FFP - LOFTS

Question 0

During BISP members saw a hose header at the Loft building being inspected and asked what it is. You would be incorrect to state?

A) Generally located inside below grade toward the front of the building.

B) If to be used as an inlet, an interior valve must manually be opened.

C) It has multiple valve outlets

D) When operating properly it uses water from the fire pump

Answer 0

A) Generally located inside below grade toward the front of the building (INCORRECT)

(FFP Lofts pg 1)

• Hose Headers generally located on the EXTERIOR WALL OF
  BUILDING.

Question 1

A fire tower may be found in which types of Loft Buildings?

A) Older cast-iron

B) Newer cast-iron

C) Mill

D) Fireproof

Answer 1

C) Mill
D) Fireproof

(FFP Lofts, 5.3.5)

• Fire towers are smoke proof, non combustible stairway enclosures that give occupants a smoke free egress to the street. Fire towers are ideal for FDNY use as evacuation stairways, however they should not be used as an attack stairway.
• Fire Towers are found in Mill and Fireproof types of Loft buildings.

Question 2

Which type of Loft building is incorrectly described?

A) Older cast iron - 1840s to 1870s, frontage 25-50’ max 7-8 stories

B) Newer cast iron - 1880s to 1901, frontage usually 50’, 8-12 stories

C) Mill - Heavy timber, 2 exterior load bearing walls, elevators at
perimeter.

D) Fireproof - 10 to 15 stories,enclosed int stairs,may span entire block.

Answer 2

C) Mill - Heavy timber, 2 exterior load bearing walls, elevators at
perimeter. (INCORRECT)

(FFP Lofts 2.2, 4.1.1)

• Mill - FOUR (4) EXTERIOR WALLS LOAD BEARING

Question 3

Which glossary term is not correct in regards to Loft Buildings?

A) Pediment = a wide, low pitched gable surmounting the facade of a
building, may be found over windows.

B) Saw Tooth Roof = a roof design utilizing parallel roof sections to
disperse natural light throughout the interior of the
building.

C) Wall manifold = outlets on an exterior wall supplied by a fire
department pumper.

D) Deadlights = fixed glass segments imbedded in cast iron frames or
masonry to provide natural light for sidewalk vaults.

Answer 3

C) Wall manifold = outlets on an exterior wall supplied by a fire department pumper. (INCORRECT)

(FFP Lofts Glossary)

• Outlets on an exterior wall supplied by a GRAVITY TANK, PRESSURE
  TANK OR OTHER WATER SOURCE FOR BUILDING.

Question 4

Which is not an accurate statement about sidewalk vaults in regards to Loft Buildings?

A) They are a four wall enclosure under the front sidewalk.

B) A granite stone covering the vault to the curb line indicates a “full” (building to curb) vault.

C) Generally supported by wrought iron I-Beams or cast iron structural members.

D) Originally built with small Deadlights for natural light to enter the cellar.

Answer 4

A) They are a four wall enclosure under the front sidewalk. (INCORRECT)

(FFP Lofts 5.1.1)

• They are THREE (3) wall enclosures.

Question 5

While drilling with the newly assigned proby about Engine operations at Loft building fires you made the following statements. Which one was correct?

A) Depending on fire conditions an 1 3/4” or 2 1/2” line may be the initial line stretched.

B) The 2nd handline should be immediately stretched to the floor above unless the Officer of the first hose line indicates they can’t hold the fire with one line.

C) The deck pipe from the Engine should not be used on advanced fires due to the possibility of the master stream dislodging an interior cast iron column.

D) If a backdraft condition exists and vertical ventilation is not possible, position the hoseline with firefighters to the side of the entrance, immediately open the line when the fire area is accessed.

Answer 5

D) If a backdraft condition exists and vertical ventilation is not possible, position the hoseline with firefighters to the side of the entrance, immediately open the line when the fire area is accessed.

(FFP Lofts 6.1.1)

A - 2 1/2” line should be initial line (NOT 1 3/4”)

B - 2nd line usually stretched up interior stairs to SAME FLOOR as the
first line.

C - For advanced fires, a quick knockdown using the deck pipe WILL
ALLOW FOR a rapid interior attack once the line is in position.

