Positive Pressure Ventilation FOG

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary objective of placing positive pressure fans at the entry point from the unburned side of the fire?

To create a pressure 'cone' effect around the door (correct)

To draw smoke out of the building steadily

To prevent any air from entering the structure

To extinguish the fire immediately

How far back should positive pressure fans be positioned from the entry point?

20-25 feet

12-15 feet (correct)

5-10 feet

30-35 feet

What is the role of the company officer in a positive pressure ventilation operation?

To oversee crew rotation during the operation

To ensure the location of the fire is unknown

To manage the exhaust openings

To confirm the exit for pressurized air is in place (correct)

What should be done if there are too many exit points during positive pressure ventilation?

Close open windows and doors to direct air flow Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following situations is contraindicated for positive pressure ventilation?

Attic fire conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is one requirement for effective positive pressure ventilation?

An exhaust opening must be provided in the fire area Signup and view all the answers

In what situation might using positive pressure ventilation exacerbate dangers for occupants?

During a rescue situation Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to position additional fans in tandem rather than side by side?

It allows for better air flow and efficiency Signup and view all the answers

What can happen to a building that is already over-pressurized during a fire?

It can lead to explosions due to fuel and heat Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary indicator that an exhaust opening is inadequate for PPV?

Heavy smoke remains in the structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of creating a pressure 'cone' effect around the door when placing positive pressure fans?

To inhibit the fire's spread to other areas. Signup and view all the answers

What must be ensured for positive pressure ventilation to be effective?

An appropriate exit must be established in the fire area. Signup and view all the answers

What may need to be done if existing openings are reducing the effectiveness of PPV?

Seal off cleared areas and create a new exit. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a reason why PPV should not be used in an attic fire?

PPV may push smoke and fire into living spaces below. Signup and view all the answers

When should a company officer ensure the air flow is regulated during PPV?

Throughout the entire operation. Signup and view all the answers

Why might it be detrimental to use PPV in a rescue situation?

It can create a more hazardous environment for victims. Signup and view all the answers

What should be the relative size of the exhaust opening compared to the inlet for effective PPV?

75% or less the size of the inlet. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a building that is already over-pressurized during a fire when using PPV?

It poses a high risk of combustion. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the major drawbacks of having multiple exit points when utilizing PPV?

It prevents the pressurized air from concentrating in necessary areas. Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided to ensure the pressurized air is effectively utilized during PPV?

Creation of too many exhaust points. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) Fan Placement

Fans should be placed on the unburned side of the fire, 12-15 feet back from the entry point.
This placement creates a pressure "cone" effect around the entry point, allowing crews to enter the building.
If using multiple fans, placing them in tandem (one behind the other) is more effective than side by side.

Tactical Considerations for PPV

A designated exit for the pressurized air is crucial for PPV effectiveness.
The exit needs to be located in the fire area and should be approximately 75% or less the size of the inlet.
PPV must be injected from the unburned side of the fire.

Controlling Air Flow During PPV

Control air flow throughout the operation.
Excess openings or exit points decrease PPV effectiveness.
Close existing openings to direct air flow into the fire area or the densest smoke area.
Seal off cleared areas and create new exhaust points as needed to direct air flow to the next area.

Contraindications for PPV

Unknown Location of Fire: Using PPV could potentially drive the fire towards unknown occupants or areas.
Attic Fire: PPV could potentially push fire onto occupants or into their escape paths.
Rescue Situation: Similar to unknown location, PPV may push fire onto occupants or into their escape paths.
Inadequate Exhaust: Without an adequately sized exhaust opening, PPV acts like bellows to a fireplace, intensifying the fire.
Building is Over Pressurized: A building already full of smoke provides a lot of fuel and heat, lacking only oxygen. Introducing oxygen from a fan could lead to a dangerous explosion or rapid fire intensification.

PPV Placement

Fans should be positioned 12 - 15 feet back from the entry point to create a pressure "cone" effect around the door.
Fans should be placed on the unburned side of the fire, coordinated with the deployment of the attack line.
Multiple fans are more effective when placed behind each other, rather than side by side.

PPV Tactical Considerations

A "exit" for pressurized air must be provided and located in the fire area.
The exit should be approximately 75% or less the size of the inlet.
Positive pressure ventilation must be injected from the unburned side of the fire.

Controlling Airflow

Control airflow from PPV throughout the operation.
Reduce the number of openings or exit points to maintain effectiveness.
Close existing openings to direct airflow into the fire or smoke-affected areas.
Seal cleared areas and create new exits to direct airflow into the next area.

PPV Contraindications

Unknown location of fire: May push fire toward occupants or escape routes.
Attic fire: May push fire toward occupants or escape routes.
Rescue situation: Similar to unknown location, pushing fire toward occupants or escape routes.
Inadequate exhaust: No exhaust opening created may worsen the fire.
Building is already over pressurized: A building full of fuel and heat, but displaced oxygen, only needs additional oxygen to reignite.

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Description

Explore the principles and techniques of Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) fan placement and air flow control. Understand the critical tactical considerations that enhance effectiveness during firefighting operations. This quiz is designed for fire service professionals looking to improve their knowledge of PPV strategies.