Compartment firefighting PN793

Question 1

Compartment firefighting

How is a compartment defined as by the LFB?

Answer 1

For Operational purposes the London Fire Brigade (LFB) defines a compartment as an enclosed space within a structure, that is capable of allowing a fire to develop and is able to contain the products of combustion, such as heat, smoke and gases.

Question 2

Compartment firefighting

How can ventilation be provided to a compartment?

Answer 2

In practice, ventilation can be provided by doors, windows, hatches, and any other element of the structure of the compartment, either when these are used intentionally by firefighters, when they are left open by occupants or when they have failed

Question 3

Compartment firefighting

What are two principle types of tactical ventilation?

Answer 3

Defensive ventilation & Offensive ventilation

(photo=offensive)

Question 4

Compartment firefighting

What is Defensive ventilation ?

Answer 4

Defensive ventilation is undertaken away from the fire compartment to improve conditions for firefighting as well as search and rescue. It refers to the ventilation of adjoining and outer compartments after the fire compartment has been isolated and/or suppressed.

Question 5

Compartment firefighting

What is offensive ventilation?

Answer 5

Offensive ventilation – is undertaken within the fire compartment to limit fire spread and improve conditions.

Question 6

Compartment firefighting

What is pulse spraying ?

Answer 6

Pulse spraying is the tactic of applying water using an appropriate branch into fire gases to stabilise and control conditions within or directly outside the compartment into which crews are entering.

Question 7

Compartment firefighting

What is a refuge?

Answer 7

A space or structural feature that provides a level of protection to firefighting crews from the effects of fire and hot gases. To be used in an emergency in the event that it is not possible for crews to leave the affected area.

Question 8

Compartment firefighting

What hazards can reasonably be expected to be encountered when fighting fires in compartments?

Answer 8

• backdraught
• flashover
• explosive atmospheres
• steam
• radiated heat
• uncontrolled ventilation
• high temperatures
• structural detoriation

Question 9

Compartment firefighting

Why is essential that all PPE is in serviceable condition prior to compartment firefighting operations?

Answer 9

Small holes and loose stitched garment joins may allow moisture to enter and transmit heat from within the fire compartment.

Question 10

Compartment firefighting

How can conducted heat pose a risk to PPE?

Answer 10

Firefighting operations may result in personnel making contact with hot surfaces and objects. This can compress the layers which make up PPE garments and transmit the heat more readily

Question 11

Compartment firefighting

How can wet PPE pose a risk when dealing with a compartment?

Answer 11

Firefighting operations can lead to individuals sweating introducing moisture to the inner layers of their PPE, in addition firefighting and ambient conditions can involve moisture collecting on the external surfaces of their PPE. Where moisture is present within the PPE it can transmit ambient temperature more readily to the inner layers of PPE.

Question 12

Compartment firefighting

What hazard do exposed utilies pose ?

Answer 12

Exposed electrical wiring and cabling may lead to:

• the risk of crews becoming entangled in electrical cables; and/or
• electric shock/electrocution.

Gas mains can:

• become ruptured adding to the intensity of the fire;
• have been left on and continue to produce gas after the fire has been extinguished; and/or
• a burning gas main which is extinguished will lead to a build up of gas within a compartment creating an explosive risk.

Question 13

Compartment firefighting

How could a loss of communications pose a hazard?

Answer 13

Communications can be adversely affected by the building’s construction, size and layout. It is vital that during compartment firefighting, communications are established and maintained.

Loss of communication may prevent sharing of operationally important information such as:

• the presence of hazardous materials, high fire loadings, structural integrity and fire spread; or
• prevailing and/or changing internal conditions which may impact the task or overall operation due to fire development or firefighting actions.

Question 14

Compartment firefighting

What infomation should be sort about any premises that has been identified as a compartment risk during the course of a 7(2)(d) visits?

Answer 14

• size of compartment including height;
• complexity and layout of compartment and adjoining areas;
• the contents and fire-loading within compartment;
• potential for fire spread beyond the original compartment, both horizontally and vertically;
• the quality of radio communications in all parts of the structure between internal teams and to those outside;
• the presence and potential hazards posed by utilities and other hazardous materials;
• the practicalities of, and any options for ventilating the compartment(s).

Question 15

Compartment firefighting

What are the En route actions to be considered?

Answer 15

• Crew rigged in correct PPE
• Make full use of MDT
• Any information gained en route must be passed on to all personel
• Consider a RVP

Question 16

Compartment firefighting

What on arrival actions should be considered?

Answer 16

• attend main entrance unless otherwise stated
• locate the ‘responsible person’
• gather all information
• establish the availabilty of fixed instalations
• carry out a DRA to assess the risk/benefit of carrying out firefighting/rescue operations
• Decide on correct weight of attack
• secure a suitable and sustainable water supply

Question 17

Fires in timber framed buildings under construction

If tasks are required to be carried out elsewhere in the building i.e. rescue, what should the IC ensure?

Answer 17

The location and severity of the fire must be confirmed and the IC is satisfied it can be tactically controlled,

Question 18

Fires in timber framed buildings under construction

What must be considered before committing BA crews elsewhere to the fire?

Answer 18

Any benefit to be derived from committing personnel beyond the fire and/or elsewhere in the building must be properly assessed and then balanced against the risks present before undertaking such tasks.

Question 19

Fires in timber framed buildings under construction

What must the IC ensure when crews are undertaking tasks in the building or compartment which are supplementary to direct firefighting?

Answer 19

The IC must ensure that their way out of the building is fully protected at all times by the deployment of sufficient additional BA teams, jets and equipment.