HR OPS CONSIDERATIONS 97-122

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What was the author's sudden realization when entering the high-rise office building in Atlanta?

The building had a unique system to mimic winter stack effect in summer.

The air was being drawn down to a lower level by the air conditioning/reverse stack effect. (correct)

The building had a large open floor below the main entrance.

The air was rushing past the author into the building.

What aspect of the John Hancock Center in Chicago did the author observe years ago?

The U-return stairs on the 13th floor.

The self-closing doors on the 13th floor. (correct)

The unique exit core stairwells.

The large open floor below the main entrance.

What contributed to the air rush past the author as they entered the high-rise office building in Atlanta?

The doors being opened on the main lobby level. (correct)

The reverse stack effect caused by the air conditioning system.

The U-return stairs on the 13th floor.

The large open floor below the main entrance.

What was notable about the 100-story John Hancock Center in Chicago?

It had three exit core stairwells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a jockey pump in a high-rise building?

To control the pressure in the sprinkler system Signup and view all the answers

In a high-rise building, what is the purpose of a Full Control Annunciator Panel?

To display the status of various fire protection and mechanical systems Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of access stairwells in a high-rise building?

To allow building occupants to move from one floor to another during a fire event Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Class 1, 2, or 3 standpipe systems in high-rise buildings?

To supply water to various points throughout the building for firefighting purposes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consideration when dealing with elevator car fires in high-rise buildings?

Preventing smoke from entering the elevator shafts Signup and view all the answers

When would turning off the fire pump be beneficial during a high-rise building fire?

When there is sufficient water supply from other sources for firefighting purposes Signup and view all the answers

What caused the difficulty in opening the swinging entrance doors?

The slight northerly breeze blowing towards the building frontage Signup and view all the answers

What made the crews believe that the wind rushing into the lobby was due to the slight breeze gaining velocity?

The sensation of wind tunnel while entering the building Signup and view all the answers

Why did the crews experience a wind-tunnel effect in the elevator shaft ways?

Caused by the wind entering the windows blown out from the fire Signup and view all the answers

What led to the conditions becoming untenable in the attack stair above the fire floor?

Heavy black smoke entering the stairwell Signup and view all the answers

What dilemma did the chief face regarding addressing the mass-rescue effort on upper floors?

Commitment of initial resources to fire attack and search efforts Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason for tenants streaming down from upper floors?

To reach lower floors and attempt to flee from smoke Signup and view all the answers

Why did the search crew deploy out onto the fire floor from the opposite stair?

To locate and rescue missing tenants Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the doors of a tall building that act as dampers for the chimney?

Lobby entrance doors Signup and view all the answers

Why does air move rapidly through internal shaft ways in a tall building in cold weather?

Due to temperature differential, building's height, and internal/external pressures Signup and view all the answers

What can occur if stair doors are opened in a tall building during cold weather?

A rush of air will enter the building and shoot up the stairwells Signup and view all the answers

Why is using a smoke/fire tower as the attack stair considered poor strategy?

It increases the probability of overwhelming the attack crew Signup and view all the answers

What can happen when ventilating a common, standard stair shaft in a tall building?

Creation of a flue which may pull smoke from the fire floor into other areas of the building Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of having a small open window at the top of an emergency exit stairwell in a high-rise building?

It turns the stairwell into a virtual wind tunnel and may result in fatalities Signup and view all the answers

In which type of tall buildings can stratification take place?

Tall buildings where smoke rises up until it cools and levels off on upper floors Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the upward draft that occurred during the 1993 World Trade Center bombing?

'Winter stack effect' Signup and view all the answers

When can you have a 'winter stack effect' in a tall building?

During both winter and summer months Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential risks associated with rapid contamination of upper floors with carbon monoxide (CO)?

Increased risk of multiple fatalities in stair shafts and elevators due to carbon monoxide poisoning Signup and view all the answers

What happened during a fire in Paris three years ago involving a small open window at the top of an emergency exit stairwell?

Creation of a Venturi effect resulting in fatalities for 17 occupants Signup and view all the answers

What is the natural phenomena mentioned in the text that has a significant impact on firefighting operations in high-rise buildings?

Stack effect Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of soffit vents in one-story ranch homes, as mentioned in the text?

To pull air into the attic and ventilate hot air trapped in the enclosed space Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the building's HVAC system in creating a natural draft within the core area?

To heat or cool the interior, leading to a natural draft Signup and view all the answers

Why are revolving doors installed in tall buildings, according to the text?

To contain the loss of cold and warm air during summer and winter seasons Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason given for locking the swinging and revolving doors in a 40-story office building in the Deep South?

To conserve air conditioning Signup and view all the answers

What could happen if lobby doors are opened during a high-rise building fire when the fire is below the neutral pressure plane?

The smoke would be drawn down through the core of the building Signup and view all the answers

What did the author observe about the swinging and revolving doors in a 40-story office building in the Deep South?

They were all locked, contrary to established fire codes Signup and view all the answers

What was the danger pointed out to the guard regarding the practice of locking doors in a high-rise building during emergencies?

It probably violated local fire codes Signup and view all the answers

What result did one high-rise building experience due to the summertime downward draft (reverse stack effect) during a fire on the 12th floor?

Untenable conditions in the lobby due to smoke migration from lower floors Signup and view all the answers

What is typically located two floors below a fire in a high-rise building?

The staging floor for firefighters Signup and view all the answers

What did repositioning the staging floor farther down below the fire create for personnel during firefighting operations?

Logistic problems and increased distance from where they are needed Signup and view all the answers

Why should lobby doors be kept closed as much as possible during summer in high-rise buildings?

To maintain favorable conditions for firefighting operations Signup and view all the answers