High-Rise Company Operations PDF - A Manual for CFD Firefighter

HIGH-RISE COMPANY OPERATIONS A MANUAL FOR THE CFD FIREFIGHTER SECOND EDITION Adapted Version for the 2025 CSC Fire Promotional Exams Second Edition 01/11/22 Second Edition 01/11/22 HIGH-RISE OPERATIONS PREPARING FOR HIGH-RISE FIRES High-Rise firefighting is considered one of the most challenging operations we can do as firefighters. The operation does not take place at ground level; it happens 5, 10, or even 20 stories above the ground. Because of this, we cannot apply two-and-a-half story wood frame residential strategies and tactics to this type of incident. When I joined the Division in 1987, that is exactly what was going on. Our High-Rise packs consisted of 100’ of 1 1/2” hose with an Akron combination nozzle, and our standpipe bags had a few miscellaneous fittings. We had nothing to combat pressure reducing valves; honestly, we did not even know what those were. To say we have come a long way in 30+ years would be an understatement. The transition into where we are now is due to the passion and hard work of a few dedicated firefighters and officers. Without their drive, knowledge, and passion, we might still be going “Bear hunting with a B.B. gun” as retired Firefighter Dave Karn used to say. Some of these dedicated firefighters I speak of have retired, some lost their battle with cancer, and some are still with the Division making a difference every day. Assistant Chief Dan Vincent, deceased Chief Mark Devine, retired Captain Greg Lash, retired Lieutenant Bob Cloud, deceased Firefighter Dave Karn, retired Assistant Chief Dave Baugh, active Fire Prevention Battalion Chief Mike Windon, active Batt 4, 2 unit Lieutenant Steve Robertson, active E18, 3 unit Lieutenant Bill Ross, active L2, 2 unit Lieutenant Jeff Cordle, active E8, 2 unit Lieutenant Stuart Mack, active E28, 2 unit Lieutenant Nick Bernardo, active RO, 3 unit Firefighter Steve Koslow, active E12, 3 unit Second Edition 01/11/22 I would be remiss if I did not thank all the firefighters and officers that help teach the in-service training and recruit training. Without them we could not deliver the high-rise program to the entire division and to the 80-plus recruits we see every year. Thank you! This manual was created to help guide Columbus Firefighters in their path to a better understanding of High-Rise Operations as they progress through their apprenticeship training. However, this book is not limited to apprenticeship training; it has been designed as a reference material for all members of the department. The information within this manual has been gathered from past experiences, manufacturer manuals, calculations, and previous training. The most important of these sources are the experiences shared by members of the Columbus Fire Department (CFD). Their successes and failures have been used to construct this manual to give all CFD members a better understanding of their role in High-Rise Firefighting and Standpipe Operations. “Experience is something you get 10 minutes after you needed it.” Capt. Greg Lash CFD standard operating procedures (SOPs) pertaining to a fire company’s actions during High- Rise and Standpipe Operations are very important, and you should familiarize yourselves with these SOPs. They are a guideline to aid your initial actions and help you work with other companies during an emergency response. It is important to understand that SOPs should be followed whenever possible. However, it is impossible to create an SOP for every situation you will encounter on this job. Some decisions must be guided by experience and what the situation presents to you. In the first section of this manual, you will find experiences shared by current and retired CFD members. These stories have been shared to allow you to learn from their experiences, good or bad, and to help you make your own decisions when the time comes. The fire service is an experience-based job; unfortunately, there is no substitute for experience. We should pay close attention to what others have learned as we strive to work hard and train day in and day out. The second section will cover the tools and equipment carried on engines and ladders that are vital to the success of any operation. The equipment section is designed to help you become more familiar with your tool capabilities and limitations. CFD provides us with a great complement of resources and equipment. It is our responsibility to be proficient in their uses and capabilities. The third section will cover various PRVs and PRDs and their differences. The One Meridian Plaza fire in Philadelphia illustrated how dangerous and detrimental these devices can be to our firefighting operations inside High-Rise buildings. Knowing how to defeat and troubleshoot these devices is essential to a successful operation during these low frequency, high risk events. The fourth section of this manual will discuss High-Rise building construction and its evolution from the late 1800s to the buildings we are seeing built today. The focus of this section will be on describing the changes through the years and how those changes affect operations inside these buildings when they are on fire. Second Edition 01/11/22 The fifth and subsequent sections of this manual will discuss the operations that are conducted at High-Rise and standpipe equipped buildings. We will start on the ground floor and work our way up into the building, forming our groups, identifying firefighters’ roles, and explaining the operations that take place to bring a High-Rise fire under control. The final section of the manual will contain both hands-on skill sheets and teach-back topics. These skills are not just for apprentice firefighters, but for the veteran firefighter as well. Because High-Rise fires are a low frequency, high risk event, the skills required need to be practiced often to the point of becoming a habit. In the words of Captain Greg Lash: “Amateurs practice till they get it right; professionals practice till they can’t get it wrong.” This is the mindset we need to have. As you transition from an apprentice to an experienced firefighter, you will be called upon to teach the next generation of firefighters what you have learned along the way. Doing live teach- backs to coworkers will prepare you for the next step in your career: giving back to others. “Cui multum datum est, multum sperandum-To whom much is given, much is expected.” Take the time to prepare and present a lesson to your station crew. This will be an opportunity for you to practice your skills, and for your crew to review materials and tools they have not practiced with recently. It will also let everyone know that you care and are invested in your career and in the CFD. Finally, we want you to understand that this manual is not written in stone. It can and will be changed as our department continues to learn new ideas and techniques. If there is something you do not understand, ask. The greatest thing about CFD is the amazing people that work for it. Our membership is our most valuable resource. Please pass on what you have learned, as this is the life blood of the fire service. Respectfully, Lt. Bill Ross Second Edition 01/11/22 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXPERIENCE State Highway Patrol Fire - Lt. Bill Ross 2 AT&T Building Fire - Lt. Tim Wyckoff 4 Royal York Apartments Fire - Lt. Shawn McConnell 7 EQUIPMENT Pump Operator’s FDC Bag 12 2 ½” High Pressure FDC Hose 14 High-Rise Standpipe Bag 15 High-Rise Hose Pack 19 High-Rise Hose Pack Nozzles 20 High-Rise Pack Building Procedures 22 Elkhart Brass R.A.M. XD 31 Mercury Quick Attack Monitor/MQA 32 PRDS VS. PRVS NFPA Standards 34 PRD vs. PRV: What is the Difference? 