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Elevator Operations

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This is a good video on operating a typical elevator. I understand that there are many different types of elevators and different operating methods, but most are very similar to this. You can have different types of keys but the systems should be pretty standard.

Now some of the older elevators can have less options and safety features, so get familiar with the elevators in your jurisdiction. This is something I have seen firefighters struggle with, believe it or not, because they have never had any hands on experience with them.

Get out and use some of these and no how to use them before you have to.

When this pulls up on YouTube, you can subscribe to the creator, dieselducy, and he has additional videos of different elevators. Pretty interesting stuff.

Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on July 9, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, elevators, fire codes, fire service recall, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Cleveland School Fire of 1923

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On May 17th, 1923 in Camden, South Carolina, over 300 people were packed in the Cleveland school.

The Cleveland School circa 1920's

The Cleveland School circa 1920's

They were there for a children’s graduation play that ended in tragedy.  News from the small town would be known all over the country by morning.

The play was a tradition that would be the last that night. It was announced that the school would close after this school year and that these would be the last students to pass through these halls.

The building was a two-story, wooden frame building with the auditorium and stage on the second floor. The key feature of the second floor was a 30 inch staircase which was the only exit from the second floor.

As was customary in those days, oil lamps were burned when night fell.  They hung along the corridor and above the stage.  At approximately 21:00 hours a lamp that was above the stage fell and started a fire on the stage.  There were attempts to put the fire out with coats but the fire spread to the stage curtains.

With the room being filled beyond capacity and the obstacle of chairs, the exiting of people was difficult at best. As people realized that the exit was jammed, they started jumping out of the second story windows and were severely injured.  The room was dark, filled with smoke and getting hotter and more putrid.

CSchool8

As the stair way was full with people stuck on them, they finally gave way from the weight, spilling them to the floor below.  At the same time, the upper floor was also  slipping onto the floor below.

That night 77 people lost their lives at a school event that should have ended with celebration and refreshments.  Instead the community was tasked with finding the bodies of those who did not make it out.

There is a reason we have fire codes and building codes. It also shows the importance of inspections and code enforcement.  Over the years we have made great strides in fire prevention and fire codes.  But, we have to make sure that corridors are free of clutter and that protection systems are in place and maintained.

Stay diligent and keep your community safe before the fire starts.

You can find more on this fire at  http://www.scarboroughgenealogy.com/Cleveland.htm

Pictures are from the same site listed above.

Posted by on May 20, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, fires, historic fires, inspections • Tagged: , , ,

False Exterior Walls

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Do you see anything different here?

Do you see anything different here?

I  was out of town most of this past week for class and noticed this building on the first morning I drove in.

The first morning they had only installed the wall to the “r” in Performing.  The second day I realized that I needed to snap a picture of this to share.

This false wall is about four stories tall and covers the entire length of the building.

What challenges do you see?

What challenges do you see?

As you can see, this wall definately would challenge any rescue efforts were there victims in the windows.

Not only will it hamper rescue efforts, performing ventilation or suppression from this side of the building would be challenging at best.

The frame of the false wall is set off of the building wall at a distance of approximately two feet.  That is just a guess, but operating ground ladders here is almost impossible.

Interior crews would need to know that this side is limited access and egress because of the wall.   It will certainly challenge our strategies and tactics should an incident happen here.

This is one good example of why you need to get out and see your area.  Know what’s going on and get involved.  As a crew you can preplan this building by just parking out front, take a picture or two and go back and have a discussion about how you would operate at this building.

Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on April 3, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, exits, fire codes, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, forceable entry, high rise, situational awareness, ventilation • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Addresses on Inspections

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This is a C-store and filling station with address numbers of 12785.

This is a C-store and filling station with address numbers of 12785.

I was doing inspections the other day and this address was on the list.  Not very exciting and pretty standard stuff.

It is a small convenience store with gas pumps out front.  I found an exit sign with emergency lights dangling from the ceiling and the battery back-up was not working.  Like I said, nothing to note that was out of the ordinary.

Then I look at my list and see the same numerics on another inspection form with a different business name.  This is what I find…..

