FFP - LOFTS Flashcards
Older Cast-Iron Loft Building are a maximum of 7 to 8 stories high, with widths of 25 to 50 feet. Which construction feature found in an Older Cast-Iron Loft is incorrect?
A) An indicator of a 3 wall “full” sidewalk vault is a large piece of granite stone covering the sidewalk to the curb line.
B) Vaulted sidewalks may have ceilings constructed of wrought-iron or cast-iron frames with small segmented fixed glass orbs (deadlights), diamond plate, cubed-glass, granite, stone or concrete.
C) Enclosed air/light shafts will normally be located in the corners of the building on the upper floors.
D) Flat floor skylights were found in large dimensional lofts built on interior lots (not on a corner) without existing air shafts. If they have been covered over, the replacement flooring may suffer collapse from either weight and/or fire.
ANSWER: C) Enclosed air/light shafts will normally be located in the corners of the building on the upper floors. (INCORRECT)
- They are normally found in the CENTER of deep loft buildings.
- Windows facing onto such shafts may be provided with hinged iron shutters, roll-down iron shutters or in later built lofts wired-glass to prevent fire extension.
- A good place to locate one of these shafts is inside the FIRST FLOOR BATHROOM.
(FFP - Lofts 5.1.1)
In Older Cast-Iron Lofts, elevators may be found in several different locations. Which is the incorrect point concerning these elevators and their corresponding shafts?
A) Freight elevators, unlike passenger elevators, will not have Fireman Service Capabilities.
B) Freight elevators are not initially used during fire operations due to their proximity to rubbish removal areas.
C) Freight elevators can be used during fire operations after evaluation and approval by the IC.
D) When elevator shafts face the street, any window serving the shaft is required to display a “SHAFTWAY” sign across the outer portion of the window that is clearly visible from the street. These windows may have boards across their lower portion and will look identical to other windows in the front facade.
E) Never place aerial or portables to windows that have “SHAFTWAY” signs. Hose streams shall never be operated into these windows.
ANSWER: E) Never place aerial or portables to windows that have “SHAFTWAY” signs. Hose streams shall never be operated into these windows. (INCORRECT)
- AVOID placing aerial or portable ladders to these shaft windows or operating streams into them UNLESS visible fire is extending up the shaft.
(FFP - Lofts 5.1.2)
Cast-Iron is used exclusively for the construction of arches and columns. Which point is wrong about Cast-Iron?
A) At 1100 degrees F, cast-iron loses 58% of its original strength.
B) If a cast iron column is cooled with a hoseline, the strength lost is regained.
C) A structural cast-iron column unable to move will crack.
D) Cast-iron columns and areas behind squared off cast-iron facade fronts are hollow. Check for fire extension in the wall or on the floor above and below when a cast-iron front is found.
E) A failure of a single cast-iron column can cause the collapse of all columns above leading to a general collapse of the building.
ANSWER: B) If a cast iron column is cooled with a hoseline, the strength lost is regained. (INCORRECT)
- The strength lost is CUMULATIVE and never regained.
(FFP - Lofts 5.1.10)
A proper understanding of construction features found in older cast-iron Lofts will contribute to a more effective operation. Which of the following is incorrect?
A) LW shed roofs built over depressed courtyards, when removed, may provide effective ventilation points for sub-level and 1st floor fires.
B) When straight run stairs are encountered at a fire located at the front of the top floor, enough hose is required to go from the ground floor to the top floor and then travel to the front of the building. These stairs, due to their fireproof design, will not present a fire extension hazard.
C) Synthetic walls are low level windows designed to provide natural light to 1st floor and sub-level areas. These walls provide excellent openings for access, egress, ventilation and hose stream/foam delivery.
D) Quoins provide FFs with a visual contrasting feature to neighboring buildings on Exposures 2 and 4 allowing members to accurately determine the width of the fire building.
