Chapter 06: pg 148-156 Sprinkler Systems

Questions and Answers

What must be included in a standpipe kit to effectively operate the outlet valve?

A 14-18 inch pipe wrench (correct)

Spanner wrench (correct)

Plastic door chocks

Silencer for hoses

Which item is NOT essential for advancing a line through a door during a standpipe operation?

Wooden door chocks

Fire hose nozzle (correct)

Aluminum wrench

Door-latch search markers

What is the primary purpose of a door-latch search marker during a fire operation?

To indicate a hazardous environment

To mark an area that has been searched (correct)

To hold the door open

To provide a physical barrier

Why is it important to carry a spare handwheel in a standpipe kit?

Murphy's law suggests the required size will be unavailable Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of search efforts is emphasized to ensure efficiency during a standpipe operation?

Coordination to avoid duplication of effort Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for connecting the hoseline to the standpipe outlet on the floor below the fire?

To allow firefighters to operate without SCBA in a safer environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant drawback of connecting hose on the floor below the fire?

Additional effort required to advance the hose to the fire floor. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it advised against hooking up to the standpipe on the fire floor if the outlet is outside the stairwell?

It can lead to confusion and potential injury. Signup and view all the answers

What condition necessitates the use of five or more lengths of hose according to NFPA 14 revisions?

The structure being sprinklered. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a firefighting crew retreats during a fire incident?

Backing the hose down the staircase is recommended. Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters prioritize when assembling for a standpipe operation?

Ensuring proper equipment and sufficient personnel are present. Signup and view all the answers

What critical safety lesson was learned from incidents reported in the content?

Never connect hose in areas prone to smoke and heat entry. Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of flaking spare hose out on the floor below the fire?

It keeps the spare hose out of the fire's reach. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consequence of using lightweight 1/2-in hose with plastic fog nozzles in fire departments?

It may lead to increased fire damage if unable to extinguish quickly. Signup and view all the answers

According to NFPA 14 standards, what was the maximum pressure allowed at a 2½-in outlet before 1993?

65 psi Signup and view all the answers

What must be considered when deciding to use 1½- or 1¾-in hoses with fog nozzles for firefighting?

Friction losses will significantly increase the required outlet pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the critical pressure required at the outlet to operate the 1½- or 1¾-in streams under certain conditions?

175 psi Signup and view all the answers

After 1993, what was the new maximum allowable pressure for 2½-in outlets set by NFPA?

175 psi Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant issue with the minimum pressure of 100 psi at 2½-in outlets according to NFPA 14?

It is barely enough to supply a solid-tip nozzle through extended lengths of hose. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the required nozzle pressure exceeds the available 50 psi of a solid-tip nozzle?

Pressure problems are likely to occur. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it stated that planning for maximum pressure is considered foolhardy?

Designers almost always design to satisfy the bare minimum. Signup and view all the answers

What is a factor contributing to the pressure problem even in the newest buildings?

Increased lengths of hose required to reach different areas. Signup and view all the answers

What pressure is required to flow 250 gpm through four lengths of 2½-in. hose?

75 psi Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective when additional personnel arrive at a fire scene?

Ensure the first hoseline is operational as soon as possible Signup and view all the answers

Why should each siamese connection ideally be fed by a separate pumper?

In case one pumper fails, to maintain water supply Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial consideration when connecting hoses to siamese connections?

Using the largest diameter hose available Signup and view all the answers

What might necessitate bypassing a siamese connection?

Frozen or damaged connections Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of searching all stairways serving the fire floor?

To check for occupants trapped or overcome with smoke. Signup and view all the answers

When connecting a 2½-in. siamese connection to a hose outlet, what should be considered?

The risk of pressure regulation affecting the flow Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the initial water supply to the standpipe is inadequate?

Stretch secondary supply lines to hose outlets Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant danger of using elevators during a fire situation?

People may become trapped if elevators fail Signup and view all the answers

How does the design of standpipe systems benefit firefighting operations?

They have auxiliary inlets that offer redundancy Signup and view all the answers

Which is not a requirement for fire hose systems?

A minimum length of 100 feet per hose Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor influencing the success of a fire attack?

The diameter of the attack line from a standpipe Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the fire hose system is directly affected by the historical design of the system?

