Underground structures

Question 1

The task of firefighting and rescuing persons employed in pressurised workings is the responsibility of the fire and rescue service, but must liaise closely with the on-site contractor for their knowledge and expertise. True or false

Answer 1

False

Question 2

What is barotrauma?

Answer 2

Where changes in surrounding pressure causes damage to air-containing cavities in the body such as sinuses, ears and lungs

Question 3

What is decompression illness?

Answer 3

Predominately causes pain around the joints and in rare cases occurs as a life threatening condition that affects the central nervous system, heart and lungs.

Question 4

What is dysbaric osteonecrosis?

Answer 4

A long term, chronic condition damaging the long bones, hips and and shoulder joints.

Question 5

What are the main types of ventilation system in tunnels?

Answer 5

Longitudinal

Question 6

What are the two types of pressurised atmosphere works referred to?

Answer 6

Elevated pressures
Commercial workings

Question 7

What is the phenomena called that can produce a developing fire plume that accelerates up an inclined surface? It is influenced by two separate physical effects, the coanda effect and flashover.

Answer 7

The trench effect

Question 8

What is the effect called when an object moving in a shaft or tunnel creates a large movement of air (the effect is more pronounced when the object’s sides are closer to the walls of the enclosure)

Answer 8

The piston effect

Question 9

You may find that radio comms with crews working in this environment may be ineffective because of what?

Answer 9

Distance, interference and the material the structure is made from

Question 10

You may be able to access a wide range of facilities through the underground structures control room. What kind of facilities could you expect to find?

Answer 10

Alternate access / egress routes
CCTV
PA systems
Ventilation systems
FRS telecommunications
Incident ground plans
Traffic management controls
Refuge communications
Water inundation protection facilities

Question 11

For the purpose of FRS operations ventilation systems can be divided in to main types. What are they?

Answer 11

Natural (caused by the flow of air through the infrastructure’s opening
Mechanical (where a ventilation system serves a specific purpose such as cooling, removing fumes or controlling smoke and fire)

Question 12

The working duration of BA is significantly reduced by increased pressure. True or false?

Answer 12

True