High Rise Buildings - Vertical

Questions and Answers

What should be the immediate action when a MAYDAY transmission is received?

Cease all other communication. (correct)

Ignore the message until confirmed.

Communicate other messages immediately.

Continue normal communication.

Which situation necessitates an urgent transmission?

Firefighter seriously injured.

Fire extending from an area. (correct)

Firefighter trapped.

Firefighter lost.

During the initial stages of a command, what is one of the primary responsibilities?

Prepare for evacuation of the top floor.

Activate the rapid intervention crew.

Gather building intelligence. (correct)

Secure all exits for firefighters.

Who is responsible for the evacuation of the fire floor and the floors above and below in a fire emergency?

FLSD and BIR. Signup and view all the answers

What needs to be confirmed when an urgent message is sent about a firefighter's status?

The location and status of the firefighter. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of MAYDAY transmission?

Firefighter injured (non-life-threatening). Signup and view all the answers

In determining the location of a fire, firefighters should start from which point?

The lowest level of the building. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the six boundaries concerning fire spread or extension?

Walls. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of stairwells in a building according to the ventilation protocols?

To facilitate smoke and contaminant management Signup and view all the answers

Which standard outlines the requirements for smoke control systems?

NFPA 92 Signup and view all the answers

What is a standard operational procedure regarding fire pumps?

Diesel pumps need weekly operational tests Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the Lobby Control Unit (LCU) in high-rise operations?

To handle the logistics of personnel deployment Signup and view all the answers

What is one key action that should be taken for elevator operation during an emergency?

Test buttons and observe the shaft before use Signup and view all the answers

What does creating pressure differentials in a building help to achieve?

Limit the migration of smoke during a fire Signup and view all the answers

Regarding communication in an emergency, what is recommended?

Utilize all available means of communication Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a responsibility of the HVAC support group?

Directly fighting fire on the floor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the RIC/FAST when a MAYDAY or urgent message is heard?

To make a tactical plan before deployment Signup and view all the answers

Which acronym summarizes the treatment protocol for a downed firefighter?

FAIR Signup and view all the answers

What should the first order of assessment be for a down firefighter?

ABC’s Signup and view all the answers

What equipment is assigned to the RAT team?

Tools and equipment for transport Signup and view all the answers

During search and rescue operations, why are search lines important?

They help ensure direction in low visibility conditions Signup and view all the answers

When is the use of elevators discouraged during rescue operations?

When they are out of service Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the IC/Domain supervisor during a briefing to the RIC/FAST?

To develop an action plan Signup and view all the answers

Why are ropes used instead of reliance solely on thermal imaging cameras (TIC)?

TIC devices may be subject to failure Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when deploying search lines?

To keep the ropes elevated at corners and objects Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym RAT stand for in the context of rescue operations?

Rapid Ascent Team Signup and view all the answers

What should be observed when responding to alarms caused by dust, steam, or humidity?

Monitor devices for patterns or defects. Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor in size up for a high-rise response?

Assessing the presence of smoke and fire colors. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of high-rise buildings, what does the stack effect describe?

The upward movement of air due to temperature differences. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor influencing the flow of air during fire incidents?

Amount of precipitation outside. Signup and view all the answers

When overcoming challenges with rescue operations, what is vital for initial command?

Confirming the address and location. Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended communication practice during emergency operations?

Use common terminology to avoid confusion. Signup and view all the answers

How should firefighters respond to false alarms according to protocol?

Treat every response as legitimate. Signup and view all the answers

When managing smoke control operations, what should be assessed?

The source of the smoke and its direction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of building engineers during an incident?

Assist the incident commander with utility monitoring. Signup and view all the answers

Why should elevators be recalled during an emergency?

To ensure they're available for first responders. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common mistake related to smoke management in high-rise buildings?

Downplaying the impact of wind on smoke direction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the major goal when creating an action plan for a fire incident?

Utilize the pre-plan or battle plan effectively. Signup and view all the answers

What should not be done when entering a building on fire?

Use revolving doors for entry. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of scissor stairs?

