Ventilation Training Notes Flashcards
105.1 Hydraulic Ventilation
What is Hydraulic Ventilation ?
A simple procedure performed by FFs operating from the interior of a structure
- the only tools required are a hose line and a fog nozzle
105.1 Hydraulic Ventilation
What is the effectiveness of hydraulic ventilation based on ?
The size of the ventilation opening and the amount of water flowing from the nozzle.
105.1 Hydraulic Ventilation
When does Hydraulic Ventilation take place ?
After the fire has been successfully knocked down in the fire room.
105.1 Hydraulic Ventilation
What are the steps ?
- Ff advance to a window or door that has hopefully already vented to assist fire attack. If not FF will have to clear the vent opening completely.
- the hose line is positioned a few feet from the vent opening and the nozzle is opened.
-Fog stream should be adjusted so that it covers most of the opening, without touching the edges (85-90%of the opening) - heat and smoke are drawn into the fog stream and entrained out of the structure
- ## the process should only continue for a few seconds until visibility in the room has improved.
105.1 Hydraulic Ventilation
The nozzle should be ?
Fully opened so that maximum ventilation can be achieved.
105.1 Hydraulic Ventilation
What is the primary advantage of Hydraulic Ventilation ?
- It is quick and simple to perform
- FFs do not have to set up fans or make time- osuming manual ventilation openings.
- very effective at clearing a sigle room after knockdown has occurred
- allows ffs to improve conditions in the immediate area
105.1 Hydraulic Ventilation
What are the negative ?
Has the potential to increase water damage to the structure and, if over used,may strain water supplies.
105.2 Positive Pressure Exposure Protection
When ?
- when a Structure or separate area within an involved structure is not involved in fire but at risk
- first priority should be for ventilation on involved building / area for fire attack
- exposure protection is a secondary priority.
105.2 Positive Pressure Exposure Protection
How ?
- Set up blowers the same as for any positive pressure operation
But do not create exhaust openings. - monitor interior and exterior conditions. Open up high risk interior walls or ceilings. Hose lines may be required on th exterior, and should be readily available for the interior.
- very effective with common attics, such as strip malls and apartment complexes, or where separating walls may have been breached, such as with electrical or plumbing installation.
- monitor levels and wear full PPE
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
What is Ventilation?
Systematic procedures to redirect and remove fire, smoke, heat , and gases, from involved structures.
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
What is the purpose of Ventilation?
- aid rescue operations
- ease the task of Firefighting
- reduce possibility of backdraft
- reduce the amount of damage
- Provide better visibility
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
What is Ventilation Size - Up ?
- Assess rescue / life hazards
- determine the location and extent of the fire
- Identify building construction features
- is there a need for ventilation
- where is Ventilation needed
- how should Ventilation be accomplished
- how will wind, temperature, etc. Affect ventilation?
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
what are Ventilation problems ?
- locating the fire
- determine its extent and intensity
- determine if a life hazard is present
- look for indications of backdraft
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
When should you ventilate ?
