FFP Lofts Flashcards
Construction features of Lofts
Construction Classes of Lofts
High Ceilings, large uncompartmented spaces, and possible freight elevator close to front entrance of building
Classes 1, 2, 3, 6 (1+2+3=6)
Least Common type of loft:
Most Common type of loft
Mill (Heavy Timber)
Fireproof Lofts (also the newest)
Older Cast Iron Lofts (1840-1870) often have what type of staircase
One unenclosed wooden stair, often winding around elevator shafts or 1 straight run stair. Interior stairs leading to cellar may be remote from main interior stairway & of open, wooden construction
Do older cast iron lofts (1840-1870) have fire escapes
Newer Cast Iron Lofts (1880-1901): All exterior walls have a minimum of _
Yes found on front, rear, as well as sides (corner buildings)
3 hour fire resistive rating. Central HVAC often found
Generally, Newer Cast Iron Lofts (1880-1901)- there are _ interior stairways located inside enclosed walls having _ hour fire resistive rating
2 stairways; 2 hour rating
Newer Cast Iron Lofts (1880-1901) are required by law to have automatic sprinklers & standpipe systems. How are they connected?
Connected to city water supply leading to a roof gravity tank
Mill construction: Beams & girders supporting rafters and roof trusses are a minimum of _” in any dimension; What can be found on the perimeter of a Mill Loft building?
6”;
Fire Tower Stairs & Elevators
Mill Lofts: Control panels & shut off valves and meters, will normally be located _. To reduce accumulation of water _ are located at roof level and on each floor at base of the wall
At lowest level of the building;
Scuppers
Fireproof Lofts: Range from 10-15 stories in height. Interior stairs are (enclosed/unenclosed), one or more fire towers may be provided in buildings over _’ in height. Exterior screened stairways lead to front or rear of building
Enclosed interior stairs;
over 75’
Windows are operable, but central HVAC are more commonly found
High voltage demand of FP Lofts may necessitate installation of power lines & step down transformers located at _. Electrical service panels may be found on multiple floors
Roof Level
FP Lofts: Large area lofts often require one or more pressure tanks to ensure operability throughout all sections of the building. Wall hydrant/Manifold outlets are located at _ that are available for Engine use
sidewalk or top floor/roof levels
What is a problem in regards to Fireproof lofts when used for storage facilities
Older Cast Iron Lofts may have a sidewalk vault under the front sidewalk that can extend downward to all sub-levels. Fixed glass orbs may be found (what is their purpose)
Often windows removed & blocked up negating routine horizontal ventilation
Allow natural light to enter (dead-light)
In Older Cast Iron Lofts- passenger & freight elevators are normally located within an area of the front wall. If a loading dock is present, freight elevators may be found _’ inward from front of the building
20’
Do Freight elevators have fireman service
No They are NOT initially used during fire ops due to their proximity to rubbish removal areas. (May be used after Evaluation & Approval of IC)
What does it mean if “Shaftway” is displayed on outer portion of window, visible from the street:
Elevator shaft faces the street. Avoid placing AL/PL to these windows or operating streams into them unless fire extending up the shaft
Elevator Machinery Equipment Rooms can be located
Enclosed air & light shafts are normally found _; A good place to locate one of these shafts from the interior is _
on the roof/lowest level served by the elevator
In the center of deep loft buildings; Inside 1st floor bathroom
What do Gravity Tanks on roofs do?
Provide primary water source for sprinkler & standpipe systems where required. Siamese connection may be found on front of building for augmentation purposes. Water supply to tank is via city water main in street
Gravity Tank contents on roof add a substantial _ load to their supports. Supports may rust away & rot away particularly at _
Live load;
Point where I-beam penetrates wall
Cast Iron Columns are (designed/not designed) to withstand an eccentric load
At 1100F Cast Iron loses _% of its original strength. Once cooled does it regain its strength?
