WEEK #14 WEEK OF 04/29/13 PART I – LOFTS PART II – AUC #351 {PHOTOVOLTAIC} PART III – EMERGENCIES – WATER RESCUE 1 PART IV – TB - ROPE #2, 3 & 4 PART IV – DUNN Ch. #3 INSTRUCTOR: BC PAT SHERIDAN Flashcards
PART I – LOFTS PART II – AUC #351 {PHOTOVOLTAIC} PART III – EMERGENCIES – WATER RESCUE 1 PART IV – TB - ROPE #2, 3 & 4 PART IV – DUNN Ch. #3
- The glossary of FFP-Loft Buildings contains many terms that are not found elsewhere in
FDNY publications. Which one of the following is incorrectly described? (Glossary)
(A) Ashlar masonry is stone cut into rectangular units (most often 18” to 24” high by 2 to 3 feet
long). Attached to the façade wall of a building using cement mortar or cement/lime mix. Iron
plating is sometimes used to imitate Ashlar masonry.
(B) Quoins are block masonry cornerstones usually covered with cast-iron plating located at
each end of the front façade of a cast –iron loft building.
(C) A sawtooth roof is a roof designed to disperse natural light uniformly throughout the
interior of a structure. Utilizes a number of parallel roof sections (one per bay) of triangular
shape and near vertical glazing (commonly facing due north).
(D) Terra cotta tile arch floors are segmented terra cotta tile arches sprung between wroughtiron
beams. These floors will not be found where heavy loads are supported.
- D
Terra cotta tile arch
floor
Segmented terra cotta tile arch sprung between wrought-iron beams.
Used for warehouses where heavy loads would be supported.
- Older cast-iron lofts were built from 1840 to the 1870s. Many of these buildings are 7 to 8
stories in height having front and rear exterior walls of brick, stone or iron. Which construction
feature of older cast-iron lofts is incorrect? (4.1)
(A) Many of these structures have first floor extensions protruding up to 10 feet beyond the
upper floors of the building in the rear.
(B) Frontage is usually 25 feet (indicating no interior columns) with depths reaching 90 feet
and frontage on only one street.
(C) Interior support columns can be composed of cast-iron, wrought-iron, brick, or wood. The
height between the floor and ceiling is a minimum of 8 feet.
(D) These structures usually have 2 stairways. One stairway is a straight run stair, and the
second stairway often winds around the elevator shaft.
- D
These structures have one unenclosed
wooden stair, often winding around the elevator shaft or one straight run stair.
- Newer cast-iron lofts, which were constructed from the 1880s to 1901, may be built higher
(8-12 stories) and wider than Oder Cast-iron lofts. All exterior walls have a minimum ____ hour
fire resistive rating and generally there are two interior stairways located inside enclosed walls
having a _____ hour fire resistive rating. (4.2)
(A) 3, 3
(B) 3, 2
(C) 2, 2
(D) 2, 3
- B
- Fireproof lofts are the newest and most common type of loft building. These lofts have
exterior walls of brick, cement block, masonry, stone or metal (steel frame) and floors
constructed of steel-reinforced concrete sometimes covered over with wood or other finishes.
Which of the following choices incorrectly describes these buildings? (4.4)
(A) These buildings range from 10-15 stories in height. Rectangular dimensions are usually
between 50 to 100 feet or more in width and from 75 to 200 feet deep.
(B) Interior stairs may be open or enclosed. Windows are not operable in these buildings.
(C) High voltage demand may necessitate the installation of power lines and step-down
transformers located at roof level. Electrical service panels may be found on multiple floors
servicing several different tenants.
(D) Large area lofts often require one or more pressure tanks to ensure operability throughout
all sections of the building. Wall hydrant/manifold outlets located at sidewalk or top floor/roof
levels may also be available for engine company use.
- B
- Sidewalk vaults are often found in Older Cast-iron Lofts. These vaults are three-wall
enclosures located under the front sidewalk. The vault can extend downward to all sub-levels of
the building and may extend the full width of the sidewalk. Choose the correct indicator of a full
vault. (5.1.1)
(A) Small segmented fixed glass orbs (deadlights).
(B) A large piece of granite stone covering the sidewalk to the curb line.
(C) Diamond plate supported by a wrought-iron frame.
(D) Cubed glass supported by a cast-iron frame.
