Ch 13 pg 360-365 Fire Safety: Spiral Staircases

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary reason firefighters must test their footing before entering a stairway?

To avoid slipping on a potentially slippery surface

To prevent falling due to dislodged slides or chutes (correct)

To maintain communication with their team while descending

To ensure they can carry heavy equipment safely

Which of the following is NOT a recommended safety measure regarding slides?

Use a short ladder to reach the slide if necessary (correct)

Warn everyone of the slide's presence

Block the slide with a tool or ladder

Ensure the slide is firmly secured

What should firefighters do if a slide cannot be secured out of the way?

Ignore it and proceed with the operation

Contact the fire chief for alternative instructions

Attempt to secure the slide using another firefighter as support

Have a long ladder on standby to reach the floor below (correct)

What is the primary characteristic that makes a straight-run stairway the least difficult type to descend?

It is enclosed at the top or bottom. Signup and view all the answers

Based on historical incidents, what potential danger do slides pose to firefighters?

They can trap firefighters if dislodged as they advance Signup and view all the answers

Which safety precaution should be taken to ensure immediate action during a fire when descending a stairway?

Ensure there will be no delay in applying water. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is crucial for firefighter safety regarding the use of slides in emergency situations?

Securing slides and blocking them with appropriate tools Signup and view all the answers

What is the safest method suggested when descending a stairway with a flowing hoseline?

Sit on the step and slide down one step at a time. Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters do to the stairwell when retreating?

Seal off the stairwell by closing the door at the base. Signup and view all the answers

What additional hazard may threaten firefighters in commercial buildings while descending stairs?

Slides or chutes used for delivering merchandise. Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters probe carefully for after cutting a sidewalk grate?

The footing beneath before stepping in Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT mentioned as a way to gain entry through steel doors?

Applying hydraulic tools Signup and view all the answers

What makes spiral staircases particularly dangerous when descending to a below-grade fire?

The risers are often missing, allowing fire to reach fire fighters. Signup and view all the answers

Under which circumstances should firefighters avoid stepping into an open elevator shaft?

When in heavy smoke or at night Signup and view all the answers

Why can descending traditional stairs become problematic in heavy smoke conditions?

They may make several turns that can confuse the individual. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective first step when attempting forcible entry through an exterior sidewalk door?

Cut straight down along the seam between the two halves. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the padlock of an exterior sidewalk door often challenging to access?

It is secured on the bottom side and inaccessible from above. Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor is used to describe the confusion experienced on a spiral staircase in smoke?

Playing 'pin the tail on the donkey' while blindfolded. Signup and view all the answers

How wide can an elevator shaft opening be at its maximum size, as mentioned in the content?

8 ft Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary recommendation regarding the use of spiral staircases in a fire scenario?

They should only be used when no other options are available. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary function of coal chutes in older buildings?

Allowing coal delivery directly to the coal bunkers Signup and view all the answers

In addition to a padlock, what other security feature might be found on an exterior sidewalk door?

A deadbolt, which may also be positioned near the wall. Signup and view all the answers

What specific physical characteristics of spiral staircases contribute to their danger in fire emergencies?

They are steep and have narrow treads. Signup and view all the answers

What tools are most useful for forcible entry of an exterior sidewalk door?

A metal-cutting saw or cutting torch. Signup and view all the answers

What configuration do exterior sidewalk doors typically have?

They are split down the center into two halves. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of sidewalks that have coal chutes and sidewalk elevators?

They may have a hollow space underneath. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following implications does the presence of a hollow sidewalk have for the fire department?

Sidewalks cannot bear the weight of vehicles. Signup and view all the answers

How might firefighters utilize the breachability of a sidewalk during an emergency?

To ventilate a cellar fire or apply foam. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is traditionally used to light areas under the sidewalk?

Thick glass set in frames or concrete. Dead lights Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge in neighborhoods with hollow sidewalks when a fire apparatus is deployed?

Fire apparatus may collapse the sidewalk. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for having a lookout at the top of the stairway during fire operations?

To warn the attack team of fire threatening their escape Signup and view all the answers

Why do firefighters typically experience a temperature decrease after descending two or three steps into a basement?

Because they are moving away from the heat source at the ceiling Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the backup hoseline needs to descend the stairway to assist the attack team?

Someone must remain at the top to feed hose and act as lookout Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial factor for members managing the hoseline during an operation?

Monitoring the operating times and air supplies of team members Signup and view all the answers

What action should firefighting personnel take to ensure a clear escape route during an operation in a stairway?

Keep the stairway clear of any personnel except the attack team Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the second hoseline during an interior attack?

To provide a backup in case the first hoseline encounters a more intense fire Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition should the crew of the second backup line descend the stairway?

