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Questions and Answers
What year was the second edition of the manual published?
01/11/22
Which of the following equipment is typically found in the pump operator's FDC bag? (Select all that apply)
High-Rise firefighting takes place at ground level.
False
Experience in firefighting is something you get _____ minutes after you needed it.
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What is the main purpose of this manual?
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Who is mentioned as an active firefighter in the manual?
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What should be done whenever possible according to standard operating procedures (SOPs)?
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The manual is considered a definitive and unchanging document.
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Match the following tools to their functions in the pump operator's FDC bag:
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What is required to assemble a 2 ½” pack?
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The first fold of the hose is made at the ________ marker while keeping the hose doubled.
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The load of the 2 ½” pack should finish with the female coupling on top.
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What is the maximum operation capacity of RAM XD?
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What does NFPA 101 define as a high-rise building?
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PRDs reduce pressure in both static and flowing conditions.
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PRDs are used in standpipes with internal pressures from ________ psi.
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Match the type of pressure regulating device to its description:
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What must be done if the MQA is equipped with a stream straightener for high-rise operations?
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What happens if the pressure at the outlet is less than 100 PSI according to NFPA 14?
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What is the maximum pressure rating for the Elkhart Brass 2 ½” High-Rise Drain Elbow Model 105A?
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The drain valve on the Elkhart Brass 2 ½” High-Rise Drain Elbow Model 105A allows water to be bled in the stairwell after operation.
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What material is the 2 ½” Inline Pressure Gauge Model 228A made of?
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How much does the Elkhart Brass 2 ½” Inline Pressure Gauge Model 228A weigh?
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Match the tool with its function:
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What is the weight of the total high-rise hose pack?
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What is the length of the PRV adjustment rod?
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What should firefighters do before chocking doors open?
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A choker tip can be used to gain stream reach and velocity when encountering low discharge pressures.
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The hose pack must be ___ inches long for easy removal and replacement.
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What should be the recommended tip size for high-rise applications with the Elkhart Brass XD Shutoff?
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What is the purpose of the field adjustment of the Giacomini pressure reducing valve?
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What must be done to increase the standpipe outlet pressure using the Giacomini valve?
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What tool is required for the adjustment of the Urfa pressure reducing valve?
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What is a notable weak point of the Urfa valve's design?
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What construction period do first generation high-rises belong to?
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What material were floors generally made of in first generation high-rises?
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What is the outlet connection size for fourth generation high-rises?
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Which group is responsible for fire attack during a high-rise evacuation?
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What are the Fire Alarm classifications for high-rise buildings?
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Zurn pressure reducing valves require the removal of the valve's bonnet for field adjustment.
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What is the primary function of the USE Group?
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How many firefighters are typically assigned to the Fire Attack Group during daylight hours?
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The RIT Group may be used as a replacement fire attack crew if necessary.
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The group responsible for victim care at a fire incident is called the ______.
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Which equipment is recommended for the Lobby Engine?
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What should the ladder do while in the fire area?
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The first company to arrive at the lobby must establish accountability and collect passports.
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What is included in the equipment complement for the RIT Group?
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What phase allows firefighters to completely control the elevator car?
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The priority order of search for the USE Group is Attack Stairwell, Evacuation Stairwell, __________.
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Match the following groups with their primary responsibilities:
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What is the responsibility of the ladder driver upon arrival to the scene?
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What tools should be included in a driver's FDC bag for hookup and troubleshooting? (Select all that apply)
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One engine will connect to the hydrant using a short section of _____ to the intake.
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The FDC engine should pump into the FDC at all times.
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What pressure should the FDC engine pump if the building's fire pump is not known?
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What happens if there are multiple inlets on the FDC?
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How should all hose connections made during a FDC hookup be secured?
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What is the required residual pressure at the most remote outlet from the building's fire pump for post-1993 buildings?
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What is indicated when the flowmeter begins reading flow during a fire pump operation?