- the base of the fire cannot be located
- Smoke, heat,and gases are creating a life hazard
- heat present prohibits entry
- smoke is causing damage
- toxic gases may cause injury to personnel
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Steps involved in roof ventilation
- size up type of roof
- set up ladders ( 1 for access, 1 for secondary egress )
- test and take equip aloft
- sound roof for structure stability before stepping on to it
- cut an inspection hole to ascertain construction type
- cut Ventilation hole (s )
- sound roof on the way back to the ladder
- exit off roof as soon as job is done
105.3 Vertical Ventilation Heat hole ( Offensive)
- saves lives by removing heat and smoke
- allows ff access
- prevents “Backdraft “
- places over the fire , as close to over the fire that SAFETY will allow
105.3 Vertical Ventilation Strip Ventilation ( Defensive)
- Heat hole over fire is important, this allows you time to complete a strip ventilation, and slows the horizontal spread of fire
- prevents horizontal spread of fire
- strip ventilation should be in area not involved with fire at the time
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Single family dwelling
- attic involvement, check attic vents
- type of roof / age of building
- access to roof for laddering
- ladder away from fire
- raise a second ladder away from the fire - secondary means of egress
- always work or cut back towards your ladder
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Commercial
- Occupancy type ( what is inside the building )
- where is the fire and amount of involvement
- age of building
- possible roof types ( heavy or lightweight )
- colour and direction of smoke
- access to roofaway from the fire
- utility wire, High voltage
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Rafter determination of Flat Roofs
- rafter direction important to know before getting over the fire
- inspection cut method using vent saw or axe
- analyze the roof, usually rafter run the shortest span
105.3 Vertical Ventilation Lightweight Roofs ( panelized )
- Recognition of lightweight roof
- Ladder 8-10 feet from corner
- avoid laddering over openings if possible
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Identification from the roof
- sounding
- visually ( looking for beams)
- sky light ( 4 times 8)
- heavy equipment / placed on lam beams or girders
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Inspection Hole Cutting
- important to know what you are working on
- diagonal cut from corner of building until something is hit with saw
- expose and evaluate all of the options
- set saw cutting depth
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Smoke indicator holes
- very important on panelized or ightweight roofs
- provides you with information about involvement inside structure
- vent saw or ace can be used
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Roof Vent Caps
- use the same as you would use inspection hole
- use but don’t abuse
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Skylights ( quick and easy Ventilation)
- use as you would use a ventilation hole
- know what it ventilates
- use as you would use a ventilation hole
- know what it ventilates
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
45 degree “Inspection Cut “
If rafter type and direction are unknown, a 45 degree inspection cut will tell you rafter type, direction, sheathing type, thickness of roof composition, and when complete. It can act as a smoke indicator hole.
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Center rafter louver
- First know rafter type and rafter direction
- determine the location of three rafters
- when you are over the ventilation area make a head cut to locate a minimum of three rafters.
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Coffin Cut
A variation of the center rafter louver cut that will be used on roofs with a pitch greater than 5:12 pitch
- same as the center louver cut however the cut is longer and wider.
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Strip or Trench cut
This is a technique used primarily to control the spread of a fire.
- it would be used effectively when a fire is spreading parallel or perpendicular to lam beams or exterior walls.
- this is a defensive operation and time consuming
- May be necessary to request help from other crews
This cut requires two saws working at the same time.
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Kevyn paints and Safety Concerns
1, never cut toward your body. only cut your front or down the side of your body. Never cut past your feet.
- Vent saw is to be operated at 2 speeds: full throttle - when cutting, idle/stop with brake on when not cutting.
- Cut with the saw perpendicular to the deck for max rafter feel, on top and bottom cuts use approx 6 inches of the bar.
- Extend your cuts ( overlap) at the corners to prevent decking from not being cut.
- Ensure all smoke and heat holes are clear of insulation, ceiling paper, and other debris.
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Heat hole
Offensive ventilation - a hole placed over the fire or as close to over the fire that safety will allow. this allows ff access, increases visibility, etc
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Strip ventilation
A defensive ventilation tool where a long hole is cut in the roof in advance of the fire.
The hole acts as a fire break in the roof.
This term is sometimes called Trenching.
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Smoke Indicator Hole
- small triangular hole that helps assess conditions of smoke or fire.
- these holes can be placed along the path of access/ egress every few yards.
- when directly in the area of personnel, they can give good indications of changing conditions.
- an increase in volume or velocity of smoke exiting the opening is an indication of dangerous conditions below.
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Plug cut
Small triangular of composition removed from the roof covering, to determine sheathing type and / or roof construction.
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Head Cut ?
Used to locate rafters
A cut made perpendicular to rafter or joist direction that involves falling rafters
The first cut ( top cut ) used in a centre rafter louver.
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Rolling Rafters
- A technique used when making a head cut o any type.
- when a rafter or joist is felt with a vent saw the saw is backed off and lifted OVER the rafter or joist and then the cut is resumed.
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Dicing
- Cutting sheathing with no concern to location of individual rafters or joists.
- this technique is used with roofs that are 1X6, spaced or diagonally sheathed roofs.