D - Correct

Question 6

Which is incorrect about the sprinkler systems at Loft Buildings?

A) Although rare, perforated pipe systems may be found.

B) The 2nd Engine supplies the sprinkler Siamese if not already done at a cellar fire in a cast-iron loft building.

C) Automatic sprinklers will always have a Siamese for augmentation.

D) Section valves for the upper floors sprinkler system may be found on each floor.

Answer 6

C) Automatic sprinklers will always have a Siamese for augmentation. (INCORRECT)

(FFP Lofts 6.1.9)

• Automatic sprinklers MAY NOT HAVE A SIAMESE.

Question 7

Which is not a correct statement about mill lofts?

A) Wooden girders are at least 8” thick

B) Exposed wood joists support 3” tongue and groove or 3-4” wood planks.

C) Control panels, shit off valves & meters are located on the lowest level of the building.

D) Walls have built in sockets to accept floor girders and joists.

Answer 7

A) Wooden girders are at least 8” thick (INCORRECT)

(FFP Lofts 4.3.1)

• Wood girders are SIX INCHES (6”)

Question 8

Which is incorrect about older cast-iron Lofts?

A) Interior support columns of cast-iron, wrought iron, brick or wood

B) Some buildings have a cockloft

C) One unenclosed stairway that is either straight run or wraps around the elevator.

D) If frontage is 25’ there will often be a cast iron interior column

Answer 8

D) If frontage is 25’ there will often be a cast iron interior column (INCORRECT)

(FFP Lofts 4.1)

• 25’ frontage indicates NO CAST IRON INTERIOR COLUMNS.

Question 9

At a study group the topic of newer cast iron Loft buildings came up. Which is incorrect?

A) Generally larger than the older cast-iron, with frontage from 50-100’

B) Usually 2 interior stairs

C) Generally only one interior stairway is enclosed

D) Various types of fire escapes may be found on any side of the building.

Answer 9

C) Generally only one interior stairway is enclosed (INCORRECT)

(FFP Lofts 4.2.1)

• Generally there are TWO (2) ENCLOSED INT. STAIRS.

Question 10

Select the incorrect statement about Mill Loft buildings?

A) High ceilings were eliminated or largely reduced

B) Skylights an monitors were built into ceilings to provide sunlight to top floor.

C) Frontage of 100’ to 150’

D) Walls will have built in sockets to accept floor girders

Answer 10

A) High ceilings were eliminated or largely reduced (INCORRECT)

(FFP Lofts 2.2)

• High ceilings are CHARACTERISTIC OF MILL LOFTS.

Question 11

Members of Ladder 93 were discussing operations at loft building fires. Which is incorrect?

A) Avoid placing portable and aerial ladders to windows with a “shaft way” sign.

B) After completing laddering duties at Mill Loft cellar fires, the first two LCCs should open up sidewalk access points.

C) Roof access at a cast-iron building fire is via adjoining building or remote interior stairway.

D) The 2nd arriving LCC for a lower floor Mill Loft fire should intitially assist the first LCC.

Answer 11

C) Roof access at a cast-iron building fire is via adjoining building or remote interior stairway. (INCORRECT)

(FFP Lofts 5.1.2, 7.2.1)

• Roof access at cast-iron lofts
  
  1. Adjoining building
  2. Aerial or TL Ladder
  3. Fire escape

Question 12

The elevators in older cast iron Loft buildings have characteristics slightly different then we are accustomed to in newer residential and commercial buildings. Which is an incorrect characteristic?

A) Freight elevators will not be installed with fireman service capabilities.

B) Some passenger elevators may be flush with the front of the building facade and entered directly off the sidewalk.

C) Elevator doors look like apartment doors in many loft buildings.

D) Freight elevator shafts were frequently built using terra cotta tile which is difficult to breach.

Answer 12

D) Freight elevator shafts were frequently built using terra cotta tile which is difficult to breach. (INCORRECT)

(FFP Lofts 5.1.10)

• Terra cotta CAN BE READILY BREACHED if needed.

Question 13

There is a myth in the fire service about the effect that water will have on a heated cast-iron column in a Loft building. Which statement below about cast-iron columns is true?