Same address as the filling station. Same owner.

Same address as the filling station. Same owner.

This building is directly behind the filling station in the above picture.  Both are labeled on the front of both buildings with the identical address.

Now this building was locked and I was not able to get in, but, this view is at the same elevation as the filling station, but behind it the elevation changes so that it is two stories on the back side.

This building houses offices on the main level and storage on the lower level.

Okay, the point is this, pay attention to your inspections.  This is the kind of information you need to pass on.  This is a situation that could turn ugly real quick.

Imagine getting dispatched to this address and finding that the filling station is closed.  Nobody around and the address is prominently displayed on the store.  False call, right?

Well, if we don’t know about that building behind it, even though we see it, we may not associate it with the call because how often are two buildings addressed the same?

Just be aware and alert.  Take these inspections seriously and be thorough.  Don’t be the one says, “Oops.”

Take care and be careful.

Posted by on March 26, 2010 • Filed under: fire codes, fire-prevention-education, inspections • Tagged: , , , , ,

Light Weight Strip Malls

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Light weight construction is everywhere.

Light weight construction is everywhere.

This is a picture of some light weight trusses being set on a commercial building.

As you look at this building you can see that it seems to be a series of stores or spaces in a commercial building. Most likely a strip mall type building.

In the old days, these were block buildings with steel roof components, structurally speaking.  They were fairly sturdy buildings, still not great, but heavier construction.

Now, it is all light weight wood.  No doubt they will put a facade on this building that looks like rock or brick, but it is a house of commercial occupancies.  It is also easy to see how fast a fire in the concealed space will consume those truss members, causing very early failure.

In addition, remember what goes on top of these buildings; HVAC units.

Just be aware of what is in your area. Stop by and look at these buildings.  Make sure they are properly building fire barriers and walls with penetrations fire stopped.

Use your training and common sense when these buildings burn, they are dangerous in today’s fire service.

Take care and stay safe.

Posted by on March 12, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, engineered lumber, fire codes, fire stopping, firefighter-safety-health, i joists, inspections, training-fire-rescue-topics, trusses • Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fire Stopping Pillows

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Pillows for fire stopping?

Pillows for fire stopping?

These are fire stopping pillows.  These, as you can see are used in fire walls/barriers for large openings.

They are typically used with large data trays or pass throughs that require a rated application.

The important thing to remember here is that there can only be spaces of a specific size.  If the spaces left between the pillows and the trays and walls is too large, it will not seal up correctly when heated.

Basically, the way that these pillows work is that when they are heated, they expand (the plastic will melt away) and fill the void.  This maintains the fire rating and prevents fire from spreading and smoke spread is contained.

There are several brands and each has it’s own specific way to apply it. Don’t forget, there must be an UL listing for each application and product to meet the minimum fire rating requirements.  Make the contractor produce this and show you that it is appropriate.

Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on March 10, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire stopping, fire-prevention-education • Tagged: , , , , ,

Who Needs an Extension Cord?

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Really?

This is the type of situation that, if found, needs to be corrected. You might be here on an EMS call, an odor of, or any other non-fire incident. But, the important thing is that you notice it and correct it.

This is pretty extreme, but this is how we stay employed and busy. Be aware and pay attention to those so-called “B.S.” calls. You never know the difference you could make at that particular time.

Thanks again to Captain Jeff Schwering from Crestwood Fire Department. He has found some very interesting things. Thanks Jeff, and keep ‘em coming.

Stay safe out there and be careful.

Posted by on March 3, 2010 • Filed under: electrical, fire codes • Tagged: , , , , ,

Making Sure Beams Fail

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Making beams easier to fail.

Making beams easier to fail.

Look for this in commercial and residential structures.  The way that this beam is pocketed will allow it to fail much faster than normal.

As we all know, these beams support much of the center of the building with floor joists resting on them.

Steel will deform and twist and this beam will meet little, if any, resistance during a fire.  I understand that a pocket of concrete will not keep this beam from dislodging, but it there is a reason for properly pocketing these beams.

Not to mention a small tremor or bump from equipment or remodeling can compromise the stability of the beam.