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Centre Rafter Cut
- useful technique when cutting plywood sheathing
- centre raftering provides for a large hole with a minimum of cuts that is relatively safe on all sides.
- sheathing removal (louvering requires minimum effort)
- this technique is also used for strip ventilation on sheathed roofs.
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Louver
- the best alternative for removing sheathingis louvering.
- once all cuts are made push down on the near side and pull up on the far side.
- this method is used with the centre rafter technique
( all four sides have to be cut )
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Nailing Blocks
- Usually a 2x4 laid flat between rafters or joists to provide a nailing and surface edge for plywood sheathing.
- since plywood is used normally in 4x8 sheets and diapragm nailed, a head block is usually found every 4 feet.
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
“H” Clips
- Metal clips used to tie the butted ends of plywood together
- common on pitched roofs
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Sounding
- A technique for walking on roofs safely
- long handled tool ( rubbish hook / pike pole )to hit the roof to determine the condition of the roof.
- on panelized roofs the major beams can be located this way.
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Where are flat metal deck roofs found ?
- a common type of roof found on commercial and industrial occupancies
- typically, steel trusses support metal-deck roofs from underneath and can span very large spaces.
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
What do steel trusses do and how can they’d be a problem ?
- typically steel trusses support metal-deck roofs
- in some cases they remain open to the space below
- during a fire this open space exposes the trusses to direct heat and flame, which can result in early failure
- Fire - rated ceiling below can protect trusses for a time.
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
WHat should you scan for before getting on a metal- deck roof ?
Look for separation walls within buildings with multiple occupancies and attempt to locate the separation walls once on the roof.
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
What kind of problems can arise attempting vertical ventilation directly above the fire ?
If a roof fails it won’t just fail directly over the fire, it may fail over a large area, particularly if a truss is compromised.
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
What is the safest way to operate on a roof ?
And other safe ways to work ?
- Working from an aerial or tower ladder is the safest way to operate
- work ladders placed horizontally spreads personnel weight over a large area.
- utilize only the number of personnel actually needed to make the cut
- heavy equip on the roof can create the same hazard
- be aware of roof edges or drop offs
- minimize time on the roof ( get on the roof complete the task and get off the roof )
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Can pre - made ventilation holes such as skylights, roof access doors and vent pipes be used as ventilation holes ?
They are not big enough but they can be used as additional vent holes.
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Can metal - deck roofs burn on top as well as on the bottom?
True
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
How doe a fire occur in metal- deck roofing ?
- when decking is heated, insulation adhesives and even roof coverings may emit gases that cannot escape through the roof covering.
- these gases are forced under the deck which the fire below then ignites.
- continually exposing the decks underside to temps of 800 degrees F can result in certain decks producing a fire that can then spread on its own across the underside
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
What are the safety considerations ?
Primary Hazard - falling into the hole while cutting it.
- ff while cutting has no idea where the ends of the steel sheets are.
Second Problem - ff on top will see a sag in the roof from fire exposure.
(5 min ) to collapse.
- ff below the roof will not see the sag due to smoke.
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
What is the strategy ?
Use a hose line for cooling the unprotected bar joists, preventing there failure
With the roof supports protected, the roof ventilation team can safely vent this exposed store permitting the hose line teams to stop the fire’s advance.
105.3 Vertical Ventilation
Sahara is a Kerf Cut ?
Kerf Cut is a virtual trench
Ideal parallel to the bar joists, so there is no thermal bridging of the cut by the bar joist.
- 4 Ventilation ( Positive Pressure Attack )
What are the 3 basic PPA Procedures ?
- Identify the ventilation opening and position the blower
- Survey the building exterior and create or improve an exhaust opening.
- Begin Pressurization and fire attack
- Make sure the fire is out.
- 4 Ventilation ( Positive Pressure Attack )
What are the different type of blower configurations ?
1) 2 or more in a series for narrower openings
2) parallel for wider ventilation points
3) if space allows in a v pattern increases the exhaust volume by as much as 30 %
- 4 Ventilation ( Positive Pressure Attack )
Attic Fires ?