35 Pressure Restricting Devices 36 Factory Pre-Set Non-Adjustable Pressure Reducing Valve 38 Giacomini Pressure Reducing Valve 39 Urfa Pressure Reducing Valve 40 Zurn Pressure Reducing Valve 41 HIGH-RISE BUILDING OVERVIEW First Generation High-Rises 44 Second Generation High-Rises 45 Third Generation High-Rises 46 Third Generation High-Rises—Tubular 47 Fourth Generation High-Rises 48 Second Edition 01/11/22 HIGH-RISE OPERATIONS OVERVIEW High-Rise Run Card Assignments 50 Fire Attack Group 52 Lobby Control/Systems Group 53 USE Group (Upper Search and Evacuation) 54 RIT Group 55 Medical Group 56 Incident Command 57 GROUND FLOOR OPERATIONS Fire Attack Group Formation 60 Elevator Discipline 61 Lobby Control/Systems Operations 63 Driver Duties/FDC Procedures 64 Alternate Options for an OOS FDC 68 Medical Group Operations 70 Command Location 71 Digital Vehicular Repeater System 73 ABOVE THE GROUND FLOOR Arriving at the Resource Floor 76 The Floor Below the Fire 77 The Hose Stretch 79 The Control Firefighter 80 The Hose Advance 84 2 ½” Hose Line Options 85 The Fire Floor and Floors Above 87 CONSIDERATIONS WHEN OPERATING IN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS The Stack Effect - Curtis S.D. Massey 90 Stairwell Designs 99 Fire Control Room 102 Fire Pump Room 106 Standpipe Systems 109 Elevator Control Room 113 Backup Generators 114 Second Edition 01/11/22 TEACH-BACKS AND HANDS-ON SKILLS TB 1 - Building the Perfect Hose Pack 116 TB 2 - Defeating PRVs and PRDs 117 TB 3 - High-Rise Groups 118 HO 1 - Stretching the High-Rise Pack 119 HO 2 - Operating as the Control Firefighter 120 HO 3 - Fire Department Connections 121 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Second Edition 01/11/22 EQUIPMENT OVERVIEW HIGH-RISE OPERATIONS MANUAL SECTION TOPICS Pump Operator’s FDC Bag High-Rise Hose Pack Nozzles High-Rise Pack Building 2 ½” High Pressure FDC Hose Procedures High-Rise Standpipe Bag Elkhart Brass R.A.M. XD Mercury Quick Attack High-Rise Hose Pack Monitor/MQA SECTION OBJECTIVES Understand the contents and the Be able to competently deploy the purpose of all equipment in the FDC high-rise pack Pump Operator’s bag Understand the specifications, Be able to competently perform the pressure ratings, and use of FDC high role of the control firefighter making pressure hose connections to the standpipe Be able to competently perform the Understand the flows and pressures role of a pump operator connecting to associated with the R.A.M an FDC Understand the contents and purpose Understand the R.A.M’s active safety of all equipment within the high-rise system standpipe bag Understand the specifications, Demonstrate an understanding of pressure ratings, and use of the high- tactical considerations when using the rise hose pack MQA Understand the specifications of high- Understand the pressure and flows rise nozzles including operating associated with the Mercury Quick pressures, GPM, and nozzle reaction Attack Understand which high-rise nozzle tip Understand tactical considerations for size should be used with the 2” hose using the RAM in high-rise operations Second Edition 01/11/22 11 PUMP OPERATOR’S FDC BAG OVERVIEW Exact contents of the pump operator’s FDC bag may vary slightly from one engine to another, but all should have at least the minimum complement of equipment described below Below are examples of typical CFD pump operator’s FDC bags and their contents SPANNERS Used to remove caps and tighten hoseline couplings All connections made to both the FDC and the Engine should be “spanner tight” Can be used to pry debris out of the FDC inlet 2 ½” DOUBLE MALE/DOUBLE FEMALE Used if the female FDC connection will not spin freely. Thread a double male adapter and a double female adapter together onto the female connection of the FDC to create a properly operating female swivel STRAIGHT SCREWDRIVER Used to remove debris found in the FDC Used to pry off frangible plastic caps (photo on right) Second Edition 01/11/22 12 FORCEPS Used to remove debris found in the FDC 2 ½” CAPS If the clapper valves in the FDC are broken, this cap can be used to plug one side of the FDC to keep water from coming out when the other side is charged It is recommended that firefighters attach supply lines to both sides of the FDC from the start, rather than using the caps If one side is capped and the other side is charged, the capped side becomes useless due to pressure bleeding over to the capped side KNOX KEY WRENCH Used to unlock and remove Knox FDC locking caps if they are used at the FDC connection There is no known way to defeat the Knox caps without the use of this key PICK TOOL Used to remove the weather/dust cover on the Knox FDC lock GASKETS Replace missing or broken gaskets in the FDC for a water-tight connection WEBBING Can be used to marry the hose lines going to the FDC to alleviate excessive vibrations from high pump pressures Using webbing to secure hoselines can help prevent potential injuries if a hoseline were to burst Second Edition 01/11/22 13 2 ½” HIGH PRESSURE FDC HOSE 2 ½” MERCEDES AQUAFLOW HP HOSE 2 – 100’ Sections, total of 200’ on every CFD Engine Blue-green in color Premium all synthetic double-jacketed hose 43 lbs dry weight per 100’ section Service pressure rated up to 400 PSI Proof pressure 800 PSI (Proof pressure is the maximum pressure that can be applied to the hose without changing its performance capabilities) Burst pressure rated at 1800 PSI Burst safety factor 3.75 times the service rated pressure Exceeds all NFPA 1961, Underwriters Laboratories, and Factory Mutual performance requirements 2 ½” NH male and female couplings CFD OPERATIONS High pressure FDC hose may not be loaded in the same spot or the same way on every CFD Engine. Know your truck! The above right photo shows the high-pressure hose on Engine 2 loaded in a flat load with both male couplings on top, allowing the pump operator to pull both hoses at the same time toward the FDC connection Second Edition 01/11/22 14 HIGH-RISE STANDPIPE BAG OVERVIEW Exact contents of standpipe bag may vary slightly based on each engine’s first due district, but all should have at least the minimum complement of equipment described below Bag is as lightweight as possible while still carrying all necessary equipment Below is an example of the Engine 9 standpipe bag and its contents ELKHART BRASS 2 ½” GATE VALVE MODEL X86A Specifications Made of lightweight aluminum weighing just 5.5 lbs Non-rising stem Metal to metal seat Pressure rated up to 175 PSI 2 ½” National Hose/National Standard Thread female free swivel 2 ½” National Hose/National Standard Thread male outlet Use Attach directly to standpipe outlet prior to flushing the system Easily control and set the desired flow to the hose line after the standpipe valve has been fully opened Flushing and dialing in the flow pressure will be much easier with the gate valve than with the standpipe hand wheel, which may be difficult to turn 18” PIPE WRENCH Used to open the standpipe valve if the hand wheel is missing, broken, or will not turn Use caution if using the pipe wrench to open a difficult standpipe valve. The amount of torque created can easily snap a standpipe hand wheel Used to remove the bonnet on the Zurn PRV to expose the field adjustment nut Second Edition 01/11/22 15 ELKHART BRASS 2 ½” HIGH-RISE DRAIN ELBOW MODEL 105A Specifications 45° drain elbow 2 ½” National Hose/National Standard Thread female free swivel knurled edge 2 ½” National Hose/National Standard Thread male discharge Pressure rated up to 200 PSI Made of lightweight aluminum weighing just 2 lbs Use Placed before the inline pressure gauge Should be placed so the hose line makes a gradual bend toward the floor to alleviate kinks in the hose coming from the standpipe valve The drain valve helps relieve pressure if the hose line becomes caught under a door or other obstruction Drain valve allows water to be bled in the stairwell after operation, limiting water damage ELKHART BRASS 2 ½” INLINE PRESSURE GAUGE MODEL 228A Specifications 0-200 phosphorescent air filled, fully guarded, shock resistant gauge Protective gauge cover Made of hard anodized ELK-O-LITE cast aluminum weighing just 1.6 lbs 2 ½” National Hose/National Standard Thread female free swivel 2 ½” National Hose/National Standard Thread male discharge Use Should be placed after the elbow whenever possible. If the gate valve is partially opened, it creates turbulence in the water. Placing the inline pressure gauge after the elbow reduces the turbulence before it reaches the gauge, leading to more accurate pressure readings Used to ensure the proper pressure is set at the standpipe and to troubleshoot standpipe issues If the proper pressure is showing on the gauge but the nozzle firefighter does not 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 is showing inadequate pressure, a PRD/PRV may need to be removed or adjusted o If this fails to increase pressure, the engine on the FDC will need to begin pumping into the system Second Edition 01/11/22 16 SPANNERS Used to remove caps and tighten hoseline couplings All hoselines and fittings should be “spanner tight” PRV ADJUSTMENT ROD Used to make pressure adjustments on two types of field adjustable pressure reducing valves The Urfa PRV and the Giacomini PRV use the same size adjustment rod 12” in length, 3/8” Stainless Steel 1 1/16” DEEP WELL SOCKET SET Used to adjust the field adjustment nut on the Zurn PRV after the bonnet is removed Tighten the field adjustment nut to increase standpipe outlet pressure, or loosen the adjustment nut to decrease pressure T-HANDLE 5/32” PIN AND HEX SECURITY WRENCH Used to remove the set screw holding the Lexan covering on the Urfa PRV Can be used to remove the external limiting device on some PRDs STRAIGHT SCREWDRIVER Used to pry off orifice plates Used to defeat the weak point of the Lexan covering on the Urfa PRV Used to pry off external limiting devices on PRDs KNOX KEY WRENCH Used to unlock and remove Knox caps if they are used on the standpipe connection There is no known way to defeat the Knox caps without the use of this key Second Edition 01/11/22 17 DOOR CHOCKS/WEDGES Used to hold doors open to prevent pinch points for hose, or to keep self-closing doors from closing and locking behind firefighters Prior to chocking doors open, firefighters must consider the affect this will