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Identifying RTU’s From the Interior

: 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.

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Posted by dc802 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: building codes, building construction, building inspsections, fire codes, fire inspections, inspections, preplanning, roof operations, situational awareness

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.

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Posted by dc802 on January 15, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, engineered lumber, firefighter-safety-health, i joists, inspections, trusses • Tagged: building codes, building construction, building inspsections, fire codes, fire inspections, fire training, inspections, preplanning, roof operations

Thomas Hotel Fire, 1961

: Photo of the Thomas Hotel

At least 38 were injure and 20 dead after a fire started in the room of a tenant on Jan. 6, 1961. The fire was originally to have been extinguished, but it proved to be a mistake.

There were approximately 150 occupants in the Hotel at the time of the fire and many had jump from upper story windows to escape the fire and smoke.

When the mattress first caught fire from careless smoking, the tenant and a neighbor thought they had put it out. By not calling the fire department, the mattress was not removed from the room and building and it re-lit later on.

The fire marshal at the time, Albert Hayes, stated in the newspapers that the rapid spread of smoke and fire was caused by doors being left open. He began a push to require changes in the building and fire codes to mandate all stairways and corridors to be protected with fire resistant doors.

Another example of a fire claiming lives that could have been prevented. IF they would have called the fire department, which had automatic alarms been installed may have happen, the mattress would likely have been removed.

IF the door to the stairs would have been closed and rated, the smoke and fire spread would not have been as fast and widespread as it was.

Fire codes make a difference. Be thorough and enforce them. It takes only a small event to cause a catastrophy.

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Posted by dc802 on January 14, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire stopping, historic fires, inspections • Tagged: building codes, building construction, exit access, fire codes, fire inspections, historic fires, hotel fire

2×4′s for Locks

: 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.

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Posted by dc802 on January 14, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, exits, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, inspections, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: building codes, building construction, building inspsections, exit, exit access, fire codes, fire fighters, fire inspections, inspections

Long Way Down

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.

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Posted by dc802 on January 13, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, exits, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, inspections • Tagged: building codes, building inspsections, exit access, fire codes, fire inspections, fire training, inspections

If It Keeps Tripping, Just Tie it Down

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.

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Posted by dc802 on January 12, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, firefighter-safety-health, inspections • Tagged: building codes, building inspsections, electrical fires, electrical problems, fire codes, fire inspections

Fire Stopping Penetrations Part 1

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.

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Posted by dc802 on January 12, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire stopping, fire-prevention-education, fires, training-development • Tagged: building codes, building construction, building inspsections, fire codes, fire inspections, fire stopping, fire training, inspections, penetrations

Who Wired This?

: 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.

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Posted by dc802 on January 10, 2010 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: building codes, building inspsections, electrical, electrical fire, fire codes, fire inspections, inspections

Trip to the Hardware Store

How are we supposed to get out?!

How are we supposed to get out?!

Even if it wasn't blocked, this exit is locked with a padlock.

Even if it wasn't blocked, this exit is locked with a padlock.

While at the hardware store the other day, I noticed the condition of this means of egress door.

It is blocked with a display case. As you can see from the photo, the panic hardware is not accessible and can barely be seen.

A closer look shows that even if the exit was accessible and did not have the display case in front of it, it is locked.]

There is a slide bolt that is padlocked on the exit door. So, even if it wasn’t blocked, you would never get out.

A firefighter that might be lost and was following a wall looking for doors and windows could come across this door and still not be able to escape.

These are the things that we need to bring to the attention of the business owners. Typically, once they understand why the door needs to be accessible and not bolted, they remedy the issue.

Be diligent and do inspections. These issues could mean the difference in people getting out of a fire or emergency. It could also mean the difference in how a Mayday is resolved.

Stay safe and be careful out there.

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Posted by dc802 on January 10, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, inspections, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: building codes, building inspsections, company training, exit doors, fire codes, fire inspections, inspections, preplanning

Who Can Say “Pack Rat”?

: Fire codes, ehhh, who needs them?

This is an interesting picture. How many inspections have you been on where a room was so full of stuff that you couldn’t get in to look around.

That may be what happened here. A hoarder comes to mind too.

I also like that “everybody” wants to see what is going on. I can just see this fire getting going and starting to work it’s way out of that room with smoke and gases filling that corridor.

This is an extreme example of why we need to do inspections and enforce fire codes, but it is a good illustration of how bad it could get if we don’t do our job in regards to prevention.

Stay safe and be careful. Stay warm too, it’s a balmy -1 this morning in Missouri.

