Loft Bldg Fires Flashcards

1
Q

Define Deadlights

A

Fixed glass segments that are embedded in cast-iron frames or masonry to provide natural light for sidewalk vaults (Glossary)

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2
Q

Fire towers are a “smoke proof” non-combustible stairway found in which two loft construction types?

A

Mill lofts and Fireproof loft construction (Glossary)

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3
Q

Define Quoins

A

Block masonry cornerstones usually covered with cast-iron plating located at each end of the front facade of a Cast-iron bldg. These rectangular stones can be both structural and/or decorative. Allows to discern width of fire bldg (Glossary)

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4
Q

Define Scuppers

A

Cast-iron drains built into the walls of Mill loft construction that are located at roof level and on each floor to reduce the accumulation of water. (Glossary)

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5
Q

Define Wall hydrant/Manifold

A

Outlets on an exterior wall supplied by a gravity tank, pressure tank or other water source for the bldg. Valves are opened manually at the wall hydrant for FD hoseline use. (Glossary)

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6
Q

In lofts, where are freight elevators located?

A

Close to the front entrance of the bldg. Ch 1

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7
Q

_ constructed lofts are the least common vs _ which are the most common

A

Mill (Heavy Timber) least common;

Fireproof lofts are most common (Both types may have fire towers) Ch 2

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8
Q

Older Cast Iron lofts are max - stories in height having front and rear exterior walls of brick, stone, or iron. Frontage is usually _’ (indicating no interior columns) with depths reaching _’

A

7-8 stories;
25’
90’ Ch 4

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9
Q

In Older Cast Iron lofts, wooden floor joists run _, while girders and columns run _. The height between the floor and ceiling is a minimum of _’

A

Wooden floor joist runs side wall to side wall;
Girders and Columns run front to rear;
Min 8’ Ch 4

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10
Q

Older Cast Iron lofts will often have _ stairways

A

One Unenclosed wooden stair, often winding around the elevator shaft or one straight run stair. Interior stairs leading to cellar may be remote from the main interior stairway w/open, wooden construction. Ch 4

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11
Q

Newer Cast Iron Lofts: all exterior walls have a minimum of _ hour fire resistant rating.
Can the windows be opened?

A

Minimum 3 hour fire resistant rating:

Windows are operable but central HVAC is most often found Ch 4

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12
Q

Newer Cast Iron Lofts usually have how many stairways?

A

Generally, there are 2 interior stairs located inside enclosed walls having a 2 hour fire resistant rating.
Ch 4

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13
Q

Mill lofts the fire tower stairs and elevator are usually found _

A

Perimeter of the bldg Ch 4

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14
Q

Mill lofts, the control panels, shut off valves, and meters are usually found _

A

Located in lowest level of bldg. Ch 4

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15
Q

Fireproof lofts have interior stairs that are enclosed, one or more fire towers may be provided in bldgs over _’

A

Over 75’ in height Ch 4

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16
Q

Fireproof Lofts- Wall hydrant/manifold outlets located at _ may be available for Eng use

A

Sidewalk or top floor/roof levels. Ch 4

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17
Q

Older Cast Iron Lofts- Elevator shafts: Passenger and Freight elevators are usually located within _

A

Within area of the Front wall. They may be on either side or in the middle of the bldg. If a loading dock present, freight elevators may be found 20’ inward from the front of the bldg. Ch 5

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18
Q

Freight Elevators in Older Cast Iron Lofts- do they have Fireman Service?

A

Freight elevators will NOT be installed with Fireman Service. They are not initially used during the operations due to their proximity to rubbish removal areas which are commonly fire origin locations Ch 5

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19
Q

Can Freight Elevators be used at fire operations in Older Cast Iron Lofts?

A

Not during initial ops. After evaluation and approval for use by IC these elevators may be used to move members, tools, and equipment due to their large size. Ch 5

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20
Q

“Shaftway” is displayed across outer portion of window visible from street, can hose streams operate in these windows?

A

Avoid placing AL or PL to these shaft windows or operating streams into them unless visible fire is extending up the shaft. Ch 5

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21
Q

Enclosed air and light shafts are normally found _ of deep loft buildings. A good place to locate one of these shafts is _

A

In the center to provide air and light;

Inside of first floor bathroom Ch 5

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22
Q

Gravity tanks add a substantial _ load to their supports

A

Live load Ch 5

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23
Q

Cast iron columns may be the weak link in the overall construction of a loft. How can you test if a cast iron column was cast properly?