have on air flow throughout the structure. Chocking doors open on lower floors can significantly influence stack effect in high-rise structures ASSORTED FITTINGS 1.5” to 2.5” Increaser Used if the only standpipe connection available is a 1.5” connection Place the increaser on the 1.5” connection, then make all other hose connections like normal Use this increaser only if there is no 2.5” standpipe outlet connection available 2.5” to 1.5” Reducer Used for overhaul operations Allows hoseline to be reduced to 1 3/4" after the fire is extinguished. The smaller hoseline increases mobility during overhaul while decreasing water damage Reducing to a smaller handline after fire extinguishment decreases firefighter fatigue and injury potential during overhaul operations Miscellaneous Some engine companies may carry other adapters, such as pipe thread to national standard hose thread adapters The adapter shown on the right is 2” National Pipe Thread to 1.5” National Hose Thread Pipe Thread may be found in older standpipe systems or hose cabinets when PRDs are removed GASKETS Spare gaskets are used to replace any damaged or torn gaskets found during high-rise firefighting operations Gaskets on the inline pressure gauge, elbow, and gate valve should be regularly inspected to avoid having to replace gaskets during high-rise firefighting operations Second Edition 01/11/22 18 HIGH-RISE HOSE PACK OVERVIEW Total length of the high-rise hose pack—150’ o One 50’ section of 2 ½” o Two 50’ sections of 2” Total dry weight of the high-rise hose pack—55.5 lbs 2 ½” MERCEDES TEXTILES—KRAKENEXO One 50’ section Orange in color Service pressure—400 lbs Proof pressure—800 lbs Burst pressure—1,500 lbs Dry hose weight—21.5 lbs The 50’ section can be found loaded in various configurations, such as the twin donut in the photo on the right. Some companies also load the 50’ section in a single stack bundle. Every firefighter should be familiar with the way the hose pack is laid out on their engine 2” MERCEDES TEXTILES—KRAKENEXO Two 50’ sections with 2 ½” couplings Red in color Dry hose weight per 50’ section—17 lbs Service pressure—400 lbs Proof pressure—800 lbs Burst pressure—1,500 lbs Dry hose weight for the 100’ of 2”—34 lbs Second Edition 01/11/22 19 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 Under or over pumping will have repercussions for flow and nozzle reaction in either direction Although this nozzle can be used with various tip sizes, the recommended tip size to be used 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, but a 1 1/16” tip should be used with this nozzle for high rise operations. A 1 ¼” discharge is too large for the 2” high rise hose This is an older style nozzle generally found on engines purchased prior to 2019 ELKHART 188 XD SMOOTH BORE 1 1/16” TIP Lightweight aluminum construction Urethane molded bumper (Orange in color) The recommended tip for high-rise applications 240 GPM at 50 PSI NP (87 lbs nozzle reaction) o Need 90 PSI at the standpipe for 150’ hose stretch o Need 95 PSI at the standpipe for 200’ hose stretch (One 50’ section of 2 ½” added) o Need 105 PSI at the standpipe for 200’ hose stretch (One 50’ section of 2” added) 1 1/16” Tip Standpipe Hose Length Nozzle Pressure GPM Friction Loss Nozzle Reaction Discharge Pressure 150’ 50 PSI 240 37 PSI 87 LBS 90 PSI Adding 50’ of 2 ½” 200’ 50 PSI 240 42 PSI 87 LBS 95 PSI Adding 50’ of 2” 200’ 50 PSI 240 55 PSI 87 LBS 105 PSI Second Edition 01/11/22 20 CHOKER TIPS Fire attack crews may encounter a standpipe equipped with a Factory Pre-Set Non-Adjustable Pressure Reducing Valve that has been improperly set, leaving them with inadequate discharge pressure from the standpipe. If crews encounter low discharge pressures from the standpipe, they should try to troubleshoot the issue (Use the standpipe outlet on the next floor down, use a different stairwell, etc.). The Fire Attack Group Supervisor may elect to use a “choker tip” to gain stream reach and velocity when these lower pressures are encountered. Through testing, it is has been determined that the current CFD high-rise hose package will keep an effective stream down to approximately 50 PSI standpipe discharge pressure. Pressures lower than that will begin causing an ineffective fire stream that may not allow crews to initiate a fire attack. Crews can attempt to place a 15/16” tip onto the handline in place of the 1 1/16” tip. This may allow crews to gain increased stream reach and velocity, allowing them to initiate an effective fire attack. 1 1/16” Tip Standpipe Hose Length Nozzle Pressure GPM Friction Loss Nozzle Reaction Discharge Pressure 150’ 30 PSI 180 20 PSI 52 LBS 50 PSI 15/16” Tip 150’ 30 PSI 151 20 PSI 40 LBS 50 PSI Click here to view a video on Choker Tips When using a choker tip on the handline, there will be a loss of GPM as a tradeoff for the gain in stream reach. The Fire Attack Group Supervisor will need to decide if this amount of water will be enough based on the conditions of the fire floor. A compartmentalized residential high-rise fire may not require the full GPM of the 1 1/16” tip. However, a large commercial high-rise floor with heavy fire involvement will require flows well above the capability of the 15/16” choker tip. Second Edition 01/11/22 21 HIGH-RISE PACK BUILDING PROCEDURES OVERVIEW This section will demonstrate several examples for building the Division’s high-rise hose pack. These are merely some common examples; how the packs are built and where they are stored will be specific to each engine company 2” Pack o Two 50’ sections of 2” hose with 2 ½” couplings o Three straps 2 ½” Pack o One 50’ section of 2 ½” hose o Either one or three straps, depending on the packing method Smoothbore nozzle with a 1 1/16” tip Click here to view Vector Solutions video on High Rise Pack Building Procedures STEPS FOR 2” PACK ASSEMBLY Gather all the necessary equipment listed above. Roll both sections of the 2” hose; this squeezes the air out and removes any water. Roll one of the sections with the male coupling inside, and roll one of the sections with the female coupling inside. The compartment on the engine where this pack will be placed is 59” wide. The high-rise pack should be made 56” long to allow the pack to be easily removed and replaced in the compartment. If your station does not have a pre-marked measurement (painted lines on the floor), duct tape lines can be placed on the floor as shown in the photo on the right. Second Edition 01/11/22 22 Start with the hose that has the female coupling rolled to the inside. Extend the male coupling 10-12” past the mark on the floor. Doing so allows firefighters to fold the coupling back on top of the pack after it is built; it can then be secured with the straps. On the opposite marker, start by making the first fold at the 56” mark. Fold the hose on top of itself back toward the male coupling at the other end. Keeping the hose rolled while creating the stack helps prevent air from entering the hose. Have a firefighter hold the section of hose and unroll it while others create the folds. Second Edition 01/11/22 23 Lay the hose on top of itself back toward the other end where the male coupling is. Make another fold at the mark on the floor. Firefighters will then continue making the folds on top of each other at the marks until all 50’ of hose is in a single stack. Leave the female coupling on top of the stack; it will be connected to the other section of hose later. Extend the female coupling of the other 50’ section of 2” hose about 12-15” past the mark, close to the male coupling of the first section of hose. Extending the female coupling slightly longer than the male coupling allows the additional length of the nozzle to be accounted for when securing the straps. Create a second stack the same way the first stack was built previously. Place the folds at the 56” mark until all 50’ of hose is single stacked on top of itself. This will cause the male coupling to end up on top of this stack. If enough firefighters are present, this second stack can be built at the same time the first stack is being built. Second Edition 01/11/22 24 The female coupling on top of the first stack and the male coupling on top of the second stack will be next to each other as shown in the photo on the right. Connect the male and female couplings that are on top of the stacks. Position the married coupling near the end of the stack where it can be secured with a strap. Placing the coupling near the end of the pack (as opposed to in the center) allows the high-rise pack to bend more easily over a firefighter’s shoulder. Secure the married coupling with a strap near the end of the hose pack opposite the nozzle, as shown in the photo on the right. Second Edition 01/11/22 25 Fold the remaining female and male couplings over the top of the pack and attach the nozzle if it has not already been connected. Secure the nozzle and the female coupling with another strap. Use the remaining strap(s) to secure the middle of the pack as shown below. Final Product: The pack should