Chapter 15 - Salvage and Overhaul Flashcards
What is the purpose of salvage
The purpose of salvage work in the Fire Service is to reduce fire, water, and smoke damage during and after fires.
Types of materials of salvage covers
Conventional salvage covers are made from tightly woven, waterproof canvas. Some salvage covers may also be made of Herculite, which is a lightweight, chemically inert, and waterproof material. Herculite is generally unaffected by alkalis, oils, acids, caustics, solvents, mould, and mildew.
- CFD uses both
CFD removes salvage covers from the apparatus to be refolded and placed back on the apparatus every?
2 months
Dry Fold (Accordion)
Working on opposite sides, the firefighters place a hand approximately 25 cm (9 inches) from one end of the salvage cover with their thumb under the cover to hold it in place. With the other hand, they grasp the salvage cover 25 cm (9 inches) from the end and bring the first fold over the first layer until it is even with the end of the salvage cover. The fold size is determined by the locker size on the apparatus. They smooth out any wrinkles.
Wet Fold
The firefighters fold the salvage cover by 1/3 of its length toward the centre.
- Starting from the folded end, the firefighters roll the salvage cover.
One-Person Throw
The one-person throw should only be used when covering materials that cannot be broken and when the throwing action will not cause any damage.
Counter Payoff
The counter payoff is a two-person salvage cover spread. It is used where conditions require exact and careful placing of a salvage cover over displays and fragile merchandise without displacing or damaging it.
Two-Person Balloon
If there is sufficient vertical space, the balloon throw can be used to cover piles of merchandise or objects. This method is quick to deploy and covers the materials with one basic operation. Keep in mind that this manoeuvre is only effective if the firefighters can reach the top of the object to be covered.
Sealing or Joining Salvage Covers
When more than one salvage cover is to be used to protect large quantities of merchandise, it is necessary to join the salvage covers with a watertight seal.
Removing Salvage Covers (Santa Claus Carry)
When removing salvage covers, exercise caution and fold the cover onto itself to prevent snagging on sharp objects and damage to the materials that were covered. Never pull a salvage cover off material. Small amounts of debris and water usually remain on the salvage cover. This debris and water should be contained within the salvage cover while it is being carried outside.
Using a Salvage Cover and Ladder to Form a Chute
In situations where a rigid water chute is beneficial, a ladder can be used to give the salvage tarp support.
Unrolling a Hall Runner
Hall runners are usually made from old salvage covers and are used to prevent the unnecessary soiling of a floor’s surface. The use of a hall runner is one way to promote a good public image not only at a fire, but also at rescue calls.
Overhaul
All operations conducted after the main body of fire has been extinguished.
* Searching for and extinguishing hidden or remaining fire
* Placing building and its contents in a safe condition
* Determining the cause of the fire
* Recognizing and preserving evidence of arson
Overhaul Safety
- Significant threat during overhaul
- Can exist in dangerous concentrations, even if air appears free of smoke
- CO and HCN are common, but others can be present
- Inhaled or absorbed through skin
Use air monitoring devices (Dräger® X- am 2500)
Wear PPE and SCBA until overhaul is complete
True
Other Hazards / and Safety Concerns
- Fire-weakened floors
- Cuts, punctures, and burns from
debris - Broken glass, nails, and sharp
objects - Eye injuries
- Strains and sprains
- Fatigue
Charged hoselines shall be present in case of rekindle
True
Overhaul safety
- Work in teams of two or more
- Maintain awareness of exit routes
- Maintain a RIT throughout the operation
- Monitor need for personnel rehabilitation
- Beware of hidden gas or electrical utilities
- Continue using the accountability system until incident termination
Indicators of possible loss of structural integrity
- Weakened floors
- Spalled concrete
- Weakened steel roof members
- Offset walls
- Weakened roof trusses
- Opened mortar in wall joints
- Melted wall ties holding veneer/curtain walls
- Heavy storage on mezzanines or upper floors
- Water pooled on upper floors
- Large quantities of wet insulation
Hidden Fire Indicators
Sight
* Discoloration of materials
* Peeling paint
* Smoke emissions from cracks
* Cracked plaster
* Rippled wallpaper
* Burned areas
Touch
- heat felt through walls and floors
Sound
- popping or crackling of fire burning
- hissing of steam
Electronic sensors
- TIC
- infrared heat detection
Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC)
- Reduces time needed to perform a search
- Limits secondary structural damage
- May not provide quality images of items behind reflective materials
- If there are discrepancies between the image on the TIC and signs of fire, the space should be opened and visibly inspected
Overhaul Procedures
- Typically begins in area of most severe fire involvement
- IC and lead investigator should coordinate when overhaul should begin
- Looking for fire extension should begin as soon as possible after IC gives the order
- Determine the path the fire traveled
- If floor beams have burned ends where they enter a party wall, flush voids with water and inspect the wall
- Check insulation materials and remove to extinguish, if necessary
- Do not make random openings
Continued..
- Pull open burned windows or doors to expose inner parts of the
frame and visually verify extinguishment - When fire burns around a combustible roof or cornice, open and inspect it
- In balloon construction, check attic & basement for fire extension
- Search concealed spaces below floors, above ceilings or within walls/partitions for fires
- Move furnishings to locations where they will not be damaged
- Cover furnishings with a salvage cover, if not possible to move
- Remove only enough wall, ceiling, or floor to verify extinguishment
- Do not disturb weight-bearing members
Continued..