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Study Notes
Pump Operator's FDC Bag
- The pump operator's FDC bag contains equipment to connect to fire department connections (FDCs).
- The bag contains spanners, a straight screwdriver, forceps, 2 ½” caps, a Knox key wrench, a pick tool, and gaskets.
- 2 ½” double male/double female adapters are used with the female FDC connection when it won't spin freely.
- The cap in the bag is used to plug the FDC when clapper valves are broken; it is still recommended to charge each side of the FDC.
- Webbing can be used to secure hose lines to prevent injuries if a hose line bursts.
2 ½” High-Pressure FDC Hose
- Each CFD engine carries 200 feet of 2 ½” high-pressure Mercedes AquaFlow HP hose.
- The hose is blue-green in color and weighs 43 lbs per 100 feet section.
- The hose is rated to 400 PSI for service pressure and has a burst pressure of 1800 PSI.
- The hose has a burst safety factor of 3.75 times the service pressure.
- The hose has NH male and female couplings.
High-Rise Standpipe Bag
- The High-Rise standpipe bag contains equipment to connect to and operate standpipe systems.
- The bag contains a 2 ½” gate valve, a 2 ½” high-rise drain elbow, and an inline pressure gauge.
- Placement for the standpipe bag equipment is: gate valve, drain valve, and then the pressure gauge.
- The gate valve should be attached to the standpipe outlet before flushing the system.
- The drain valve should be placed before the pressure gauge to allow for water to be drained if the hose line becomes obstructed.
- The pressure gauge should be placed after the drain valve to avoid inaccuracy from turbulence created by gate valves.
Standpipe System
- An inline pressure gauge placement after the elbow reduces turbulence before reaching the gauge for accurate pressure readings
- If the proper pressure is showing on the gauge, but the firefighter doesn't have an adequate stream, the problem is between the standpipe and the nozzle (possible kinks)
- If the standpipe valve is completely open but the gauge shows inadequate pressure, a PRD/PRV may need to be removed or adjusted
- If adjusting the PRD/PRV fails to increase pressure, the engine on the FDC will need to begin pumping into the system
Tools and Equipment
- Spanners are used to remove caps and tighten hoseline couplings
- PRV Adjustment Rod is 12” in length, 3/8” Stainless Steel and is used to make pressure adjustments on Urfa and Giacomini PRVs
- 1 1/16” Deep Well Socket Set is used to adjust the field adjustment nut on the Zurn PRV
- T-Handle 5/32” Pin and Hex Security Wrench is used to remove the set screw holding the Lexan covering on the Urfa PRV and external limiting device on some PRDs
- Straight Screwdriver is used to pry off orifice plates and defeat the weak point of the Lexan covering on the Urfa PRV
- Knox Key Wrench is used to unlock and remove Knox caps on the standpipe connection
- Door Chocks/Wedges are used to hold doors open to prevent pinch points for hoses, or to keep self-closing doors from closing and behind firefighters
- 1.5” to 2.5” Increaser is used if the only standpipe connection available is a 1.5” connection
- 2.5” to 1.5” Reducer is used for overhaul operations, allowing hoseline to be reduced to 1 3/4" after the fire is extinguished
- Miscellaneous Fittings include pipe thread to national standard hose thread adapters
- Gaskets are used to replace any damaged or torn gaskets found during high-rise firefighting operations
High-rise Hose Pack
- The high-rise hose pack is 150’ long and weighs 55.5lbs
- One 50’ section of 2 ½” orange hose (Mercedes Textiles—Krakenexo)
- Two 50’ sections of 2” red hose (Mercedes Textiles—Krakenexo)
- The 2 ½” section can be found loaded in various configurations, such as the twin donut
High-rise Hose Pack Nozzles
-
2 ½” Elkhart Brass XD Shutoff with Pistol Grip
- Dual drive shutoff with full round metal ball
- Forged aluminum shutoff body