NOT designed
58%; Strength Lost is cumulative- Never regained. If a structural cast iron column is unable to move it will crack
Most prevalent fire escape found at lofts-
Most Dangerous Fire Escape-
Standard w/balconies accessed via windows. Angles 45, 60, 75/greater degrees or steeper
Vertical that lacks intermediate landings/balconies
Characteristics of sub-cellars in lofts
May not span entire dimension of building, Have no windows and are extremely difficult to vent. Interior stairs to sub-cellar often remote from cellar stairway & unenclosed wood construction
Where are Mezzanines found
Segmental Arch Floors are found in Newer Cast Iron buildings as well as Mill Loft- can they be breached
Typically rear wall, but can be found anywhere. Stairs will be narrow restricting HL advancement
Should NOT for fear of causing a general floor collapse spanning a wide area. All parts of floor arch are in compression
Cast Iron in terms of compression & tension
Wrought Iron in terms of compression and tension
Strong in compression and Weak in Tension
Equally strong in compression & tension- good for Horizontal structural elements
Vertical Ventilation of Heavy Timber Truss Roofs is generally limited to _
Fire Towers are smoke-proof, non-combustible stairway enclosures- can they be used as Attack Stairs
Opening up skylights & stair bulkhead doors
No use only as Evacuation stairs
What are Casement Windows good for
Excellent point for horizontal ventilation. However, access, egress, & removal of victims during rescue ops will prove difficult since they tilt open horizontally
What HL should be stretched for Cast Iron & Mill Loft Buildings
2 1/2” HL- After two HL’s stretched up stairway, additional HL stretched via alternate stairways or exterior rope stretches, or fire escapes. Interconnected buildings may provide access as well
Fires in Cast-Iron & Mill Construction Lofts will have high ceilings & large uncompartmented areas that can mask heat. Last member on HL should _
Monitor surveillance of rear as well as member positioned at interior entrance of fire area to monitor conditions
Where should 2nd HL go for Cast Iron & Mill lofts
Stretched via interior stairs to same floor as 1st HL for augmentation. If NOT needed- advance to floor above. Do NOT advance until assured 1st HL making progress on fire floors
Can LCS be used on loft fires
Yes for advanced fires as a quick knockdown to allow rapid interior attack once a HL is in position. Used only to extinguish visible fire as ordered by IC (may be 1st Eng Off)
Is Backdraft possible in Loft fires
Yes on intermediate floors where vertical ventilation is NOT possible. Position FF’s to side of entrance to fire area
What is a danger of Segmental Arch Floors when struck by water from HL below
Which sprinklers depend solely upon FD for their water supply
Can spall violently and fail. Use stream distance & do NOT operate directly overhead
Non-automatic
Cellar & Sub-Cellar fire in Cast Iron & Mill Lofts: Who supplies sprinkler
If staffing & conditions permit, 1st Eng, otherwise 2nd Eng shall supply (conflicts with Taxpayers)
Can 1st HL descend interior cellar stairs for cellar & sub-cellar fire in Cast Iron & Mill Lofts
Yes, but if conditions prevent initial HL from advancing down stairs, notify IC and remain at this position to prevent upward extension. 2nd HL may need to gain an alternate access point into fire area
Lower Floor fire in Cast Iron & Mill Loft- who ensures sprinkler supplied
3rd Engine (same as Taxpayers)- also stretches 2nd HL w/assistance of 4th Eng via interior stairs
In Residential Use FP Lofts, what HL shall be used
FP Loft Non-Residential Loft fires will be similar to SOP’s of _
2 1/2” for initial HL. Be aware areas may have been compartmented, creating a maze
Hi Rise Office Buildings (team approach w/2 1/2” HL)
Cast iron & Mill loft Buildings, the 2nd Ladder is responsible for
Can Ladders be positioned on pediments
VES of floors above
Must be avoided due to uneven contact points. Includes small pediments over windows
Who shall carry search ropes & TIC at Cast Iron & Mill Loft fires
Prior to proceeding to above the fire, the 2nd Ladder Officer shall _
All Ladder companies
Must ensure Officers on fire floor made aware of intentions to go to floor above
What shall be done when sprinklers are manually shutdown
Roof FF Access to Roof for Cast Iron & Mill Loft fires
A member shall remain at shut off valves in case system needs to be reactivated
Adjoining building, AL/TL, or Fire Escape (Same as OLT)
Cellar/Sub-Cellar fires in Cast Iron/Mill Lofts: Does 1st Ladder advance down Interior Cellar Stairs-
Yes if possible, otherwise, notify IC & 2nd Lad Off. 2nd Lad will gain access via alternate means. 1st Lad will remain w/1st HL on floor above & search for life, fire extension, & provide ventilation
What shall 1st arriving LCCs do at Cast Iron & Mill Loft Cellar fires:
After completion of laddering duties assist with ventilation by opening up sidewalk access points while remaining at front of building
What shall 1st & 2nd OV do at Cast Iron & Mill Loft cellar fires
Find alternate means of access for HL placement, be aware of possible need for specialized FE tools in rear, & team up prior to entering IDLH, & make notifications to Officer
Lower floor fires at Cast Iron & Mill Lofts: 2nd Ladder shall
VES floors above fire. If straight run stairs encountered notify IC
2nd OV at Cast Iron & Mill Loft lower floor fires
To rear of building. 1st OV may be needed IFO bldg to assist LCC w/immediate life hazard
Upper Floor fire at Cast Iron & Mill Loft fires: Who brings the saw?