To locate fire extension into the wall cavity:
* Inspect openings
* Electrical receptacle
* Electrical switches
* Return air ducts
* Heating vents
* Telephone connections
* Cable connections
* Inspect walls and ceilings in kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms, if they show evidence of fire spread
* Consider whether concealed spaces contain electrical wiring, gas piping, or plumbing
* Give consideration to future repair of the structure
Pulling Ceilings
- Use pike pole or appropriate tool
- Do not stand directly under the area
to be opened - Position between the area being
pulled and the doorway - Always wear full PPE and respiratory protection
Burning Items
- Small items can be submerged
- Large items should be taken outside and extinguished
- Coordinate with the fire investigator
Use wetting agents such as Class A foam to extinguish hidden fires.
Break up bales of items to extinguish fire.
True
Gross Decontamination Following Overhaul
- Use a soft bristle brush and damp towel to remove large debris from PPE
- Remove all gear, if possible
- Use wet wipes/baby wipes or wet towel to remove soot from head, face, jaw, neck, underarms, hands, and lower legs
- Use hoseline to rinse off all PPE and equipment
- Bag contaminated equipment for travel to the station
- Shower immediately after returning to the station
- Clean gear and apparatus interiors immediately after cleaning yourself at the station
Property Conservation (Salvage)
- Important part of loss control
- Save property and reduce further damage from water, smoke, heat, and exposure
- Includes preincident planning, and knowledge of procedures, tools, and equipment
- Often necessary to improvise due to unique situations and limited equipment
- Protection of property from weather and trespassers is critical
Salvage Procedures
Salvage begins upon arrival and continues until the last unit leaves the scene
* May begin during fire suppression
* May be necessary to delay suppression to remove vital elements — IC makes decision to delay suppression
Moving contents to a safe location
- Away from smoke, fire extension, and water
- Effective when fire is limited and not likely to spread
- Effective when weather conditions would damage contents if they were moved outside
- Cover contents with salvage covers or raise off the floor to guard against secondary damage
Removing contents
- Can block doors
- Opening and closing doors
may interfere with the flow path - Stack contents on dry surfaces away from debris
- Protect from theft or vandalism
- Tell the owner and secure the contents
Leaving contents in place
- Gather contents into compact piles in the center of the room, if possible
- Salvage covers used for protection
- Creating a high point in the furniture group allows water runoff
- Fragile items can be placed on something soft like a bed
- Raise furniture off wet carpet
Cleaning Salvage Covers
Canvas covers
* Clean with water, detergent, if necessary, and a broom
* Completely clean and dry before storage
Synthetic covers
* Do not require as much maintenance
* May be folded wet, but it is better to let them dry first
Preserving Evidence
Responsibility of all fire officers and firefighters at the scene
Scene security
Helps protect evidence and ensure it is not damaged, altered, or removed
First step in establishing chain of custody
Chain Of Custody
All debris should remain in place until ordered to move it
- May be placed in a controlled protected area if necessary
- Control of evidence must be maintained as part of the chain of custody
- Remember what you see, smell, and hear
Establishing A Perimeter
- Ensure the initial perimeter is larger than necessary for investigations
- Ensure the perimeter is visible and recognizable
- Use uniformed law enforcement officers or firefighters to control access
Identifying Signs of Arson
- Time of arrival and extent of fire
- Wind direction and velocity
- Doors or windows locked or unlocked
- Location of the fire
- Containers or cans
- Burglary tools
- Familiar faces
- Unusual odors
- Abnormal fire behavior
- Obstacles hindering fire fighting
- Incendiary devices
Do NOT gather or handle evidence unless ABSOLUTELY necessary
- You become part of the chain of custody
- Accurately document all actions associated with the evidence
- You may be required to testify
regarding evidence
Primary damage
Fire and smoke
Secondary damage
Fire suppression such as forcible entry, ventilation, and fire extinguishment
Catchall
Constructed from a salvage cover placed on the floor to hold small amounts of water
Area of origin
General location where the fire began. It will contain the precise point of origin
Conventional salvage covers are made from tightly woven, waterproof canvas.
Some salvage covers may also be made of Herculite, which is a lightweight, chemically inert, and waterproof material. Herculite is generally unaffected by alkalis, oils, acids, caustics, solvents, mould, and mildew.
Scupper
Form of drain opening provided in outer walls at floor or roof level to remove water to the exterior of a building in order to reduce water damage.
Covering openings… p755
You should cover openings to prevent further damage to the property from weather and trespassers. Doors or windows that have been broken or removed during suppression activities should be covered with plywood, heavy plastic, or some hinges, a hasp, and a padlock can be used to make a temporary door. Opening in roofs should be covered with plywood, roofing paper, heavy plastic sheets, or tar paper. Covering openings cut in floors or upper stories or over basements and crawl spaces is very important. These openings must be covered with lumber or thick plywood that will support a person’s weight.
Dewatering devices… p749
Dewatering devices are pumps used to remove water from basements, elevator shafts, and sumps.
There are several guidelines for establishing a perimeter of the proper size…
Explosions - the perimeter for explosions should be 1.5x the distance from the farther piece of debris found. As the investigation continues, this perimeter may be expanded.
Structure fires - the perimeter should extend beyond the farthest piece of evidence located during the exterior examination of the structure. If no evidence is found outside the building, it may be sufficient to restrict access into the building or an area of the building.