- Forged metal bale handle
- Recommended tip size for high rise applications is a 1 1/16” tip
-
2 ½” Elkhart DB-375-GAT Shutoff
- Forged aluminum body with a pistol grip
- Has a 1 ¼” discharge integrated into the nozzle
- A 1 1/16” tip should be used for high rise operations
-
Elkhart 188 XD Smooth Bore 1 1/16” Tip
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- Urethane molded bumper
- Recommended tip for high-rise applications
- Delivers 240 GPM at 50 PSI NP (87 lbs nozzle reaction)
- Need 90 PSI at the standpipe for 150’ hose stretch
- Need 95 PSI at the standpipe for 200’ hose stretch (One 50’ section of 2 ½” added)
- Need 105 PSI at the standpipe for 200’ hose stretch (One 50’ section of 2” added)
Choker Tips
- Choker tips are used if crews encounter low discharge pressures from the standpipe
- Fire Attack Group Supervisor may elect to use a “choker tip” to gain stream reach and velocity
- The current CFD high-rise hose package will keep an effective stream down to approximately 50 PSI
- Crews can attempt to place a 15/16” tip onto the handline in place of the 1 1/16” tip
- When using a choker tip on the handline, there will be a loss of GPM as a tradeoff for the gain in stream reach
High-rise Pack Building Procedures
- This section will demonstrate several methods for building high-rise hose packs. Variations may be utilized depending on each engine company's preference.
- 2” Pack consists of two 50’ sections of 2” hose with 2 ½” couplings and three straps
- 2 ½” Pack consists of one 50’ section of 2 ½” hose and either one or three straps, depending on the packing method.
Elkhart Brass RAM XD
- Has a hydraulic stability system that harnesses the reaction force to stabilize the RAM
- Four fold-out aluminum forged legs with carbide tipped ground spikes
- Locking pin holds valve in a closed position to prevent accidental opening
- Attached safety strap comes with a storage pouch
- 2-1/2” inlet and outlet
- Can be lowered from 35 down to 14 when manned
- Operation is not to exceed 500 GPM and/or 150 psi
Mercury Quick Attack Monitor (MQA)
- MQA is rated for flows up to 500 GPM with only 6 PSI friction loss at 500 GPM.
- Tip can rotate 20 degrees left or right from center.
- Can be operated from 60 to 30 degrees when unmanned.
- Top handle contains a spring-loaded mechanism that allows the user to travel down to 20 degrees (will self-adjust back to 30 degrees).
- Generally comes with triple stacked tips (1", 1-1/8", 1-1/4", 1-3/8") with varying GPM and friction loss per 100 feet
- May also have a 1-1/2" deluge tip with 496 GPM at 55 psi nozzle pressure.
- Most companies will forgo running the 1" tip on the end of the MQA because there is no GPM advantage over a 1-1/8" tip at 50 psi on a handline.
- MQA has a 2-1/2" inlet and outlet, allowing for a 2-1/2" attack line to be extended off the outlet base of the unit.
High Rise Use
- Advanced fire/heavy fire load where unmanned operations may be needed
- Good for open area floor plans
- Excellent option for commercial high-rise fires, but has limited use in residential high-rises
- If the MQA is equipped with a stream straightener, remove it for high-rise operations. Stream straighteners can become clogged with standpipe debris
- Hoselines can be extended from the MQA after initial knockdown for clean-up and hot spots.
- A 1-3/4" hoseline can be connected to the end of the 1-1/4" stacked tip.
NFPA Standards
- NFPA 101 defines a high-rise as a building greater than 75 feet in height, measuring from the lowest level of fire department vehicle access to the highest occupied floor.
- NFPA 14 requires buildings constructed pre-1993 to have standpipe systems providing 65 PSI of residual pressure at the most remote outlet from the fire pump while flowing 500 GPM.
- Buildings constructed post-1993 must have standpipe systems providing 100 PSI of residual pressure at the most remote outlet from the fire pump, while flowing 500 GPM.