When an obvious hazard demands their support Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered by the first hoseline's officer when deciding whether to descend the staircase?

The training of the personnel Signup and view all the answers

What should occur if a heavy fire is encountered while interior lines are being operated?

Both hoselines should combine efforts and a third line should be established Signup and view all the answers

What determines whether to use the first or the second hoseline for an exterior attack?

The visibility of the fire conditions on the interior floors Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when using a fog pattern while descending an enclosed stairway during a fire?

It may lead to pressurization in the area ahead of the nozzle. Signup and view all the answers

When is it advisable to use a solid stream alongside a fog pattern when approaching a fire on stairs?

When there is adequate room for both hoselines to operate simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when planning to ventilate during a hoseline advance?

Ventilation is best delayed if it could cause backdraft conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Which entryway type allows for a safer and more effective fire attack?

A flush sidewalk grate that provides direct access to the occupancy. Signup and view all the answers

What role does a helper play when navigating a 90° turn entryway with a hoseline?

To remain at the turn and feed hose to the advancing team. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation when performing positive pressure ventilation in cellars?

Cellars typically lack enough exhaust openings. Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal configuration for an entryway to facilitate fire attack without unnecessary challenges?

A straight entry that transitions easily into the fire area. Signup and view all the answers

Why should the timing of ventilation be crucial during fire operations?

It can affect the movement and behavior of the fire sprawl. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Spiral Staircases Hazards

Spiral staircases are steep and tight, posing significant risks during below-grade fire maneuvers.
They are often disorienting, complicating navigation in low visibility, such as heavy smoke.
Missing risers increase the likelihood of flames reaching firefighters’ legs as they descend.

Straight-Run Stairway Benefits

A straight-run stairway encloses at one or both ends, providing the easiest descent option in an emergency.

Safety Precautions for Descending Stairs

Ensure a safe hose location and charge the line before advancing into the stairway.
Swift water application is crucial to combat sudden fire vents.
Seal off the stairwell using available doors to restrict fire access when retreating.
Assess the integrity of each step before committing weight to prevent falls.
For safe movement with hoselines, descend by sitting and sliding on the steps.
Manage balance to counteract the nozzle reaction while descending.

Commercial Building Challenges

Slides or chutes for merchandise create additional hazards for firefighters, risking falls into fire zones.
Secure any slides to prevent dislodgment during hoseline advancement and warn all personnel about their location.
Maintain a standby long ladder for emergencies if securing slides proves difficult.

Sidewalk Door Forcible Entry Issues

Sidewalk doors often have inaccessible padlocks, requiring metal-cutting tools for entry.
Initial attempts should focus on cutting down the seam between door halves.
If unsuccessful, cutting hinges or prying the entire door from its frame may be necessary.

Elevator Shaft Awareness

Sidewalk grates can hide elevator shafts, creating hazards if stepped into unexpectedly.
Elevator shaft depths can vary, necessitating careful probing before stepping into openings.
Open shafts may serve as ventilation points but should be treated with caution to avoid falls.

Historical Building Features

Coal chutes were commonly used in older buildings for coal delivery, serving as potential ventilation points in fires.
Hollow sidewalks are indicated by the presence of coal chutes and deadlights, which can collapse under heavy weight.
Knowledge of these structures can aid in devising strategic firefighting approaches.

Fire Attack Coordination

All personnel must clearly understand their roles before executing a fire attack from below grade.
A backup hoseline should be established at the same entrance point to support the primary line.
Decisions on advancing down tight staircases should be made by the officer based on fire conditions and stairway type.

Stairway Temperature and Safety

The hottest area during descent is often 2-3 steps above the cellar ceiling; passing this point can result in easier access to cooler conditions.
Use thermal imaging cameras (TIC) to monitor overhead dangers as firefighters advance.
Maintain a lookout and clear paths for quick retreats based on changing fire conditions.

Air Supply and Exit Strategy

Monitor air supplies closely, planning for timely relief to avoid hazardous situations.
Relief teams must be ready to assist if conditions worsen, ensuring the stairway remains clear for quick exits.

Alternate Fire Attack Strategies

Avoid fog patterns in enclosed spaces to prevent pressurizing fire areas; instead, use solid streams where conditions allow.
Ventilation on the downwind side benefits the hoseline advancement, ensuring fire suppression without exacerbating conditions.
Choose external entry points when available, facilitating direct access to fire zones and minimizing risk during the attack.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the challenges posed by spiral staircases in emergency situations, particularly during a below-grade fire. It examines the design flaws, safety concerns, and disorienting nature of these staircases. Test your knowledge on the best practices for navigating such hazardous environments.