- B
- Older Cast-iron Lofts often contain both passenger and freight elevators, normally located
within the area of the front wall. Which one of the following choices is correct? (5.1.2)
(A) Freight elevators will be installed with Firemen Service capabilities.
(B) When elevator shafts face the street, any window serving the shaft is required to display a
“SHAFTWAY” sign across the inner portion of the window that is clearly visible from the
interior of the building.
(C) Avoid placing aerial or portable ladders to these shaft windows or operating streams into
them under all circumstances due to the high potential for injury.
(D) Shaft windows may have boards across their lower portion, placed to serve as a warning of
an open shaft. These windows will look identical to the other windows in the front façade.
7.
- D
When elevator shafts face the street, any window serving the shaft is
required to display a “SHAFTWAY” sign across the outer portion of the window
that is clearly visible from the street. Avoid placing aerial or portable ladders to
these shaft windows or operating streams into them unless visible fire is
extending up the shaft. Shaft windows may have boards across their lower
portion, placed to serve as a warning of an open shaft. These windows will look
identical to the other windows in the front façade.
- Enclosed air and light shafts provide air and light to all floors and are normally found in the
center of deep loft buildings. Where would you normally be able to locate one of these shafts?
(5.1.3)
(A) In the cellar.
(B) At the top floor level.
(C) Inside the first floor bathroom.
(D) Standing in the street in front of the building
- C
- Although flat floor skylights are no longer found in cast iron lofts, the replacement flooring
may not be supported sufficiently resulting in floor collapse from either weight and/or fire. In
which of the following loft buildings would you be most likely to discover this dangerous
condition? (5.1.7)
(A) Small dimensional lofts built on a corner lot
(B) Large dimensional lofts built on interior lots without exterior shafts
(C) Large dimensional lofts built on corner lots with numerous exterior shafts
(D) Small dimensional lofts built on interior lots with numerous exterior shafts
- B
- Iron window shutters may still be found in loft buildings, although they may be
welded/bolted closed for security reasons. These shutters are generally installed on the rear and
side walls of lofts, and originally 6 inch round openings were cut into every _____ row of iron
shutters as well as shutters protecting _____. (5.1.9)
(A) Third horizontal, shaft windows
(B) Fourth vertical, windows on fire escapes
(C) Third vertical, windows on fire escapes
(D) Fourth horizontal, shaft windows
- C
5.1.9 Iron Window Shutters - generally installed on the rear and side walls of lofts.
They were mandated by law on loft buildings with plain glass windows situated
less than 30 feet horizontally from another building or less than 50 feet vertically
from the roof of an adjoining building. Originally, 6 inch round openings were
cut into every third vertical row of iron shutters as well as shutters protecting
windows on fire escapes, to assist firefighters in accessing the steel hook and
catch to facilitate entry into the building. Today, these 6 inch openings are
commonly covered over with steel plating (Photo 13). Iron windows shutters may
have been completely removed during residential conversions or welded/bolted
closed for security reasons in other type occupancies.
- When subjected to the heat from a fire for long periods of time, cast-iron columns can
fracture and fail. When cast-iron is heated to 1110 degrees Fahrenheit, what percentage of its
original strength remains? (5.1.10 F)
(A) 58%
(B) 42%
(C) 48%
(D) 52%
- B
F. When subjected to the heat from a fire for long periods of time, cast-iron
columns can fracture and fail.
At 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit, cast-iron loses 58% of its original strength.
The strength lost is cumulative and is never regained.
Iron fibers (like steel) when heated elongate or extend the column. A
structural cast-iron column, however, unable to move will crack.
- When cast-iron loses its’ strength, the strength lost is cumulative and is never regained.
Which of the following is an incorrect statement concerning cast-iron columns? (5.1.10)
(A) Iron fibers (like steel) when heated elongate or extend the column. A structural cast-iron
column, however, unable to move will crack.
(B) Cast–iron columns cast improperly and/or not meeting the acceptable thickness
commensurate to the load they are required to support are inherently weak links in the overall
construction of the building. Often it can be determined if a column was cast properly by closely
examining it.
(C) When properly cast, cast iron columns will withstand a great deal of thermal stress. The
statement that all cast-iron columns exposed to fire will shatter when cooled by a hoseline is a
myth.
(D) If an improperly cast column us cooled by a hoseline it can contract disproportionately
leading to potential failure.