ICP location at Loft fires
2nd Roof FF
Proximity to front of fire building
What is a good way to vertically vent cellar & sub-cellar areas
Removal of dead lights &/or metal frame over sidewalk vault. Also allows for insertion of cellar pipes & foam generators. PL may be placed into sidewalk vaults for access/egress
What can be removed in the rear courtyard to provide effective ventilation points for sub-level and 1st floor fires
Shed roofs: built to enclose depressed courtyards (may not have a weight-bearing roof)
Mixed Occupancy lofts: commercial occupancies are typically located _
On ground floor, basement, and occasionally the second floor (usually have larger floor area and heavier fire load)
A general rule of thumb for heavy timber floors the run of the original hardwood finished flooring is from _
Front to rear of bldg (cutting these floors will be manpower intensive)
Lofts have large open floor areas- a maximum of _ square feet of open floor area was the general rule
Max of 20,000 sq ft. Fire walls were constructed to compartmentalize larger areas
Steel tension cables or Rods with reinforcing plates (stars) can be seen on the exterior of bldgs to tie-in the opposing walls due to age & deterioration. Both can fail at _
800 degrees Fahrenheit
Additional hoselines at Cast Iron & Mill loft bldg Cellar & Sub-cellar fires may be used for _
Back up the HL advancing into the cellar, Operate from other access points if initial hoseline is unable to advance, Protect exposures (below grade areas may be interconnected), & Supply cellar pipes, sub-cellar pipes, & distributors
Cast-iron lofts may have up to _ doorways fronting the street. Care shall be taken in selecting the proper entry door
Up to 4 (Freight elevator, Residential elevator vestibule, Commercial entrance, & Interior stairway entrance)
Cellar fires in Cast Iron & Mill Loft bldgs: Roof FF after Roof after roof duties are complete shall _
VES of upper floors should be conducted. Communicate intent to Lad Off and be teamed up with another member when encountering an IDLH
1st & 2nd LCC at Lower floor fires in Cast Iron & Mill Lofts
1st LCC remain IFO building for ladder repositioning & ventilation.
2nd LCC- if not needed IFO bldg contact Off. May be needed to assist OV in REAR
Upper floor fire at a Cast Iron or Mill Loft bldg: who shall notify the IC if straight run stairs are encountered?
1st Ladder Officer
Cast-iron columns: Which has to be corrected
A. Cast-iron columns are not designed to withstand an eccentric load
B. At 1100 degrees Fahrenheit, cast-iron loses 58% of it’s original strength
C. Only reliable way to know if a column was cast properly is to examine the area where the column was bolted into position
D. When cast-iron columns lose strength, the loss is cumulative and is never regained
C- There is no reliable way to know if a column was cast properly
Cast Iron Columns withstand great deal of thermal stress. if an improperly cast column is cooled by a HL it can contract disproportionately leading to potential failure. Incorrect
A) If subjected to heat from a fire for long periods of time, cast-iron columns can fracture and fail.
B) At 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit, cast-iron loses 58% of its original strength.
C) Strength lost is cumulative & is never regained, unless the column is significantly cooled by a HL
D) Iron fibers (like steel) when heated elongate or extend the column. A structural cast-iron column, however, unable to move will crack.
Answer: C =
The strength lost is cumulative and is never regained.
Square Wooden Interior Columns topped with Iron Caps found in Mill Loft construction are _% stronger than round ones of equal dimension. A) 20 B) 15 C) 10 D) 25
A (Lofts, section 5.3.2)
Incorrect safety consideration
A) Narrow-dimensional Cast-iron lofts having
front & rear walls supporting girders pose catastrophic collapse potential if compromised
B) If structural stability of gravity tank supports is questionable, consider draining contents of the tank & diverting water off the roof into a drain pipe, or opening a standpipe outlet on a lower flr
C) Flr collapse can be initiated by the failure of a 1 column. Avoid striking columns with LCS.
D) The Critical Information Dispatch System (CIDS) needs to be carefully worded to communicate features not visible from the exterior. Especially important is to denote multiple
street fronts available for apparatus positioning.
A = Wide-dimensional Cast-iron lofts having front and rear walls supporting girders pose catastrophic collapse potential should they be compromised
Square columns are found on \_\_\_\_\_ floors of Mill Lofts, and are \_\_\_ % stronger than round columns. A. lower, 20 B. lower, 50 C. upper, 20 D. upper, 50
A
Steel Tension Cables or Rods with Reinforcing Plates (Stars) are commonly found in the shape of a star & can be seen on exterior walls of the bldg. They were installed during construction by design (indicated by a uniform pattern) or put in post-construction (irregular pattern) when floor framing cannot be relied upon to tie-in the opposing walls due to age & deterioration. Steel tension cables or rods can fail at _ degrees F
A) 400 B) 500 C) 600 D) 700 E) 800
E
Cast iron lofts may have up to \_\_ doorways fronting the street. A. 2 B. 3 C. 4 D. 5
C. Doors for the freight elevator, residential elevator, commercial entrance and the interior stairway entrance. Lofts (7.1.5)
Sidewalk vaults found in Older Cast Iron Lofts are 3 sided enclosures under the front sidewalk. The vault can extend downward to all sub-levels of the bldg & may extend the full width of the sidewalk. What is an indicator of a full vault _
A large piece of granite stone covering the sidewalk to the curb line
Lower floor fire in a Cast iron or Mill loft bldg: who should notify IC of the presence of straight run stairs, and who may proceed to the rear to assist the OV FF’s as instructed by their Officer?
