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?

    <p>It is enclosed at the top or bottom.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>They can trap firefighters if dislodged as they advance</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>Securing slides and blocking them with appropriate tools</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

    What should firefighters do to the stairwell when retreating?

    <p>Seal off the stairwell by closing the door at the base.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Slides or chutes used for delivering merchandise.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>The footing beneath before stepping in</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Applying hydraulic tools</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>When in heavy smoke or at night</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>Cut straight down along the seam between the two halves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>Playing 'pin the tail on the donkey' while blindfolded.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>8 ft</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>Allowing coal delivery directly to the coal bunkers</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>They are steep and have narrow treads.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>A metal-cutting saw or cutting torch.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What configuration do exterior sidewalk doors typically have?

    <p>They are split down the center into two halves.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>They may have a hollow space underneath.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Sidewalks cannot bear the weight of vehicles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To ventilate a cellar fire or apply foam.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>Fire apparatus may collapse the sidewalk.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To warn the attack team of fire threatening their escape</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

    <p>Monitoring the operating times and air supplies of team members</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Keep the stairway clear of any personnel except the attack team</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>When an obvious hazard demands their support</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>The training of the personnel</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>The visibility of the fire conditions on the interior floors</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It may lead to pressurization in the area ahead of the nozzle.</p> 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    <p>Cellars typically lack enough exhaust openings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

    <p>It can affect the movement and behavior of the fire sprawl.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The presence of coal chutes and sidewalk elevators both signal a potential for a ____ sidewalk

    <p>Hollow</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A ____ door at the top of a staircase limits extension

    <p>Solid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The officer in command of the hoseline must call for relief on the line, allowing enough time to allow an ____ relief and exit from the below grade area all the way out to fresh air

    <p>Orderly</p> 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.

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