TN 101.1.4- Stairwells

Stairwells in High-Rise Buildings

• Stairwells are a vital part of firefighting operations, serving as a primary means of evacuation, fire attack, ventilation, and access.
• Identifying the type and number of stairs within a high-rise building is crucial for implementing an Incident Action Plan (IAP).

Types of Stairwells

• Return Stairwells: the most common type in high-rise buildings, designed in a U-shape with stairwell entry and exit points directly above or below each other.
• Scissor Stairwells: consist of two separate stairwells contained in one vertical shaft, separated by a fire-rated wall, and exit on the opposite side of the building at each landing.
• Access Stairwells (also known as Tenant Stairs or Convenience Stairs): provide access between floors of individual occupancies.

Tactical Use of Stairs

• Designating stairwells for attack and evacuation at the onset of an operation is crucial for firefighter safety and civilian occupant survivability.
• Attack Stairwell: selected based on the location of the fire, standpipe, and stairwells being used by occupants for evacuation.
• Evacuation Stairwell: at least one stairwell must be maintained free of smoke and heat for occupant evacuation.

Stairwell Pressurization

• Some modern high-rise buildings are equipped with a feature that pressurizes the stairwells in the event of a fire or upon activation of the fire alarm system.
• This feature is designed to keep the stairwells clear of smoke and heat when doors at the fire floor are opened.

Ascending Stairs

• Ascending an excessive number of floors can cause unnecessary stress on the body.
• When ascending above ten floors in a non-IDLH atmosphere, crews should take a few seconds to adjust their PPE
  • Open or remove bunker jacket
  • Remove gloves and hood
  • Clip helmet to SCBA harness
  • Raise bunker pant cuffs above boots
  • Carry tools above the waist

Equipment Shuttle in the Stairwell

• If elevators fail, a firefighter should be placed every two floors to assist in shuttling equipment.
• Firefighters are assigned to retrieve equipment from apparatus and gather equipment near the stairwell entrance for the start of the shuttle.
• After 'handing off' equipment, the firefighter must descend back to their starting level. If no one is at the higher level to take the hand-off, the equipment shall be left on the stairwell landing.

This quiz covers the Fire Services Training Division's guidelines for high rise buildings stairwells, including types of stairwells and their uses. It's essential for firefighters and emergency responders to understand the unique challenges of stairwells in high rise buildings. Test your knowledge and skills in this area.