A) Cast-iron columns cast improperly are inherent weak links, there is a reliable (but expensive) method to determine if a column was properly cast.

B) If an improperly cast column is cooled by a hoseline it can contract disproportionately leading to potential failure.

C) These columns were designed to withstand an eccentric load

D) When a heated column is cooled by a hose line it will regain its strength.

Answer 13

B) If an improperly cast column is cooled by a hoseline it can contract disproportionately leading to potential failure.

(FFP Lofts 5.1)

A - There is NO reliable way to know if column was cast properly.

B - Correct

C - These columns are NOT DESIGNED to withstand an eccentric load.

D - There’s a myth in the fire department that a cast iron column
exposed to fire will shatter when cooled by a hoseline. An
improperly cast column, however, will contract when cooled and
could possibly fail. STRENGTH LOST IS CUMULATIVE and it is
never regained.

Question 14

Segmental arch floors are found in newer Cast Iron Loft buildings and have a collapse potential. Which statement is incorrect?

A) Segmental arch floors should not be breached for fear of causing a
general floor collapse.

B) Segmental arch floors exposed to fire can spall violently, but will not
fail, when struck by water from a hoseline.

C) Indiscriminate overhauling on the underside of segmental arch floors
can cause a localized collapse.

D) In newer cast iron buildings the hose line should not be operated
overhead due to the segmental arch floor and fear of collapse.

Answer 14

B) Segmental arch floors exposed to fire can spall violently, but will not
fail, when stuck by water from a hoseline. (INCORRECT)

(FFP Lofts 5.2.1)

• They can spall violently AND POSSIBLY FAIL when struck by water.

Question 15

Members of truck were discussing general tactics and procedures outlined in the recently published loft bulletin. However, a statement made by one of the middle management firefighters did not comply with this bulletin. Which choice is incorrect?

A) Pediments must be avoided when positioning apparatus ladders due to uneven contact points and the prohibitive distance from the ladder to the roof surface. Small pediments situated over windows may also be found.

B) Cast iron lofts may have up to 4 doorways fronting the street.

C) Indiscriminate overhauling on the underside of the segmental arch floors can cause a complete building collapse.

D) Segmental arch floors exposed to fire can spall violently and possibly fail when stuck by water from a hoseline below. Do not operate the stream directly overhead.

Answer 15

C) Indiscriminate overhauling on the underside of the segmental arch floors can cause a complete building collapse. (INCORRECT)

(FFP Lofts 7.1.19)

• This can cause a LOCALIZED collapse.

Question 16

Loft buildings present FDNY members with a number of challenges. It is important to realize that fireproof residential lofts and fireproof non residential lofts require initial hoselines of what size?

A) 1 3/4” for residential and 2 1/2” for non residential.

B) 2 1/2” for residential and 2 1/2” for non residential.

C) 1 3/4” for residential and 1 3/4” for non residential.

D) 2 1/2” for residential and 1 3/4” for non residential.

Answer 16

B) 2 1/2” for residential and 2 1/2” for non residential.

(Lofts 6.3.1 A)

• Cast-iron and Mill Lofts ALSO require initial hoselines to be 2 1/2”.

Question 17

According to the new FDNY manual of Loft buildings, it is important to know that steel tension cables or rods, used to tie-in opposing walls due to age and deterioration, can fail at a minimum of _______ degrees Fahrenheit.

A) 400

B) 500

C) 800

D) 1000

Answer 17

C) 800

FFP Loft 5.3.8

Question 18

Loft buildings are unique and may contain Ashland masonry. Ashland masonry is stone cut into rectangular units, most often?

A) 18” to 24” high by 2 to 3 feet long.

B) 12” to 24” high by 3 to 4 feet long.

C) 28” to 24” high by 2 to 3 feet long.

D) 18” to 24” high by 3 to 4 feet long.

Answer 18

A) 18” to 24” high by 2 to 3 feet long.

(Lofts Glossary)

• Iron plating is sometimes used to imitate Ashlar masonry.

Question 19

What kind of Loft buildings are a maximum of 7 to 8 stories, have frontages of 25 feet, on only one street, and have depths reaching 90 feet?

