Salvage and Overhaul

Question 1

What is salvage?

Answer 1

Salvage is the prevention or reduction of damage from indirect causes such as heat, smoke, water, falling debris, breakage and dust.

Question 2

When should you apply salvage?

Answer 2

As soon as practical

During firefighting

Question 3

What are the 3 stages of salvage?

Answer 3

Preventative

Protective

Recovery

Question 4

What is preventative salvage?

Answer 4

Takes place simultaneously with firefighting to reduce the amount of avoidable damage

Things like:

Causing as little damage as possible when making forced entry

Locating the fire before adding water

Using the minimum amount of water needed to knock down the fire

Moving vehicles and plant from the fire area

Ventilating as early as possible

Keeping onlookers and surplus firefighters out of the building

Question 5

What is protective salvage?

Answer 5

Covers the activities taken in conjunction with the control of the fire. Should be extended as crews become available.

Involves:

Reducing water damage

Protective or removing goods from the building

Creating secondary ventilation once the fire is controlled

Question 6

What is the recovery stage?

Answer 6

Commences once fire is extinguished.

Remove house outside of building before breaking couplings

Removing all remaining water

Pumping water from basements and lift wells

Moving items back to their original locations

Covering damaged roofs and all openings to provide protection from adverse weather

Securing premises and all valuables

Handing over the premises to the owner or occupier, their agent or the police

Question 7

What is involved with overhaul?

Answer 7

Mopping up to prevent re-ignition

Locating and cooling any hidden hotspots

Marking the area safe for authorised entry

Protecting and preserving the incident scene for investigation

Helping secure the scene and/or it’s contents against further loss

Question 8

What order should the structure be examined for overhaul?

Answer 8

Top to bottom

Roof, ceiling, walls, floor, substructure

Question 9

What are the steps required to establish safe conditions?

Answer 9

Inspect the premises

Tape off dangerous areas

Eliminate hazards

Develop a plan

Have suitable equipment ready

Question 10

What should you do to preserve evidence at an incident?

Answer 10

Use limited water

Use foam

Disturb the area as little as possible

Notify IC of anything unusual (eg broken window, forced entry)

Use corridors

Question 11

What are the benefits of overhaul?

Answer 11

Locates hidden fires

Prevents rekindling of the fire

Helps determine the cause of the fire

Aids in recognising and preserving evidence of arson or other crimes

Prevents unnecessary damage

Ensures that the building is left in a safe condition

Improves public relations