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Posted by dc802 on January 9, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, inspections • Tagged: building codes, building inspsections, exit access, fire codes, fire inspections, preplanning

Is It Real? Or Is It Something Worse?

: Would you be able to tell that these tiles were solar panels or not?

Here is a picture of a roof with slate tiles for the roof covering. Nothing really to note here, right?

Looks like an area had been repaired or replaced but is still the same slate tile, right?

The slight color difference is probably from being newly installed or repaired. But, would it look any different at night? In the rain? How about snow covered?

The truth is, those different colored panels are solar tiles for solar enegry. Yes, they are energized and could cover an entire roof. If your wondaring, yes, they come in different colors too.

These solar panels aren’t that new to building contruction, but they always stuck out like a sore thumb. Now, with new technology, companies are able to make these panels “blend in” and look very much like the rest of the house and roof.

If you pulled up on one of these houses would you know how to operate safely on this roof?

What is the primary concern with these types of roofs?

Post your experiences and/or ideas about this new challenge that we will all someday see.

Stay safe and be careful out there. Train hard and often.

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Posted by dc802 on January 8, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-prevention-education, fires, green construction, i joists, inspections, trusses • Tagged: building codes, building construction, building inspsections, fire codes, fire training, green codes, green construction, roof operations, roof venting, situational awareness

Green Construction-A Different Spin

: A burning building produces a lot of nasty stuff that contributes to poor air quality.

As I was searching for more information on green construction and fire supression tactics associated with that constrution, I came across this article.

This is a very informative article that touches on how the new Green Code can and will affect the fire service and fire protection systems. It doesn’t really cover tactics in dealing with fires in these buildings, but there is some really valuable information provided.

There is a link to another site that speaks on some of the suppression issues involved with green construction. It discusses the role that fire sprinklers have had in reducing greenhouse gases associated with building fires and the reduction in materials needed to rebuild after a fire. Again, not a lot on tactical considerations for firefighting, but interesting stuff none the less. The link is at http://www.green-fire.org/

Take a look and let us know what you think about this. I found it to be very interesting and speaks on issues that I had not considered before. I will keep looking for more information and posting when I find it, on green construction.

Take care and stay safe.

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Posted by dc802 on January 8, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fires, green construction, inspections, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: building codes, building construction, fire codes, green codes, green construction, situational awareness

TV vs. Emergency Lights

Let's put the TV here, we don't really need these anyway.

Let's put the TV here, we don't really need these anyway.

You may have to look hard and wide to find the emergency systems during your inspections.

This occupancy decided that the television was more important than the emergency lighting.

Things will get pushed in front of fire extinguishers, fire alarm pull stations and of course exits. If the place is pretty junked up, take some extra time to find these items and ensure that they are freed from obstacles.

Be safe and stay warm out there, most of are freezing.

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Posted by dc802 on January 8, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, inspections • Tagged: building codes, building inspsections, company training, exit, fire codes, fire training

Obstructed FDC

Candy wrapper, one of many items that can be foun inside your sprinkler/standpipe connections.

Candy wrapper, one of many items that can be foun inside your sprinkler/standpipe connections.

Many jurisdictions have adopted ordinances that require locking caps on FDCs which greatly reduces the probability of tampering. Otherwise, ask the property owners to frequently check these connections.

Things such as rocks, bottles, balls and anything else that will fit in them have been found. These objects will limit water flow and reduce the effectiveness if not make it non-functional for fire protection.

Stay safe and make sure to know where these are during your inspections and pre-planning.

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Posted by dc802 on January 6, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, inspections, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: building codes, building construction, building inspsections, FDC sprinkler connection, fire codes, fire inspections

Lunch Break Table

We would like a table by the exit!

We would like a table by the exit!

We would like a table by the exit!

This happens on a regular basis in many establishments in order to increase the number of seating. Although most would think that this is a minimal obstacle, when people are in a panic and are rushing to get out, this little table and two chairs become a serious problem.

This situation has to be corrected to make this exit accessible. There has to be a clear path of travel to this door to make the exit effective.

Another obstacle that you might see like this is a trash can or large potted plants. They all have to be moved.

Remember, this may be your only way out while fighting a fire and you could easily get entangled in these obstacles as well. Pay attention and be careful.

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Posted by dc802 on January 3, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, inspections • Tagged: building codes, building inspsections, exit, exit access, exit aisle, fire codes, fire inspections

Importance of Exits

Importance of exits

Importance of exits

We can see that the signs on the doors must not be in the language of the owners of this store.

Normal, everyday citizens and store owners don’t understand the importance of these exit doors. They don’t understand that this is how people will get out safely if something bad happens in there, like a fire.

