tall buildings - significant hazards

Question 1

list some of the hazards associated with building height, layout and design

Answer 1

impact of operations due to vertical travel distance

objects falling from height

access for firefighters - security such as code entry, security grilles.

large or complex floor layouts

split level maisonettes

comms difficulties

risk of floor or ceiling collapse

firefighters falling from height

risk of entanglement

fixed installations

fire suppression depriving o2

timber frame construction and rapid fire spread

buildings under construction

electromagnetic radiation from antennas

Question 2

hazards of high rise firefighting can be grouped under what 3 headings?

Answer 2

building height, layout and design

fire behaviour and development

firefighting and rescue operations

Question 3

building regulations require buildings over what height to make provisions for firefighting and firefighter access?

Answer 3

18m

Question 4

list some hazards associated with fire behaviour and development

Answer 4

rapid fire spread in any direction

less predictable due to effects of wind

external spread when breaks through windows

concealed smoke or heat travel

air currents moving up or down

wind speeds increasing with height

burning material falling from height

poor housing keeping obstructing escape routes

undivided stairways acting as chimneys

uncontrolled ventilation