Fire Safety and Investigation Procedures

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What makes high-rise firefighting operations particularly challenging?

The physically demanding task of transporting heavy tools and equipment (correct)

The lack of hazardous materials in high-rise buildings

The short distance from the fire truck to the fire

The simplicity of high-rise building designs

What is unique about high-rise firefighters?

They are trained to respond to only fire emergencies

They are knowledgeable about complex building systems and hazardous materials (correct)

They are not physically fit

They are not required to have specific guidelines for response

What is the purpose of establishing guidelines for fire units in high-rise responses?

To confuse firefighters about their roles

To delay response times

To prioritize only fire emergencies

To ensure each unit knows their expected duties and purposes (correct)

What do high-rise firefighters need to be knowledgeable about?

Structures with complex characteristics in design, floor layouts, and systems Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential for fire units to maintain their disciplines during high-rise responses?

To comply with established guidelines and protocols Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial aspect of high-rise firefighting operations?

Size-up and gathering information Signup and view all the answers

What do firefighters need to do upon arrival at a high-rise incident?

Position the fire apparatus and locate the fire alarm control panel Signup and view all the answers

What makes high-rise firefighting operations an 'Ivy League' of the fire service?

The complexity and variety of response types Signup and view all the answers

What type of alarm can be activated by conditions that are recognized as smoke, but not by actual fire?

Nuisance alarm Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for following the guidelines in NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2022?

To reduce unwarranted alarms Signup and view all the answers

What can affect the sensitivity of fire detection devices over time?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of maintaining a logbook according to the New York City Fire Code 2014?

To record the type and location of alarms Signup and view all the answers

Which type of occupancy would require the response of a full alarm box assignment?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What information should be included in the alarm information passed on to responding fire units?

Address or location and type of emergency Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of notifying the public utility company in utility emergencies?

To allow them to take control of the event Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the failure of fire detection devices due to physical damage or lack of maintenance?

Device malfunction Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of having multiple detection devices in a high-rise building?

It provides more accurate information about the location of the emergency Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of investigating and mitigating life safety issues during an emergency response?

Intervention and mitigation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of pre-incident fire and all-hazard emergency planning in high-rise buildings?

To enhance size-up decision-making and define a tactical approach for fires or emergencies Signup and view all the answers

What type of fire alarm system is often found in high-rise residential buildings constructed in the 21st century?

Full fire protection systems with a fire alarm control panel (FACP) and building voice communications system Signup and view all the answers

What type of fire alarm is activated without the interaction of a human being?

Automatic fire alarm Signup and view all the answers

Why may the fire department/brigade consider dispatching only one fire unit to investigate the cause for an alarm in a commercial building during normal working hours?

Because it is a nonemergency, unwarranted alarm Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of communicating life safety components to occupants in high-rise buildings?

To keep them informed of current conditions and provide instructions Signup and view all the answers

What type of fire alarm system is often found in high-rise residential buildings built prior to the 21st century?

Individual smoke detectors within each apartment unit with no direct connection to a lobby fire alarm FACP Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the AHJ in responding to alarms in high-rise buildings?

To determine the response matrix appropriate for the type of alarm received Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of audible tones, bells, and announcements in high-rise buildings?

To alert the building staff and occupants of a fire alarm activation Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical response to a fire alarm in a commercial building during normal working hours?

One fire unit to investigate the cause for the alarm Signup and view all the answers

Why may the communication center increase the response to a full alarm assignment in high-rise buildings?

If additional alarms or phone calls were received providing more detailed information Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the communication center in case of a chemical release or explosion?

To determine if people have been injured and assign adequate resources of EMS personnel and apparatus Signup and view all the answers

What factor has a significant impact on the stack effect in a building?

Building height Signup and view all the answers

What might be mistaken for a fire condition on the roof of a building?

Water vapor clouds produced by a chiller unit Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for airflow traveling towards areas of lower pressure?

Pressure differentials Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Critical Information Dispatch System (CIDS)?

To assist operations and safety by providing vital intelligence Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step of the first arriving fire unit?

To place (spot) the apparatus for its intended purpose and function Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to include the fact that 'nothing showing' from the building envelope in the initial radio report?