be 56” long The female coupling and the nozzle should be at one end of the pack The coupling joining the two sections should be on the other end of the pack Keeping the coupling away from the center of the pack will allow the pack to bend more easily over a firefighter’s shoulder or air pack when it is being carried All the straps should be oriented in the same direction to allow for easier removal Ensure the straps are secure and that they will not allow the coupling or the nozzle to slip out or fall from the pack Second Edition 01/11/22 26 2 ½” PACK ASSEMBLY Twin Donut The only equipment needed to make the Twin Donut roll is the 50’ section of 2 ½” hose and one Velcro strap. Start by laying the hose out flat with no twists in the hose. Next, divide the hose in half by making so the male and female couplings are even beside each other. At the end of the hose opposite of the couplings, place the strap in the fold as shown in the photo on the right. Begin rolling the fold toward the couplings. The two rolls will begin forming side by side. Second Edition 01/11/22 27 The load will finish with two compact rolls side by side with the couplings next to each other and the Velcro strap in the center of the roll. Secure the Velcro strap over the hose near the couplings to keep them tight to the roll. The Velcro strap also doubles as a carrying strap. Final Product: The pack should be compact enough to fit into the rear compartment on the officer’s side of CFD engines. Second Edition 01/11/22 28 2 ½” PACK ASSEMBLY Single Stack The equipment required for the Single Stack is one 50’ section of 2 ½” hose and three Velcro straps. To indicate where to place the folds, use the same 56” markers that were used for the 2” pack. Start the pack by doubling the hose back on top of itself with the male coupling on top as shown in the photo on the right. Leave the male coupling approximately two feet short of the female coupling. Place the tail end of the hose at one of the 56” markers. The first fold is then made at the other 56” marker, while keeping the hose doubled on top of itself. Continue to pack the hose in a single stack, making folds on top of themselves at each 56” marker. The load should finish with the male coupling on top. The female coupling can then be laid over top of the male coupling to protect it. Second Edition 01/11/22 29 The load can then be secured using the three velcro straps. Final Product: The pack should be 56” long, which will allow it to be stored in one of the middle compartments on the engine One advantage of this load is that if it is packed correctly, it can fit into the smaller compartments of older engines next to the 2” pack (Photo above) In summary, the methods show here are not the only variations that crews may choose from. Every firefighter should be familiar with how the high rise hose is loaded and where it is placed on their engine Second Edition 01/11/22 30 ELKHART BRASS R.A.M. XD SPECIFICATIONS Has a patent pending hydraulic stability system that harnesses the reaction force to stabilize the RAM Has four fold-out aluminum forged legs with carbide tipped ground spikes (Rear ground spikes are angled to help with grip) Locking pin holds valve in a closed position to prevent accidental opening (allows RAM to be carried while attached to a charged hose line) Attached safety strap comes with a storage pouch 2-1/2” inlet and outlet Click here to view Brass Tacks Has 20 of travel left and right from center and Hard Facts video on RAM XD Can be set from 51 to 35 while unmanned use during high rise operations Can be lowered from 35 down to 14 when manned PRESSURE AND FLOW Operation is not to exceed 500 GPM and/or 150 psi Comes with 1-3/8” deluge tip 1-3/8” deluge tip = 505 GPM at 80 psi NP (55 lbs of FL per 100’) To achieve optimal flow, ensure there is 20 feet of hose in a straight line behind the RAM 9.5 lbs of friction loss within the RAM when flowed at 500 GPM ACTIVE SAFETY SYSTEM The RAM XD has a built-in safety system with an upper and lower pivot point. The offset configuration of the two pivot points creates a condition where the reaction force of the water acting upon the upper pivot point (if sufficient enough) will cause the nozzle to rotate upward about the lower pivot point This produces a self-correcting increase in nozzle angle to protect against possibly dangerous unmanned use of the monitor at nozzle angles less than 35 above horizontal The hydraulic effect of the system is active at approximately 350 GPM CONSIDERATIONS FOR HIGH-RISE USE Advanced fire/heavy fire load Good for open area floor plans Unmanned operations 2 ½” or 1 ¾” hoseline can be extended from the RAM after initial knockdown for clean-up and hot spots Remove stream straightener when using RAM for high rise operations Click to view Brass Tacks and Hard Facts video on how to extend a hoseline from the RAM Second Edition 01/11/22 31 MERCURY QUICK ATTACK MONITOR/MQA SPECIFICATIONS AND PERFORMANCE Rated for flows up to 500 GPM Only 6 PSI friction loss through the unit at 500 GPM Tip can rotate 20 left or right from center Can be operated from 60 to 30 when unmanned Top handle contains a spring- loaded mechanism that allows the user to travel down to 20 (will self-adjust back to 30) PRESSURE AND FLOW Generally comes with triple stacked tips 1” = 266 GPM at 80 psi nozzle pressure (15 lbs of FL per 100’) 1-1/8” = 336 GPM at 80 psi nozzle pressure (25 lbs of FL per 100’) 1-1/4” = 415 GPM at 80 psi nozzle pressure (38 lbs of FL per 100’) 1-3/8” = 502 GPM at 80 psi nozzle pressure (55 lbs of FL per 100’) Some models may have 1-1/2” deluge tip on them (shown above) 1-1/2” = 496 GPM at 55 psi nozzle pressure (55 lbs of FL per 100’)* *This tip must be pumped at or below 55 psi nozzle pressure. Higher pressures would exceed the GPM rating of the MQA and 2-1/2” hose TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS The MQA has a 2-1/2” inlet and outlet Most companies will forgo running the 1” tip on the end of the MQA The 1” tip provides no GPM advantage over an 1-1/8” tip at 50 psi on a handline CONSIDERATIONS FOR 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 MQA 2-1/2” outlet allows for a 2-1/2” attack line to be extended off the outlet base of the unit Second Edition 01/11/22 32 PRDS VS. PRVS OVERVIEW HIGH-RISE OPERATIONS MANUAL SECTION TOPICS Giacomini Pressure Reducing NFPA Standards Valve PRD vs. PRV: What is the Urfa Pressure Reducing Valve Difference? Pressure Restricting Devices Zurn Pressure Reducing Valve Factory Pre-Set Non-Adjustable Pressure Reducing Valve SECTION OBJECTIVES Be able to define NFPA 101 Be able to define NFPA 14 Understand and explain the Understand what tools are needed to differences between PRDs and PRVs adjust various types of PRVs Understand how to identify and Be able to identify and adjust a remove various types of PRDs Giacomini PRV Understand the importance of Be able to identify and adjust an Urfa identifying factory set non-adjustable PRV PRVs early in the high-rise operation Understand what tactics to use when a Be able to identify and adjust a Zurn factory pre-set non-adjustable PRV PRV does not provide adequate pressure Second Edition 01/11/22 33 NFPA STANDARDS OVERVIEW To operate in the high-rise environment, firefighters need to have some background about how high rises are constructed. Just like anything else in the fire service, high-rise buildings are constructed to meet standards to ensure their safety for the occupants and first responders. NFPA 101 Defines a high-rise as a building greater than 75 feet in height, where the building height is measured from the lowest level of fire department vehicle access to the highest occupied floor NFPA 14 For buildings constructed pre-1993: Requires that these buildings’ standpipe systems provide 65 PSI of residual pressure at the most remote outlet from the fire pump, while flowing 500 GPM Buildings constructed post-1993: Requires that these buildings’ standpipe systems provide 100 PSI of residual pressure at the most remote outlet from the fire pump, while flowing 500 GPM Requires that excessive pressures in a standpipe system are to be reduced at the outlet to a manageable level o If the pressure at the outlet is less than 100 PSI, then no pressure reduction is required o Pressures between 100 PSI and 175 PSI require pressure restricting devices (PRD) ▪ Note: Pressure restricting devices only reduce pressure when flowing o Pressures over 175 PSI require pressure reducing valves ▪ Note: Pressure reducing valves reduce pressure in both static and flowing conditions CFD HIGH RISE DEFINITION Any building that is 75 feet or greater in height or is out of reach of a CFD aerial or platform is considered a high-rise building. This is how CFD members have interpreted the definition of NFPA 101 over the years to apply to our division 5199 E. Broad Street—Mother Angeline McCrory Manor is a four-story high life hazard nursing home facility with no access for aerials/platforms on the south side and limited scrub area on the north side