Ch 18 pg 471-475

Questions and Answers

What diameter shank is recommended for the threaded studs?

5/8 inch

1/4 (correct)

1/2 inch

1 inch

What is the minimum penetration required for the fastening system?

1 inch

2.5 inches

1.5 inches

2 inches (correct)

What shear resistance does the fastening system provide?

3,000 lb

5,000 lb

4,360 lb (correct)

4,000 lb

What safety factor does the fastening system achieve against the nozzle reaction?

10:1 Signup and view all the answers

What type of fasteners were used to secure the monitor to the concrete deck?

1/4-in shank x 2-in deep x 3/8-in diameter powder-driven studs Signup and view all the answers

Which method was described for securing the monitor?

Utilizing a combination of chain, utility rope, or nylon webbing Signup and view all the answers

What type of fastener was used for installing the studs into the concrete?

.38 caliber powder-actuated fastener Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the tests conducted by the FDNY's 9th Battalion in the high-rise building?

To demonstrate the feasibility of supplying portable monitors from a standpipe riser. Signup and view all the answers

How does using 2 ½-in. hose contribute to fire suppression in high-rise buildings?

It allows for higher flows, which increases effectiveness in fire control. Signup and view all the answers

Which was a key logistical challenge encountered during the tests for using portable monitors?

Ensuring sufficient water pressure from the standpipe was maintained. Signup and view all the answers

What additional equipment was noted as useful when anchoring a master stream?

Hooks to span a door opening. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary impact of core construction techniques on fire safety in large-floor-area offices?

They increase the risk of a complete floor burnout if a fire occurs. Signup and view all the answers

How much water is necessary to extinguish a fully involved floor of 40,000 sq ft with a light fire load?

4,000 gpm Signup and view all the answers

What change occurred in the NFPA 14 requirements after 1993 regarding standpipe systems?

The maximum flow rate requirement was decreased. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of allowing a fire to burn down to a reduced intensity in a core-construction building?

It simplifies the firefighting process by reducing demands on resources. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the core construction technique in large-floor-area offices?

Centralizing services in a way that maximizes usable floor area. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum diameter of holes that the diamond-tipped drill can bore through floors in high-rise construction?

8 inches Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a limitation of the smaller, gasoline-driven model of the core drill?

Limited to 4-inch holes Signup and view all the answers

How long does it take to drill through a 6-inch reinforced concrete floor using the concrete core cutter?

5 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What function does the hole created by the core drill serve in relation to fire control?

Permits water to be directed upward to cool the fire area Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tools is mentioned as an alternative to the concrete core cutter?

Concrete cutting chain saw Signup and view all the answers

What is required for buildings with access stairs between floors if they do not have a fire-rated enclosure installed?

All floors should be fully sprinklered. Signup and view all the answers

What must be designed to protect openings between floors in the absence of a fire-rated enclosure?

A separate deluge system. Signup and view all the answers

Where should the fire safety information regarding access stairs be displayed in a building?

Conspicuously at the ground-floor lobby. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the requirements for buildings with access stairs?

They must have a fire-rated enclosure or complete sprinkler coverage. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary limitation of extinguishing a fire on an upper floor involving a large floor area?

The insufficient flow rate provided by the standpipe Signup and view all the answers

What dimensions and flow rate does a typical Bresnan distributor operate at?

20-25 ft at 100 psi flowing about 485gpm Signup and view all the answers

What size of a hole is necessary to pass a distributor or cellar pipe through the floor?

5 inches Signup and view all the answers

According to Chief John T. O'Hagan, what size area reduces the chances of successful direct attack on a fire?

3,000 square feet Signup and view all the answers

What might be a tactical alternative while waiting for a fire to diminish in intensity?

Flooding the floor above with hose streams Signup and view all the answers

How many handlines are estimated to be required for a fire flow of 4,000 gpm?