It provides the current conditions of size-up at that moment in time Signup and view all the answers

What is indicative of a wind-impacted event in a fire?

Fire or smoke belching in puffs Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the building envelope is compromised and fire is showing, but not venting to the exterior?

External pressures are greater than internal pressures Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'house watch' desk?

To print out the alarm information through the computer-assisted dispatch system Signup and view all the answers

What should a comprehensive report include in a fire incident?

The fire unit transmitting the information, assumption of command, address confirmation, visual observation, intended actions, and needs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of emergency call operators?

To use discretion to obtain as much information as possible and provide guidance and support Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to consider the wind direction when responding to a fire in a residential structure?

It affects the direction of attack Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary direction of heat and smoke migration in a high-rise building?

Vertical direction Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of observing the color, volume, and degree of turbulence of fire or smoke vents?

To determine the direction of the wind Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the alarm card?

To provide additional information, such as standpipe riser locations and other vital intelligence Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of having a secondary entrance to a building during an incident?

It provides direct access to the FACP/fire command center Signup and view all the answers

What should be notified when fire or smoke is observed venting from a high-rise office building?

A call for a multiple alarm is warranted Signup and view all the answers

What is the limitation of the building information field in the CIDS?

It can only accommodate 4 lines of information Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of external wind pressures on a fire in a high-rise building?

It overpressurizes the fire area Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to determine the point of entry to a building during an incident?

To expedite the time needed to gather information Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to confirm the alarm or emergency address and location to the communication center?

So that all responding fire units are notified Signup and view all the answers

What type of voids or shafts are heat and smoke most likely to migrate to in a high-rise building?

Vertical voids Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the initial command position established by the first arriving fire unit?

To determine a plan of action or the implementation of a battle plan Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that influences the direction of fire or smoke venting from a high-rise building?

Wind direction Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor to consider when responding to a fire in a high-rise building?

The ventilation-controlled fire scenario Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the initial radio report when responding to a fire in a high-rise building?

The fact that 'nothing showing' from the building envelope Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the phenomenon where fire or smoke is drawn up and away in a vertical column?

Natural updraft Signup and view all the answers

What should each firefighter be equipped with before leaving the apparatus?

Tools and equipment to perform an investigation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of having multiple detection devices in a high-rise building?

To provide redundancy in case of device failure Signup and view all the answers

What is indicative of a negative stack effect in a high-rise building?

A draft in your face Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of gathering building intelligence during an initial response to a high-rise alarm?

To establish a valid reason for the alarm and its location Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) in high-rise buildings?

To monitor and control the fire alarm system Signup and view all the answers

In the event of an electrical fault incident, what is a potential pathway for smoke laden with carbon monoxide to enter the building?

Through the main electrical service panel Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to report airflow information to the incident commander?

To help the IC make decisions about sheltering in place or evacuation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the fire team to investigate the main electrical service panel room?

To determine if any detection devices have activated Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the FLSD logbook in the City of New York?

To document fire alarm activations and incident responses Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of interacting with the Fire Safety Director (FSD) or Building Information Representative (BiR) upon arrival at a high-rise building?

To obtain the reason for the alarm and its location Signup and view all the answers

What should the fire officer do if they are unaware of the ongoing event outside the building?

Notify the building's FLSD/BiR Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of distance from the arriving fire apparatus to the entrance door in high-rise buildings?

It can delay firefighters' access to the building Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 2016 Brussels terrorist bombing events in the context of high-rise building emergency response?

They highlighted the importance of fire service involvement in nonfire emergency planning and response Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of a failure in a public water supply, natural gas, or steam underground pipeline exterior to a high-rise building?

A catastrophic incident Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential hazard that firefighters should be cautious of while investigating the main electric service supply room?

Accidental ignition of high CO accumulations Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using the side doors instead of the revolving door when entering a high-rise building?

It can help observe the stack effect in the building Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of tall building owners and property managers in the context of emergency response?

To provide a safe environment for occupants and those seeking refuge Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to ensure that firefighters have all necessary tools and equipment before entering a high-rise building?

To ensure that firefighters can perform their duties effectively Signup and view all the answers

What should the fire units do upon arrival at the scene?