Second Edition 01/11/22 34 PRD VS. PRV: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? OVERVIEW The following chart provides an overview of common differences and characteristics of PRDs and PRVs. Pressure Restricting Devices (PRDs) Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) Used in standpipes with internal pressures from Used in standpipes with internal pressures 100-175 psi greater than 175 psi PRDs are external components that can be Pressure reducing valves have an internal removed. PRDs are usually a device added onto mechanism built into the valve body that the outside of the valve, or an insert placed into regulates outlet pressure. These internal the mouth of the valve components cannot be removed Reduces pressure in flowing conditions only Reduces pressure in static and flowing conditions Are either factory preset non-adjustable valves, Can usually be easily removed or defeated or are field adjustable Most act as a one-way check valve that does not Does not serve as a one-way check valve allow water to be back-fed into the standpipe A threaded stem inside the valve indicates the A smooth stem inside the valve indicates the valve is not a pressure reducing valve valve is a pressure reducing valve Some common PRDs include adjustable pins, Common PRVs include the factory pre-set non- removable clips, orifice plates, and mechanical adjustable valves, Giacomini valves, Urfa valves, restricting devices and Zurn valves Does not provide a steady discharge pressure Can compensate for variations in inlet pressures because they cannot compensate for inlet (to a certain extent) by balancing water pressure pressure changes in an internal chamber, typically against a spring Click here to view Brass Tacks and Hard Facts video about types of standpipe outlet valves Click here to view Vector Solutions video on PRVs and PRDs In buildings that have PRVs on the standpipes, it is especially important for the pump operator of the FDC engine to know what pressure the building’s fire pump is providing to the building. If the fire pump fails and the FDC engine must take over supplying the building with water, the pump operator should supply the building with the pressure that would be required at the building’s top floor (Supplying the same pressure that the building fire pump was discharging should be adequate for this). If the pump operator supplies a lower pressure than the building’s fire pump did, the PRVs will not allow adequate pressure past them to provide the appropriate pressure needed by the fire attack teams. If the fire pump discharge pressure is not known, many FDC engine pump operators would likely try to figure up what pressure would be needed at the fire floor. Even if the fire floor is only part of the way up the building, (for instance, floor 20 in a 40-story building), the FDC engine pump operator should actually determine what pressure would be needed at the top floor and should then supply that pressure to the building. Doing so ensures that the appropriate amount of pressure will make it past the PRVs on the fire floor. Second Edition 01/11/22 35 PRESSURE RESTRICTING DEVICES OVERVIEW Simple external device 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 Use Allen wrench to loosen two set screws, then remove the device 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 opened fully 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 Second Edition 01/11/22 36 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 External knob used to adjust the device View inside the waterway of the device showing the overlapping holes Side view of a 2 ½” mechanical pressure restricting device Unscrew the device from the standpipe outlet threads Second Edition 01/11/22 37 FACTORY PRE-SET NON-ADJUSTABLE PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE IDENTIFICATION AND FEATURES 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 Note the large ring at the top of the valve body. This valve also has a label indicating it is a pressure reducing valve Photo on the left shows a valve with a threaded stem (standard control valve) and a valve with a smooth stem (pressure reducing valve) Note the small 3/8 inch waterway opening on this Powhatan pre-set PRV. This still provides adequate volume, but at a low pressure Factory pre-set valves leave much room for human error because the valve must be designed properly, assembled properly, installed properly, installed on the right floor, flow tested, and properly maintained to ensure proper operation. Those factors, combined with the fact that these valves are non-adjustable, make the factory pre-set valve the least desirable standpipe valve for firefighters to deal with. Second Edition 01/11/22 38 GIACOMINI PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE IDENTIFICATION AND FEATURES 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 FIELD ADJUSTMENT Purpose 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 Firefighters can use these numbers to Numbers etched into the adjustment barrel refer approximate what the outlet pressure will to approximate PSI at zero flow. They do not be, but they will not be completely correspond to flow under residual flow conditions accurate since they correspond to zero flow Hole in adjustment barrel for adjustment rod use Labels on the valve provide instructions on how to adjust the valve pressure Second Edition 01/11/22 39 URFA PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE IDENTIFICATION AND FEATURES 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 FIELD ADJUSTMENT Purpose 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 Weak point of Lexan shield Use pin and hex wrench to remove set screw, or break Lexan shield at its weak point with 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 Set screw located in shield slot 15 pounds of force Lexan shield lifted to expose adjustment hole Turn Lexan shield until adjustment hole is accessible through the slot in the shield. Insert adjustment rod. Rotate adjustment rod clockwise to increase pressure or counterclockwise to decrease pressure. Click here to view Brass Tacks and Hard Facts video on Urfa valve use and adjustment Second Edition 01/11/22 40 ZURN PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE IDENTIFICATION AND FEATURES Large valve with a long stem Hand wheel for opening and closing valve Removable bonnet 2 ½ inch outlet connection Field adjustable FIELD ADJUSTMENT Purpose Allows firefighters to overcome valve installation or maintenance problems that cause inadequate pressure at the valve outlet Tools Required 18” pipe wrench Utilize 18 inch pipe wrench to Ratchet with 1 1/16” deep well socket loosen upper coupling nut Adjustment Procedure Open valve by turning hand wheel counter-clockwise Loosen the upper coupling nut with the 18” pipe wrench Remove the hand wheel assembly (bonnet) Insert the 1 1/16” deep well socket onto the adjustment nut Tighten the adjustment nut to increase the outlet pressure of the valve, or loosen the adjustment nut to decrease the outlet pressure of the valve Remove bonnet Utilize ratchet and 1 1/16 inch socket on adjustment nut. Tighten the adjustment nut to increase pressure, or loosen the nut to decrease pressure Firefighters and Incident Commanders with a limited understanding of pressure reducing valves tend to be the most uncomfortable with the Zurn pressure reducing valve due to the need to remove the valve’s bonnet for field adjustment. Proper preplanning and understanding of the valve allow for proper adjustment of the valve when necessary. Click here to view Youtube video on adjusting the Zurn PRV Second Edition 01/11/22 41 PAGE LEFT BLANK FOR DOUBLE SIDED PRINTING Second Edition 01/11/22 42 HIGH-RISE BUILDING OVERVIEW HIGH-RISE OPERATIONS MANUAL SECTION TOPICS First Generation High-Rises Third Generation High-Rises— Tubular Second Generation High-Rises Fourth Generation High-Rises Third Generation High-Rises SECTION OBJECTIVES Discuss and identify first generation Discuss and identify third generation high-rise building traits high-rise—tubular building traits Discuss and identify second Discuss and identify fourth generation generation high-rise building traits high-rise building traits Discuss and identify third generation high-rise building traits Second Edition 01/11/22 43 FIRST GENERATION HIGH-RISES OVERVIEW First Generation high-rises were constructed from the 1860s-1920s Consisted of extremely heavy load-bearing exterior walls Constructed of brick or stone Many buildings had cast iron facades Many had unprotected cast iron columns and wrought iron beams Floors during this time were constructed of wood and were generally the weak links for these types of buildings, which lead to many collapses Vertical openings were generally unprotected (stairwells, elevators, and light wells) The Hayden Building (photo on left) located at 16 East Broad Street was completed in 1901. The building is 13 stories tall and is currently undergoing renovations from a developer. The Wyandotte Building (photo on right) located at 21 West Broad Street was completed in 1898; it is considered the city’s first skyscraper. The Monadnock Building (photo on left) in Chicago is 16 stories tall and is considered the tallest load bearing structure in the world. The walls at the base of the structure are up to six feet thick to handle the load of the entire building. The photo on the right shows an example of the wrought iron stairs that were often used inside these structures. Second Edition 01/11/22 44 SECOND GENERATION HIGH-RISES OVERVIEW Second Generation high-rises were constructed during the 1930s-1940s Also called Pre-World War II Construction Start of protected steel frame construction 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 50 West Broad Street (photo below) was originally opened as the American Insurance Union Citadel and is now known as the LeVeque Tower. The 47-story building was completed in 1927 and was the fifth tallest building in the world at the time. 65 South Front Street was originally called the Ohio Departments Building; it is now called the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center. This 14-story high-rise serves as the home of the Ohio Supreme Court; a full architectural renovation was completed in 2004 restoring the building to much of its former glory. Second Edition 01/11/22 45 THIRD GENERATION HIGH-RISES OVERVIEW Third Generation high-rises were constructed from 1945-1965 Known as Post-World War II Construction Lighter weight construction with fire resistive coating applied Steel frame work with core type construction (Center Core) 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 100 East Broad Street was completed in 1964, originally opening as Bank One Tower. The 25-story tower is now owned by Chase Banking Co. and is called the Chase Tower. The building utilizes a curtain wall facade system. 88 East Broad Street is the Key Bank Building. The building was completed in 1963 with a total of 20 floors, and it is currently the 23rd tallest building in Columbus. Second Edition 01/11/22 46 THIRD GENERATION HIGH-RISES-TUBULAR OVERVIEW The ability to construct “super tall buildings” (100 stories and higher) began from 1965- present as new construction styles and technologies became available Examples of this construction style would be the Sears Tower in Chicago and the World Trade Center in New York City The Sears Tower in Chicago, now known as the Willis Tower, is a bundled tubular construction 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 An overview of the bundled tubular construction Second Edition 01/11/22 47 FOURTH GENERATION HIGH-RISES OVERVIEW Fourth generation high-rises have begun and are considered Post 9/11 Construction (2001-present) The Freedom Tower in New York City at the site of the World Trade Center is an example of this new style of high-rise These buildings feature a more robust style of construction The 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 Second Edition 01/11/22 48 HIGH-RISE OPERATIONS OVERVIEW HIGH-RISE OPERATIONS MANUAL SECTION TOPICS High-Rise Run Card Assignments RIT Group Fire Attack Group Medical Group Lobby Control/Systems Group Incident Command USE Group (Upper Search and Evacuation) SECTION OBJECTIVES Understand the difference between a Discuss the equipment needs of USE FA “A”, “B,” and “High-Rise” Group personnel response State which companies are dispatched Discuss the equipment needs for RIT on a report of a fire in a high-rise companies structure Identify the staffing used to compose Understand command structure and the Fire Attack Group during day and locations night State the equipment needed by the State the location of the CCP Fire Attack Group Explain the responsibilities of initial Understand the requirements for Lobby Control/System Group working fire assignment companies personnel upon arrival at a high-rise incident Second Edition 01/11/22 49 HIGH-RISE RUN CARD ASSIGNMENTS OVERVIEW Previous sections of this manual provided information about high-rise construction, building characteristics, and pressures available within standpipes depending on when they were constructed. This section will discuss the firefighters and equipment assigned to various high-rise emergencies. FIRE ALARM CLASSIFICATIONS Fire Alarm “A” (FA) Occupancies included in this category are single and double family residences, small apartment buildings, strip malls, small mercantile, and other occupancies not classified as high life hazard. Consists of a single company response The closest fire apparatus will be dispatched—either an engine, ladder, or rescue 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. 1 Engine, 1 Ladder, 1 Battalion Chief Fire Alarm “High-Rise” (FAH) Commercial and residential occupancies greater than six stories above ground. 2 Engines, 1 Ladder, 1 Battalion Chief In 2016, the high-rise committee was tasked with updating the SOPs for the division. During this process, the initial response assignment and the working fire assignment were beefed up to better address the staffing needs of a high-rise operation. Several groups from the ICS system were identified as needing to be staffed during the initial phase of the fire. Those groups are the Fire Attack Group, the Use Group, Lobby Control/Systems Group, the RIT Group, the Medical Group, and the Incident Command staff. Second Edition 01/11/22 50 FIRE RESPONSE Report of a Fire in a High Rise High Rise Working Fire Assignment (Added 4 Engines to the initial Report of a Fire companies) 2 Ladders 2 Engines ES-2 1 Rescue and RS-10 2 Ladders ISU-19 2 Battalion Chiefs 1 EMSO Command-1 1 Medic 1 EMSO 1 Medic SO-2 As companies arrive to a high-rise incident, the groups below will start taking shape. All crews should make their way to the building’s lobby area. The Groups will be formed based on arrival sequence. If the Incident Commander arrives first, the I/C can designate group formation. Each group has a specific function and specific tool complement that should be brought into the building. The initial companies dispatched to a report of a fire in a high-rise will form the following groups: GROUPS MAKEUP Fire Attack Group First two engines and first ladder Lobby Control/Systems Group Third engine USE Group Second ladder and first rescue RIT Group Fourth engine Medical Group First EMSO and first medic Command First two arriving chiefs Second Edition 01/11/22 51 FIRE ATTACK GROUP RESPONSIBILITIES Seven firefighters to the fire area during daylight hours, an additional two firefighters available 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 EQUIPMENT COMPLEMENT FOR ENGINE COMPANIES High rise hose pack—50’ of 2 ½” and 100’ of 2” 2 ½” smoothbore nozzle with 1 1/16” tip (No stream straighteners) Forcible entry tools, 200’ rope, TIC, radios for all members Small Status Boards (One for the lobby, one for the forward accountability point) o The second engine shall bring their small status board and place it near the standpipe hookup on the floor below the fire for forward accountability Two passports—one for the lobby, one for the forward accountability point Standpipe kit EQUIPMENT COMPLEMENT FOR LADDER COMPANIES Pike poles, water can, and forcible entry tools, including the hydraulic FE tool Ropes, TIC, radios for all members. Consider bringing the P-400 gas monitor Two passports—one for the lobby, one for the forward accountability point Second Edition 01/11/22 52 LOBBY CONTROL/SYSTEMS GROUP RESPONSIBILITIES The first company to arrive at the lobby shall place their small status board in the lobby 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. This information should be passed on to the I/C and the FDC engine 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 As the incident grows, Systems will be assigned to another company and will form its own Systems Group EQUIPMENT COMPLEMENT FOR LOBBY ENGINE Shall bring their small status board to the lobby along with ICS 214 forms and pens/pencils. They should also obtain a large accountability board Recommended Equipment o High rise hose pack—50’ of 2 ½” and 100’ of 2” o 2 ½” smoothbore nozzle with 1 1/16” tip (No stream straighteners) o Forcible entry tools, rope, TIC, multi-gas monitor, radios for all firefighters o Small status board, two passports o Standpipe kit Member checking the discharge pressure on a high zone pump Second Edition 01/11/22 53 USE GROUP—UPPER SEARCH/EVACUATION RESPONSIBILITIES The USE Group’s primary function is Search and Rescue. The search order priority per SOP 02-03- 04.04 is as follows: 1. Attack Stairwell 2. Evacuation Stairwell 3. Floor Above the Fire 4. Top Floor 5. Elevators 6. Other Areas Although SOP 02-03-04.04 states a specific order in which the USE Group will perform their search, a real high-rise incident will be a little more fluid. For instance, the Fire Attack Group should be checking the Attack Stairwell as they recon for entry onto the fire floor. Doing so frees up the USE Group to check the Evacuation Stairwell as they move to the floor above the fire. Once