Safety Officer Chapter 5-3 Complete

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What is the purpose of Step 1: Classifying the Building’s Construction using the type/era/use/size approach?

To determine whether a fire is a contents or structure fire

To identify the strengths and weaknesses associated with a building

To dispatch crews to a fire in a building

To interpret how the materials and arrangement of structural elements might be impacted by fire and heat (correct)

Why have fire service leaders suggested dispatching crews to a 'fire in a building' rather than a 'structure fire'?

To create confusion among the firefighting teams

To ensure that crews assess and classify the fire upon arrival (correct)

To avoid sending firefighters to content fires

To delay the response time of the firefighters

In the context of the text, when is a fire classified as 'structural'?

When there is visible smoke coming from structural spaces

When there is an unfinished basement fire

When there is fire in concealed spaces

When the load-bearing components of a building are being attacked by fire or heat (correct)

How can one tell if the 'hidden' structural elements are being attacked by fire or heat from the outside of a building?

Observing smoke patterns from the building Signup and view all the answers

What type of smoke is a significant indicator of heat and likely fire in a space?

Dark gray or black smoke Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible collapse warning sign in lightweight wood construction?

Brownish smoke Signup and view all the answers

What step involves visually scanning the building and tracing any load to the ground?

Step 3: Visualizing and Tracing Loads Signup and view all the answers

What is often the result of a connection failure in structures?

Structural failure Signup and view all the answers

What might cause a connection to fail in a structure?

Gravity and axial load Signup and view all the answers

What happens when gusset plates are exposed to rapid heating?

They pop out quickly Signup and view all the answers

What is the danger with void spaces in Type III ordinary construction?

Undetected fires and structural destruction Signup and view all the answers

Why should any signs of heat or fire from floor and roof truss spaces trigger an immediate collapse warning?

Due to large combustible voids present Signup and view all the answers

What might happen when internal stairways are relied upon by firefighting crews?

Access for rescue and fire attack Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect that helps an ISO define the weak link in a building's structure?

Visualizing and tracing loads to the ground Signup and view all the answers

What does overloading in buildings often lead to when combined with fire?

Early collapse Signup and view all the answers

Which type of materials are trusses typically made of?

Light materials Signup and view all the answers

What are some typical weak links at structure fires, according to the text?

Connection points, truss construction, and overloaded elements Signup and view all the answers

What is a late indicator of collapse at a structure fire?

Sagging floors and roofs Signup and view all the answers

What are the three options for communicating collapse potential based on urgency?

Emergency evacuation, precautionary withdrawal, planning awareness Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of establishing collapse zones in a building?

To establish exclusionary or 'no-entry' zones for everyone including firefighters Signup and view all the answers

What is a partial collapse according to the text?

When a structural element of a building fails but it retains some strength Signup and view all the answers

What is the biggest threat created by a partial collapse according to the text?

A secondary partial or general collapse Signup and view all the answers

What is the danger with the stairways in newer wood-frame buildings?

They are made of lightweight materials that fail quickly when heated. Signup and view all the answers

Why do parapet walls have an increased risk of collapse during a fire?

Business owners hang additional loads on them which accelerate collapse. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of facades in buildings?

To act as a protective overhang and for decorative purposes. Signup and view all the answers

Why do some newer lightweight-era buildings have parapets made entirely of foam plastic?

To avoid supporting heavy loads like a firefighter on a ladder. Signup and view all the answers

What accelerates the collapse of parapet walls during a fire?

Steel cables and bolts holding additional loads weakening during a fire. Signup and view all the answers

What factor should be considered when evaluating the time it takes for gravity to overcome a structure during a fire?

Age deterioration or lack of care and maintenance. Signup and view all the answers

What increases the potential collapse time of a material during a fire?

An imposed overload on the material. Signup and view all the answers

What can accelerate the potential collapse time of a material exposed to fire?

Loss of fire-resistive barriers Signup and view all the answers

Why is creating large, unobstructed open space within a building considered risky?

It requires lightweight materials that fail under heat. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the risks associated with hanging signs, utility connections, and other loads on parapet walls?

Increasing the potential for sagging steel cables and bolts. Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended concerning firefighters performing operations under or above trusses during firefighting activities?

Ensure evacuation as soon as trusses are exposed to fire. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the UL online training program for firefighters mentioned in the text?

To detail a report titled 'Structural Collapse: The Hidden Dangers of Residential Fires' Signup and view all the answers

What is the main message regarding predicting collapse times in the text?

Early prediction of truss and engineered wood assembly collapse is crucial Signup and view all the answers

What are some observations that could indicate obvious collapse potential according to the text?