Just one more thing to keep an eye on when doing inspections, especially during construction.

Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on February 21, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, engineered lumber, fire codes, firefighter-safety-health • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Who Needs Junction Boxes?

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I Don't Know What to Say.

This picture is of junction boxes.  I guess they like these things.

The bad thing is that we don’t know what is inside and what kinds of problems  can come from them.

Just keep your eyes open and take note of this kind of stuff.  These situations do start fires.

Thanks to Captain Jeff Schwering of the Crestwood FD for submitting the photo. It is appreciated and keep ‘em coming.

Posted by on February 19, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, electrical, fire codes • Tagged: , , , , ,

Firestopping Collars

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Fire Stopping Collars

Fire Stopping Collars

I got a lot of interest over the fire stopping sleeve, so, I thought I would show you all this.

These collars are used for pipe penetrations through rated floor/ceiling assemblies.

The material inside the collar is like the fire putty or caulk and will expand when heated.

These typically will be wrapped around PVC or plastic piping. However, you need to make sure that the system meets UL listed requirements for this type of system.

Basically, each type of pipe and size have different listings and uses depending on the rating required. It gets complicated, but you need to ask the contractor to provide the appropriate listing and you need to ensure that the appropriate materials are being used and the rating is met.

These penetrations have to be protected and these collars do that.  It allows penetrations in rated floors and ceilings without compromising safety.

Stay safe and inspect regularly.

Posted by on February 16, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire stopping • Tagged: , , , , ,

Painted Sprinkler Heads

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Painted sprinkler heads will not activate.

Painted sprinkler heads will not activate.

Here is one example of why we should have an inspection program that includes  remodels.

I know that many times it is like pulling teeth to get engine companies out to do inspections.  And in some instances, they are too busy to do them.

But, most places have the time.

This type of head is often seen in residential, assisted living and other facilities that have over night occupants.  They may also be seen in some day cares but are not limited to the above mentioned occupancies.

A painted head will not operate as designed and could limit its effectiveness.  The end result could be the inability of the sprinkler system to control the fire and allow occupants to have more time to escape.

This head will need to be replaced.  The contractor or owner must be made aware that this head must be replaced and all other heads that may look the same.

Stay safe and train hard. Do your inspections, they are important.

Posted by on January 31, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, inspections • Tagged: , , , , ,

Heavy Timber and Open Junction Boxes

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Open junction boxes and some heavy timber.
Open junction boxes and some heavy timber.

 

This picture shows some heavy timber construction in an old shoe factory.  These are about 12-15 foot ceilings.  You just don’t see this kind of construction any more.

Secondly, you can see the open junction boxes with wires hanging out.

This building is still operating mostly as storage. There is not any production anymore, but there are many combustible foams and plastics that are used in shoe soles and rubber mats.

Although the wires aren’t likely to be touched by anyone as high as they are, they could and probably will short or arc from inadequate installation.

Keep these thing in mind when doing your inspections.  Take the time to look at these old buildings and ask about it’s history.  These buildings won’t be around much longer, but, boy did they have some charm.

Take care and stay safe.

Posted by on January 26, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, electrical, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, heavy timber • Tagged: , , , ,

Who Needs Accessible Exits?

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Do the exit doors really need to be able to open?

Do the exit doors really need to be able to open?

This is an example of something that happens frequently.  Store owners or building owners want to protect there merchandise and prohibit unwanted foot traffic in and out of unsupervised areas.

There is almost no way a person scared and almost blind from smoke would be able to exit from this door.

This also makes entry into this door difficult for firefighters. That top slat would be difficult to get to.

A lost firefighter could find the door locked and even remove the lower slat, but the top one may keep him from escaping.

Keep a good look out for these and explain the other options out there that are safer, like panic hardware.

Stay safe and do your inspections.

Posted by on January 25, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, exits, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , ,

The Ingenuity Files

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Nothing like using what you have available.

Nothing like using what you have available.

This is another case of ingenuity getting the best of us.

Although this is creative, it obviously is not appropriate.

I am sure I will get a reply that the outlet is covered and blah, blah blah.