They can be difficult to keep smoke out of if they share an enclosure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a fire (smoke) tower stair?

To draw smoke up and out of the building during a fire incident. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is critical for the safety of exterior cage stairs?

They need to be examined for structural integrity every 5 years. Signup and view all the answers

How is an automatic fire alarm activated?

By detection devices without human intervention. Signup and view all the answers

What is one disadvantage of using straight stairs in building design?

They may slow firefighting operations due to safety concerns. Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique feature of L-shaped stairs?

They facilitate access at different physical locations. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do winder stairs differ from standard straight stairs?

Winder stairs include turns in their design. Signup and view all the answers

What is an effect of smoke migration in stairwells?

It can result from open doors in fire apartments. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a cable-less elevator from a traditional elevator?

It allows horizontal as well as vertical movement. Signup and view all the answers

What is one way in which escalators were initially designed for defense purposes?

They incorporated spiral designs for easier movement in tight spaces. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the 'point of no return' in fire evacuation scenarios?

It is defined as being greater than 5 feet from an exit during an ashover. Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential component of fire department communication systems?

Fidelity is required for transmitting and receiving messages. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the landing in an escalator?

To serve as a termination point for movement. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Smoke Control Methods

Blockers and curtains are implemented to manage smoke movement.
Shaft pressurization is achieved through fans to prevent smoke infiltration.
In-house smoke management equipment enhances overall fire safety strategy.

Stairways and Pathways

The “point of no return” refers to being over 5 feet from an exit during a flashover.
Historical open stairways allowed smoking and re-travel prior to the 19th century.
Welcoming statements often describe open grand stairways in new constructions.
Transfer hallways connect enclosed stairways, facilitating movement between them.

Stair Design Types

Return stairs (u-shaped, half turn, switch back) enable half landings.
Quarter landings (double L) feature two landings in return stairs.
Straight stairs provide a direct run but pose tripping hazards, especially when descending.
Scissor stairs consist of two sets of stairs and pose challenges for smoke containment.
Door locations in scissor stairs can complicate occupant navigation.

Special Stair Features

L-shaped stairs enter and exit from different physical locations.
Winder stairs (spiral/circular) are for tenant access and must be well-designed for safety.
Open stairwell concepts in commercial spaces require specific sprinkler spacing and draft curtains.
Original spiral stairs were built in castles for defense purposes.

Fire Safety Infrastructure

Fire (smoke) tower stairs are preferred for evacuation during incidents; they expel smoke effectively.
Exterior cage stairs and fire escapes must include dry standpipes and are subject to atmospheric wear.
Fixed ladders, required to have cages if over 24 feet, provide access to rooftops and mechanical rooms.

Escalators and Elevators

Escalators were first created in 1896 by Charles Seeberger at Coney Island.
Major components of escalators include landing, comb plate, truss, structure, and track with emergency stop buttons.
Elevators are necessary for moving between floors in high-rises; they may involve complex hoisting systems.

Elevator Systems

Occupant evacuation elevators (OEE) function independently in a hoistway.
Destination control systems streamline elevator service without traditional floor buttons.
Cable-less elevators utilize powerful magnets, allowing versatile movement.

Communication Systems

Effective communication systems are crucial for coordinating firefighting efforts.
Fidelity in transmitting and receiving messages ensures swift action during emergencies.
"Step-on" transmit functionality enables communication while other units are in action.

Firefighter Response Strategies

High-rise firefighters are considered elite within the fire service, prioritizing life safety.
Life safety components are integral to firefighting strategies and pre-planning.
Mixed-use occupancies should have comprehensive sprinkler systems.

Fire Alarm Systems

Automatic alarms activate without human input through detection devices, enhancing response times.
Non-automatic alarms require human intervention, such as manual activation or phone calls.
Alarm response units may only trigger during normal business hours unless multiple notifications occur.
Places with high occupancy loads, like hotels and medical facilities, necessitate robust alarm systems.### Nuisance and False Alarms
Nuisance alarms caused by environmental factors such as dust, steam, and humidity.
False alarms may result from defective components, devices, or vandalism.
Maintaining a logbook helps track device patterns and identify defects.