ANSWER: B) When straight run stairs are encountered at a fire located at the front of the top floor, enough hose is required to go from the ground floor to the top floor and then travel to the front of the building. These stairs, due to their fireproof design, will not present a fire extension hazard. (INCORRECT)
- These stairs are constructed of wood (NON-FIREPROOF DESIGN) Weren’t required to be fireproof until 1938.
- This is an area that should not be overlooked during overhauling.
(FFP - Lofts 5.1.13)
Newer Cast-Iron Loft Buildings may be 8 to 12 stories high, with common dimensions being 50’ x 90’, but may be 100’ x 200’. Which choice is correct concerning elements found in these buildings?
A) Segmental arch floors were used to span the gap between cast-iron or wrought-iron I-beams. All parts of the floor arch are in compression.
B) Segmental arch floors may be breached in order to apply water to a fire below grade.
C) In order to cool the cast-iron and wrought-iron elements of a segmental arch floor, hoselines should be operated directly overhead as they are advanced.
D) Wrought-iron girders, beams and lintels are strong in tension and weak in compression. Wrought-iron does not rust, and will maintain its strength when heated.
ANSWER: A) Segmental arch floors were used to span the gap between cast-iron or wrought-iron I-beams. All parts of the floor arch are in compression.
B - SHOULD NOT BE BREACHED
C - USE THE REACH OF THE STREAM
D - Wrought-iron DOES RUST / They are EQUALLY STRONG IN TENSION and COMPRESSION.
(FFP - Lofts 5.2.1)
Mill (Heavy Timber) Lofts, are the least common type of lofts. These buildings, which range in height from 4 to 6 stories, have numerous construction features that members should be aware of. Which one is incorrectly described?
A) In some Mill Lofts, square columns, which are 20% stronger than round ones of equal dimensions, are used on lower floors while round columns are used on upper floors.
B) A FF lost on a floor should be aware that the run of the original finished flooring is from one side of the building to the other. This should assist the member in finding a side means of egress.
C) When stars are seen on exterior walls in an irregular pattern, this indicates the floor framing cannot be relied upon to tie-in the opposing walls due to age and deterioration.
D) Sawtooth roofs will hinder roof access, egress, extinguishment, and vertical ventilation. These roofs commonly have paralel roof sections of triangular shape and near vertical glazing, commonly facing due north.
E) Vertical ventilation of heavy timber truss roofs is generally restricted to opening up skylights and stair bulkhead doors.
ANSWER: B) A FF lost on a floor should be aware that the run of the original finished flooring is from one side of the building to the other. This should assist the member in finding a side means of egress. (INCORRECT)
- Original flooring is from FRONT TO REAR
- This should assist the member in finding a FRONT or REAR means of egress.
(FFP - Lofts 5.3.2)
Engine 100, Engine 200, and Engine 300 arrive at a cellar fire in a cast-iron Loft Building in Lower Manhattan. CIDS information states that the cellar is protected by an automatic sprinkler system. Which unit operated incorrectly?
A) The Officer of E100 ordered the members to stretch a 2 1/2” hoseline via the interior to the fire area.
B) Conditions prevented the 1st hoseline from being advanced down the interior stairs, so the Officer of E100 notified the IC and remained at the top of the stairs on the 1st floor.
C) Although a 2nd hoseline was required, E200 assisted E100 with the initial hoseline.
D) E300 should ensure a supply line is stretched to feed the sprinkler system.
ANSWER: D) E300 should ensure a supply line is stretched to feed the sprinkler system. (INCORRECT)
- 3rd Engine is NOT MENTIONED for cellar/sub-cellar fires in Lofts in regards to ensuring sprinkler is supplied.
- Taxpayer = 3rd Engine ensures
- Loft Cellar/sub-cellar = 2nd Engine supplies if not done by 1st Engine
(FFP - Lofts 6.1)
While at MUD, BC Happy discussed Engine Company Operations at lower and upper floor fires in Cast-Iron and Mill Loft Buildings. In which statement was BC Happy incorrect?