- B
- Depressed rear courtyards are often found in loft buildings 100 feet in depth. Which one of
the following correctly describes characteristics of these courtyards? (5.1.12)
(A) Sturdy sheds are built to enclose depressed courtyards.
(B) To provide natural light below grade, the roofs of these sheds were constructed using plain,
easily breakable glass.
(C) These glass roofs may be tarred or planked over for security reasons, creating what appears
to be and mistaken for a weight-bearing roof.
(D) These shed roofs, when removed, will not provide adequate ventilation for sub level and
first floor fires due to their construction.
- C
- Straight run stairs are often found in older Cast Iron loft buildings. These stairs are
constructed of wood having stairway walls covered with wainscoting. Of the following choices,
which one does not correctly describe an advantage or drawback of these stairs? (5.1.13)
(A) When the 1938 Building Code required the stairs to be fire protected, many owners covered
the wainscoting with tin. This area should not be overlooked during overhauling due to fire
spread.
(B) A fire located at the front top floor of the building will require enough hose to go from the
ground floor to the top floor and then travel to the front of the building. In some cases, straight
run stairs do not go all the way to the rear wall.
(C) Older Cast-iron loft construction utilized floor joists with mortise and tenon joints abutting
the framework for these stairs. This construction reduces the potential for stair collapse.
(D) The underside of the stair passes through the interior of each apartment and could be
exposed if the fire is in that area.
- C
- When there is a fire in a building that is attached to Exposure 2 and 4, it is often difficult to
determine the actual fire building and the width of this building. Which one of the following
features found in older Cast-iron lofts will assist firefighters in accurately discerning the width of
the fire building? (5.1.17, 5.1.19, 5.1.23, 5.1.24)
(A) Quoins
(B) Plate glass facades
(C) Ornamental roof cornices and pediments
(D) Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems
- A
5.1.23 Quoins- are used by architects to give the impression of strength and firmness to
the outline of the building. They provide firefighters with a visual contrasting
feature to neighboring buildings on Exposures 2 and 4 allowing members to
accurately discern the width of the fire building (Photo 26).
- There are several features that are found in Newer Cast-iron lofts, including segmental arch
floors, wrought-iron girders/beams/lintels, and double columns. Choose the incorrect description
from the following. (5.2.1, 5.2.2,)
(A) Segmental Arch floors were used to span the gap between cast-iron or wrought-iron beams.
All parts of the floor arch system are in compression. Segmental arch floors should not be
breached for fear of causing a general floor collapse spanning a wide area.
(B) Wrought-iron, like cast-iron, is strong in compression but weak in tension. Wrought-iron
was often used for vertical as well as horizontal structural elements.
(C) Wrought-iron beams were sometimes manufactured with depths up to 15 inches making
them the only practical structural element for carrying segmental arch floors having spans greater
than 20 feet.
(D) Wrought-iron may delaminate as well rust at their connections, compromising its’ strength
and integrity. Like steel and cast-iron, wrought-iron when heated in a fire situation will elongate
and lose strength. Both of these characteristics can lead to a collapse
- B
5.2.2 Wrought-Iron Girders/Beams/Lintels- unlike cast-iron, which is strong in
compression but weak in tension, wrought-iron is equally strong in compression
and tension making it a logical substitute in the mid-19th century for horizontal
structural elements.
- Mill Lofts, also known as Heavy Timber lofts, range from 4 to 6 stories in height having all
4 exterior walls load-bearing and constructed of brick, concrete block or stone. All of the
following are characteristics of Mill Loft buildings with the exception of which choice?
(5.3.3, 5.3.4, 5.3.8, 5.3.10)
(A) Heavy timber floors are used. These consist of plank floors, 3 inches thick, laid directly
onto beams and girders which are a minimum of 6 inches in any direction. A general rule of
thumb for the run of the original hardwood finished flooring is from front to rear.
(B) Some roofs are supported by wooden truss components. Vertical ventilation of truss roofs
is generally restricted to opening up skylights and stair bulkhead doors.
(C) Mill sawtooth roofs are typically of wood truss design. A steel cable, however, may be
substituted for the top chord.
(D) Steel tension cables or rods with reinforcing plates, commonly in the shape of a star, can be
seen on exterior walls. They were installed during construction by design (indicated by a
uniform pattern) or put in post-construction (irregular pattern) when floor framing cannot be
relied upon to tie-in opposing walls due to age and deterioration.