Sixteen 2 1/2in. handlines or 8 500gpm monitors Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of drilling a 5-inch hole through the floor in firefighting operations?

To allow for the passage of a distributor or cellar pipe Signup and view all the answers

What precaution should members take when selecting a floor in an elevator?

Verify that the exit floor isn't connected to the fire floor by an access stair. Signup and view all the answers

What potential situation might occur if an elevator is used near a fire?

Smoke might trigger detectors two floors above the fire location. Signup and view all the answers

What could happen to the elevator unit that responds to a smoke detector?

They may find themselves on a different floor than expected due to smoke detection timing. Signup and view all the answers

How does the location of the first smoke detector impact fire safety procedures?

It can lead to delays in assessing the real fire location. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk of using a single hoseline in core construction design?

It can push fire back towards the attack stair door. Signup and view all the answers

When faced with opposing fire streams in core-construction buildings, what is the recommended action?

Advance with one hoseline and have a second line at the stairs. Signup and view all the answers

What issue can arise when utilizing scissor stairs during a fire operation?

They can inadvertently drive fire back towards the first line. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if an employee needs to travel to a different floor in a rental business?

Exit to the public lobby and reenter. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major fire safety challenge presented by the design of convenience stairs?

They lack adequate fire protection measures. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anchoring a Master Stream

Tests were conducted in a high-rise building under construction in NYC to assess utilizing portable monitors from a single standpipe riser.
The tests involved multiple hose lays and confirmed that two 2 ½-inch lines are optimal for supplying a portable monitor, providing greater volume and reach than a single line.
An advantage of a 2 ½-inch hose is the capability to achieve flows of up to 750 gallons per minute (gpm).

Fastener Recommendations

Fasteners recommended include .38 caliber fasteners and at least 14-inch diameter shank by 3/8-inch threaded studs.
Optimal penetration depth for fasteners is a minimum of 2 inches, providing a shear resistance of approximately 4,360 pounds.
A 10:1 safety factor exists against a 1 ¾-inch nozzle's reaction, which produces about 385 pounds of force at 80 psi nozzle pressure.
Alternative anchoring methods are preferred when conditions are suitable; this fastening system is a last resort when facing substantial fires.

Building Fire Threats

In modern office buildings with core construction, a fire can easily spread across 30,000 square feet floors if uncontrolled upon arrival, making them extremely challenging to extinguish.
A fully involved large floor may require 4,000 gpm to extinguish, far exceeding the 1,250 gpm capacity provided by the standpipe, especially after NFPA 14's 1993 revision.
Tactical preparations are necessary well in advance due to the limitations of firefighting resources in lightweight constructions.

Distributors and Drilling Techniques

Bresnan or similar distributors can flow 700 gpm through a 4-inch hole.
A series of overlapping holes can facilitate passing a distributor into the fire area for effective attack.
Concrete core cutters, both bulky and portable models, can drill up to 8 inches in diameter for access to firefighting resources from below.

Opposing Fire Streams Hazards

Using interior lines carelessly can cause fire to spread around the core and back towards firefighters, especially in core construction structures with connected corridors and elevator lobbies.
A dual hoseline approach may be necessary to protect against backfire while advancing toward the fire.

Common Issues in Core Construction

Scissor stairs may complicate firefighting tactics due to alternating exits; setup should occur on the side opposite the fire to reduce risk.
Unprotected access stairs in high-rise buildings can quickly amplify smoke alarm triggers and promote fire spread, necessitating mandatory fire-rated enclosures or complete sprinkler systems.
Fire units must be cautious of the elevator routes chosen, as smoke detectors can activate far from the actual fire location, posing serious risks to responding personnel.

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Description

This quiz explores advanced techniques in fire safety engineering, specifically focusing on the anchoring of master streams in high-rise buildings. It assesses optimal hose configurations and fastener recommendations for effective fire suppression. Hone your knowledge on equipment selection and operational safety factors.