Position their apparatus for their intended purpose and reason for response Signup and view all the answers

What is a common indicator of an electrical fault incident involving underground conduits?

Smoke emitting from manholes Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe all methods and means of airflow in and out of a building?

Ventilation profile Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of smoke management and control exhaust ventilation in high-rise buildings?

To reduce the risk of smoke inhalation Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the initial alarm information in high-rise building responses?

It provides specific details of the response Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of natural airflow paths in high-rise buildings?

They are horizontal and vertical throughout the structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the size-up process on arrival at an incident scene?

To prepare for potential hazards and respond accordingly Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for firefighters to understand the ventilation profile of a building?

To identify the flow paths of air movement into and out of the building Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of maintaining disciplines during high-rise responses, according to the SOPs/SOGs?

It ensures that every response is considered legitimate Signup and view all the answers

What type of incident can occur due to the pressure buildup in an electrical transformer failure?

A fiery explosion Signup and view all the answers

What should the building's FLSD/BiR consider making announcements about?

The exit doors that are not available for egress Signup and view all the answers

What is the average weight of a manhole cover that can be blown onto the roof of a low-rise building during an electrical fault incident?

110 lb Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters do upon arrival at the scene to ensure their safety?

Park their apparatus in an optimum position Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the IC or fire officer signing the logbook entry upon leaving the building?

To ensure that an entry has been made of the incident Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the first officer to arrive at a high-rise fire incident?

To communicate gleaned information in the preliminary report to the department/brigade communications center Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of performing a size-up during a high-rise fire incident?

To analyze a combination of known facts, alarm information, and verbal observations to proceed with appropriate actions Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters do when entering the lobby of a high-rise building during a fire incident?

Perform separate functions to gain control of building systems and gather intelligence Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of recalling elevator banks to the lobby during a high-rise fire incident?

To confirm that they are accounted for and void of people Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters take note of when examining elevator banks in a high-rise building during a fire incident?

The car door orientation in relation to the primary building entrance Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to understand the physical layout of a high-rise building during a fire incident?

To facilitate the search for occupants and to rescue those trapped Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the elevator banks/cars if time permits during a high-rise fire incident?

Recall them to the lobby and keep them open and empty Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the fire officer during the lobby size-up?

To interact with the FLSD/BiR and check the FACP displays Signup and view all the answers

What should be evaluated during the size-up process in a high-rise fire incident?

A combination of known facts, alarm information, specific building intelligence, and verbal and visual observations Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the fire officer inquiring with the FLSD/BiR about the elevator recall?

To determine if the elevators have been automatically recalled Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential threat to building owners/property management that justifies considering a second Fire Command Center (FCC)?

Terrorist attacks Signup and view all the answers

What could lobby security personnel prevent from happening?

Accessing the elevator lobbies Signup and view all the answers

What information can current FACP systems provide about alarm devices?

The exact location and time of alarm initiation Signup and view all the answers

What feature can some FACP systems provide to aid in fire investigation?

A scrolling back feature to note previous alarms Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of having a redundant FACP system with AHJ approval?

It provides a backup system in case of a primary system failure Signup and view all the answers

What is the starting point of the investigation for confirmation of a condition or fire location?

The lowest floor of the activated device Signup and view all the answers

What can be broadcast to occupants during emergency response efforts?

Instructions to shelter in place Signup and view all the answers

What can be used to direct occupants concerning the method and means for egress?

The IC's instructions Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a redundant Fire Command Center (FCC)?

To allow for a backup system in case of a primary system failure Signup and view all the answers

What can be reviewed by the IC while responding to a fire alarm?

The specific building battle plans Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal location for the fire alarm control panel room/fire command center in new construction?

In a separate room directly accessible in the lobby area Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to have a remote fire alarm annunciator panel in the immediate vicinity of the main entrance?

To expedite the process of size-up, communication reports, notifications to occupants, and the placement of resources for fire attack or emergency mitigation Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of having a two-way communication system in the FACP?

It enables communication with occupants on each floor level Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the FACP having an all-call mode or to selected floors as needed?

To enable communication with occupants on each floor level Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to consider the location of the FACP room in relation to the lobby area?

