Chapter 15 - Salvage and Overhaul

Question 1

What is the purpose of salvage

Answer 1

The purpose of salvage work in the Fire Service is to reduce fire, water, and smoke damage during and after fires.

Question 2

Types of materials of salvage covers

Answer 2

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

Question 3

CFD removes salvage covers from the apparatus to be refolded and placed back on the apparatus every?

Answer 3

2 months

Question 4

Dry Fold (Accordion)

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

Wet Fold

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

One-Person Throw

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Counter Payoff

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

Two-Person Balloon

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

Sealing or Joining Salvage Covers

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Removing Salvage Covers (Santa Claus Carry)

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

Using a Salvage Cover and Ladder to Form a Chute

Answer 11

In situations where a rigid water chute is beneficial, a ladder can be used to give the salvage tarp support.

Question 12

Unrolling a Hall Runner

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Overhaul

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Overhaul Safety

Answer 14

• 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

Question 15

Use air monitoring devices (Dräger® X- am 2500)
Wear PPE and SCBA until overhaul is complete

Answer 15

True

Question 16

Other Hazards / and Safety Concerns

Answer 16

• Fire-weakened floors
• Cuts, punctures, and burns from
  debris
• Broken glass, nails, and sharp
  objects
• Eye injuries
• Strains and sprains
• Fatigue

Question 17

Charged hoselines shall be present in case of rekindle

Answer 17

True

Question 18

Overhaul safety

Answer 18

• 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

Question 19

Indicators of possible loss of structural integrity

Answer 19

• 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

Question 20

Hidden Fire Indicators

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC)

Answer 21

• 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

Question 22

Overhaul Procedures

Answer 22

• 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

Question 23

Continued..

Answer 23

• 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

Question 24

Continued..

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Pulling Ceilings

Answer 25

• 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

Question 26

Burning Items

Answer 26

• Small items can be submerged
• Large items should be taken outside and extinguished
• Coordinate with the fire investigator

Question 27

Use wetting agents such as Class A foam to extinguish hidden fires.
Break up bales of items to extinguish fire.

Answer 27

True

Question 28

Gross Decontamination Following Overhaul

Answer 28

• 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

Question 29

Property Conservation (Salvage)

Answer 29

• 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

Question 30

Salvage Procedures

Answer 30

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

Question 31

Moving contents to a safe location

Answer 31

• 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

Question 32

Removing contents

Answer 32

• 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

Question 33

Leaving contents in place

Answer 33

• 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

Question 34

Cleaning Salvage Covers

Answer 34

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

Question 35

Preserving Evidence

Answer 35

Responsibility of all fire officers and firefighters at the scene

Question 36

Scene security

Answer 36

Helps protect evidence and ensure it is not damaged, altered, or removed
First step in establishing chain of custody

Question 37

Chain Of Custody

Answer 37

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

Question 38

Establishing A Perimeter

Answer 38

• 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

Question 39

Identifying Signs of Arson

Answer 39

• 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

Question 40

Do NOT gather or handle evidence unless ABSOLUTELY necessary

Answer 40

• You become part of the chain of custody
• Accurately document all actions associated with the evidence
• You may be required to testify
  regarding evidence

Question 41

Primary damage

Answer 41

Fire and smoke

Question 42

Secondary damage

Answer 42

Fire suppression such as forcible entry, ventilation, and fire extinguishment

Question 43

Catchall

Answer 43

Constructed from a salvage cover placed on the floor to hold small amounts of water

Question 44

Area of origin

Answer 44

General location where the fire began. It will contain the precise point of origin

Question 45

Conventional salvage covers are made from tightly woven, waterproof canvas.

Answer 45

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.

Question 46

Scupper

Answer 46

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.

Question 47

Covering openings… p755

Answer 47

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.

Question 48

Dewatering devices… p749

Answer 48

Dewatering devices are pumps used to remove water from basements, elevator shafts, and sumps.

Question 49

There are several guidelines for establishing a perimeter of the proper size…

Answer 49

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.