Policy Number 982 Section 3,5

Question 1

What should operational information be gathered and recorded in accordance with?

Answer 1

Policy number 800 - Management of operational risk information

Question 2

What may the incident commander (IC) decide if a risk assessment indicates issues preventing the fire from being extinguished?

Answer 2

Allow the fire to burn out

Question 3

What tools should be used to identify possible fire spread?

Answer 3

Thermal image cameras

Question 4

What information should the incident commander gather during a scene survey?

Answer 4

• Possible life risk
• Extent of the fire
• Smoke behaviour
• Entry and exit points
• Potential ventilation outlets

Question 5

What must the IC establish regarding fixed installations?

Answer 5

Availability of fixed installations and information on AFA panels or fixed installations that may have actuated

Question 6

What is the minimum hose size for the firefighting jet when entering a compartment?

Answer 6

45mm hoseline with a branch set at 230lpm

Question 7

What must BA teams be briefed on before entering a compartment?

Answer 7

• Numbers and location(s) of any persons reported as missing
• Location and extent of the fire
• Nature of occupancy and contents in the compartment
• Route(s) and tasks to gain access

Question 8

What should BA teams do with hoselines before entering a building?

Answer 8

Charge hoselines and check branch flow and jet pattern settings

Question 9

What should BA teams do in case of a loss of water during firefighting?

Answer 9

Withdraw immediately

Question 10

What should be done when a compartment fire is showing signs of backdraught?

Answer 10

Adopt defensive firefighting techniques and fight the fire externally

Question 11

What must be considered regarding domestic gas supplies during an incident?

Answer 11

They can collect in compartments if pipework or appliances have failed

Question 12

What should BA teams remain aware of when applying water to a fire?

Answer 12

Large amounts of steam may be produced, which can affect temperatures and conditions

Question 13

What is the impact of using thermal image cameras for BA teams?

Answer 13

They locate the seat of the fire, casualties, and check for unseen heat travel

Question 14

What is the importance of maintaining communication between teams and the IC?

Answer 14

To update on conditions observed, particularly changes in fire conditions

Question 15

What should be done to mitigate against the hazard of falling debris?

Answer 15

Establish external cordons with safety officers

Question 16

What is required for BA teams committed to basement areas?

Answer 16

• Sufficient weight of attack (minimum of 45mm hose line at 230lpm)
• Clear access and egress routes

Question 17

What must be done if the building is partially occupied during an incident?

Answer 17

Immediate consideration must be given to evacuating the premises

Question 18

What is the command function of the IC at surface level?

Answer 18

Remain at surface level unless preplanning arrangements indicate otherwise

Question 19

What must be done before ventilating a basement during an incident?

Answer 19

Consider the impact on rescues at any ‘persons reported’ incident

Question 20

What should BA teams consider when forcing entry into a compartment?

Answer 20

Once the integrity of the door is lost, it may not be possible to contain the fire

Question 21

What is the recommended hose line size for main hose lines greater than three lengths?

Answer 21

70mm hose from the fireground pump

Question 22

What should be communicated if BA teams observe fire gases breathing in and out of small openings?

Answer 22

This may indicate a potential backdraught

Question 23

What is the minimum number of personnel for emergency BA teams?

Answer 23

The same number as the largest BA team committed (as a minimum)

Question 24

What procedures should be implemented for personnel welfare during firefighting?

Answer 24

Ensure continued hydration and consider early reliefs for BA teams

Question 25

What should be done if a rapid increase in fire development occurs?

Answer 25

Consider an emergency or tactical withdrawal

Question 26

What should be done once the fire has been extinguished regarding hot embers?

Answer 26

Check for hot embers and debris before allowing personnel to enter

Question 27

What is the role of a leaky feeder in BA operations?

Answer 27

Facilitate communication between surface and sub-surface personnel

Question 28

What must be done before committing BA teams to the basement area?

Answer 28

Complete a suitable and sufficient risk assessment

Question 29

What is the consequence of applying large quantities of water during firefighting?

Answer 29

It may increase the imposed loading on the structure, raising the risk of collapse

Question 30

What is the definition of defensive firefighting techniques?

Answer 30

Techniques adopted when a fire shows signs of backdraught, flashover, or explosion risks

Question 31

What should be considered before committing crews to a basement incident?

Answer 31

The use of a leaky feeder

Refer to Policy number 987 - Incident command - Organisation at incidents – NOG.

Question 32

What potential benefit does ventilation have at basement incidents?

Answer 32

It can improve working and escape conditions

Consider its impact on rescues at any ‘persons reported’ incident.

Question 33

Who should supervise the ventilation of basements?

Answer 33

The Incident Commander (IC)

Ventilation should only be carried out under strict supervision and on the order of the IC.

Question 34

When should ventilation of a basement ideally take place?

Answer 34

Prior to committing BA teams

This is to provide a safer working environment when immediate rescue of persons is not required.

Question 35

What should never be done while BA teams are committed to a basement?

Answer 35

Ventilate the basement or any affecting part of the premises

Influx of oxygen may lead to rapid fire spread and possible backdraught conditions.

Question 36

How can basement fires spread to upper levels?

Answer 36

Through shafts, ducts, or other openings

Covering jets should be considered to protect these areas.

Question 37

What must BA teams do before entering an alight basement?

Answer 37

Pass through a thermal barrier

They should descend as speedily as practicable.

Question 38

What must BA teams ensure regarding access and egress points?

Answer 38

They are kept clear at all times

BA teams must avoid congregating in these areas.

Question 39

True or False: Ventilation of a basement can be done without supervision.

Answer 39

False

Ventilation should only be carried out under strict supervision and on the order of the IC.