- NFPA 14 requires excessive pressures in a standpipe system to be reduced at the outlet to a manageable level.
- Pressures less than 100 PSI require no pressure reduction.
- Pressures between 100 PSI and 175 PSI require pressure restricting devices (PRDs).
- Pressures over 175 PSI require pressure reducing valves (PRVs).
Pressure Restricting Devices (PRDs) vs. Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs)
- PRDs are used in standpipes with internal pressures from 100-175 psi.
- PRVs are used in standpipes with internal pressures greater than 175 psi.
- PRDs reduce pressure in flowing conditions only, while PRVs reduce pressure in static and flowing conditions.
- PRDs are external components that can be removed, while PRVs have an internal mechanism built into the valve body.
- Some common PRDs include adjustable pins, removable clips, orifice plates, and mechanical restricting devices.
- Common PRVs include factory pre-set non-adjustable valves, Giacomini valves, Urfa valves, and Zurn valves.
- PRDs do not serve as a one-way check valve, while most PRVs do.
- A threaded stem inside the valve indicates it is not a pressure reducing valve, while a smooth stem indicates it is a pressure reducing valve.
Pressure Restricting Devices (PRDs)
- Simple external devices placed on or into a standpipe outlet valve.
- Many different designs, including orifice plates, mechanical, or limiting devices.
- Reduce pressures in flowing conditions only.
- Used in standpipes with internal pressures from 100 – 175 psi.
- Typically not field adjustable, but can usually be easily broken off or removed.
Adjustable Pin Design
- Simple external device that is easily removed or broken.
- Limits the valve from being opened completely.
- Only reduces pressure during flowing conditions.
- Remove using an Allen wrench or break the flange using a Halligan.
- Once removed, the valve can be fully opened.
Removable Clip Design
- Simple external device, easily removed.
- Limits the valve from being opened completely.
- Reduces pressure during flowing conditions.
- Remove by pulling the clip out of the valve.
- Once removed, valve can be fully opened.
Orifice Plate
- Metal disk with a restricted opening, similar to a large metal washer.
- Located inside the threaded male outlet of the standpipe valve.
- Can cause damage to the inner lining of hoses.
- Does not provide a steady discharge pressure because it cannot compensate for inlet pressure changes.
- Pry it out with a small screwdriver, or pull it out with a pair of channel locks.
Mechanical Pressure Restricting Device
- One-piece mechanical device designed to reduce outlet pressure.
- Similar in size to a double female adapter.
- Mostly found in older buildings.
- Has hose threads on both ends.
- Device threads onto the male outlet of the standpipe valve.
- Only reduces pressure during flowing conditions.
- Inside the device are overlapping holes that restrict the water flow through the device.
- Device can be manually adjusted by turning the external knob on the side of the device to set the overlapping holes in any position from fully closed to fully open (NOT RECOMMENDED).
- Do not attempt to adjust the device. Simply remove it by unscrewing it from the standpipe outlet threads.
Factory Pre-Set Non-Adjustable Pressure Reducing Valve
- Pressure-reducing valve that has its pressure reducing characteristics pre-set at the factory during the manufacturing process.
- NON-ADJUSTABLE VALVE, the pressure cannot be changed on the fireground.
- Specifically designed to be installed on a certain floor of the building.
- If valve is installed on the wrong floor, it will result in inadequate pressure output.
- Early identification of these valves is vital to allow firefighters time to consider other water supply options if there is inadequate pressure at the valve.
- Valve is identified by a large ring at the top of the valve body; some may have a label on the valve indicating it is a pressure-reducing valve.
- Remove the cap from the outlet and look inside the valve. A smooth stem typically indicates a pressure-reducing valve; a threaded stem typically indicates a standard hose valve.
Giacomini Pressure Reducing Valve
- Large valve with exposed adjustment barrel.
- Valve body made of casted bronze.
- Field adjustable.
- Adjustment instructions printed on valve body.
- 4 holes in adjustment barrel for adjustment rod usage.