Hose and nozzle requirements Signup and view all the answers

What might lead to insufficient performance in a fire hose system?

Improperly maintained nozzles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding fire hose requirements?

Older systems may have different nozzle and hose requirements compared to newer designs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the starting discharge pressure for standpipe system operations at a high-rise building with 15 stories?

175 psi Signup and view all the answers

If using a fog nozzle at a high-rise with 25 stories, what is the appropriate starting discharge pressure?

350 psi Signup and view all the answers

What would be the pressure required for a solid-tip nozzle on the 45th floor of a high-rise?

400 psi Signup and view all the answers

What pressure increase is necessary for each additional 10 stories when using a fog nozzle?

50 psi Signup and view all the answers

Which condition indicates that there is little or no flow in the system?

No change in intake pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the friction loss for 134-in. hose at a flow of 180 gpm?

20 psi per 100 ft Signup and view all the answers

In what situation should a pump operator increase the starting discharge pressure?

When using a 2½-in. hose Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect on discharge pressure when the discharge gate is closed and no water is flowing?

It remains unchanged Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for selecting the nearest standpipe to the fire?

To minimize hose length and exposure Signup and view all the answers

Which floor layout characteristic aids fire crews in zero visibility situations?

Common utilities stacked vertically Signup and view all the answers

Why is it advised to select a stairway far from the fire as an evacuation route?

It is less likely to be heavily charged with smoke Signup and view all the answers

The chimney effect refers to what aspect of stairway usage during a fire?

The tendency for smoke and heat to be drawn toward an open door Signup and view all the answers

What can be particularly useful sources of information for the attack crew when preparing for an operation?

Interrogation of fleeing occupants Signup and view all the answers

In the context of fire fighting, the term 'economy' often refers to which aspect?

The design efficiency of residential buildings Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of blocking open the stairway door after advancing a hoseline?

It can prevent evacuation through that route Signup and view all the answers

What should be taken into consideration when selecting between multiple standpipe risers?

Potential life hazards in the area Signup and view all the answers

Why is conducting a survey of the floor below before entering critical during a fire suppression operation?

To determine the layout before entering a hazardous area Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a typical characteristic of multistory residential building designs?

Variable floor layouts Signup and view all the answers

Which piece of equipment is emphasized as extremely valuable for controlling developing fires before a hoseline is prepared?

2 1/2-gallon water fire extinguisher Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of firefighters allowed on a team according to OSHA standards?

Four Signup and view all the answers

When the fire is on the seventh floor or below, what is the recommended method for the attack team to reach the fire?

Climbing the stairs Signup and view all the answers

What should the team members do once they reach the floor below the fire?

Start relaying messages through portable radios Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the items needed on the fire floor?

Fire hose reel Signup and view all the answers

What action should the attack team take after locating the fire and the best route to it?

Connect the lengths of hose and prepare for advancement Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tools is recommended for venting windows during an operation?

Pike pole Signup and view all the answers

In what situation may team members consider using the elevator during their response to a fire?

If the fire is above the seventh floor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for an attack crew to locate the riser closest to the fire?

To ensure that the line can adequately reach the fire. Signup and view all the answers

What modification was made to the New York City code concerning hose stream reach after 1993?

Allowed a reach of 25 ft from a 125 ft hoseline. Signup and view all the answers

Why is a 30-ft reach considered optimistic when assessing fire conditions?

It does not account for obstacles or furniture. Signup and view all the answers

What must be verified before committing a hoseline to an attack?

The length of the hose is sufficient to reach the fire. Signup and view all the answers

In multiriser buildings, what is a key consideration for the placement of standpipe systems?

They must account for the most remote areas of each floor. Signup and view all the answers

Which piece of equipment is NOT mentioned as essential for the attack crew?

Fire blankets Signup and view all the answers

What type of hose length was primarily utilized by the FDNY for operations?

50 ft lengths Signup and view all the answers

What limitation on the fire hose reach was defined by NFPA prior to 1993?

All points on the floor must be within 30 ft of a nozzle. Signup and view all the answers

When advancing towards the fire, which staircase is preferred for the attack crew?

The staircase nearest to the fire. Signup and view all the answers

What does the NFPA state about the arrangement of standpipes and hose lengths?

