Underground Firefighting Guidelines Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of this guideline?

To provide a framework for firefighters responding to large underground facility fires. (correct)

To describe the use of thermal imaging cameras in underground facility fires.

To outline the roles and responsibilities of personnel during an underground facility fire.

To define the procedures for evacuating occupants from underground facilities.

Who is ultimately responsible for developing an initial strategy and Incident Action Plan?

Firefighters

All personnel

Incident Commanders (correct)

Sector Officers

What is the primary concern regarding the use of stairwells in underground firefighting?

Stairwells can be difficult to navigate in heavy smoke.

Stairwells can act as chimneys for superheated fire gases. (correct)

Stairwells can be used for evacuation but are not safe for firefighters.

Stairwells can become blocked by debris.

What is the primary factor that should be considered when limiting the number of firefighters sent underground?

Potential risks to firefighters due to the underground environment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a consideration for controlling the flow of people and vehicles in and out of an underground facility during a fire?

Evacuating occupants through elevator shafts Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of utilizing thermal imaging cameras in underground firefighting operations?

Locating the fire and potential victims Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to wear complete personal protective equipment (PPE) during underground firefighting operations?

To protect against high temperatures and smoke inhalation Signup and view all the answers

What is the most significant challenge faced by firefighters when reaching below-grade fires?

Extreme heat and smoke conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the relevance of the "Rescinds: March 29, 2019" statement in the document?

It identifies the previous version of the guideline that this one replaces Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT explicitly mentioned as a factor that should be considered in firefighting operations in underground facilities?

The possibility of a secondary fire ignition Signup and view all the answers

What must be ensured by the first arriving Company Officer if the fire location is unknown?

Locate an apparatus in the best position to determine the emergency's location Signup and view all the answers

What is required before entry into a fire scene can be permitted?

Entry Control must be established Signup and view all the answers

Which firefighting equipment is NOT explicitly mentioned as required for personnel entering a fire scene?

Fire extinguishers Signup and view all the answers

What should be done once the location of the fire is determined?

Announce the location to all personnel operating at the incident Signup and view all the answers

When entering a working underground fire, what is a critical piece of equipment to be used?

Thermal Imaging Camera Signup and view all the answers

What must remain closed to prevent smoke from contaminating the building interior?

Doors leading directly into the building from the underground area Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended action when it is safe to do so during firefighting?

Connect hose lines to the standpipe cabinet near the fire location Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters maintain contact with when entering areas with heavy smoke?

A hose line or lifeline leading to safety Signup and view all the answers

Who has the discretion to decide if multiple entry crews can operate simultaneously?

The Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the first alarm apparatus at the scene?

Position in proximity to the roll-up doors for hose deployment Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for designating a RIT crew?

The Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of an EVAC system?

To alert occupants of a fire and guide them to safety. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to an overhead roll down door before firefighters enter a parking garage?

Disconnect the power to the electric door closer. Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the Company Officer for each entry team?

To ensure that all doors through which they pass are unlocked or rendered inoperative. Signup and view all the answers

Who should be requested to attend the Command Post with a copy of the building's Fire Safety Plan?

The building's management personnel. Signup and view all the answers

What is the biggest challenge when it comes to smoke removal in underground areas?

Limited access to the area. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended method for smoke removal in underground areas?

Activating the building's sprinkler system. Signup and view all the answers

What type of fan might be used in conjunction with other smoke removal methods?

A truck-mounted large volume Ramfan VX700. Signup and view all the answers

Which SOG provides information related to the use of SCBA equipment?

E-PESC Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the G-CONF SOG?

Confined space rescue. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fire Fighting Operations in Underground Facilities

Date Issued: January 27, 2021
Rescinds: March 29, 2019
Purpose: Guideline for Toronto Fire Services personnel for large underground facilities.
Responsibility:
- All personnel must understand firefighting in large underground facilities.
- Sector Officers are responsible for personnel assigned to their sector in all phases.
- Incident Commanders develop initial strategy, action plans, and tactical operations.

Guidelines for Underground Firefighting

Considerations:
- Control of: Lobbies, elevators, stairwells (smoke migration/removal), evacuation systems, entry/exit of people/vehicles (consider police).
- Smoke Removal/Migration: Contamination of multiple floors due to fire.
- Communication Systems: Establish effective radio or alternative communication methods (e.g., firefighter telephones).
- Firefighter Limit: Limit the number of firefighters working underground until the fire's location is identified.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Complete PPE including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is required.
- Underground Hazards: Reaching fires can be challenging. Stairwells and hallways can act like chimneys, concentrating superheated gases.

Operations

Compliance: High-rise firefighting operations must comply with standard operating guidelines and training notes.
Unknown Fire Location: If fire location is unknown, the first arriving officer ensures optimal apparatus placement for assessing the fire's location and extent.
Incident Management System: Proceed with establishing the Incident Management System.
No Entry Without Permission: No entry is allowed without Entry Control.
Fire Location Determination: An exact fire location is essential to be announced to all personnel (Once location determined).
Sprinkler/Standpipe Systems: A First Alarm Pumper connects sprinkler and standpipe systems at the scene.
Initial Firefighting: The first responding crew enters to locate and attempt to extinguish the fire.
Firefighting Equipment: Personnel enter with 65mm hose packs, standpipe kits, forcible entry tools, utility rope (lifeline or hose line) and portable hand lighting.
Additional PPE in Underground Areas: For underground fires, additional PPE includes lifelines, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with 60-minute cylinder air supply, and thermal imaging cameras.
Apparatus Positioning: Position a first alarm apparatus near roll-up doors, deploy hose lines if possible.
Smoke Control: Keep doors into underground areas closed to prevent smoke contamination of the building interior. Connect hose lines to standpipes and prevent smoke contamination.
Entry into Heavy Smoke: Only fully protected personnel with a lifeline or hose line should enter heavy underground smoke.
Multiple Entry Crews: Use of more than one entry crew depends on life hazards and is at the Incident Commander's discretion.

Additional Operations

Entry Control Officer: Coordinates entry operations.
Rapid Intervention Team (RIT): Designated immediately by the Incident Commander.
Emergency Vehicle Access and Communication (EVAC): A TFS member assigned for real-time updates to occupants, per the EVAC system.
Door Control: Ensure power is disconnected from overhead roll-down doors or alternative measures/devices used to prevent closing.
Building Management: Incident Commander requests that building management personnel attend Command Post with fire safety plan.
Ventilation Planning: Develop a smoke removal plan including building systems (CO and exhaust fans).
Confined Space Rescue, SCBA, & Emergency Voice Alarm Communications (EVAC): Related Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs).

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Description

Test your knowledge on the essential guidelines for underground firefighting operations. This quiz covers critical strategies, safety measures, and operations involving personnel and equipment in emergencies. Brush up on your understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and equipment needed for effective interventions in below-grade fires.