Toronto Fire Services Training Note: Stairwells PDF

Fire Services Training Division Training Note FROM: Fire Chief EFFECTIVE DATE: March 25, 2019 FILE IN TFS TRAINING MANUAL UNDER: GROUP: 100 Firefighting Knowledge and Skills SECTION: 101 Buildings SUB-SECTION: 101.1 High Rise Buildings UNIT: 101.1.4 Stairwells TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION.........

Fire Services Training Division Training Note FROM: Fire Chief EFFECTIVE DATE: March 25, 2019 FILE IN TFS TRAINING MANUAL UNDER: GROUP: 100 Firefighting Knowledge and Skills SECTION: 101 Buildings SUB-SECTION: 101.1 High Rise Buildings UNIT: 101.1.4 Stairwells TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................... 2 2. TYPES OF STAIRWELLS..................................................................................................... 2 3. TACTICAL USE OF STAIRS................................................................................................ 4 Toronto Fire Services Training Division Training Note: 101.1.4 Date Prepared: March 2019 Page 1 of 5 1. INTRODUCTION Stairwells are a vital part of firefighting operations. They are a primary means of evacuation, fire attack, ventilation and access. The type and number of stairs within a high-rise building must be identified early for implementation of an Incident Action Plan (IAP). Designation of these stairwells early in the event, preferably by the first in apparatus, will aid in the success of the incident. 2. TYPES OF STAIRWELLS Return stairs The most common stairwell in high-rise buildings are Return Stairwells. The design and shape resemble the letter U. The stairwell entry and exit points are directly above or below each other. Return stairs are configured with a landing located half way between the floors. Scissor stairs The design of scissor stairs allows for two separate stairwells to be contained in one vertical shaft within the building. Scissor stairwells are separated by a fire rated wall. Unlike the return type stair, scissor stairs do not return to the same geographic location at each floor landing. Stairs exit on the opposite side of the building at each landing. Toronto Fire Services Training Division Training Note: 101.1.4 Date Prepared: March 2019 Page 2 of 5 Toronto Fire Services Training Division Training Note: 101.1.4 Date Prepared: March 2019 Page 3 of 5 Access stairs Access stairs are referred to as tenant stairs, or convenience stairs. As the name implies, these provide access between floors of individual occupancies. 3. TACTICAL USE OF STAIRS It is important to designate stairwells for attack and evacuation at the onset of an operation, if necessary. Firefighter safety and the survivability of civilian occupants rests heavily on the disciplined use of stairs. Attack Stairwell When firefighting operations occupy a stairwell, it is designated the Attack Stairwell. The attack stair is selected based on the following information: Location of the fire in relation to the stairs Location of the fire in relation to the standpipe Stairwells being used by occupants for evacuation Types of stairwells Evacuation stairwell At least one stairwell shall be maintained free of smoke and heat for the purpose of occupant evacuation. Stairwell pressurization Modern high-rise buildings are sometimes equipped with a feature that pressurizes the stairwells in the event of a fire or upon activation of the fire alarm system. It is designed to keep the stairwells clear of smoke and heat when doors at the fire floor are opened. Toronto Fire Services Training Division Training Note: 101.1.4 Date Prepared: March 2019 Page 4 of 5 Ascending stairs Ascending an excessive number of floors can cause unnecessary stress on the body. As a guideline, if ascending above ten floors in a non-IDLH atmosphere, crews may take a few seconds to appropriately adjust your PPE. Open or remove bunker jacket Remove gloves and hood Clip helmet to your SCBA harness Raise bunker pant cuffs above boots Carry tools above the waist Equipment Shuttle in the Stairwell If elevators fail, a firefighter should be placed every two floors to assist in shuttling equipment. Firefighters are assigned to retrieve equipment from apparatus and other firefighters are assigned to gather the equipment near the stairwell entrance for the start of the shuttle. After ‘handing off’ equipment the Firefighter must descend back to their starting level. If no one is at the higher level to take the hand-off, the equipment shall be left on the stairwell landing. The firefighters will have a chance to rest as they descend back to the respective assigned landings to pick up more equipment. Firefighters involved in the equipment shuttle shall wear the minimum amount of PPE necessary, as the atmosphere dictates. Toronto Fire Services Training Division Training Note: 101.1.4 Date Prepared: March 2019 Page 5 of 5