Fire Scene Safety

Question 1

Investigators often find themselves….

Answer 1

• searching through an u stable structure

* excavating the scene to identify the cause of a fire

Question 2

Injuries Through Hazards

Answer 2

• inhalation of toxic substances
• ingestion of particles
• cut/wounds from sharp objects
• air borne dusts, particles
• tripping on fire debris
• falling down, over, onto/into any obstructions or cavities
• items falling from above and onto you or hitting objects causing chain reaction

Question 3

Safety Equipment Required

Answer 3

• suitable helmet
• overalls
• nose and mouth filter, full face respirator or BA
• gloves
• safety glasses
• heavy duty footwear with steel soles and toe caps

Question 4

Risks of Timber

Answer 4

Will normally burn and char

If members are thick enough will maintain sufficient integrity

Question 5

Risk of Steel

Answer 5

Unprotected steel will expand and can cause external walls to be pushed out

If sufficient fuel unprotected steel will lose strength and collapse pulling walls inwards

When heated steel is cooled it contracts and may fall off supports or remain intact but collapse during excavation or movement

Will rarely melt but at 1600 degrees will reduce to less than 10% strength

Question 6

Risk of Concrete

Answer 6

Most unpredictable, can be affected by extremely low fire temps and topple in all directions.

Concrete can break away at the surface (spalling) and steel reinforcing maybe exposed to sufficient heat to lose its strength

Look for spalling, exposed steel in concrete, discoloured areas blue/green and cracking

Question 7

Risks of Masonry

Answer 7

Weakened by deterioration of the mortar, expansion of the wall or damage to supporting connected structural members.

Visible signs include cracking, leaning or bowing or collapse of supporting floors or roof frames

Question 8

Spalling

Answer 8

Created when heat causes expansion of trapped moisture resulting in a steam explosion