- PPA protects living quarters on lower floors by keeping the fire in the attic
- start fan in attack entrance to pressurize area below the fire
- exhaust opening is not necessary if the space below the attic is clear of smoke
- openings below the attic must be , large enough to observe the attic environment.
- apply the water through holes as necessary
- move from one room to another on the floor below making inspection / fire attack holes.
- do not open roof unless you can access the entire attic with interior hose lines.
- 4 Ventilation ( Positive Pressure Attack )
Vehicle / trash fires
- PPA fans can assist in blowing hazardous fumes away from the ff
- set up blower upwind of fire
- crews attack fire with blower at their backs
- 4 Ventilation ( Positive Pressure Attack )
multi - story / high - rise
- Ventilation Sector should be established
- coordinate fire ground ventilation with any building ventilation systems
- pressurize stairwells at grounded floor
- multiple blowers may be required
Needed on landings
Needed at the entry of the fire floor - exhaust openings ( window a good choice )
Stairwell on opposite side of the fire may also be appropriate to exhaust through a door at roof level. - floors with most extensive fire require more exhaust
- cautions Of windows that have failed during fire attack
- 4 Ventilation ( Positive Pressure Attack )
Large Buildings
- multiple blowers
- interior blowers to enhance pressurization
- environment worsens add blowers
- Ventilation Sector should be established in the command structure for coordination
- fire attacks take more time, more time to plan ventilation, exhaust openings may be assigned to later arriving crews.
- monitor co levels
- 4 Ventilation ( Positive Pressure Attack )
Basement Fires
- blower placement creative
- exhaust opening near fire may not be possible, any opening is better than none
- windows are too small , might nee several
- if Ventilation opening is the same as the exhaust opening, PPA will not be a good option
- 4 Ventilation ( Positive Pressure Attack )
Safety Precautions
- everyone should be trained
- Command should order PPA before FF enter the structure
- area near exhaust is can be hazardous, remove victim that is awaiting rescue at a potential exhaust opening
- do not use the exhaust opening as an entrance
- make sure fir us out , open up all ares that could harbour fire, re-examine the area after the blower has been off for 10- 15 minutes
- never use a blower wher back draft conditions may be present, presence of combustible dust or flammable vapours.
- do not attempt PPA without securing an exhaust opening.
If fire or heavy smoke is exhausting above the blower at the ventilation point do not enter until enough forward exhaust can be obtained.
105 Ventilation
105.5 Positive Pressure Ventilation
Def
Systematic procedure to redirect and remove fire, smoke, heat, and gases from involved structures.
105 Ventilation
105.5 Positive Pressure Ventilation
Purpose ?
- Aid rescue ops
- ease FF
- reduce possibility of Backdraft
- reduce damage
- Provide better visibility
105 Ventilation
105.5 Positive Pressure Ventilation
Size UP ?
- assess rescue life hazards
- determine the location and extent of the fire
- Identify building construction features
Following decisions must be made - is there a need for ventilation
- where is ventilation needed
- how should Ventilation be accomplished ?
- how will wind, temp, affect ventilation
105 Ventilation
105.5 Positive Pressure Ventilation
When to ventilate ?
- base of the fire cannot be located
- smoke, heat,and gases are creating a life hazard
- heat present prohibits entry
- smoke is causing damage
- toxic gases may cause injury to personnel
105 Ventilation
105.5 Positive Pressure Ventilation
Two types of ventilation ?
Natural and mechanical
105 Ventilation
105.5 Positive Pressure Ventilation
Natural ?
- proximity of the ventilation opening to the contaminants to be removed
- ability of contaminants to travel un-obstructed to the ventilation opening
- # and size of ventilation openings
- direction of wind ( windward and leeward side of the building )
- humidity ( damp, cold weather will suppress natural convection currents)
- temp differential between the interior and exterior of the building
105 Ventilation
105.5 Positive Pressure Ventilation
Pressurized ?