- 2 ½ inch male outlet connection.
Giacomini Valve Adjustment
- Allows firefighters to overcome valve installation or maintenance problems that cause inadequate pressure at the valve outlet.
- Tools required: 3/8” metal adjustment rod.
- Adjustment Procedure:
- Insert 3/8” adjustment rod into exposed hole in adjustment barrel.
- Rotate adjustment rod clockwise to increase standpipe outlet pressure, or counterclockwise to decrease outlet pressure.
- Rotation of adjustment barrel requires 75 pounds of force.
- Numbers etched into the adjustment barrel refer to approximate PSI at zero flow. They do not correspond to flow under residual flow conditions.
Urfa Pressure Reducing Valve
- Similar in appearance to Giacomini valve.
- Large field adjustable valve with adjustment barrel covered by Lexan anti-tamper shield.
- Adjustment instructions printed on anti-tamper shield.
- Holes in adjustment barrel for adjustment rod use.
- 2 ½ inch male outlet connection.
Urfa Valve Adjustment
- Allows firefighters to overcome valve installation or maintenance problems that cause inadequate pressure at the valve outlet.
- Tools required: T-handle 5/32” pin and hex security wrench, 3/8” adjustment rod, straight screwdriver.
- Adjustment Procedure:
- Use pin and hex wrench to remove set screw, or break Lexan shield at its weak point with a straight screwdriver if no pin and hex wrench is available.
- Uncover the adjustment holes by either sliding the Lexan shield up out of the way, or rotating the shield until the adjustment hole is accessible through the shield’s slot.
- Insert 3/8” adjustment rod into exposed hole in adjustment barrel.
- There are arrows on the Lexan shield showing which direction to turn to increase or decrease pressure.
- Rotation of adjustment barrel requires approximately 15 pounds of force.
Zurn Pressure Reducing Valve
- A large valve with a long stem, hand wheel for opening and closing
- Removable bonnet, 2 ½ inch outlet connection
- Field adjustable to overcome installation or maintenance problems that cause inadequate pressure at the valve outlet
- Requires an 18” pipe wrench and a ratchet with 1 1/16” deep well socket for adjustment
High-Rise Building Overview
- First Generation High-Rises: (1860s-1920s) Constructed with extremely heavy load-bearing exterior walls of brick or stone, often had cast iron facades, many had unprotected cast iron columns and wrought iron beams, floors were constructed of wood and were generally the weak links
- Second Generation High-Rises: (1930s-1940s) Began using fire resistive assemblies, shaft enclosures, more compartmentalization, and non-combustible materials, masonry enclosures for all metal structural members, vertical shafts were enclosed in masonry and tile, floors were concrete over brick or hollow tile arches, floor areas were small and subdivided due to a need for close access to natural light and ventilation
- Third Generation High-Rises: (1945-1965) Lighter weight construction with fire resistive coating applied, steel frame work with core type construction, floors are made of corrugated metal with poured concrete over top, exterior curtain walls of glass or some type of stone, the use of HVAC systems creates a sealed building, ventilation of these types of high-rises is extremely difficult if not impossible, requiring the use of the HVAC system and positive pressure, the “Stack Effect” will play a major role in smoke movement
- Third Generation High-Rises-Tubular: (1965-present) Columns run along the outside of the tube and connect back to the core, the strongest parts of the building are on the outside, the exterior framing of the buildings is designed to be strong enough to resist lateral loading, allowing the interior of the building to be framed for gravity loads
- Fourth Generation High-Rises: (2001-present) More robust style of construction due to the need for more fire-safe buildings, center core walls are reinforced concrete up to six feet thick, movement away from light weight steel bar joist construction, has more heavily fortified stairway and elevator enclosures designed to resist smoke, fires, explosions, and collapses, creating more refuge areas for occupants, stayed Mast and Buttressed Core are two examples of these next generation construction styles
High-Rise Operations Overview
-
Fire Alarm Classification:
- Fire Alarm “A” (FA): Single company response for single and double family residences, small apartment buildings, strip malls, small mercantile, and other occupancies not classified as high life hazard.