A) Fireproof lofts

B) Mill Lofts

C) Newer cast iron lofts (1880s - 1901)

D) Older cast iron lofts (1840s - 1870s)

Answer 19

D) Older cast iron lofts (1840s - 1870s)

(Lofts 4.1.1)

A - Fireproof: 10 to 15 stories / 50-100’ wide / 75-200’ deep.

B - Mill: 4 to 6 stories / 100-150’ wide / up to 200’ deep.

C - Newer cast iron: 8 to 12 stories / 50-100’ wide / 90-200’ deep

D - Older cast iron: 7 to 8 stories / 25’ wide / 90’ deep.

Question 20

According to the recent Firefighter Procedures Loft Manual, the buildings may be all of the following classes of construction except which?

A) Class 1

B) Class 2

C) Class 3

D) Class 4

Answer 20

D) Class 4 (INCORRECT)

(Lofts 1.2)

• Lofts can be Class 1 / 2 / 3 or Class 6.

Question 21

According to the recently issued FDNY manual on Loft buildings, at 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit, cast iron loses how much of its original strength?

A) 42%

B) 58%

C) 66%

D) 75%

Answer 21

B) 58%

FFP Lofts 5.1.10 F

Question 22

Which type of loft construction is the least common type from the list below?

A) Fireproofs

B) Cast-iron

C) Mill (heavy timber)

D) None of the above

Answer 22

C) Mill (heavy timber)

FFP Lofts 2

Question 23

Which type of loft construction is the newest and most common type from the list below?

A) Fireproofs

B) Cast-iron

C) Mill (Heavy Timber)

D) None of the above

Answer 23

A) Fireproofs

FFP Lofts 2

Question 24

Which is an incorrect construction characteristic for older cast iron lofts (1840s to 1870s) from the list below?

A) Maximum 7 to 8 stories in height having front and rear exterior walls of brick, stone or iron.

B) Frontage is usually 25 feet (indicating no interior columns) with depths reaching 90 feet and frontage on only one street.

C) These structures have one unenclosed wooden stair, often winding around the elevator shaft or one straight run stair.

D) Fire escapes can be found on the front and the rear, however not on the sides.

Answer 24

D) Fire escapes can be found on the front and the rear, however not on the sides. (INCORRECT)

(FFP Lofts 4)

• Fire escapes can be found in the front, rear, AS WELL AS THE SIDES
  (corner buildings)

Question 25

Which is an incorrect construction characteristic for newer cast iron lofts (1880s to 1901) from the list below?

A) They may be built higher (8-12 stories) and wider than older cast iron lofts with common dimensions being 50’ wide by 90’ deep.

B) All exterior walls have a minimum 3 hour fire resistive rating.

C) Interior structural elements consist of unprotected cast iron columns and wrought iron girders and beams supporting masonry or wooden floors.

D) Generally, there are two interior stairways located inside enclosed walls having a 2 hour fire resistive rating.

Answer 25

C) Interior structural elements consist of unprotected cast iron columns and wrought iron girders and beams supporting masonry or wooden floors. (INCORRECT)

(FFP Lofts 4)

• Interior structural elements consist of PROTECTED cast iron columns
  and wrought iron girders and beams supporting masonry or wooden
  floors.

Question 26

Which is an incorrect construction characteristic for mill lofts from the list below?

A) Mill Lofts also known as heavy timber lofts, range from 4-6 stories in height having all 4 exterior walls load bearing and constructed of brick, concrete, block or stone.

B) Beams and girders supporting roof rafters and roof trusses are a minimum 6” in any direction.

C) Fire tower stairs and elevators are placed in the inner part of the building.

D) Automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems, as required by law, are supplied by either a city water main or gravity tank located on the roof.

Answer 26

C) Fire tower stairs and elevators are placed in the inner part of the building. (INCORRECT)

(FFP Lofts 4)

• Fire tower stairs and elevators are on the PERIMETER of building.

Question 27

Which is an incorrect construction characteristic of fireproof lofts from the list below?

A) These buildings range from 10-15 stories in height. Rectangular dimensions are usually between 50-100 feet or more in width and 75 to 200 feet in depth.