But, come on, a dish soap bottle.  I can respect the creativity, but don’t let a business use this.

This is an electrical fire just waiting to happen.  Do enough inspections and you find some great stuff.

Stay safe and share your thoughts and experiences.

Posted by on January 23, 2010 • Filed under: electrical, fire codes, inspections • Tagged: , , , ,

Vertical Fire Stopping

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Vertical fire stopping is critical for maintaining fire separation.

Vertical fire stopping is critical for maintaining fire separation.

This is a good picture of vertical fire stopping.

These penetrations need to be appropriately fire stopped in order to maintain the fire separation rating of that floor/ceiling assembly.

This is a large space that was fire stopped and the inspector needs to make sure the materials were UL listed and applied correctly.

Many times, especially with caulking, it is only effective for filling a certain size space but will be used in much larger spaces because the contractor did not read the UL listing for application.

There should be no gaps or spaces for heat and smoke to get through.  This kind of material will swell, creating a hard air-tight obstacle for fire and smoke.

Stay safe and fire prevention needs to be everyday.  This stuff is your first step to situational awareness.

Posted by on January 19, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire stopping, fire-prevention-education, inspections • Tagged: , , , ,

Creative Wiring

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A little creativity never hurts!
A little creativity never hurts!

Take a good look at this wiring job. What do you notice? The craftsmanship? The careful notice to detail?  Or the ingenuity of making something out of nothing?

Well, it is creative, but safe, not so much.  I would love to see where the main lines are coming in from.

As you can see, there is no weather head or protection for this main feed.

In addition, it is just out there for everyone to see and touch.

That box is open with contacts visible for someone to just walk by and put a pike pole in.

I’m sure if you look hard enough you will find something I haven’t listed, so feel free to add to the list.

Take care and stay safe.

Posted by on January 15, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, electrical, fire codes, firefighter-safety-health • Tagged: , , , , , ,

Identifying RTU’s From the Interior

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This is a good indicator that there is a roof top unit.
This is a good indicator that there is a roof top unit.

 

 

The last post showed the RTU from the exterior. Most can be identfified that way from the outside or from getting on the roof through a hatch.

But, what if the building is very large and tall?  In some instances the make up of the building doesn’t allow for easy viewing of the roof top.  The return air can be seen going into the RTU possibly indicating that there is additional load on the trusses.

Just be aware of what is above you.  Some of these large buildings will have several of these on the roof just waiting to come crashing down.  Follow the duct work and see where it goes. If you don’t see the full unit, it is likely on the roof.

In addition, look at the roof system.  Who can identify what the added danger is?

When inside, look for this type of situation.

Take care and stay safe.

Posted by on January 15, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, engineered lumber, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, i joists, inspections, training-development, trusses • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

What’s Above You?

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What's Above You?

What’s Above You?

When entering a commercial building you need to  take into consideration that the roof may be carrying a heavy load.

Although the roof systems are designed to handle the added load under normal conditions, when attached by fire, these roof top units will come crashing down.

The time to find out about what’s on the roof is not during the fire, but during inspections and pre-planning visits.  Get familiar with these buildings before it’s dark and smokey.

Stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on January 15, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, engineered lumber, firefighter-safety-health, i joists, inspections, trusses • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

2×4′s for Locks

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Great use of a 2x4!
Great use of a 2×4!

Someone thought its was a good idea to put a 2×4 in the door to keep it locked.

But, it will also do a good job of keeping people in during a fire.

If it is dark and people are panicked, that board could cause some big problems.

The board very easily could prohibit people from getting out in an emergency.  If you see this, look for other types of locks on this door too.  If they are willing to put a board in there, they have also tried other methods of locking people in.

Remove the board and explain why it is dangerous.  Be aware of these types of issues on inspection. It could make a huge difference.

Stay safe and take care.

Posted by on January 14, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, exits, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, inspections, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Lending a Hand?

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This is not good!
This is not good!

This is when getting out in the neighborhood really pays off.  Sure, someone could notify you about this, but it is so much better when you just stumble across something like this.

I don’t know how this was discovered, but some firefighters thought enough of it to snap some photos.