Second Ladder Company Inside Team,
2nd LCC may go to the rear for Lower floor fires
(NOTE: 2nd LCC needed in front of bldg for CELLAR Fires to help 1st LCC vent by opening sidewalk access points)
7.2.1 B 7.2.2
Newer cast iron lofts may be built higher (8-12 stories) & wider than Older Cast Iron lofts. All exterior wall have a min of _ hour fire resistive rating & generally there are 2 interior stairways located inside enclosed walls having a _ hour fire resistive rating
A. 3, 3 B. 3, 2 C. 2, 2 D. 2, 3
B
Which feature can be used in Older Cast Iron lofts to assist FFs in accurately discerning the width of the bldg
A. Quoins
B. Plate glass facades
C. Ornamental roof cornices & pediments
D. Exterior Insulation Finishing systems
A
Incorrect for Cast Iron Loft Cellar fire?
A. Since fire conditions prevented access to the cellar via the interior stairs, the 1st Lad FE remained on the 1st floor with the 1st HL
B. The 2nd ladder company gained access to the fire area via an exterior entrance.
C. The 1st LCC, after completion of laddering duties, assisted in ventilation by opening up the sidewalk access points in the front of the building.
D. The 2nd LCC, after completion of laddering duties, assisted the OVM in the rear to provide additional ventilation points.
D. At cellar fires, both the 1st and 2nd LCCs will remain in the front of the building to assist in ventilation by opening sidewalk access points. For lower floor fires, the 2nd LCC may be required to assist the OV in the rear if not needed in front of the bldg. Lofts (7.2.1)
What may be opened up to provide an access point for entry and vertical ventilation of sub-level areas? A: Synthetic walls B: Pediments C: Quoins D: Scuppers
A It can additionally facilitate the use of fire extinguishing equipment during stubborn cellar or sub-cellar fires.
Incorrect in regard to Cast-Iron and Mill Loft buildings?
A: Large, open floor areas require all ladder companies carry search ropes
B: Units should delay opening the fire floor door if this would expose occupants or other units on the interior stairs until a charged hoseline is in position
C: Multi-lock commercial steel doors within interior stairs generally were removed after residential conversions
D: Cast-Iron lofts may have up to four doorways fronting the street
C. Multi-lock commercial steel doors within interior stairs generally still remain even after residential conversions. 7.1.8
Which member(s) take the saw to the roof for a top floor fire in a Cast-Iron or Mill Loft building? A: 1st OV and second Roof Firefighter B: Both Roof Firefighters C: The first due OV D: The second due Roof Firefighter
D. For top floor fires, the 2nd Lad Roof FF will bring the saw to the roof.
Loft Building Fires 7.2.3 D
Older Cast-Iron lofts were built between the 1840’s and 1870’s. They are 7-8 stories in height with depths reaching 90’. Correct in regards to the stairways found inside a Cast-Iron loft building?
A: These structures have one enclosed wooden stair
B: These structures have one unenclosed wooden stair
C: These structures have two sets of enclosed wooden stairs
D: These structures have two sets of unenclosed wooden stairs
B. Often winding around the elevator shaft or one straight run stair. Lofts 4.1.4
Note: The frontage of Older Cast-Iron Lofts is usually 25 feet.
While older cast-iron lofts have one unenclosed wooden stair, newer cast-iron lofts generally have two interior stairways located inside enclosed walls having a \_\_\_\_\_ hour fire resistive rating. A: 1 B: 2 C: 3 D: 4
B. 4.2.2
C. All exterior walls have a minimum 3 hour fire resistive rating at newer cast-iron lofts. 4.2.1
Lofts incorrect
A: Floor collapse can be initiated by the failure of a single column. Members should avoid striking columns with LCS.
B: If the structural stability of gravity tank supports is questionable, consider draining the contents of the tank and diverting the water off the roof into a drain pipe, or by opening a standpipe outlet on an upper floor.
C: Wide-dimensional cast-iron lofts having front and rear walls supporting girders pose catastrophic collapse potential should they be compromised.
D: Terra cotta tile flat arch floors are true segmental arches in that all tiles are in compression and the removal of any tile (not just the keystone) may precipitate the collapse of the entire arch from beam to beam.
B. Or by opening a standpipe outlet on a LOWER floor. Lofts Glossary, 9.1.1, 9.1.4, 9.1