- Fire Alarm “B” (FAB): High life hazard occupancies including multi-family apartments, hospitals, hotels, nursing homes, big box stores, warehouses, large industrial/manufacturing facilities, industrial complexes, schools, and churches. Response of 1 Engine, 1 Ladder, 1 Battalion Chief.
- Fire Alarm “High-Rise” (FAH): Commercial and residential occupancies greater than six stories above ground. Response of 2 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Battalion Chief.
- Working Fire Assignment: Added to the initial report of a fire: 2 Engines, 2 Ladders, 1 Rescue, 1 EMSO, 1 Medic, 1 EMSO
- Fire Attack Group: 7 firefighters to the fire area during daylight hours, an additional 2 firefighters after 2000 hours, I/C will designate an Engine officer as in-charge of the Fire Attack Group, Ladder recons the fire area and designates the Attack and Evacuation stairwells, Ladder advises the engines on the location of the fire and the best point of access, Ladder searches the fire area while operating as members of the hose team, Ladder performs any forcible entry needed, Engine companies stretch the attack line and fight fire
- Lobby Control/Systems Group: Establish accountability, collect passports, log crews and their destinations, locate elevators and elevator keys, recall elevators to the lobby, assign a firefighter in full PPE to operate elevators and shuttle crews to the resource floor, send a firefighter to the pump room to check if the pump is running and determine what the discharge pressure is, report findings to the Lobby Control Group supervisor, locate stairwell access and direct crews when needed, locate the building engineer and maintain contact for technical expertise, locate and distribute in house communications equipment, locate and distribute any master keys as needed, maintain and control all building systems when required
- USE Group– Upper Search/Evacuation: Primary function is Search and Rescue, priority order per SOP 02-03-04.04 is: Attack Stairwell, Evacuation Stairwell, Floor Above the Fire, Top Floor, Elevators, Other Areas, Search and rescue efforts are more fluid than the SOP order, for instance, the Fire Attack Group should be checking the Attack Stairwell as they recon for entry onto the fire floor freeing up the USE Group to check the Evacuation Stairwell as they move to the floor above the fire.
- RIT Group: RIT Group personnel assigned to the incident
- Medical Group: Medical Group personnel assigned to the incident
-
Incident Command: Command structure and locations
- CCP: Location of the CCP for the incident
- Working Fire Assignment Companies: Initial companies dispatched to a high-rise incident will respond with: Fire Attack Group, Lobby Control/Systems Group, USE Group, RIT Group, Medical Group, Command
Fire Attack Group Formation
- First two engines and first ladder must assemble and carry necessary equipment inside
- Crews should gather near the elevators that will be used
- Locate the Fire Control Room
- This room will show the exact location of the fire or alarm
- Retrieve keys and swipe cards for all areas
- Fire department handsets are available for use; give handsets to group supervisors
Elevator Discipline
- Firefighters must know the operating rules of the building’s elevators
- There are two phases to elevator operation
-
Phase I recalls all elevators to the lobby or the floor of egress
- Phase I can be activated in the elevator lobby or fire control room
- Any active call on the elevator will be cancelled, and the elevators will return to the Lobby and the doors will open
- This ensures that elevator accountability is possible
-
Phase II allows firefighters to completely control the elevator car; this phase is activated in the elevator car itself
- When Phase II is active, the doors will not automatically open or close
- The elevator car must be manually operated
- Firefighters may be able to close the doors then select the floor of travel
- To open doors, hold the door open button until the doors are completely open; otherwise, they will reclose
Safety Stops
- During elevator operations, safety stops need to be used
- The first stop is the second floor, check to see if the call button is working
- The doors should remain closed, unless the operator opens them
- Press and hold the door open button, then release it before the doors are completely open. The doors should open then automatically close
- This shows that firefighters are in control of the door functions and that Phase II is working as designed
- Continue stopping the elevator every 5 floors and test the doors
- Look for water and smoke in the shaft way
- The final stop will be two floors below the fire floor, locate the stairs and walk up from there
