Ch 18 pg 461-467 using elevators

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Questions and Answers

What is the recommended action for operators of pumpers in proximity to a building?

Remain outside the apparatus cab during operations.

Wear only basic protective gear.

Minimize exposure to falling glass. (correct)

Stay near the pump panel at all times.

Which of the following actions is required to protect lines supplying siamese connections?

Leave them exposed to ensure easy access.

Install them at the foot of the building.

Cover them with plywood. (correct)

Remove all protective coverings.

What is the best way to evaluate the effects of ventilation before breaking glass on the fire floor?

Duplicate the situation regarding door and window positioning. (correct)

Assume the effects are manageable without testing.

Only analyze air pressure without additional factors.

Observe ventilation effects from the ground level.

What is the primary purpose of setting up fire lines at least one block away from a high-rise fire?

To ensure safety and manage crowd control. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant hazard of horizontal ventilation during a high-rise fire?

Falling glass injuring bystanders and fire personnel. Signup and view all the answers

What can be an unforeseen consequence of breaking windows for horizontal ventilation?

Falling debris that can affect rescue operations. Signup and view all the answers

What potential hazard should firefighters be cautious of when working near opened windows during a fire?

Gusts of wind pushing them out. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of certain windows might help in managing broken glass during a fire incident?

A thin film of Mylar that acts as a sunscreen. Signup and view all the answers

What risk is associated with the stack effect during a fire on lower floors?

It may draw fire and smoke toward the stairway. Signup and view all the answers

What are the conditions under which fire departments may permit the use of elevators?

Higher than 20 stories Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the firefighter's use of elevators from that of the public during high-rise fires?

Firefighters use elevators to approach the fire floor from below but do not exit on it. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary danger associated with using elevators during a fire?

The elevator could open its doors directly on the fire floor. Signup and view all the answers

What could happen if someone on a floor above the fire attempts to use the elevator to descend?

An electrical signal may cause the elevator to stop at the fire floor. Signup and view all the answers

What does reflex time specifically refer to in firefighting?

The time elapsed from alarm receipt to water flowing on the fire Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors does NOT affect response time in a high-rise building?

The type of emergency vehicle used Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the additional considerations for response time in high-rise buildings compared to single-story structures?

Recalling and searching elevators Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for segregating elevators by floors in high-rise buildings?

To avoid lengthy delays from high demand. Signup and view all the answers

Which building feature is specifically designed to improve elevator access in high-rise buildings?

Blind-shaft elevators. Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible consequence of having elevators rise to the highest floor requested before starting down?

Lengthy delays in elevator service. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a sky lobby in a high-rise building?

To provide a transition point between express and local elevators Signup and view all the answers

What must passengers do at a sky lobby to continue to their desired floors?

Change from an express elevator to a local elevator for other floors Signup and view all the answers

What configuration do elevators in sky lobbies typically use?

A combination of express blind-shaft and segregated elevators. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Horizontal Ventilation Challenges

Horizontal ventilation in high-rises is complex and difficult to control, especially during fires.
Falling glass from broken windows poses a significant hazard to both firefighters and bystanders, potentially causing severe injuries or fatalities.
Serious fires necessitate police involvement to secure the building's lobby and surrounding areas, with crowd control measures required at least one block away.
Personnel should utilize remote or sheltered entrances to minimize exposure to falling debris.
Fire personnel must remain clear of the base area of the building unless engaged in specific tasks.

Safety Precautions for Firefighters

Pumper operators should minimize exposure time near the building to avoid risks from falling glass.
Full protective gear is essential for all firefighters on scene.
After charging hoses, operators should monitor the apparatus from within the cab rather than frequently checking the pump panel.
Hoses connected to Siamese connections may need protection with plywood to safeguard against falling glass.
Some cities require fire department connections to be placed at building perimeters or under protection to shield against falling glass hazards.

Atmospheric Effects

The stack effect influences smoke behavior in high-rises, affecting ventilation strategies.
Positive stack effects can draw smoke upward, posing a danger to occupants on upper floors unless properly vented.
Fire on lower floors can attract cold outside air and intensify fire spread without proper window venting, especially on cold days.
Extreme caution must be taken before issuing orders to vent windows, particularly during hot weather conditions that may exacerbate smoke movement.

Window Venting Guidelines

Venting windows can cause smoke to enter the building rather than exit, complicating firefighting efforts.
A cautious approach involves creating a small opening to assess conditions before wider glass removal.
Use of pressure-sensitive tape or contact paper can help contain glass fragments during the venting process.
Fire personnel operating near open windows must be vigilant to prevent accidental falls due to strong winds.

Elevator Usage in High-Rise Fires

Elevators are essential for firefighters to access higher floors, distinguishing their use from that of the general public who may descend past the fire.
Opening elevator doors on the fire floor poses significant risks, potentially leading to unintended stops at dangerous locations.
Firefighters must treat elevators as a necessary but risky option, making use only when essential.

Response Times and Firefighting Procedures

Reflex time is critical, defined as the duration from alarm receipt until water flows on the fire.
While response time may be similar to lower buildings, high-rise situations involve additional complexities such as removing and transporting equipment.
Firefighters must verify the fire floor, then ascend to the level below the fire to connect hoses and initiate water supply.

Elevator Design Considerations

Large high-rises often implement separate banks of elevators to reduce wait times and streamline access.
Sky lobbies serve as transfer points, merging express and local elevator services efficiently in buildings taller than 40 stories.
For example, the World Trade Center used sky lobbies on the 44th and 78th floors for efficient transit between different elevator banks.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the complexities and hazards of horizontal ventilation on the fire floor of a high-rise building. This quiz will cover the effects of breaking windows and the risks associated with falling glass during fire emergencies. Understand the importance of safe ventilation practices in high-rise firefighting operations.