Getting around and looking at your response area is always a good thing. We have found hydrants out of service that we were not notified about, streets that were closed for repairs and new construction that nobody knew about.

This situation is dangerous without being on fire.  Notify your fire marshal, chief and dispatch center to get these two properties flagged.  It is obvious that the building on the left is in trouble. But, if we have to respond to the sturdy property on the right, the one on the left could still cause us problems.

Be aware and know your response area.  Be careful out there.

Posted by on January 13, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, fire codes, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, inspections, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Long Way Down

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That's a long way down.

That's a long way down.

These rear exits are a good ways off of the ground.  People trying to make an attempt to exit through these rear exits will find themselves making a huge leap.

This is an issue that should have been addressed during the plan review stage and emphasizes why doing plan reviews are so important.

I would venture to guess that the original plans called for stairs and they just never got put in.

This creates a dangerous situation for those that might have to evacuate this building to the rear. Not only is it a long way down, jumping may cause a person to lose his/her balance and roll right into that water.

If you do plan reviews, make sure you inspect all the way through the project. Don’t let contractors get by with promising to put something like these stairs in before they officially open.  Make sure all safety components are installed and in service prior to issuing an occupancy permit.

Stay safe and do those inspections.

Posted by on January 13, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, exits, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, inspections • Tagged: , , , , , ,

If It Keeps Tripping, Just Tie it Down

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Ingenuity never killed anybody right?

Ingenuity never killed anybody right?

Who can identify what is wrong here?  It should be pretty obvious and this is one reason we need to look at the panel boxes when we do our inspections.

First, there is not 36 inches of clear working space. But, that is not the kicker.

The great thing here is that the person must have gotten tired of tripping the breaker so he just tied it “Open.”

I have to admit, I haven’t seen this one before, but, you just never know what you will find out there.

This will definately cause an over load and could easily cause a fire. If the breaker is tripping then something is wrong to begin with.

Be diligent and remember the small things count. Check those panel boxes.

Stay safe, train hard.

Posted by on January 12, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, firefighter-safety-health, inspections • Tagged: , , , , ,

Bulging Walls

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The integrity of this building is already compromised.
The integrity of this building is already compromised.

This is the type of thing you would want to note on an inspection or pre-plan.

If you had a working fire inside this building, getting a view from all sides would be important to find something like this.

This is telling you that this building is already under stress and if attacked by fire it could fail faster than expected.

You might notice smoke pushing from this or even fire. The important thing is to keep it in mind if crews are working inside or even on the exterior.

Just another example of the need to keep your eyes open on inspections, pre-planning visits and on the workers.

The photo was found at brotherhood trainings website. Check them out at http://brotherhoodinstructors.com

As always, stay safe and be careful.

Posted by on January 12, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, inspections, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: , , , ,

Fire Stopping Penetrations Part 1

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What's Good for One is Good for the Other.

What's Good for One is Good for the Other.

This is a great picture of how fire stopping is done.

As you can see, one penetration has been fire caulked while the one right next to it has  not been.

Many times each subcontractor will be responsible for doing his own fire stopping.  This at times will get confusion for some generals as to who has done what.

On other occasions, this may be an existing building that a new utility was added to and nobody bothered to do any fire stopping.

When accepting fire stopping make sure that the product and the application are compatible with the proper UL listing.  Each manufacturer has different products and applications, but they need to meet the appropriate UL listing.

In addition, depending on what type of occupancy this is, those wires may need to  be plenum rated.  Ask for specifications and ensure that the materials being used are appropriate.

Stay safe and I will be posting more on fire stopping.  It is crucial in keeping fire travel to a minimum.

Posted by on January 12, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire stopping, fire-prevention-education, fires, training-development • Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Who Wired This?

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Wow, where did the panel go?
Wow, where did the panel go?

You never know what you’ll find when on an inspection.  This is an example of some really bad wiring.

These things can get missed if you don’t check all areas of the building.

This is something you may have to require immediate action on.  This is definately an electrical fire waiting to happen.

Check the small spaces and hidden closets, just be brave, you never know what is lurking in there.

Posted by on January 10, 2010 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: , , , , , ,