A) The 1st Engine Officer, acting as the IC should consider using the Engine’s deck pipe for a quick knock down at an advanced fire. This will allow for a rapid interior attack once a hoseline is in position.
B) Due to the potential for backdrafts on intermediate floors where vertical ventilation is not possible, members may have to start the attack from a few stepd down the stairs from the entrance and immediately discharge the hoselines into the fire area.
C) If present and servicing the fire area, the 3rd Engine Company will ensure the sprinkler system is supplied.
D) The 3rd & 4th Engine companies will stretch the 2nd line. This line shall not advance to the floor above the fire until the 1st line has knocked down the fire.
ANSWER: D) The 3rd & 4th Engine companies will stretch the 2nd line. This line shall not advance to the floor above the fire until the 1st line has knocked down the fire. (INCORRECT)
- Until it is MAKING PROGRESS & CAPABLE OF HANDLING THE FIRE FLOOR.
C - Same as taxpayer fire (3rd Engine ensures)
(FFP - Lofts 6.2.2)
At Cast-Iron and Mill Loft Buildings, the 1st Ladder is responsible for VEIS of the fire floor, and the 2nd Ladder is responsible for VEIS of the floors above. All of the following general tactics are correct with the exception of which one?
A) TLs should be positioned for use of their LCS where needed. A position which also permits the use of an aerial ladder would be ideal.
B) When placing apparatus ladders to the roof or windows, pediments usually do not present a hazard.
C) Large, open floor areas require all Ladder Companies carry search ropes and thermal imaging cameras.
D) The Ladder company officer on the fire floor should request additional assistance if the dimensions of the fire floor make it impractical for one ladder company to effectively and safely operate alone.
E) Fire-vented windows where wind is blowing the fire back into the fire occupancy may require the deployment of the KO Curtain(s) and/or the fire window blanket.
ANSWER: B) When placing apparatus ladders to the roof or windows, pediments usually do not present a hazard. (INCORRECT)
- 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. They are often loose, cracked or broken and must also be avoided when placing ladders.
(FFP - Lofts 7.1.2)
While discussing the duties of Ladder Companies at cellar and sub-cellar fires in Cast-Iron and Mill Loft buildings, several statements were made. Which one was incorrect?
A) If the 1st Ladder Company Inside team is unable to gain access to the fire area via the interior stairs, the Officer shall notify the IC & attempt to gain access via an alternate method.
B) After completion of laddering duties, the 1st & 2nd LCCs should assist in ventilation by opening up sidewalk access points. This should be accomplished by remaining in the front of the building.
C) The 1st OV FF should communicate the need for an alternate means of access for the 1t hoseline.
D) The Roof FFs should coordinate vertical ventilation over straight run stairs being used for attack with the Inside Team and Engine company Officers.
E) The Roof FFs should gain access to the roof via an adjoining building, aerial/TL, or a fire escape, including front fire escapes.
ANSWER: A) If the 1st Ladder Company Inside team is unable to gain access to the fire area via the interior stairs, the Officer shall notify the IC & attempt to gain access via an alternate method. (INCORRECT)
- Notify IC & SECOND LADDER OFFICER
- The first ladder company will remain with the first hoseline on the floor above the fire searching for life, fire extension, and providing ventilation.
- The second ladder company will gain access to the fire area via alternate means (exterior, adjoining building, etc.) for the second hoseline.
(FFP - Lofts 7.2.1)
Which guideline for the 1st and 2nd arriving Ladder companies at a fire in a Cast-Iron or Mill Loft building is correct?
A) At a lower or upper floor fire, the 1st Ladder shall notify the IC if straight run stairs are encountered.
B) The 1st LCC and 2nd LCCs remained in front of the building at lower floor fires as required.
C) At a lower or upper floor fire, the 1st & 2nd OV FFs must proceed to the rear.
