Fire Damage Flashcards
What is chloride testing used for?
To evaluate the liklihood of corrosion from fire residue.
Look for visible corrosion to support test results
What is the source of chloride in a fire?
Hydrochloric acid forms when PVC poly vinyl chloride) is burnt and mixed with water
How is corrosion affected by RH (relative humidity)?
Corrosion slows below 60% RH, very slow below 50% & slows even further under 40%. Below 30% creates an electrostatic risk
What are the characteristics of fast burning fires?
Small simple particles, easily removed, few aerosols, low odour
What are the characteristics of protein fires?
Yellow/light brown residue which can be difficult to see.
Strong odour.
Protein fires don’t always involve ignition.
Severe restoration issues due to vapours condensing on surfaces.
Wht does hot smoke force its way into the interiors of cupboards & appliances?
The insides of these items are at normal room pressure. The hot smoke is at much higher pressure so it forces itself into these interiors.
What is the advantage of making a triage assessment at the very start of a job?
It brings more order & control at the beginning of the job.
You can then proceed in the most cost effective and ordered way to limit secondary damage.
Some fire residues are very acidic. What effect could this have on the contents of a property?
Some plastic items may become stained and corrosion may occur to metal items.
How can you tell if fire residues are acidic?
Ie what action will you take
It can be tested for (by testing chloride levels)
Why is it a good idea to remove all acidic fire residues from UPVC windows?
To reduce the chances of staining that delay may cause.
What type of damage is a restoration technician mainly focused on preventing?
Secondary damage
Give two examples of primary damage and two of secondary damage (in a fire damaged property)?
Primary - Burnt roof timbers, heat damage to electrical wiring, water damage from extinguishment water
Secondary - Mould growth from water, corrosion from acidic residues, yellowing of UPVC windows in the days following the fire
Are oxygen rich fires fast or slow burning?
Fast
Why is it essential to be able to correctly categorise fires?
Knowing which category of fire you are facing will enable you to mploy the most effective restoration procedures.
What are the characteristics of an oxygen starved fire?
Incomplete combustion, large complex particles which are difficult to remove, strong evidence of aerosols, high odour.