- If the Phase II firefighter helmet light in the car is flashing, then there has been a fire alarm activation or sprinkler activation in the shaft way or in the elevator control room, do not use the elevator if this occurs
Elevator Guidelines
- Do not overload the elevator cars; four to six firefighters can be safely transported in the car
- Do not use an elevator if there is no firefighter recall function
- Do not use freight elevators unless they have firefighter service and personnel are familiar with the trash collection and removal policy
- Fires commonly begin in the freight elevator lobby
- Do not leave elevator keys in the car; continuing crews will need them
- Use the car hold function to keep the car and the keys on the floor firefighters exited on
- Leave the keys in the car's key slot, then turn Phase II to the off position so Phase I will recall the car back to the lobby
- Continue this technique until Lobby Control is established
- Stop the elevator at least two floors below the fire or floor of alarm
- Firefighters should back into the elevator cars when loading
Lobby Control/Systems Operations
- The third arriving engine is responsible for Lobby Control
- The Fire Attack Group may have already completed some Lobby Control duties
- Annunciator panel, keys, and elevator recall will likely be completed
- Pick up where the Fire Attack Group left off
- The Fire Attack Group may have already completed some Lobby Control duties
- Establish lobby accountability and collect a passport from each crew entering the building
- Assign a firefighter to operate the elevator and shuttle crews to the resource floor two floors below the fire
- This firefighter should be in full PPE and SCBA
- Send a firefighter to the pump room to check if the fire pump is running and determine the discharge pressure
- Report this information to the Lobby Control Group supervisor.
- This is a critical job and the pump operator on the FDC will need this information if the building fire pump fails or there are any low-pressure situations
- Take forcible entry tools and radios to the pump room, as the room may be locked and in an area remote from the lobby
- Locate the stairwell access and direct crews when needed
- Many stairwells are hidden by decorative features
- Locate the building engineer and maintain contact for technical expertise
- Locate and distribute in house communications equipment
- This will be important as radio traffic increases on the fire ground
- Give handsets to each group supervisor
- Locate and distribute any master keys.Give master key sets to each group supervisor
- Maintain and control all building systems when required
- Building engineer will be able to help
- Control HVAC, electrical shut offs, and gas shut offs. Additionally, control backup generators, fire protection systems, and building communication systems
- As the incident grows, lobby control/systems will be split into two separate groups
- one company will concentrate on accountability, elevators, and crew assignments
- one company will be devoted to building systems and communications using the PA and in-house fire phones
Driver Duties/ FDC Procedures
- Upon arrival to the scene, all crew members head inside, except engine drivers
- The ladder driver will be guided by the scene size-up
- If the fire is in reach of the ladder, set it up for fire attack/rescue
- If rescues can be made, set it up for rescue
- If the aerial will not be used, don PPE and join the crew
- The ladder driver may also shuttle equipment
- Engine drivers are are responsible for locating the FDC and the nearest hydrant
- One engine will connect to the hydrant
- Connect with a short section of 5” to the intake
- Connect two 3” lines between the engines
- Series pump to the engine on the FDC
- One engine will connect to the hydrant
- One engine will make a physical hookup to the FDC
- If a two-stage pump is on the scene, it should be connected to the FDC
- Place the pump in “Pressure Mode” at the transfer valve
- Use the two 100’ sections of high-pressure hose carried on the engine
- Connect one high pressure hose to the right rear discharge and the other to the officer’s side 3” discharge
- Remove any Storz adaptors from the engine outlets and connect the high-pressure hose to the engine using the NST threads
Connecting to the FDC
- The engine driver on the FDC must inspect the FDC prior to hookup
- Having a driver’s FDC bag with the following tools helps with hookup and troubleshooting:
- (2) Spanner wrenches
- (2) 2.5” Double males
- (2) 2.5” Double females
- Knox cap key
- (2) Spare 2.5” Hose Gaskets
- McGill forceps or needle nose pliers
