Review prior inspections reports and file history.
Chronic problem you should address?
Pattern of lengthy time to correct violations.
Incident history may indicate issues they have.
Bring preincident plan see if contact info can be updated
- Coordinate so inspections are not back to back
- Arrange visit as to not interfere with business as much as you can but watch out for violations.
- Bring items you need for inspection
259
What is the systematic fashion that should be followed for inspections? (5)
Approach the inspection in a systematic manner
- Circle the building and observer all four sides as you park. confirm location of hydrants, FDC
- Meet the building representative, give goal of inspection, update contact info
- Begin inspection Outside to inside bottom to top…FPS, fire pump, etc… Verify all means of access and egress are clear, most important issue of an inspection this type
- Wrap up interview, review what was found, issue any corrective orders.
- write formal report
260
When conducting inspection when should life threatening hazards be corrected?
Other hazards?
they must be corrected immediately
30-90 days
260
What are the general inspection requirements? (4)
generally requirements
properly operating exit doors
unobstructed paths to egress
fire protection systems be inspected
extinguisher be inspected
260-261 What should your inspection note about... Access and Egress Exits signs and emergency lighting Portable fire extinguishers Built in fire protection systems Electrical Special Hazards Hazard Identification Signs
- Access and Egress-look for improper storage that blocks exits, requires immediate corrective action-
1st most important step. - Exit signs and Emergency lighting-burned out battery back up doesn’t work
- Portable extinguishers- look for correct size, type, location, inspection tag
- Built in FPS- 2nd FDC unobstructed, caps on, sprinkler wrench/head available, control value open locked
5.Electrical-no combustable stored around panels - Special hazards-hazardous use permit
- Hazard identification signs-NFPA 704 signs at door? stationary containers?
261
Special concerns with Public Assembly
are all access and egress pathways clear?
Major problem is overcrowding, occupancy load posted
262
Special concerns with Business Occupancies
Access and egress
These occupancies are notorious for inappropriate use of electrical cords
262
Special concerns with Educational Occupancies
Exit paths
262
Special concerns with Factory industrial occupancies
Improperly stored combustibles
263
Special concerns with Hazardous Occupancies (3)
Signs should be posted that prohibit smoking
fire doors should be in working order
FPS should be working/maintained
263
Special concerns with Mercantile Occupancies (5)
these occupancies are responsible for higher than average number LODD FFer deaths
Exits clearly marked
Exits blocked with merchandise, may interfere with sprinklers, so high
263
Special concerns with Residential occupancies (4)
exits are a major concern
fire doors propped open
emergency lightfoot maintained
objects in standpipes/missing caps
263
Special concerns with Detention Occupancies (3)
working sprinkler system is essential
FDC in worker order
everything locked away
263
Special concerns with Storage occupancies
material stocked too high for sprinkler protection, block sprinklers
264
Business continuity planning
ongoing process to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to identify the impact of potential losses and maintain viable recovery strategies, recovery plans, and continuity services.
