18 Questions
What is the primary purpose of identifying the type and number of stairwells in a high-rise building?
To implement an Incident Action Plan (IAP) effectively
What is the characteristic design of Return Stairwells?
The stairwell entry and exit points are directly above or below each other
What is the typical location of the landing in a Return Stairwell?
Half way between the floors
Why is it essential to designate stairwells early in the incident?
To facilitate the implementation of the Incident Action Plan (IAP)
What is the preferred apparatus for designating stairwells?
The first in apparatus
What is the primary function of stairwells in firefighting operations?
Evacuation, fire attack, ventilation and access
What is a distinct feature of scissor stairs?
They contain two separate stairwells in one vertical shaft
What is the primary purpose of access stairs?
To provide access between floors of individual occupancies
What is a key consideration when designating a stairwell for attack?
The location of the fire in relation to the stairs
What is the purpose of maintaining at least one stairwell free of smoke and heat?
To allow occupants to evacuate the building
What distinguishes an attack stairwell from other types of stairwells?
It is designated for firefighting operations
What is a key aspect of tactical use of stairs?
Using stairs for both attack and evacuation
What is the purpose of pressurizing stairwells in high-rise buildings during a fire?
To keep the stairwells clear of smoke and heat
Why is it recommended to take a few seconds to adjust PPE when ascending above ten floors?
To avoid unnecessary stress on the body
What is the recommended procedure for removing gear when ascending stairs?
Remove bunker jacket, hood, and clip helmet to SCBA harness
What is the purpose of assigning a firefighter every two floors in the stairwell?
To shuttle equipment between floors
What happens if no one is available to receive equipment on a higher floor during a shuttle operation?
The equipment is left on the stairwell landing
What do firefighters do after handing off equipment during a shuttle operation?
They descend back to their starting level to pick up more equipment
Study Notes
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.
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