OP 007: High Rise Procedures

Question 1

What is a high rise building?

Answer 1

A building that contains floors at a height where external firefighting and rescue operations may not be feasible

Question 2

Name some hazards and difficulties encountered when fighting fires in high rise buildings?
Ten answers

Answer 2

Metabolic heat stress - working harder
Delays in firefighting - due to limited access of stairs and lift shafts
Fixed installations not available for use
Communication difficulties
Antisocial behaviour
Fire growth and smoke travel - act like chimneys
Layout of buildings - complex floor layouts
Wind effects
Falling debris
Evacuation of occupants

Question 3

Name some examples where antisocial behaviour could hazards at a high rise incident?
Six answers

Answer 3

Rubbish in lobbies
Fire doors wedged open
Lights removed
Vandalism
Razor blades and needles on floor
Burning materials left in lifts or escape routes

Question 4

What is the coanda effect?

Answer 4

When fire spreads to other floors or compartments externally, due smoke escaping from a window or balcony, and being forced back onto the building due to the wind

Question 5

Name some major precautionary features of newer building?

Answer 5

Firefighting lobby - protected lobby providing access from a firefighting stairway

Firefighting shaft - a protected shaft containing firefighting stairs, firefighting lobby, firefighting lift, and a riser main

Stair pressurisation system - a method of smoke control

Communication systems

Floor display plan - located in the lobby area

Fire control centre (FCC) - a central point where all firefighting suppressions systems and alarm systems are monitored

Atrium - a light well within a building, covered by a roof

Crossover floors - corridors connecting separated stairways

Sprinkler systems

Combined heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems - used correctly these can control smoke travel

Question 6

What is a bridgehead?

Answer 6

A bridgehead is a forward control point where resources are gathered to fight a fire, and from which firefighting teams can be effectively controlled

Question 7

What items of equipment should be taken to the bridgehead via the fire lift?
Ten answers

Answer 7

45mm hose
Two branches
One ECB
Two BA sets
IEC pack
Long line
Breaking-in gear
TIC
Access keys and codes
Floor plans if available

Question 8

Who will initially take command of the bridgehead?

Answer 8

A crew or watch manager

Question 9

What are the sectors of a high-rise building?

Answer 9

Search sector
An area above the fire where search and rescue, ventilation, and other operations take place

Fire sector
The main area of operations, including a minimum of one floor above and below the fire floor

Bridgehead
Set up at least two floors below the fire floor, within the lobby sector
This control is directly responsible for firefighting and search and rescue - where staff are deployed from

Lobby sector
Area of operations from ground floor to the bridgehead. The lobby sector commander will coordinate the logistical needs of the fire and search sector commanders