Compartment Firefighting (PN 793)

Question 1

Can you list 7 of the 9 Hazards associated with compartment fire fighting?

Answer 1

1) Backdraft
2) Explosive atmosphere and fire gas explosion
3) Flashover
4) Steam
5) Uncontrolled Ventilation
6) High Temperature
7) Structural deterioration
8) Exposed Utilities
9) Loss of Communications

Question 2

What should a ‘firefighting jet’ comprise of?

Answer 2

45mm Jet with branch set to 230 ppm

Question 3

When should a second Jet be provided and of what should it comprise?

Answer 3

As soon as possible of equal or greater capacity of the original Jet and at least 1 length longer

Question 4

Where should a covering Jet be directed?

Answer 4

Suitable surface above the compartment opening. To cool gases and create a curtain

Question 5

According to the note what should a good 360 degree survey of a fire compartment gather information on? (4)

Answer 5

Life Risk
Extent of fire and smoke
Entry and Exit points
Potential Ventilation outlets

Question 6

The OIC should weigh the risk of entering the compartment against what? (4 of 7)

Answer 6

1) Number and Location of Persons involved
2) Location and size of the fire
3) Nature and size of compartment
4) Use and construction of premise
5) Contents and fire loading
6) Potential for fire growth
7) Signs of compartment ventilation

Question 7

What other sources of information may be available to the OIC? (5)

Answer 7

MDT
AFA
PIB
Occupier
Signage

Question 8

If confirmed as a small fire what might the OIC consider?

Answer 8

The use of hose reels or extinguishers

Question 9

What 4 things should be included in a BA team briefing?

Answer 9

1. Numbers and location of persons
2. Location and extent of fire
3. Nature of Occupancy and contents of compartment
4. Route and tasks to gain entry

Question 10

Firefighting Jets must consist of what?

Answer 10

All except last 2 lengths in the line should be 70mm to reduce frictional loss. Then 2 45mm hoselines with a branch set to 230 Lpm

Question 11

Prior to entry what should be done with the Jet being used?

Answer 11

It must be checked by opening the branch for several seconds to test the flow and jet pattern settings

Question 12

There are 6 reasons listed where a compartment fire will require one or more 45mm hose lines?

Answer 12

1) Deeper penetration required
2) Well established Fire
3) Large or Complex Compartment
4) Compartments with high ceilings (over 5 Metres)
5) Signs of Flashover or Backdraft
6) Fire has breached original compartment