- 18” Pipe wrench
- Slotted screwdriver
- Wire brush
- Remove the FDC plugs and inspect the female swivel
- If the swivel is frozen in place, use a double male attached to a double female to create a new swivel
- If Knox Locks are present, use the Knox Key to remove them
- Check the condition of the gaskets; if they are damaged or missing, replace them
- Use McGill forceps or needle nose pliers to remove debris
- If there are more than two inlets on the FDC, remove all the plugs prior to pumping water
- If firefighters deliver water to two inlets, and later decide to supply additional FDC inlets, failing to remove all the plugs initially can cause the remaining plugs to have pressure on them and be dangerous or impossible to remove
- Make all hose connections spanner tight
- Once everything is connected and tight, fill the FDC lines with water and remain at idle pressure
- Inform the I/C that lines are charged and hydrant supply is established
Pumping the FDC
- After all connections are made and the lines are charged, remain at idle pressure
- The building system is designed to handle the fire protection workload
- The FDC engine is a backup to the building's system
- Do not pump into the FDC unless the building’s system is inadequate
- If it is a dry system (parking garage), start pumping right away
- When Fire Attack Group crews reach the floor below the fire, make the hose connection and flow the hose line, the crews will know if the building’s system is adequate for fire attack
- If the system is functioning as designed, the FDC should standby at idle while recirculating water to dissipate heat in the pump
- If the system pressure is lacking or the crews request higher pressures, that is the time for the FDC engine to increase pump pressure
- To overpower the building's fire pump, the FDC engine will have to pump higher than the building’s system pressure
- The system pressure is the discharge pressure of the building’s fire pump while running. This is different for every building
- Pre-1993 buildings require 65 PSI residual pressure at the most remote outlet from the building’s fire pump while flowing 500 GPM
- Post-1993 buildings require 100 PSI residual pressure at the most remote outlet from the building’s fire pump while flowing 500 GPM
- The system designer calculates what the pump pressure needs to be based on the building height and the year it was constructed
- To know what the building’s system pressure is, consult the pre-plans of the building
Fire Pump Pressure During High Rise Fires
- During high-rise fire operations, a member from the Lobby Control Group should go to the pump room to check the building's fire pump and determine the discharge pressure.
- If the building has Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) on the standpipes, the FDC engine pump operator needs to know the building's fire pump pressure.
- If the building's fire pump fails, the FDC engine must supply the building with enough pressure to reach the top floor.
- The FDC engine pump operator should provide the same pressure as the building's fire pump to ensure proper flow through the PRVs.
- If the FDC engine pump operator provides lower pressure, the PRVs will restrict water flow to the fire attack teams.
- If the fire pump discharge pressure is unknown, the FDC engine pump operator should determine the pressure needed at the top floor to ensure adequate flow through the PRVs.
Determining Fire Pump Pressure Using Engine's Pump Panel
- The pump operator can slowly increase pressure using the right rear discharge until flow is seen on the outlet gauge.
- This flow indicates that the engine's pump discharge pressure has overcome the building's fire pump pressure and started moving water into the building.
- If the flowmeter portion of the gauge does not work, the pump operator can slowly increase pressure until a residual pressure drop is seen on the master intake gauge.
- This pressure drop also indicates that the engine's pump has overcome the building's fire pump pressure and water is flowing.
- When firefighters pump into the FDC, they become the sole source of water for the system, replacing the building's fire pump.
- This happens because the FDC's internal clapper valve prevents the building's fire pump from supplying water when the FDC engine pump is in use.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the Firefighting Pump Operations Manual with this quiz. Questions cover important aspects such as tools in the pump operator's FDC bag and standard operating procedures. Challenge yourself and verify how well you understand high-rise firefighting and the principles outlined in the manual.