Initial Alarm Response

Record initial alarm information including address and reason for response.
Emergency Call Operators must consider potential peril for individuals involved.
Fire response units should approach with strategic placement based on call type for safety.

Size-Up Procedures

Conduct external and internal size-up for effective response assessment.
"Nothing showing" may be misleading in high-rise fires due to limited visibility.
Immediate notification for additional alarms when fire is visible in high-rise scenarios.

High-Rise Building Ventilation

Understanding ventilation profiles essential for managing air flow in buildings.
Air flow variables include temperature differentials, pressure differentials, and external weather conditions.
Identify structural air leakage points critical for ensuring safe smoke control and escape routes.

Building Access and Lobby Size-Up

Use non-revolving doors to enter buildings; assess air flow effects upon entry.
Lobby size-up involves coordination with fire control panel and task assignments for fire crews.
Floor plans should be available for first responders upon arrival.

Emergency Action Plans (EAP)

NFPA mandates EAP creation for building management including evacuation protocols and staff training.
Assign fire wardens to ensure orderly evacuation and compliance with procedures.
Provide clear floor plans for emergency response efficiency.

Role of Building Engineers and Security Personnel

Building engineers play a critical role in managing HVAC and utility systems during incidents.
Security can assist incident command (IC) with access to surveillance systems.
Ensure incident scene is secured per IC's directives.

Communication Protocols

Effective communication is vital for efficient emergency operations.
Establish radio discipline to minimize miscommunication.
Use clear, common terminology to enhance understanding during incidents.

Emergency Communication Types

Distinguish between MAYDAY and urgent messages during emergencies.
Implement rapid intervention crews (RIC) for downed firefighters or severe emergencies.

Situational Awareness and Command

Initial command stages involve gathering building intelligence and coordinating with relevant personnel.
Identify boundaries for fire spread and gather necessary tools for fire suppression.

Evacuation and Search Operations

Prioritize life safety during evacuation and search rescues.
Utilize search lines and thermal imaging cameras (TIC) to locate victims efficiently.
Implement proper techniques to manage ropes and conduct multiple simultaneous searches.### Egress and Ventilation Support Groups
Pathways to egress include elevator lobbies, restrooms, and areas near exterior windows.
Stairwells are designated as “sacred” zones for fire safety.
Expertise required to effectively channel smoke and contaminants to optimal ventilation points.
Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) is a standard operational procedure for smoke control.

HVAC Support Group

Coordination with building engineers is essential for effective HVAC operations.
Creating pressure differentials helps limit smoke migration during a fire event.
Closing the supply damper on the fire floor reduces the airflow, minimizing smoke spread.
NFPA 92 outlines the standards for smoke control systems to enhance safety.

Fire Pump Support Group

Conduct no-flow tests to assess pump performance via water circulation back to the suction side.
Diesel pumps operate for 30 minutes weekly; electric pumps may operate for 30 minutes monthly, or both types may run for 30 minutes weekly based on Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements.
Ensure the discharge gauge is monitored for proper flow assessment.
Fire pump operation requires a minimum team of 2 firefighters.
Controller units label the procedure for starting the fire pump for easy reference.

Communications Support Group

Utilize all communication methods available within the building for effective coordination during emergencies.

Lobby Control Unit (LCU)

The LCU is vital for high-rise fire operations.
Helps in the accountability of deployed or staged units and marshals them for position assignments.
Assumes control of up to three elevators, ensuring safe operation during emergencies.
Tests elevator buttons, functionalities, and inspects the shaft prior to use.
Provides crucial information regarding the interior, including tactical channels and necessary contact numbers for lobby coordination.

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Description

This quiz covers essential topics related to smoke management systems, including the use of smoke blockers, shaft pressurization techniques with fans, and in-house equipment for effective smoke control. Additionally, it discusses the logistical aspects of service water supply depots and transportation for support operations in emergencies.

High Rise Buildings - Vertical - Beau