B) Interior stairs are enclosed; one or more fire towers may be provided in buildings over 55 feet in height.

C) Fireproof lofts may have exterior screened stairways leading either to the front or rear of the building.

D) Windows are operable although central HVAC systems are more commonly found in these type lofts.

Answer 27

B) Interior stairs are enclosed; one or more fire towers may be provided in buildings over 55 feet in height. (INCORRECT)

(FFP Lofts 4)

* One or more fire towers may be provided in buildings OVER 
  SEVENTY FIVE (75) FEET IN HEIGHT.

Question 28

Which is an incorrect item from the list below about elevator shafts in older cast iron lofts?

A) Passenger and freight elevators are normally located within the area of the front wall. They may be found on either side or in the middle of the building.

B) If a loading dock is present, freight elevators may be found 20 feet inward from the front of the building.

C) Freight elevators will not be installed with fireman service capabilities. They are not initially used during fire operations due to their proximity to rubbish removal areas,Mohican are commonly fire origin locations.

D) Elevator shaft windows may have boards across their lower portion, placed to serve as a warning of an open shaft. These windows will not look identical to the other windows in the front facade.

Answer 28

D) Elevator shaft windows may have boards across their lower portion, placed to serve as a warning of an open shaft. These windows will not look identical to the other windows in the front facade. (INCORRECT)

(FFP Lofts 5.1.2)

• These windows look IDENTICAL to the windows on the front facade.

Question 29

In older cast iron lofts some sub-level openings provide direct access to the below grade level of the building, which can be more than ______ feet below the sidewalk.

A) 5

B) 10

C) 15

D) 20

Answer 29

D) 20

FFP Lofts 5.1.5

Question 30

Iron window shutters are generally installed on the rear and side walls of lofts. They were mandated by law on loft buildings with plain glass windows situated less than 30 feet horizontally from another building or less than ______ feet vertically from the roof of an adjoining building.

A) 100

B) 50

C) 75

D) 150

Answer 30

B) 50

FFP Lofts 5.1.9

Question 31

When subjected to fire and heat from a fire for long periods of time, cast iron columns can fracture and fail. Please choose the most correct characteristic about cast iron columns from the list below.

A) At 1,100 degrees F, cast iron loses 58% of its original strength.

B) The strength lost is cumulative and is never regained.

C) Iron fibers (like steel) when heated, elongate or extend the column. A structural cast iron column, however, unable to move will crack.

D) All of the above

Answer 31

D) All of the above

FFP Lofts 5.1.10

Question 32

Which is an incorrect item about segmental arch floors found in newer cast iron loft buildings as well as some mill construction?

A) Arch floors were used to span the gap between cast iron or wrought iron I-beams.

B) All parts of an arch floor system are under tension.

C) Wrought iron rods run from beam to beam to counter the outward thrust of the arch, which was exerted on the beams.

D) Segmental arch floors should not be breached for fear of causing a general floor collapse spanning a wide area.

Answer 32

B) All parts of an arch floor system are under tension. (INCORRECT)

(FFP Lofts 5.2.1)

• All parts are in COMPRESSION.

Question 33

“A general rule of thumb for the run of original hardwood finished flooring is from the front to rear of the building in mill lofts. A firefighter lost on a floor can utilize this knowledge to find a front or rear means of egress”. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

A) Agree

B) Disagree

Answer 33

A) Agree

FFP Lofts 5.3.3

Question 34

Steel tension cables or rods with reinforcing plates (stars) are commonly in the shape of a star and can be seen on the exterior walls of the building. 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 and deterioration. Steel tension cables or rods can fail at _______ degrees Fahrenheit.

A) 400

B) 500

C) 600

D) 800

Answer 34

D) 800

FFP Lofts 5.3.8

Question 35

Which is an incorrect general engine company tactic at cast iron and mill loft buildings?

A) Initial hose lines shall be 2 1/2”

B) After two lines have been stretched up a stairway, additional lines should be stretched via alternate stairways (if available), exterior rope stretches, or fire escapes.

C) The use of large caliber streams (LCS) can only be ordered by the IC. This does not include the first arriving engine officer, the IC must be a chief officer.

