RFT 004: Tactical Ventilation Flashcards
What is the definition of ventilation?
The removal of heated air and smoke from a structure, and their replacement with a supply of fresher air
What are the three types of ventilation?
Self ventilation - fire damages the structure, increasing ventilation, such as a roof collapse
Automatic ventilation - pre-installed vents that operate when a fire is detected
Tactical ventilation - used to assist firefighter operations and requires firefighters to release the products of combustion
Name six benefits of tactical ventilation?
Assist the escape of occupants and firefighters by restricting the spread of smoke
Improve conditions for firefighters
Speed up rescue operations and fire attack by reducing heat and smoke
Increase safety of firefighters
Reduce fire spread and property damage
Improve visibility
What are the two types of tactical ventilation?
Defensive ventilation
Offensive ventilation
What is defensive ventilation?
Improve access and escape routes for firefighters and search conditions by ventilating smoke to improve visibility
What is offensive ventilation?
Carried out to directly affect the fire, reducing fire spread and improving conditions within the fire compartment
When making vents, what should be opened first? The inlet vent or the outlet vent?
Outlet vent, otherwise the fire will be fueled by more ventilation will nowhere for the smoke to go
Ventilating can happen in two directions. What are they?
Vertical ventilation
Horizontal ventilation
When would vertical ventilation be used?
Two answers
The fire has spread to the roof space or structural voids
Where there are tall vertical shafts within the building
How can horizontal ventilation be achieved?
Commonly, by opening doors and windows
Most frequently used as it’s usually most appropriate and is the safest and easiest method
What should always be used when covering vents?
45mm covering jet
Tactical ventilation must not be done without the authority of who?
The Incident Commander
What size should the inlet vent be compared to the outlet vent?
The inlet vent should be twice the size of the outlet vent
What considerations should be undertaken by the IC before tactical ventilation is used?
Ten answers
Undertake a dynamic risk assessment
Make sure adequate resources are available
Identify the wind direction
Decide whether vertical or horizontal ventilation is more appropriate
Select inlet and outlet vents
Make sure the outlet vent is covered by a charged 45mm hose
Consider withdrawing any firefighters inside the building
Notify all crew members of the intention to ventilate
Make the outlet vent first
Closely supervise the effects of ventilation
