Ch 19 pg 481-485 under construction

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Questions and Answers

What is the recommended duration for a fire watch to remain in place after work is completed?

10 minutes

1 hour

2 hours

30 minutes (correct)

What is a common cause of fires during hazardous operations according to past experiences?

Poor ventilation systems

Inadequate training of workers

Carelessness with heat sources (correct)

Equipment malfunction

How can arriving firefighters best prepare for potential hazards at a site?

Waiting for construction to be fully completed

Receiving a detailed report from site supervisors

Observing fire trends from previous incidents

Conducting frequent site visits (correct)

What is a significant factor that contributes to rapid fire spread on construction sites?

Storage of flammable materials and open air supply Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes a potential hazard related to controlled fires on construction sites?

Controlled fires can create additional fuel sources if not managed properly. Signup and view all the answers

What role do temporary heating units pose on construction sites?

They can become sources of ignition leading to fires. Signup and view all the answers

Which fire protection component is typically absent on construction sites compared to occupied buildings?

Sprinklers, standpipes and fire doors Signup and view all the answers

What is a major risk associated with vertical openings during a fire?

They can facilitate the rapid upward spread of fire. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a temporary guard solution for vertical openings?

Light wood or rope Signup and view all the answers

According to safety regulations, what must be done regarding guards at vertical openings?

They must be protected as per OSHA regulations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome after a serious fire in an elevator shaft?

There may be little or nothing left of the enclosure. Signup and view all the answers

Why is firefighter safety a concern near vertical openings?

Debris can fall from the fire floor. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for removing the lower construction ladder at night?

To prevent vandalism or children playing in the area Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do the fire department's ladders have over construction ladders in emergency situations?

They allow for quicker and safer initial access to a fire. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about the accessibility of construction ladders?

They sometimes serve as the only access from floor to floor. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk associated with using large hose streams in buildings under construction?

They may propel debris onto passersby below. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions facilitates easier fire control operations at construction sites?

Large penetrations and unprotected openings Signup and view all the answers

When utilizing an elevating platform stream in a multi-floor fire scenario, what is the correct sequence for operation?

Start from the top floor and move downwards. Signup and view all the answers

What discharge rate can a properly applied 2-in solid tip achieve?

1,100 gpm over 100 ft deep floor Signup and view all the answers

What precaution should be taken before deploying hose streams in construction areas?

Ensure all personnel are cleared from the vicinity below. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of using large caliber streams at close range?

Dislodging of scaffolding or shoring. Signup and view all the answers

How does a lack of partitions in a construction building impact fire suppression tactics?

It simplifies the ventilation process. Signup and view all the answers

Why is early use of hose streams to extinguish fires in buildings under construction essential?

To control the rapid vertical spread of fire. Signup and view all the answers

What key safety feature distinguishes a people hoist from an equipment hoist?

People hoists will always have a control position in the car- the operator will ride up with you Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect makes the use of hoists potentially unsafe during certain weather conditions?

The design specifications for wind conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical guideline to follow when selecting a hoist on a job site?

Identify whether it is designed for people or equipment. Signup and view all the answers

Why might hoists be shut down at night and on weekends on a job site?

Due to a lack of operational staff. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a significant risk involved with flammable liquids and gases during construction and demolition?

They can contribute to rapid fire spread when ignited. Signup and view all the answers

What practice should be taken to ensure safety when dealing with asbestos during demolition activities?

Isolating areas with asbestos helps prevent fiber release. Signup and view all the answers

What lesson was emphasized by the Deutsche Bank building fire incident?

Risks associated with asbestos abatement require strict safety protocols. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical safety risk associated with using tarpaulins or plastic sheeting during concrete pouring in cold weather?

They may trap explosive mixtures of LP gas. Signup and view all the answers

When dealing with a fire in an area where LP gas cylinders are present, what should be the primary method of combating the fire?

Fighting the fire with large streams from shielded locations. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does wrapping a building in tarpaulins have on the curing process of concrete?

It accelerates the curing process. Signup and view all the answers

Why is LP gas a particular hazard when using protective coverings during cold weather concrete pouring?

It is heavier than air and can accumulate in low areas. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fire Safety Hazards in Construction

Flammable materials like adhesives and propane are commonly stored on construction sites, posing significant fire risks.
Welding and cutting tools, portable heaters, and temporary wiring can act as ignition sources.
"Controlled fires" using scrap lumber can unexpectedly lead to uncontrolled fire outbreaks.
Construction sites often lack fire protection measures such as sprinklers, standpipes, and fire doors found in occupied buildings.

Case Study: Building Demolition Fire

A deadly fire during a building demolition resulted in two firefighter fatalities and multiple injuries.
Contributing factors: disabled standpipe, blocked stairwells, rapid fire spread from flammable materials, and unprotected vertical shafts.

Fire Watch Protocol

Posting a fire watch near hazardous operations helps prevent incidents.
Fire watch personnel should monitor the area for 30 minutes after work to detect signs of hidden fires.
Most fires originate from accidents or carelessness, such as improper heater placement.

Fire Suppression Challenges

Entire structures lacking firewalls expose them to rapid fire spread.
Unprotected vertical openings, like elevator shafts, facilitate both fire spread and firefighting efforts.
Elevated platforms can deliver high-volume water streams (over 1,100 gpm), effectively controlling fires on upper floors.

Safety Measures for Firefighters

Personnel should be evacuated from areas below active firefighting operations to prevent injury from debris.
Large hose streams may inadvertently dislodge scaffolding or other structural supports.

Vertical Openings and Fire Spread

Vertical openings allow rapid upward fire spread and present hazards to firefighters below.
OSHA mandates safety guards around vertical openings to prevent falls and injuries.
Temporary guards may not suffice in low-visibility conditions, necessitating awareness of their limitations.

Elevator Shaft Safety

Elevator shafts can lack guards, posing safety risks during firefighting.
Enclosures are often minimal, increasing hazards following a fire when they can become structurally compromised.

Construction Ladders Risks

Construction ladders may be the only access points and can be removed to secure the site at night.
These ladders provide limited safety for transporting tools and hoselines.

Hoist Safety Considerations

Recognize the two types of hoists: people hoists (designed for human transport with safety controls) and material hoists (not for passenger use).
Be aware of wind conditions that can affect the safety of people hoists.

Fire Hazards Specific to Construction and Demolition

Flammable gases, like oxygen and acetylene, pose significant risks during these operations.
Open shafts and unprotected materials can lead to dangerously fast-spreading fires.
Ensuring safe asbestos abatement is crucial in older buildings to protect firefighters from health hazards.

Best Practices for Fire Safety

Extreme caution is necessary during demolition due to potential risks to civilians.
Handle flammable substances carefully and prepare for large volumes at job sites.
Isolate asbestos zones during demolition to prevent hazardous fiber release.

Case Study: Deutsche Bank Fire

The 2007 Deutsche Bank fire illustrates critical fire safety lapses during asbestos abatement.
Use of tarpaulins in cold weather construction can trap explosive gas mixtures; large streams should be used to combat fires in these areas.

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Description

This quiz assesses understanding of fire watch protocols and safety measures during hazardous operations. It covers the responsibilities of fire watch personnel and the crucial safety steps to follow after the completion of such work. Ensure you are familiar with the causes of fire and preventive measures.