D) For top floor fires, the 2nd Roof FF will bring the saw to the roof.
ANSWER: D) For top floor fires, the 2nd Roof FF will bring the saw to the roof.
A - Lower floor fire = SECOND LADDER notifies IC if straight run stairs are encountered.
Upper floor fire = First Ladder notified IC of straight run stairs
B - First LCC should remain in front of the builing. A possible subsequent assignment for the 2nd LCC may entail assisting the OV Firefighter in the REAR as necessary.
C - OVs will operate in the rear UNLESS there is a immediate life hazard in front of the building.
- Good separator question
(FFP - Lofts 7.2.2)
Captain Lofty was discussing characteristics of cast-iron used in Loft buildings at a drill. He would be correct to state that at 1100 degrees F, cast iron ___________
A) Loses 42% of its original strength, and the loss is cumulative and never regained
B) Loses 58% of its original strength, and the loss is cumulative and never regained.
C) Loses 42% of its original strength, but when cooled the loss is regained.
D) Loses 58% of its original strength, but when cooled the loss is regained.
ANSWER: B) Loses 58% of its original strength, and the loss is cumulative and never regained.
(FFP - Lofts 5.1.10)
Of the following choices, which is incorrect regarding the various types of loft buildings in NYC?
A) Fireproof lofts are the newest and most common type.
B) Mill Lofts are also known as Heavy Timber lofts.
C) Newer Cast Iron Lofts are a maximum of 7 to 8 stories in height having front and rear exterior walls of brick, stone or iron. Side exterior walls are of brick construction.
D) All exterior walls of Newer Cast Iron Lofts have a minimum 3 hour fire resistive rating.
ANSWER: C) Newer Cast Iron Lofts are a maximum of 7 to 8 stories in height having front and rear exterior walls of brick, stone or iron. Side exterior walls are of brick construction. (INCORRECT)
(Lofts 2.3, 4.1.1, 4.2.1, 4.3.1)
- OLDER Cast Iron Lofts are a maximum of 7 to 8 stories in height having front and rear exterior walls of brick, stone or iron. Side exterior walls are of brick construction.
- Newer Cast-Iron Loft Buildings may be 8 to 12 stories high, with common dimensions being 50’ x 90’, but may be 100’ x 200’.
Which of the following choices contains incorrect information regarding elevators in Older Cast-Iron Lofts?
A) Passenger and freight elevators are normally located within the area of the front wall, on either side or in the middle of the building.
B) When elevator shafts face the street, any window serving the shaft is required to display a “SHAFTWAY” sign across the outer portion of the window that is clearly visible from the street. Never place aerial or portable ladders to these shaft windows or operate streams into them.
C) Frequently, freight elevator shafts were built using terra cotta tile which can be readily breached if needed.
D) Freight elevators will not be installed with Fire Service capabilities. They are not initially used during fire operations due to their proximity to rubbish removal areas which are commonly fire origin locations.
ANSWER: B) When elevator shafts face the street, any window serving the shaft is required to display a “SHAFTWAY” sign across the outer portion of the window that is clearly visible from the street. Never place aerial or portable ladders to these shaft windows or operate streams into them. (INCORRECT)
(Lofts 5.1.2)
- AVOID placing aerial or portable ladders to these shaft windows or operating streams into them UNLESS visible fire is extending up the shaft.
D - After evaluation and approval for use by the Incident Commander (IC), these elevators will allow for greater movement of members, tools and equipment due to their large size.
At Loft buildings, _________ are fixed glass segments that are imbedded in cast iron frames or masonry to provide natural light for sidewalk vaults.
A) Deadlights
B) Quoins
C) Scuppers
D) Buttresses
ANSWER: A) Deadlights
(Lofts Glossary)
- The removal of deadlights over a sidewalk vault can provide vertical ventilation for cellar and sub-cellar fires.