To minimize the impact of background noise on emergency communications Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the AHJ in regards to the FACP/FCC location?

To provide input on the location of the FACP/FCC Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of having a fire warden phone on each floor?

To enable the FLSD or IC to call a specific floor and determine the status on the floor Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the fire wardens in an alarm emergency or fire situation?

To assemble employees and guide them according to evacuation procedures Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to have a separate room for the FACP/FCC in the lobby area?

To minimize the impact of lobby background noise on emergency communications Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of prior training for familiarization with the evacuation plan?

It facilitates compliance with the evacuation plan Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of alarms and tones sounding without a follow-up broadcast and announcement?

People will become desensitized and disregard the alarms Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of having the FACP/FCC room in the lobby area?

It enables the fire department/brigade to assess the status of activated alarms immediately on entering the lobby Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the fire department/brigade requesting plans for the FACP/FCC location?

To ensure that the FCC will be in a location that will facilitate efficient assessment of the status of all fire protection systems, HVAC systems, elevator banks, and occupant feedback and communications about life safety concerns or conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the evacuation plan in a high-rise building?

To provide a safe and efficient means of evacuation in an emergency Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the floor zone involved in an alarm emergency or fire situation?

The floor above and the floor below the alarm location Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of including specifics of various evacuation modes in the fire safety and all-hazard emergency action plans?

To provide a clear and effective means of evacuation in an emergency Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for shutting down the HVAC system during a high-rise fire response?

To exclude fresh air to a fire that may be in progress Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the FACP/FCC features in high-rise buildings?

To determine the HVAC air-handling equipment operational status Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the building engineer in high-rise fire responses?

To provide expert assistance with the coordination, use, and controls of the HVAC system Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of establishing a command post in the lobby of a high-rise building?

To establish a centralized location for command and control Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of recalling all elevators to their terminal floor during a high-rise fire response?

It allows firefighters to use the elevators for response Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of NFPA standards for fire safety and all-hazard emergency action plans?

To require building owners to prepare fire safety and all-hazard emergency action plans Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of fire wardens in high-rise office buildings?

To assist with the implementation of fire safety and all-hazard emergency action plans Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of having a single tenant or multiple tenants in high-rise office buildings?

It requires the assignment of fire wardens on each floor Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the IC's report detailing the analyzed and completed actions, duties, and responsibilities?

To provide a summary of the fire response Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of communicating with the building engineer during a high-rise fire response?

It allows for more effective coordination of the fire response Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

High-Rise Firefighting Operations

High-rise firefighting operations are physically demanding and require a high level of knowledge and expertise, earning them the reputation of being part of the "Ivy League" of the fire service.
Firefighters must be knowledgeable of complex building designs, floor layouts, transportation systems, machinery, utilities, energy systems, and hazardous materials.

Responding to Alarms

High-rise buildings with mixed-use occupancies should have full fire protection systems, including fire alarm systems with control panels.
Fire alarm systems can be classified as automatic or nonautomatic, and may be connected directly to the fire department or through a central alarm monitoring company.
The type and number of fire units required to respond to an alarm depend on the type of alarm, occupancy, and additional information received.

Initial Alarm Information

Alarm information provided to responding fire units may vary depending on the location and should include the address, reason for the request, and type of emergency.
The protocol for emergency calls should also notify the appropriate public utility company to respond and assist as needed.

First Fire Unit to Arrive

The first arriving fire unit should announce their arrival via radio or mobile data terminal, establish an initial command position, and provide a report with an update of intelligence about the initial alarm.
The unit should confirm the alarm or emergency address and location with the communication center to ensure all responding units are notified.

Size-up on Arrival

Emergency responders should habitually conduct a visual size-up on arrival at the incident scene, especially in high-rise buildings where events can be more complex and unpredictable.
Recent events have underscored the need for all-hazard (nonfire) emergency planning and response by building personnel to render aid in chaotic situations.