- C
5.3.10 Sawtooth Roofs - These roofs will impose unique obstacles to firefighters
regarding roof access, egress, extinguishment, and vertical ventilation.
Maneuvering up and over the peaks and valleys of sawtooth roofs will be difficult
at best, even under non-fire conditions. Mill sawtooths are typically of wood
truss design (Photo 33). A steel cable, however, may be substituted for the
bottom chord. Sawtooth roofs of steel and/or reinforced concrete construction can
also be found in fireproof lofts.
- Wooden interior columns are often found in Mill lofts. Girder-column intersection
connections utilized a cast-iron pintle (cylindrical pin) to avoid wood shrinkage problems. An
alternate connection brought the column through the girder at its’ full width. Square columns
(____ % _____ than round ones of equal dimension) are used on the lower floors. (5.3.2)
(A) 15, stronger
(B) 20, weaker
(C) 15, weaker
(D) 20, stronger
- D
Square columns (20% stronger than round ones
of equal dimension) are used on the lower floors while round columns are reserved
for the upper floors.
- Fireproof loft buildings are used for both commercial and residential purposes. Which of
the following features of a fireproof loft is not correctly described? (5.4.1, 5.4.2, 5.4.3, 5.4.9)
(A) Flat slab “mushroom” floors are unique to Fireproof loft buildings. These type floors
provide a greater clear height from floor to floor than beam and girder construction.
(B) Casement windows are constructed of multiple glass panes placed in a wrought-iron or
light steel frame. These 8’x10’ windows do not provide ventilation since they tilt open
horizontally.
(C) Skywalks are bridges that may interconnect adjoining buildings at one or more floors above
ground level. Many of these skywalks are sealed closed at both ends or structurally unsound
negating their use for occupant egress and firefighting.
(D) High voltage service panels can be found on several different floors adjacent to each of the
main entrances in a multi-tenant loft. High voltage power lines and step-down electrical
transformers can be encountered on the roof.
- B
5.4.3 Casement Windows - constructed of multiple glass panes placed in a wroughtiron
or light steel frame. Approximately 8’ x 10’ in dimension, they provide an
excellent point for horizontal ventilation. Access, egress, and the removal of
victims during rescue operations via bucket platform, aerial and portable ladders
will prove difficult, however, since they tilt open horizontally.
- In all types of Loft buildings, the initial hoselines shall be 2 ½ inch. All of the following
are incorrect tactics to use at Loft buildings with the exception of which one? (6.1.5,
6.1.6, 6.1.7, 6.1.8)
(A) Large fires may require two lines on the fire floor. The officer supervising the second
hoseline should not advance to the floor above until assured the first hoseline has extinguished
the fire.
(B) For advanced fires a quick knock-down using the engine’s deck pipe will allow for a rapid
interior attack once a hoseline is in position. The use of large caliber streams (LCS) can only be
ordered by a chief.
(C) There is potential for a backdraft on interior floors where vertical ventilation is not
possible. Utilize the reach of the hose stream and begin the attack with firefighters as low as
possible. This may require starting from a few steps down the stairs from the entrance.
(D) Do not immediately discharge a hoseline into the fire area when it is accessed. This will
not prevent a backdraft.
(E) Segmental arch floors exposed to fire can spall violently and possibly fail when struck by
water from a hoseline below. Operate the stream directly overhead when fire is rolling on the
underside of a segmental arch floor.
- C
6.1.5 Large fires may require two lines on the fire floor. The second hoseline is usually
stretched by way of the interior stairs to the same floor as the first line for
augmentation. If not needed on the original fire floor it is then advanced to the
floor above. The officer supervising the second hoseline should not advance to
the floor above until assured the first hoseline is making progress and is capable
of handling the fire floor. All hoseline commitment and coordination must be
communicated to all officers in the Fire sector.
6.1.6 For advanced fires a quick knock-down using the engine’s deck pipe will allow
for a rapid interior attack once a hoseline is in position. Outside streams should
be used only as long as necessary to extinguish visible fire. Expect these
buildings to be deep.
Note: The use of large caliber streams (LCS) can only be ordered by the IC.
This includes the first arriving engine officer.
