Lofts Flashcards
Lofts can be what type of class construction (4 answers)
Class 1, 2, 3 or 6
Which type of loft is considered to be the least common type
Mill (Heavy Timber)
Which type of loft is considered to be the most common
Fireproof lofts
Note: Also the newest type
The maximum height of older cast-iron lofts
7 to 8 stories
Note: These lofts were built between the 1840’s and 1870’s
The frontage and depth of older cast-iron lofts
Frontage: 25 ft.
Depth: 90 ft.
The number of staircases found in older cast-iron lofts
Only 1
Note: Will be wooden stairs
The height of newer cast-iron lofts
8-12 stories
Note: Constructed from the 1880’s to 1901
The width and depth of newer cast-iron lofts
Width: 50 feet
Depth: 90 feet
Larger irregularly (P shaped) newer cast-iron lofts will have lengths and depths of how much
Width: 100 feet
Depth: 200 feet
The height of mill lofts
4 to 6 stories
The type of stairways found in mill lofts
Fire towers
The height of fireproof lofts
10 to 15 stories
The width and depth of fireproof lofts
Width: 50 to 100 ft. or more
Depth: 75 to 200 feet
Note: Some can span an entire block
Name 2 ways fireproof lofts can be interconnected
By automatic fire doors or joined via exterior bridges (skywalks)
Fireproof lofts that are over 75’ in height may have how many fire towers
1 or more
In fireproof lofts, the automatic sprinkler/standpipes are tied into what 2 water systems
City water system or roof gravity tank
Vaulted sidewalks are supported by what 2 structural members
Wrought-iron I beams OR cast iron
If a loading dock is present in a loft, freight elevators may be found how far in from the front of the building
20 feet
Name a reason why freight elevators are not used initially at fire operations
Will be located close to rubbish removal areas
Aerials and portables should not be placed on what type of windows
Any window that serves the elevator shaft
Note: These windows are required to display a “SHAFTWAY” sign in front
Utility shafts will terminate in what area of a loft
The roof level
Note: Can present severe vertical and horizontal fire extension problems
Name 5 types of fire escapes found in loft buildings
- Standard 2. Counter balance stairway/ladders 3. Vertical 4. Party wall balconies 5. Exterior screened stairway
Straight run stairs made of wood and covered with wainscoting will also be covered with what
Tin
Note: Do not overlook this area during overhauling
Original hardwood finished flooring is from ____ to ___ of the building mill lofts
Front to rear
After (2) 2 1/2” lines are stretched up a stairway, name 3 other ways to get a 3rd line up to the fire floor
- Alternate stairway 2. Exterior rope stretch 3. Fire escape
When will the 2nd hoseline be stretched to the floor above
Only when not needed on the fire floor
Outside streams will be used to extinguish what type of fire
Visible
Positioning of the hoseline with FF’s to the side of the entrance to fire area will be done when
Potential backdraft on intermediate floors when vertical vent is not possible
What type of floors exposed to fire can spall violently and possibly fail when struck by water
Segmented Arch Floors
Note: Use reach of the stream and do not operate the line directly overhead
Sprinkler systems may serve which floors
Cellar and sub-cellar
Note: May be Dry piping with fusible link sprinkler heads OR Perforated pipes
Non automatic sprinkler systems rely on what type of water source
FD water supply solely
True or false. In lofts where the sprinklers serve the upper floors, section valves may be found on individual floors/areas
True
These valves must be checked to ensure they are in the full open position
The number of interior stairs typically found in cast iron loft buildings
1
Who will ensure the sprinkler system is supplied
3rd due engine
True or false. At upper floor fires where 2 lines have already been stretched, the High Rise Nozzle can be a consideration as the 3rd line
True
Cast iron lofts may have up to 4 doorways fronting the street. Name the 4 types of doors
- Freight elevator 2. Residential elevator vestibule 3. Commercial entrance 4. Interior stairway entrance
When will engine companies operate in accordance with FFP Class A FP MD’s
Fireproof Loft Buildings
How will elevators that are very old with limited load capacities and open cage cabs be operated
Manual mode requiring an operator
Note: These elevators will not have Fireman Service
Name 2 tool requirements for lofts that have large open floor areas
Search ropes and TIC’s
In cast iron and mill loft buildings where fire is in the cellar/ sub cellar, what will the 2nd ladder do if the 1st ladder cannot make access down interior stairs
Gain access to cellar area via alt. route (adjoining building)
In cast iron and mill loft buildings where fire is in the cellar/ sub cellar, ladder chauffeurs will be positioned where
Front of the building
Note: This member will be available to position or reposition ladders as needed
In cast-iron and mill loft buildings, name 3 ways the roof man gets to the roof
- Adjoining building 2. Aerial/ TL 3. Fire escape
When fire is located in the lower floors of cast iron and mill loft buildings, where will the 1st OV be positioned
Rear of the building to coordinate vent
Note: Only exception is to assist LCC with a life hazard in front of the building
When will ladder companies operate as per FFP Class A FP MD’s
Fireproof Loft buildings
Where does the 1st due BC establish the command post
Front of the fire building
If structural stability of a gravity tank is questionable what can be done
Drain the contents of the tank and divert the water off the roof into a drain pipe OR open a standpipe outlet on a lower floor
LCS’s should avoid striking what part of a loft building
Columns
Note: Floor collapse can occur by the failure of a single column
When fire is located at upper floors of cast iron and mill loft buildings, who is responsible to bring the saw to the roof
2nd due roof
True or false. When properly cast, structural members of cast-iron will withstand a great deal of thermal stress
True
What will happen if an improperly cast column is cooled by a hoseline
Will contract disproportionately leading to potential failure
At 1100 degrees cast-iron loses ____ % of its original strength
58%
Note: The strength lost is cumulative and never regained
Which type of columns will elongate or extend when heated
Iron fibers (just like steel)
Which type of columns will crack when heated
Cast-iron
In a Cast Iron / Mill Loft Building and fire is located in the cellar/sub cellar, which engine will supply the sprinkler
2nd due
Note: But only if 1st engine has not done so
In a Cast Iron / Mill Loft Building and fire is located on a lower floor, which engine will ensure the sprinkler is supplied
3rd due
Steel tension cable rods can fail at _____ degrees
800
Note: These will be found in Mill Lofts
Iron window shutters will generally be installed on which sides of a loft building
Rear and Side walls
Iron window shutters are mandated to be installed in buildings less that ___ ft. from another building
30 ft.
Note: Or less than 50 feet vertically from the roof of an adjoining building