the floor above the fire is cleared, the USE Group will check the top floor, elevators, and other remaining areas Use ropes, TIC, and wide-area search techniques Advise command on conditions Perform ventilation, forcible entry, and overhaul when needed Remove victims to the CCP (Casualty Collection Point) at least two floors below the fire floor Use the Evacuation stairwell that the fire attack group designated for ascension and victim removal EQUIPMENT COMPLEMENT FOR LADDER AND RESCUE Forcible entry tools, including hydraulic FE tools 200’ search rope, TIC, radios for all crew members SOPs recommend using gas monitors for areas remote from the fire where hazardous gases may not be immediately obvious, such as stairwells and resource floors Water can Two passports (one for the lobby, one for forward accountability point) and small status boards Second Edition 01/11/22 54 RIT GROUP RESPONSIBILITIES Stage on the floor below the fire Bring all RIT equipment to that area May be used as a replacement fire attack crew if needed Bring all firefighting equipment as well Perform all RIT functions until assigned differently RIT Group will expand as the incident expands EQUIPMENT COMPLEMENT FOR RIT ENGINE High rise hose pack—50’ of 2 ½” and 100’ of 2” 2 ½” smoothbore nozzle with 1 1/16” tip (No stream straighteners) Forcible entry tools, rope, TIC, radios for all firefighters Two passports—one for the lobby, one for the forward accountability point Standpipe kit Pak Tracker RIT pack and any special equipment needed for the incident Second Edition 01/11/22 55 MEDICAL GROUP RESPONSIBILITIES EMS supervisor is in charge of the medical group Victim care is the primary function for this group Set up CCP (Casualty Collection Point) at least two floors below the fire floor Medic can operate in the lobby or the CCP, two floors below the fire When operating above the lobby, full PPE is required When no victims are present, the medic unit can be detailed to the Lobby Control Group EQUIPMENT COMPLEMENT FOR MEDICAL GROUP Full PPE and SCBA All EMS equipment including the cot and monitor EMS supervisor’s triage tags and victim accountability equipment Two passports—one for the lobby, one for the forward accountability point Second Edition 01/11/22 56 INCIDENT COMMAND FIRST CHIEF (INCIDENT COMMANDER) Fixed command on the exterior of the building (more desirable) or in the lobby Overall Commander of the scene Lays out the incident action plan Assigns talk groups as the incident expands; IC has at least two radios Has a large accountability board and a whiteboard for incident lay-out diagrams SECOND CHIEF (FORWARD AREA) Full PPE and SCBA, large status board, at least two radios (Monitor B#IC and B#FG) Reports to command post ready to go operate in a forward command area located on the floor below the fire Supervises the fire and rescue operations in person, and serves as the eyes and ears of the IC THE WORKING FIRE ASSIGNMENT Working fire crews can be used to backfill the original assignment Crews can be used to form new groups (Resource, Stairwell Support, etc.) Crews can be used to add more staffing to the original groups or divisions I/C assigns crews based on the needs of the incident o Fire problem...IC assigns more crews to the Fire Attack Group. Rescue problem...IC assigns more crews to the USE Group Equipment complements for working fire crews is the same as companies on the original assignment, plus any additional equipment requested by interior crews MULTIPLE ALARM COMPANIES Assignments given by the Incident Commander Stage in designated area; follow staging SOPs Passports for when operating in a hazard zone Second Edition 01/11/22 57 PAGE LEFT BLANK FOR DOUBLE SIDED PRINTING Second Edition 01/11/22 58 GROUND FLOOR OPERATIONS HIGH-RISE OPERATIONS MANUAL SECTION TOPICS Fire Attack Group Formation Alternate Options for an OOS FDC Elevator Discipline Medical Group Operations Lobby Control/Systems Command Location Operations Driver Duties/FDC Procedures Digital Vehicular Repeater System SECTION OBJECTIVES Describe the initial actions taken by Explain how to properly hook up to an the Fire Attack Group FDC Identify the basics of Phase I and State the appropriate steps to properly Phase II elevator operations pump the FDC State the procedures for elevator use Identify when the engine is actually at a high-rise incident pumping water into the system, as opposed to the building’s fire pump Explain the importance of and steps State trouble-shooting techniques for for maintaining control of building issues with the FDC systems when required Understand the driver/operator duties Understand the pros and cons of of the first two arriving engines different command post locations Second Edition 01/11/22 59 FIRE ATTACK GROUP FORMATION ACTIONS Begin assembling crews for the Fire Attack Group o First two engines and first ladder o Carry all necessary equipment inside o Gather crews near the elevators to be used Locate the Fire Control Room (Annunciator panel area) o Determine the exact location and floor of the fire or alarm o Retrieve keys and swipe cards for all areas o Fire department handsets may be available for use; distribute them to Group Supervisors Once the fire floor is determined, decide if it is within walking distance o If the fire floor is five floors or less, crews should use the stairs o If elevators do not have firefighter recall service, crews will use the stairs o Elevator discipline will be covered later in this manual If the fire is out of walking distance and the elevators have firefighter service, use them. Second Edition 01/11/22 60 ELEVATOR DISCIPLINE ELEVATOR PHASES Phase I Phase I recalls all the cars to the lobby area or the floor of egress—whichever is indicated on the call panel Phase I is activated in the elevator lobby area or in the Fire Control Room Once Phase I is activated, any call the elevator is on will be cancelled. The elevator will return to the lobby, and the doors will open. This allows for accountability of elevators and those located within the car Phase II Phase II allows firefighters to completely control the elevator car; this phase is activated from within the elevator car (Utilizing the same key which initiated Phase I) During Phase II operation, the following occur: o The doors do not automatically open or close o Opening and closing will require firefighters to operate the door controls manually o Most of the time, firefighters can close the doors then select their floor of travel o In some instances, to select a floor both the floor number and the door close button may need to be held simultaneously until the doors close and the car starts moving o To open the doors, hold the door open button until the doors are completely open; otherwise, they will reclose Click here to view Vector Solutions video on Elevator Fire Service Modes Second Edition 01/11/22 61 SAFETY STOPS During operations, safety stops need to be used o The first stop is the second floor. This lets the operators know the call button works; 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 o This tells firefighters that they are in control of the door functions, and Phase II is working as designed Next, begin moving up. Stop every five floors to repeat the door checks; these ensure that firefighters are still in control of the elevator. Visualize the shaft way, checking for water or smoke in the shaft The final stop will be two floors below the fire floor. Locate the stairs and walk up from there Note—If the Phase II firefighter helmet light in the car is flashing, that means there has been a fire alarm activation/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 cars; four to six firefighters are generally all the car can hold Do not use an elevator if there is no firefighter service or recall function Do not use freight elevators unless they have firefighter service and you are familiar with the building’s trash collection and removal policy o Typically, trash is collected near the freight elevator lobby; this is a common location for fires to start Do not strand the elevator keys in the car; next arriving crews will need them o Using the car hold feature will keep the car and the keys on the floor firefighters exited on o Instead, leave the keys in the car’s key slot and turn Phase II to the off position o Doing so allows Phase I to kick in and recall the car to the lobby for the next arriving crews to use o Continue this technique until Lobby Control is established. At that point, a firefighter from the Lobby Control Group will shuttle crews back and forth from the lobby to the resource floor Stop the elevator at least two floors below the fire or floor of alarm Firefighters should back into the elevator cars when loading ○ This will keep members from having to spin around in tight quarters while carrying hose packs and hand tools Choose an elevator that does not service the fire floor if possible ○ Buildings with multiple elevator zones will have elevators that do not go to the fire floor, but will go to within walking