A

There is NO reliable way to know if a column was cast properly. Ch 5

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24
Q

Can a Cast Iron column withstand an eccentric load?

A

Cast Iron columns are not designed to withstand an eccentric load Ch 5

25
Q

Cast Iron columns can fracture and fail. At 1100 degrees F, cast iron loses _% of its original strength.
Once cooled can it regain its strength?

A

58%;

Strength lost is cumulative and is never regained. If unable to move it will crack Ch 5

26
Q

Most prevalent type of fire escape found in lofts?

A

Standard fire escape. Width 3-4’ and stairway angles of 45, 60, and 75 degrees. Ch 5

27
Q

Sub Cellar interior stairs are often located _

A

Remote from the cellar stairway and will normally be of unenclosed wood construction. Ch 5

28
Q

Segmental Arch Floors found in Newer Cast Iron and Mill Lofts have all parts of the floor arch system in _ (compression/tension)

A

Compression. Arch floors should NOT be breached for fear of causing a general floor collapse spanning a wide area (Ch 5)

29
Q

Cast Iron is strong in (compression/tension);

Wrought Iron strong in (compression/tension)

A

Cast Iron- Compression;
Wrought Iron- Equally strong in compression and tension
Ch 5

30
Q

_ (Square/Round) columns are 20% stronger and are found on lower floors

A

Square columns (20% stronger than round ones
of equal dimension) are used on the lower flrs while round columns are reserved for the upper flrs. Column dimensions decrease as load carrying requirements diminish at the upper flrs of the bldg
Ch 5

31
Q

A general rule of thumb for the run of original hardwood finished flooring is from _

A

Front to rear of the bldg. FF lost can use this to find a front or rear means of egress
Ch 5

32
Q

Fire Towers are ideal for FD use as Evacuation Stairs and can be found in _ types of lofts

A

Mill and FP Lofts: Evac Stairs shall NOT be used as Attack Stairs
Ch 5

33
Q

Steel Tension Cables or Rods w/Reinforcing Plates (stars) can be seen on the exterior of bldg. What is the difference between Uniform pattern and Irregular pattern?

A

Uniform Pattern- Pre-construction;

Irregular- Post construction when floor framing cannot be relied upon to tie in opposing walls. Ch 5

34
Q

Steel Tension Cables or Rods can fail at _ degrees F

A

800 degrees Fahrenheit

Ch 5

35
Q

Flat Slab “Mushroom” Floors are unique to _ loft bldgs

A

Fireproof Loft bldgs

Ch 5

36
Q

T/F Casement Windows are an excellent point for horizontal vent. Access may prove difficult since they only tilt open horizontally

A

True Ch 5

37
Q

Concrete resists _ loads very well but is very weak in _.

A

Resists Compressive loads well, but weak in tension

Ch 5

38
Q

Cast Iron and Mill Loft fires: Does the 2nd line go to the fire floor or floor above?

A

2nd HL usually stretched via interior stairs to same fl as 1st HL for augmentation. If NOT needed on fire fl, then advanced to floor above until assured 1st HL making progress. 2 1/2” req’d
Ch 6

39
Q

Segmental Arch Floors- can HL operate streams directly overhead?

A

Use the reach of the stream and DO NOT operate the stream directly overhead. Ch 6

40
Q

Cast Iron and Mill Loft Basement fire: Does the 1st HL advance down the interior stairs?

A

Yes, if conditions permit. If conditions prevent initial descent, notify IC and remain at this position to prevent upward extension Ch 6

41
Q

Cast Iron and Mill Loft Basement fire: Who supplies the Sprinkler System?

A

1st Eng if staffing and conditions permit, otherwise 2nd Eng Ch 6

42
Q

How do you treat a Residential Fireproof Loft vs a Non-Resident use FP Loft?

A

Residential Use: Treat similar to Class A FP MD’s w/ 2 1/2” HL;
Non-Residential: Treat similar to Hi Rise Office w/ 2 1/2”
Ch 6

43
Q

Cast Iron and Mill Loft Cellar fire: 1st Lad prevented access to cellar notifies IC and 2nd Lad. What follows?