Each outlet on the floor must be reachable with minimal hose lengths. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Selecting the Standpipe and Attack Stair

Standpipe usage is preferred on floors above the second due to reduced friction loss and necessary hose length.
Before advancing a hoseline, confirm the fire's location and the hose length's sufficiency from the standpipe to the fire.
In multistory buildings, each floor typically has multiple standpipe risers to ensure access within a set distance.
Historically, NFPA stipulated access within 30 feet of a standpipe outlet; this has been increased in later revisions.
In New York City, recent codes require access within 25 feet of a 125-foot hose stream, addressing common low pressure issues.

Choosing the Appropriate Standpipe Riser

When choosing a riser, select the nearest one, balancing speed and safety to avoid being pulled into heated or smoky areas.
Smoke and heat typically force stairways to become hazardous during a fire; the riser chosen must allow for safe advancement of the hoseline.
A survey of the lower floor will provide crucial insight into building layouts and allow for a safer attack plan in zero visibility.
Maintain awareness of the stairway environment; advancing through opening doors can create chimney effects that hinder evacuation.

Standpipe Connection Protocol

Connecting hoselines should ideally be done below the fire floor to ensure visibility and safety when preparing to advance.
Equipment must include sufficient hose lengths and essential firefighting tools assembled for rapid deployment.
Prioritize the use of 2½-inch hoses for effective fire suppression; smaller hoses may lead to inadequate pressure and delivery issues.

Essential Standpipe Kit Components

A standpipe kit should contain a spanner wrench, hose thread adapters, pipe wrenches, wooden door chocks, and door-latch search markers.
At least three lengths of 2½-inch hose and low-pressure nozzles are necessary for effective operations.
Ensure all members are equipped with tools to avoid delays in operations and enhance search efforts within buildings.

Operational Guidelines for High-Rise Fires

The attack team must always proceed to the floor below the fire. Avoid elevators unless necessary during high-rise operations.
Forcible entry tools and portable radios are critical for communication and size-up assessments on the fire floor.
Personnel should work swiftly to get the first hoseline operational to mitigate fire spread and facilitate rescue operations.

Siamese Connections and Supply Protocols

Use separate pumpers for each Siamese connection in buildings with multiple standpipe systems.
Employ the largest diameter supply hose to ensure maximum water delivery; smaller hoses may restrict flow.
In emergencies (e.g., frozen Siamese connections), revert to auxiliary inlets from lower hose outlet valves.

Pump Pressures for High-Rise Operations

Discharge pressures increase with fire floor height: 150 psi for floors 1-10, escalating to 400 psi for floors 41-50.
Add 50 psi for each additional 10 stories when calculating pressures for solid and fog nozzle operation.

Conclusion

A comprehensive understanding of standpipe operations, including equipment requisites and strategic deployment, significantly improves fire response effectiveness, directly impacting occupant survival and property preservation.### Nozzle Pressure and Friction Loss
Suitable nozzle pressure accounts for friction loss through multiple components: three lengths of 2½-inch hose, the standpipe, and 100 feet of 3-inch supply hose.
Smaller diameter hoses (1½-inch, 1¾-inch, or 2-inch) generally produce higher friction losses compared to 2½-inch hoses, requiring higher starting figures for nozzle pressure.
Specific friction losses include:
- 1¾-inch hose at 180 gallons per minute (gpm) incurs a 20 psi loss per 100 feet.
- 2½-inch hose at 250 gpm incurs a 12.5 psi loss per 100 feet.

Pump Operation and Monitoring

Good starting discharge pressure indicates that the pump is functioning with minimal or no flow, preventing overheating.
The pump operator should monitor intake and discharge gauges to detect flow conditions.
Observing the static pressure of the hydrant prior to discharge can provide insights into water supply volume.
A significant drop in intake pressure signifies substantial flow, while no change indicates minimal or no flow.
The relationship between closing the discharge gate and the discharge pressure can confirm flow status; a lack of pressure increase upon closing suggests negligible water flow.

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Explore the key concepts of Chapter 06, focusing on the operations of sprinkler systems and standpipes in firefighting. Understand the critical decisions that affect response times and safety measures when addressing fires on upper floors. Test your knowledge on the techniques and strategies necessary for effective fire suppression.