Lofts

Question 1

Lofts
What is a mushroom floor?
What are quoins?
Terracotta tile arch floors, can you remove tiles?
What is the least common type?
What is the most common type?

Answer 1

Mushroom floor is steel reinforced and has no supporting beams except at the perimeter.
Quinn’s are block masonry cornerstones usually covered with cast iron located at each end of the front facade
Removal of any tile may precipitate collapse of the entire terracotta arch floor
Mill loft “heavy timber” are the least common
Fire proof is most common

Question 2

Lofts
Will cast iron columns exposed to fire shatter when cooled by a hoseline?
Cast iron columns fracture and fail at __degrees.
Cast iron will lost __% of their strength and the strength (is/is not) regained when cooled.

Answer 2

Cast iron will not shatter when cooled, improperly cast iron can fail when cooled
Cast iron fractures and fails at 1100 degrees
Loses 58% of its strength and it is NOT regained

Question 3

Lofts

Fire towers, can they be used as evacuation stairs? Attack stairs?
Steel tension or cable rods with reinforcing plates (what shape) fail at __degrees.

Answer 3

Fire towers can be used for evacuation, NOT for attack

Star shaped plates and fail at 800 degrees

Question 4

Lofts
Where does the second line go?
Who can order the use of a large caliber stream?
When do you open the line?

Answer 4

Second line may be needed on fire floor, if not then to floor above. Not advanced to floor above until officer is assured the 1st line making progress and capable of handling fire floor
IC (can be 1st officer) can order use of large caliber stream
Open the line immediately when entering fire area

Question 5

Lofts
Cellar fires
Where do the 1st 2 lines go, who ensures sprinkler is supplied?

Answer 5

1st line stretches thru interior to cellar
2nd line may need alternate access point into fire area

2nd engine ensure sprinkler is supplied

Question 6

Lofts
How many lines can go up the stairs in a loft?
When are iron window shutters needed?

Answer 6

2 lines up the stairs max

Iron window shutters needed when exposure is within 30ft or window within 50ft of roof of adjoining building

Question 7

Lofts
Cellar fires
Where does the 1st ladder operate, 2nd ladder?

Answer 7

1st ladder to cellar via interior stairs, if unable communicate this to IC and 2nd ladder, then remain with 1st line above fire and search for extension and life

2nd ladder- floor above, if 1st cannot advance to cellar 2nd ladder will gain access via alternative entrance

Question 8

Lofts

What is the priority order for roof access? (Cast iron and mill)

Answer 8

Adjoining, Ladders (tower or aerial) , fire escape

Question 9

Lofts
Cast iron and mill
Where to the 1st two OV’s operate?
Top floor fire who brings the saw to the roof?
Horizontal vent coordinated by who? All other vent?

Answer 9

1st ov to rear to vent and report conditions unless assisting LCC with rescue in front
2nd ov to rear to team up with 1st ov to VEIS

Top floor fire 2nd roof brings saw to roof

Horizontal vent coordinated by ladder officer in area to be vented, all other vent controlled by IC