PN834 Chimneys and Ducting Flashcards
Definition of a chimney?
Chimneys are traditionally non load bearing vertical structures containing an internal flue with a hearth at the base.
What is a flue?
A flue is a passage for conveying the products of combustion to the outside atmosphere.
Operational personnel are likely to encounter what hazards when attending fires involving chimneys or ducting? (10)
Working at height Falling debris Explosion Heavy fire loading Unexpected fire or smoke spread Hearth fires Insulating materials Electrical extraction systems or filters Damage control Unauthorised building works
Who and what should be requested at an early stage of the incident?
Consider fire safety officer to interpret plan and gather building construction information.
Importance of plans of ducting.
What resources should be considered?
Consider early use of aerial appliances.
What are the three objectives at this type of incident?
- Protect property.
- Reduce fire spread - The IC must ensure that the entire length of the ducting or flue is thoroughly checked for fire spread.
- Isolate electrical/gas supplies.
How would you deal with hazards of falling debris?
Consider establishing external cordons with safety officers, inside and outside the building, to mitigate against the hazard of falling debris.
What should Tactical plan include?
Tactical plan should include full inspection of ducting/chimney with a thermal imaging camera (TIC).
If possible where should the fire be extinguished?
Where possible extinguish fire from the base of ducting or chimney.
What plan should be in place before firefighting commences?
A salvage plan should be in place at the base of the duct or chimney before firefighting commences.
When should inspection and access panels be opened?
These may only be opened on the instruction of the IC, appropriate extinguishing media must be in position to cover possible fire spread.
What should be considered at an early stage?
Consider damage control.