D) Segmental arch floors exposed to fire can spall violently and possibly fail when struck by water from a hoseline below.muse the reach of the stream and do not operate the stream directly overhead.

Answer 35

C) The use of large caliber streams (LCS) can only be ordered by the IC. This does not include the first arriving engine officer, the IC must be a chief officer (INCORRECT)

(FFP Lofts 6)

• LCS must be ordered by the IC. The Incident Commander CAN BE
  the first arriving Engine Officer.

Question 36

Which is the most correct procedure for engine companies at a lower floor fire in a cast iron or mill loft building?

A) The first engine company shall stretch the first hoseline into the fire area to protect life and extinguish the fire.

B) The second engine company will assist the first engine with the initial hoseline.

C) The third engine company shall stretch a second hoseline with the assistance of the fourth engine company and operate as ordered by the IC. If present and servicing the fire area, ensure the sprinkler system is supplied.

D) All of the above

Answer 36

D) All of the above

(FFP Lofts 6.2.2)

• Note: IF PRESENT AND SERVICING THE FIRE AREA, 3rd due will
  ensure the sprinkler system is supplied.

Question 37

Which is an incorrect general ladder company tactic at cast iron and mill loft buildings?

A) The first ladder company is responsible for ventilation, entry and search (VES) of the fire floor. The second ladder company is responsible for VES of the floors above.

B) Consider avoiding Pediments when positioning apparatus ladders due to uneven contact points and the prohibitive distance from the ladder to the roof surface, use your discretion.

C) 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.

D) Indiscriminate overhauling on the underside of segmental arch floors can cause a localized collapse.

Answer 37

B) Consider avoiding Pediments when positioning apparatus ladders due to uneven contact points and the prohibitive distance from the ladder to the roof surface, use your discretion. (INCORRECT)

(FFP Lofts 7)

• Pediments MUST BE AVOIDED.

Question 38

Which is an incorrect safety item from the loft bulletin?

A) Wide dimensional cast iron lofts having front and rear walls supporting girders, pose catastrophic collapse potential should they be compromised.

B) Water runoff needs to be constantly monitored, particularly when LCS are being utilized.

C) 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 a lower floor.

D) A brick wall with sand like mortar can have this bonding material washed out by LCS dislodging bricks and seriously weakening the wall.

E) Floor collapse can only be initiated by the failure of multiple columns. Members should avoid striking columns with LCS.

Answer 38

E) Floor collapse can only be initiated by the failure of multiple columns. Members should avoid striking columns with LCS. (INCORRECT)

(FFP Lofts 9)

• Floor collapse can only be initiated by the failure of a SINGLE
  COLUMN. Members should avoid striking columns with LCS.

Question 39

In cast iron and mill loft buildings, who notifies the IC of straight run stairs at lower floor fires?

A) First Ladder Company

B) Second Ladder Company

C) First Engine Company

D) Second Engine Compamy

Answer 39

B) Second Ladder Company

FFP Lofts 7.2.2

Question 40

In cast iron and mill loft buildings, who notifies the IC of straight run stairs at upper floor fires?

A) First Ladder Company

B) Second Ladder Company

C) First Engine Company

D) Second Engine Compamy

Answer 40

A) First Ladder Company

FFP Lofts 7.2.3

Question 41

Cast-iron used for the construction of arches and columns in Loft buildings will have the following characteristics and potential hazards during fire operations. Which is the correct characteristic from the list below?

A) At 1,100 degrees F, cast iron only loses 40% of its original strength.

B) The strength lost is cumulative, however it will be regained

C) Iron fibers (like steel) when heated, elongate or extend the column. A structural cast iron columns unable to move will crack.

D) Cast iron columns are designed to withstand eccentric loads.

Answer 41

C) Iron fibers (like steel) when heated, elongate or extend the column. A structural cast iron columns unable to move will crack.

(Loft Buildings, 5.1.10)

A - 1100 degrees cast iron loses FIFTY EIGHT (58) % of its original str.

B - Strength loss is cumulative and NEVER REGAINED.

D - Cast iron columns are NOT DESIGNED to withstand an eccentric
load.