A

1st Lad remains with 1st HL on floor above fire searching for life, fire ext, and providing vent.
2nd Lad gains access to fire area via alt means for 2nd HL. Ch 7

44
Q

Cast Iron and Mill Loft Cellar fire: 1st LCC- is it recommended to vent by opening sidewalk access point?

A

LCC should assist in vent by opening sidewalk access points while remaining IFO fire bldg. Ch 7

45
Q

Who controls ventilation at Residential FP Lofts?

A

Lad Officer operating inside of fire apt controls fire apt vent, all other vent strictly limited and controlled by IC Ch 7

46
Q

ICP Location at Loft fires?

A

Established by 1st BC in proximity to front of bldg Ch 8

47
Q

Can Deadlights and/or metal frames over a sidewalk vault be used for vertical vent at Cellar fires in lofts?

A

Yes to provide vertical ventilation and as insertion points for cellar pipes, sub-cellar pipes, distributors, and foam generators. Ch 8

48
Q

T/F Opening of synthetic walls may provide access for entry and vertical vent of sub level areas in lofts

A

True. Rear entrances may provide better access to sub cellar areas. Ch 8

49
Q

Lofts can be classified as Class _ construction

A

Class 1, 2, 3, or 6

50
Q

Sidewalk Vaults incorrect
A. 3 wall enclosures located under the front sidewalk. Vault can extend downward to all sub-levels of bldg and may extend full width of sidewalk
B. “Full” vault indicator is absence of granite stone covering sidewalk to curb line
C. Ceiling of vault originally constructed of wrought-iron or cast-iron frame w/glass orbs (deadlights) to allow natural light
D. Today, deadlights may have been replaced w/diamond plate, granite, stone, or concrete

A

B indicator of a “full” vault is a large piece of

granite stone covering the sidewalk to the curb line

51
Q

Incorrect for elevators in older cast iron lofts
A. Passenger and freight elevators are normally located w/in area of front wall. May be found on either side or in middle of bldg
B. If loading dock present, freight elevator may be found 20’ inward from front of bldg. In residential conversions, freight elevators may have been removed to accommodate add’l living space
C. Freight elevators were built w/terra cotta tile which can be readily breached if needed
D. Freight elevators often have Firemen Service capabilities

A

D NO Firemen Service. Avoid using early in operation

52
Q
Fire Tower may be found in which Loft bldgs
A. Older cast iron 
B. Newer cast iron
C. Mill
D. Fireproof
A

C D

53
Q

Incorrect Sidewalk Vaults
A. 4 wall enclosure under front sidewalk
B. Granite stone covering the vault to the curb line indicates “full” (bldg to curb) vault
C. Generally supported by wrought iron I-beams or cast iron structural members
D. Originally built w/small dead-lights for natural light to enter the cellar

A

A 3 Wall enclosure

54
Q

Incorrect for elevators in older cast iron lofts
A. Freight elevators will not be installed w/FF service
B. Some passenger elevators may be flush w/front bldg facade and entered directly off the sidewalk
C. Elevator doors look like apt entrance doors in many loft bldg
D. Freight elevator shafts were frequently built using terra cotta tile which is difficult to breach

A

D Easily breached

55
Q

Correct for water on heated cast iron
A. Cast iron columns cast improperly are inherent weak links, there is a reliable (but expensive) method to determine if column was set properly
B. If an improperly cast column is cooled by HL it can contract disproportionately leading to potential failure
C. Columns were designed to w/stand eccentric load
D. When a heated column is cooled by HL it will regain its strength

A

B
A No reliable method
C Axial load
D will not regain strength

56
Q

Segmental arch flrs in newer cast iron incorrect
A. Should not be breached for fear of causing general floor collapse
B. Exposed to fire can spall violently, but will not fail, when struck by water from HL
C. Indiscriminate overhauling on underside of segmental arch flrs can cause a localized collapse
D. In newer cast iron bldgs the HL should not be operated overhead due to segmental arch fl and fear of collapse

A

B Can fail from HL

57
Q
At _ degrees F, cast-iron loses _ % of its original strength.
A: 800, 42
B: 800, 58
C: 1100, 42
D: 1100, 58
A

D

58
Q
Who is responsible to "ensure" that sprinkler system in a Cast-iron loft bldg is supplied for cellar fire
A. 1st Eng
B. 2nd Eng
C. 3rd Eng
D. 4th Eng
A

B if first engine has not supplied it, a supply line shall be stretched to feed this system. (Different than TP in which 3rd Engine ensures)