6.1.7 There is the potential for a backdraft on intermediate floors where vertical
ventilation is not possible. Position the hoseline with firefighters to the side of
the entrance to the fire area. Utilize the reach of the hose stream and begin the
attack with firefighters as low as possible. This may require starting from a few
steps down the stairs from the entrance. The hoseline should be immediately
discharged into the fire area when it is accessed. Taking this action before
firefighters and outside air enters a potentially explosive fire area, will allow the
water stream to break-up and cool the ambient air. This should be coordinated
with exterior ventilation.
6.1.8 Segmental arch floors exposed to fire can spall violently and possibly fail when
struck by water from a hoseline below. Use the reach of the stream and do not
operate the stream directly overhead.
20 There are several specific engine company tactics discussed for cellar and sub-cellar fires
in Cast-iron and Mill Loft buildings. Which engine is not operating correctly? (6.2.1)
(A) The first engine company should stretch the initial hoseline via the interior to the fire area.
In a building protected by a sprinkler system servicing the fire area, if staffing and conditions
permit, a supply line shall be stretched to feed this system.
(B) If conditions prevent initial hoseline from advancing down the interior stairs, the first
engine shall notify the IC and remain at this position to prevent upward extension.
(C) In a building protected by a sprinkler system servicing the fire area or adjacent area, if the
first engine has not supplied it, the second engine shall stretch a supply line to feed this system.
The second engine company shall stretch a second hoseline if needed.
(D) The third engine company shall be assisted by the fourth engine company in stretching the
second hoseline. If the first hoseline is unable to advance into the fire area, the second hoseline
may need to gain an alternate access point into the fire area.
- C
- Which engine company must ensure that the sprinkler system servicing the fire area is
supplied at a lower floor fire? (6.2.2)
(A) First engine company
(B) Second engine company
(C) Third engine company
(D) Fourth engine company
- C
- Ladder company operations at Cast-iron and Mill Loft buildings are extensive and require
coordination. The first ladder company is responsible for VES of the fire floor, and the second
ladder company is responsible for VES of the floors above. Of the following, which general
tactic is stated incorrectly? (7.1.2, 7.1.7, 7.1.12, 7.1.16)
(A) Tower ladders should be positioned for the use of their LCS where needed. A position
which also permits the use of an aerial ladder would be ideal.
(B) Large, open floor areas require all ladder companies to carry thermal imaging cameras.
Search ropes are required only for larger lofts.
(C) The ladder company officer on the fire floor should transmit the fire conditions, layout and
all pertinent features to the Incident Commander. Request additional assistance if the
dimensions of the fire floor make it impractical for one ladder company to effectively and safely
operate alone.
(D) Fire-vented windows where wind is blowing the fire back into the fire occupancy may
require the deployment of KO curtain(s) and/or the fire window blanket.
- B
7.1.7 Large, open floor areas require all ladder companies carry search ropes and
thermal imaging cameras.
- Ladder 100 and Ladder 200 arrive at a fire in the cellar of a cast iron loft building. Which
action taken is incorrect? (7.2.1)
(A) The first ladder company attempted to gain access to the cellar via the interior stairs. After
determining that they would be unsuccessful, the officer communicated conditions to the IC and
2nd ladder company, and remained on the 1st floor with the first hoseline.
(B) The second ladder company gained access to the fire area via an adjoining building for the
second hoseline. This was communicated and coordinated with the IC.
(C) `The LCCs assisted in ventilation by opening up sidewalk access points prior to performing
other duties. The 2nd LCC then proceeded to the rear of the building to perform further cellar
ventilation.
(D) The Roof FFs accessed the roof via an adjoining building. Vertical ventilation of the
straight run stairs was coordinated with Inside team and Engine Company officers.
- C
B. Chauffeurs
1. After completion of laddering duties, first arriving ladder company
chauffeurs should assist in ventilation by opening up sidewalk
access points. This should be accomplished while remaining in the
front of the building, immediately available to position or reposition
ladders as needed.
- At a lower floor fire in a Cast-iron or Mill Loft building, who should notify the IC of the
presence of straight run stairs, and who may proceed to the rear to assist the OV FFs as
instructed by their officer? (7.2.2)
(A) First ladder company inside team, 2nd Roof FF
(B) Second ladder company inside team, 1st LCC
(C) First ladder company inside team, 2nd LCC
(D) Second ladder company inside team, 2nd LCC
- D
