Firefighting In Basements (PN 773) Flashcards

1
Q

There are 15 hazards that you can reasonably expect to encounter at a basement incident. Can you list 10?

A

1) Metabolic heat stress
2) High Temperature and Heat barrier
3) Fire-growth resulting in Flashover/Backdraft conditions
4) Uncontrolled ventilation (collapse/pavement lights)
5) Complex layout that may not follow buildings footprint
6) Concealed spread of unburnt products (ducts, voids, false ceilings)
7) Limited Access/Egress
8) Cramped conditions and poor lighting
9) Cable entanglement
10) High fire loading/poor house keeping
11) Limited reference points
12) Stacked racked storage which can collapse and block escape
13) Hazmats without signage
14) Utilities - High Voltages, Intakes, fuel storage
15) Communications Problems

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2
Q

The IC must remain at Surface level unless?

A

A more appropriate location such as a ‘fire control centre’ is identified during pre-planning

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3
Q

What 3 things should the IC consider in the early stages of a basement incident?

A

1) Resources
2) Safety Officers
3) Sectorisation

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4
Q

Before operating Ventilation or Smoke Extraction Systems the IC should request the attendance of who?

A

SFSO

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5
Q

What does SFSO stand for?

A

Senior Fire Safety Officer

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6
Q

What is the minimum ‘weight of attack’ for crews entering a basement and crews protecting the Access/Egress?

A

A 45mm Jet with a branch set to 230lpm

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7
Q

If the layout is complicated EDBA and Stage II should be considered, what else might be used?

A

Guidelines

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8
Q

When should a ‘Basement Procedure Implemented’ message be sent?

A

Once crews have been committed with correct minimum weight of attack and a crew with the same are in position protecting their escape route

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9
Q

Why should early consideration be given to relief of firefighting crews?

A

Metabolic heat stress

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10
Q

Can crews be recommitted?

A

Yes, but the IC should try to avoid this.

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11
Q

What piece of equipment may be considered to improve communications?

A

Leaky feeder

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12
Q

Who can give the order to Ventilate?
BA crews
IC
SFSO

A

IC

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13
Q

Does a water supply have to be secured before committing BA teams?

A

Yes and the hydrant should be twinned with 70mm hose. Any open water supply should be inexhaustible

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14
Q

When CAN’T you ventilate a basement or any part of the building that may affect it?

A

When BA teams are committed

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15
Q

Where must a covering Jet be directed during Ventilation?

A

Never into compartment but adjacent to all openings

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16
Q

If it is a persons reported would the IC ventilate prior to BA teams entering?

A

No

17
Q

Can BA teams operate manual ventilation systems?

A

Only on the orders of the OIC

18
Q

What are the 3 dangers of incorrect use of ventilation systems?

A

1 Adverse effects on persons involved
2 Rapid or Uncontrolled fire spread
3 Backdraft conditions

19
Q

Name 5 of the 7 types of fixed installations listed.

A
1 Automatic Fire Alarms
2 Mechanical Ventilation/Smoke extraction 
3 Falling Mains
4 Sprinklers
5 Foam Inlets
6 Gas flooding systems
7 Protected Shaft/FF Lift
20
Q

What additional piece of equipment should always be made available to BA teams?

A

TIC

21
Q

Early consideration should be given to the use of EDBA and what else by the IC?

A

Stage II BA procedures

22
Q

Once the “basement procedure implemented” has been sent what should the OIC ensure?

A

Implementing Stage II BA if appropriate

23
Q

What particular welfare consideration is stressed in the note?

A

Hydration