Sagging floors and roofs Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of establishing a collapse zone, as mentioned in the text?

To restrict entry to areas that may be exposed to trauma during a collapse Signup and view all the answers

How should firefighters approach establishing a collapse zone according to the text?

Use spotters and pre-establish rapid-withdrawal signals and routes Signup and view all the answers

Why is it mentioned in the text that the 1½ distance rule may not be adequate for unsupported masonry block/brick walls?

Because masonry block/brick walls can propel debris much farther than their height Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason given in the text for flanking building corners when establishing a collapse zone?

'Building corners are inherently stronger' compared to other parts of the building Signup and view all the answers

'Predicting and Communicating the Collapse Potential' is said to be which part of the 'identify-analyze-decide' model?

'Communicate' Signup and view all the answers

'Late signs' that are dangerous to wait for include all EXCEPT:

'Freshly painted walls and roofs' Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to predict early collapse of trusses and engineered lightweight wood assemblies according to the text?

To recognize signs that indicate imminent failure before it is visually apparent Signup and view all the answers

What should be communicated when identifying collapse potential according to the text?

Include establishing a collapse zone along with informing command staff Signup and view all the answers

What type of smoke indicates that time is up for a building under construction?

Brown or dark smoke Signup and view all the answers

Why do firefighters consider a fire in a building under construction a 'loser'?

Because it typically leads to rapid and complete collapse Signup and view all the answers

What is falsework used for during construction?

To support incomplete structural elements Signup and view all the answers

In what situations should Incident Commanders (ICs) default to a defensive strategy for fires?

During construction, demolition, or structural alteration Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main categories that loads on a building are divided into?

Dead loads and live loads Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a material exposed to forces deforms but retains strength?

It is called ductile Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for false work leading to sudden, general collapses in buildings under construction?

Material stacks contributing to overloading structural components Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the force that can be either compression, tension, or shear on materials?

Resistive force Signup and view all the answers

Why must Incident Commanders (ICs) consult with the ISO for an offensive attack in a building under construction?

To evaluate and potentially switch to a defensive strategy Signup and view all the answers

What type of braces are rakers primarily used as in false work?

Columns Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for firefighters to consider using a defensive strategy for fires in buildings under construction?

Avoidance of rapid and complete collapse of the structure Signup and view all the answers

Which force may cause twisting loads on materials?

Torsional force Signup and view all the answers

What is a general collapse of a building?

The complete failure of the building to resist gravity Signup and view all the answers

Why might an outward curtain wall collapse reduce secondary collapse potential?

It removes weight from the primary structural elements Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if a floor or roof collapses in a building?

It imposes weight on interior partition walls Signup and view all the answers

When should an ISO issue an emergency evacuation order?

When the collapse potential is judged to be imminent Signup and view all the answers

What is a precautionary withdrawal in the context of building collapse risk?

A directive for crews to bring hoses and tools along when exiting Signup and view all the answers

What benefits can the RIC gain from the ISO sharing building-related factors?

Developing rescue contingencies and making tool choices Signup and view all the answers

What does an ISO's judgment regarding collapse potential allow them to do?

Proactively adjust incident action plans Signup and view all the answers

How does the weight of a felled portion typically get handled in partial collapse cases?

It gets picked up by other elements Signup and view all the answers

What information can utility hazards provide for rescue contingency planning?

Reach distances and exit/egress options Signup and view all the answers

In what situation should an ISO use an emergency evacuation order?

When there is urgency due to time before collapse Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a 'V'-type roof or floor collapses according to the text?

It puts lateral forces on load-bearing walls Signup and view all the answers

Why should an ISO conduct pre-incident building surveys according to the text?

To improve their ability to read buildings Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between wood and steel in a fire?

Wood contributes to the fire, while steel softens and elongates. Signup and view all the answers

What causes concrete and masonry products to crack and spall?

Internal moisture expansion when heated Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and oriented strand board (OSB) from traditional wood products?

They are engineered wood products using native wood chips bonded together. Signup and view all the answers

What type of forces are created within a beam when loads are transferred perpendicularly?

Compression and torsional forces Signup and view all the answers

What does a connection function as in building construction?

A point of attachment between structural elements Signup and view all the answers

Which building classification within the NFPA 220 system involves masonry walls with wood floors and roof?

Type III, Ordinary Signup and view all the answers

What is a hybrid building according to the text?

A building that combines multiple building types within a single structure Signup and view all the answers

"Spreaders" in the context of the text serve what purpose in a building?

"To anchor the ends of unprotected tie rods" Signup and view all the answers

"Age" and "era" of a building differ in what way according to the text?

"Age refers to time period influences, while era refers to aging issues." Signup and view all the answers