distance of the fire floor ○ This technique could make it safer to use elevators during the fire because it eliminates the chance of the car malfunctioning and going directly to the fire floor Second Edition 01/11/22 62 LOBBY CONTROL/SYSTEMS OPERATIONS ACTIONS The third engine is responsible for Lobby Control. Some of Lobby Control’s functions may have been performed by the Fire Attack Group already ○ Annunciator panel, keys, and elevator recall are likely already done ○ Pick up from wherever the Fire Attack Group left off Establish lobby accountability and collect one 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 what the discharge pressure is. Report these findings to the Lobby Control Group supervisor ○ This is a critical job. The pump operator on the FDC will need this information in case the building fire pump fails or there are any low-pressure situations ○ Take forcible entry tools and radios. The fire pump room is likely locked and in an area remote from the lobby Locate the stairwell access and direct crews when needed ○ Although it seems simple, many stairwells are hidden by decorative features not easily found by crews not familiar with the building. (Look for exit signs) Locate the building engineer and maintain contact for technical expertise Locate and distribute in house communications equipment ○ These will be important as radio traffic increases on the fire ground ○ Group supervisors should get a handset Locate and distribute any master keys. Group supervisors should get a set of keys Maintain and control all building systems when required; the building engineer will be able to help with this ○ Control HVAC, electrical shut offs, and gas shut offs. Also control backup generators, fire protection systems, and building communication systems As the incident grows, lobby control/systems will be split apart into two 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 Second Edition 01/11/22 63 DRIVER DUTIES/FDC PROCEDURES DRIVER RESPONSIBILITIES Upon arrival to the scene, all crew members will be heading inside except the drivers of the Fire Attack Group’s apparatus The ladder driver will be guided by the scene size-up ○ If the fire is in reach of the aerial, 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 (only if your company officer directs you to do so) ○ Ladder driver may also be used as manpower for equipment shuttling Engine drivers will be responsible for locating the FDC and the nearest hydrant One engine will connect to the hydrant ○ Connect with the short section of 5” to the intake ○ Connect two 3” lines between the engines ○ Series pump to the engine on the FDC. Series pumping shares the pressure load between the two trucks ○ CFD engines have the intake relief valve for the pump set at 180 PSI; any pressure above 180 PSI will be released to the ground (See the Engine Operations Manual for more information about intake relief valves) 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. Doing so keeps the hose away from the driver ○ Remove any Storz adaptors from the engine outlets and connect the high-pressure hose to the engine using the NST threads on the hose. This is a much safer connection during high pressure pumping operations Click here to view Vector Solutions video on FDC connections Second Edition 01/11/22 64 CONNECTING TO THE FDC The engine driver on the FDC has to inspect the FDC prior to hook up and use Having a driver’s FDC bag with the following tools helps with hookup and troubleshooting: (2) Spanner wrenches Slotted screwdriver (2) 2.5” Double males (2) 2.5” Double females Knox cap key Wire brush (2) Spare 2.5” Hose Gaskets McGill forceps or needle nose pliers 18” Pipe wrench 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 there are Knox Locks, use the Knox Key to remove them ○ Check the condition of the gaskets. If they are damaged or missing, replace them ○ Look for debris inside the FDC and use the McGill forceps or needle nose pliers to remove any that is found ○ Some FDCs have multiple zones and multiple inlets to deliver water to the system. 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 as a result Make all hose connections spanner tight. There is nothing worse than a high-pressure water leak that cannot be tightened due to pressure 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 Second Edition 01/11/22 65 PUMPING THE FDC After all connections are made and the lines are charged, remain at idle. The building’s system is designed to handle the fire protection workload o The FDC engine is there as a backup to the building’s system o Do not pump into the FDC unless the building’s system is inadequate o If it is a dry system (parking garage), start pumping right away o Generic pump discharge pressure required for a dry system is the high-rise hose pack operating pressure + elevation + appliances Once Fire Attack Group crews reach the floor below the fire, make the hose connection, and flow their hose line, they will know if the building’s system is adequate for fire attack If the system is functioning as designed, the FDC engine 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 take over the pumping duties from the building’s fire pump, the FDC engine will have to pump higher than the building’s system pressure o The system pressure is the discharge pressure of the building’s fire pump while running. This number is different for every building due to building height and age o Pre-1993 buildings require 65 PSI residual pressure at the most remote outlet from the building’s fire pump while flowing 500 GPM o Post-1993 buildings require 100 PSI residual pressure at the most remote outlet from the building’s fire pump while flowing 500 GPM Using the standards listed above, the system designer calculates what the pump pressure needs to be based on the building height and the year constructed To know what the building’s system pressure is, some detective work must be done o Building pre-plans are the best way to gain this knowledge. Go to the pump room under non-emergency conditions and determine what the pressure is During high rise fire operations, send a member from the Lobby Control Group to the pump room to check if the building’s fire pump is running and determine what the discharge pressure is In buildings that have PRVs on the standpipes, it is especially important for the pump operator of the FDC engine to know what pressure the building’s fire pump is providing to the building. If the fire pump fails and the FDC engine must take over supplying the building with water, the pump operator should supply the building with the pressure that would be required at the building’s top floor (Supplying the same pressure that the building fire pump was discharging should be adequate for this). If the pump operator supplies a lower pressure than the building’s fire pump did, the PRVs will not allow adequate pressure past them to provide the appropriate pressure needed by the fire attack teams. If the fire pump discharge pressure is not known, many FDC engine pump operators would likely try to figure up what pressure would be needed at the fire floor. Even if the fire floor is only part of the way up the building, (for instance, floor 20 in a 40- story building), the FDC engine pump operator should actually determine what pressure would be needed at the top floor and should then supply that pressure to the building. Doing so ensures that the appropriate amount of pressure will make it past the PRVs on the fire floor. Click here to view Vector Solutions video on the Fire Pump Room Second Edition 01/11/22 66 DETERMINING FIRE PUMP PRESSURE USING ENGINE’S PUMP PANEL Using the right rear discharge, the pump operator can slowly increase pressure until they see flow in the red numbers on the outlet gauge (photo on the right) Assuming the flowmeter is working and calibrated properly, the meter will begin reading flow once the engine’s pump discharge pressure begins overcoming the building’s fire pump pressure ○ This indicates to the pump operator that they have overcome the clapper valve on the FDC inlet to the building’s system and have started moving water into the building If the flow meter portion of the gauge does not work, the pump operator can slowly increase pressure until they see a residual pressure drop on their master intake gauge ○ This indicates to the pump operator that they have overcome the clapper valve on the FDC inlet to the building’s system and have started moving water into the building Now that the pump operator has determined the pump pressure for the FDC, it is important to consider a few facts about fire protection systems: o When firefighters pump into the FDC, they are not adding to what the building’s fire pump is discharging. Instead, once firefighters introduce water to the building, they are the sole source of water for that system o The reason this occurs is that opening the FDC’s internal clapper

High-Rise Company Operations PDF - A Manual for CFD Firefighter

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