Logbook Maintenance

The Fire and Life Safety Director (FLSD) should maintain a logbook with entries recorded for all fire alarm activations, including staffing, fire incidents, fire alarm system offline entries, nonfire emergency incidents, and notifications to the fire department or other agencies.### High-Rise Building Ventilation Profile
The term "ventilation profile" describes all methods and means of airflow in and out of a building.
Every building type has a ventilation profile, including potential openings that permit airflow and smoke movement into and out of the building.
High-rise buildings are subject to natural airflow paths due to the stack effect, which can be influenced by factors such as:
- Building height: Greater height, greater draft
- Temperature differentials: Internal vs. external temperatures and humidity
- Pressure differentials: Difference in pressure inside and outside the building
- Air leakage: Openings between walls and floors
- External weather conditions: Wind can introduce air and high pressure

Stack Effect and Fire Behavior

Stack effect can cause fire to vent from the structure in a vertical column or horizontally, depending on wind conditions.
Firefighters must consider the color, volume, and degree of turbulence of venting fire or smoke to determine the direction of airflow.
Wind-impacted events can cause fire to erupt in a star pattern or produce puffs of smoke.

Initial Incident Report and Investigation

The initial report should include information about the fire unit transmitting, assumption of command, address confirmation, visual observation, intended actions, and needs.
Firefighters should consider the wind direction and its impact on fire behavior when approaching the building.
The entrance into a building can provide clues about the stack effect, such as a draft of air at the back or in the face.

Building Intelligence and Initial Operations

The initial response information may offer specific details about the response, depending on the sophistication of the fire protection systems.
Firefighters should gather intelligence about the building, including the reason for the alarm, its location, and the status of occupants.
The first officer to arrive should communicate this information to the department/brigade communications center and/or the chief officer.

Lobby Size-Up and Fire Alarm Control Panel

Firefighters should perform a size-up, which includes an analysis of known facts, alarm information, and visual observations.
The fire officer should interact with the FLSD/BiR and check the FACP displays while firefighters perform their lobby size-up.
The FACP room should be located in a remote area, and a remote fire alarm annunciator panel should be placed in the lobby area for easy access.### Fire Safety and Emergency Response in High-Rise Buildings
In high-rise buildings, fire wardens can use phones on each floor to report the status of their floor and determine if all persons are accounted for and if any occupants require assistance during an emergency.

Fire Command Center (FCC) and Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP)

The FCC can be a hinderance to the lobby command structure during a major incident, and a second FCC with identical features may be necessary as a backup.
The FCC can be used to broadcast further instructions to occupants during an emergency.

Potential Threats and Security Measures

Building owners and property managers should consider the potential threat of terrorist or anarchist attacks, or actions by individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
Having a redundant FACP system can thwart a deliberate attempt to disrupt emergency response efforts by rendering the primary FCC inoperable.
Lobby security personnel can survey persons entering the lobby but will not be allowed into the elevator lobbies or stairwells.

Fire Alarm Activations and Investigation

Modern FACP systems provide detailed information about fire alarm activations, including the exact location of the device and the time of alarm initiation.
FACP systems can display alerts from various devices, including manual pull stations, smoke detectors, heat detectors, and sprinkler systems.
Alarm systems can provide a time/date sequence of activation and allow for scrolling back to note previous activations.
The lowest floor of a device having been activated should be the starting point of the investigation for confirmation of a condition or fire location.

Establishing Building Status and Command Post

The FDNY will often establish their high-rise building command post presence in the lobby due to the availability of building intelligence and resources.
The FACP features should determine the HVAC air-handling equipment operational status.
When alarm devices activate, the HVAC system should automatically shut down to exclude fresh air from feeding the fire and to limit smoke contamination.

Implementation of Fire Safety and Emergency Action Plans

Building owners, managers, and/or FLSDs are required to prepare fire safety and all-hazard (nonfire) emergency action plans.
The elements of the plan provide the details and duties of the FLSD, and depending on the occupancy type, other staff members and/or the tenants.
Building engineers can assist with the coordination, use, and controls of the HVAC system during an emergency.
Fire wardens can assemble employees and guide them through evacuation procedures if their floor zone is involved in an alarm emergency or fire situation.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz assesses understanding of protocols for investigating electrical fault incidents and potential fire hazards in buildings. It covers procedures for examining electrical panels, detecting carbon monoxide, and collaborating with building authorities.