- contaminants to exit through pre selected and or controlled areas
- move contaminants or openings not normally utilized by natural ventilation
This is possible because fans allow us - use ventilation openings that are remote from the contaminants
- overcome effects of humidity
- overcome interior- exterior temp differentials
- reduce time
105 Ventilation
105.5 Positive Pressure Ventilation
Compared to negative ventilation, Positive Pressure ventilation has the following advantages?
- personnel are not exposed to hazardous interior contaminants while positioning exterior fans
- minimal clean up, contaminants are not drawn through fans
- doorways , windows and halls do not need to be blocked by fans
- Exterior fans are not dependant on equipment
- fans do not add noise
- efficient in removing contaminants at the top, bottom, and corners of a room.
- PPA is approx twice as efficient in removing contaminants from a building as negative pressure ventilation.
105 Ventilation
105.5 Positive Pressure Ventilation
Ppv can be effective over long distances ( over one thousand feet )
Through careful attention to the following necessities ?
- air flow between the entrance and exhaust openings must be controlled.
- fans of at least 3-5 hp should be used. The use of murtiple fans will dramatically enhance the effectiveness of this operation.
: rule of thumb 1 fan / 5000 square feet
:rule of thumb 1 fan / 7 stories
Multi use occupancies can be effectively ventilated with Positive Pressure by :
- first pressurizing appropriate hallways
- next ventilating a pressurized hallway if contaminants are present
- finally ventilating contaminated rooms or other areas that are common to a pressurized hallway.
106 Fireground Operations
106.1 Incidents Involving Asbestos
Definitions of As Esposito ContainingMaterial (ACM)
Friable ACM means any material which contains more than 1 percent asbestos by weight and can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure.
Non-friable ACM means any material which contains more than 1 percent asbestos weight and cannot be pulverized under pressure
106 Fireground Operations
106.1 Incidents Involving Asbestos
TFS Guidelines for Entry into Asbestos Contaminated Incident
- communicate to all personal on scene
- limit the number of personnel exposed
- mandate and enforce all crews wearing full structural ff PPE and SCBA from point of entry control throughout operation including ( Overhaul )
- areas or spaces suspected or known to contain friable asbestos should be only disturbed as necessary for fire extinguishment.
- all personnel must be decontaminated upon exit.
- exposed personnel should immediately take a shower upon return to their station.
- NO eating or drinking is to occur until personnel have been decontaminated and showered at their base station
- keep areas suspected to contain friable asbestos wet to minimize fibre disruption.
106 Fireground Operations
106.1 Incidents Involving Asbestos
Decontamination
Suspected but not obvious?
- after gross decon on scene PPE can be bagged and sent for 3rd party washing
- hard surfaces ff helmets, boots, should be bagged and tagged on scene to prevent contamination of the truck.
- heavy haze can provide temporary booties and coveralls
- proper PPE for washing boots and helmets is medical gloves with N95 filter masks.
106 Fireground Operations
106.1 Incidents Involving Asbestos
Significant Contamination of Known Asbestos - PPE Decon
- consider samples tested by a qualified testing company
- treat water in decon as contaminated waste water, properly disposed of by owner of building.
- if PPE is dry vacuum with HEPA filters and then dispose of filters in sealed containers with waste water from decon
Cleaned by outside company ( not our regular service ) - PPE is wet bag gear in clear bags and clearly tagged as contaminated with asbestos. Cleaned by outside service
- bag and tag station wear as well
- proper PPE for bagging contaminated gear is medical gloves with N95 filter masks.
106 Fireground Operations
106.1 Incidents Involving Asbestos
Proper bagging procedures for PPE
- all bunker gear that is contaminated must be double bagged. First bag in the yellow Bio- Hazard bag and then in a clear bag.
Paperwork should be between both bags, visible for viewing.
Bunker Suit Repair Order form - bunker gear that is not bagged properly will not be accepted
- contaminated crews are to bag their own gear
106 Fireground Operations
106.1 Incidents Involving Asbestos
Noteworthy Report
- Platoon Chief
- Division Commander - on call
- Command Division Commander
- Exposure reports should be submitted