I know a great deal of firefighters that do not like doing inspections and some departments just flat out don’t do them. This is a perfect example of why we need to do company inspections.

Inspecting and requiring corrections like the removal of these obstructions is part of our job to serve and protect. No, it’s not making a good grab in a smoked up house fire, but it is just as important and could save more lives than you might think.

Take inspections seriously and get out and do them. Stay safe and keep your citizens safe.

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Posted by dc802 on January 3, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, buildling construction, command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, inspections • Tagged: building codes, building inspsections, exit access, fire codes, fire inspections

Exit Access

Could this be bad?

Could this be bad?

If a large group of people were using the stairs to exit this building, this cart would no doubt have a profound affect on their ability to escape. This would easily cause bodies to be stacked up on each other and the numbers injured and killed would likely be from crush injuries and not smoke or flame.

It is important to look not only at the exit doors, but where they lead to. These paths of egress may join other egress corridors or discharges that are not the primary egress path of travel. Be particular and stubborn with these exit accesses, it could be all the difference in the world. Stay safe and warm, it’s cold in Missouri today.

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Posted by dc802 on January 1, 2010 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: building codes, building inspsections, exit, exit access, fire codes, fire inspections, stair discharge, stairs

Roosevelt Hotel Fire 1963

Roosevelt Hotel

Roosevelt Hotel

The ballroom held many events and this night hosted a paThe fire started in the ballroom and was said to have started from a discarded cigarrette but it actually began in the ceiling from faulty wiring.rty after the Gator Bowl. This hotel was one of only two luxury hotels in Jacksonville, FL at the time.

The first calls came in at about 0700 to the Jacksonville Fire Department and smoke was already traveling throughout the 13 story building with people hanging out windows and some actually used bedsheets to climb to safety.

Helicopters were flown in and some patrons were removed from the roof. It has been estimated that 475 people were rescued that night, but 21 hotel guests died in their beds, believed to have been from carbon monoxide poisioning and the assistant chief, J.R. Romedy collapsed during the initial rescue efforts from a heart attack and died at the scene.

Where the fire started, in the ceiling of the ballroom, was scrutinized because the ceiling was deemed a fire hazard due to the finish. When the ceiling was replaced, it wasn’t replaced, just covered by the new ceiling. The fire hazard was still there but not visible.

This fire shows us that we must be diligent in inspecting the projects in our jurisdiction. If inspectors had noticed the old ceiling being covered instead of removed, this might not have happen. This is one reason permits and inspections are so important. Learn the lessons from the past by reading and studying them, not by reliving them. Stay safe.

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Posted by dc802 on December 29, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, fires, rescues • Tagged: building codes, building inspsections, fire codes, inspections

More PIV’s

These PIVs are on the same property. There is only one system in the building but there are two PIVS and two hydrants.

The owner cannot tell us if the building had different systems. My suspicion is that one building is older, which we know, and had a separate system. The other system was built later and added on to. We do know that both are open and they get tested annually for inspection.

However, be aware of these on other properties. It very well may mean that there are two systems at work.

You need to make sure which on is which and that they are both OPEN. Just a note, the FDC you see in the first picture is the only one on site. There is not an FDC at the the other PIV and hydrant and as you can see, the other PIV is behind a fence along with the hydrant that is near it. Have a great day.

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Posted by dc802 on December 29, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, firefighting-operations, training-development • Tagged: FDC sprinkler connection, fire codes, PIV

Remember the PIV?

Remember when doing inspections to check out the fire department connection. We all do that pretty well for the most part, making sure that nothing is blocking it and noting where it is for tactical reasons. However, I have seen crews miss checking the Post Indicator Valve when checking the FDC/Sprinkler System. It is just as important.

The biggest reason this is missed is because they are usually a little ways from the building and are not right next to the FDC, but it they are not checked and are SHUT, it could have grave circumstances if there is a fire.

These PIV control the water to the system. They should always be open and the window on the PIV will read OPEN or SHUT. Look around, usually these are on large industrial complexes and some high rise buildings.

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Posted by dc802 on December 29, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: building construction, building inspsections, FDC sprinkler connection, fire codes, fire inspections, PIV, sprinkler system

Woe the Shopping Carts

With the holidays over, so to speak, the big sales days are upon us now. You might want to check on your big stores to make sure things are in order.

As we can see here, the shopping carts have taken precedent over the people inside for access to the exit. This happens a great deal at these stores.

Most of the time the manager has no clue that this is happening and when told is pretty quick to remedy the problem. Don’t leave it this way, mention it and get it taken care of. As we say in the last post, watch the back and sides of the building for extra storage containers blocking exterior exit doors. Stay safe and be careful.

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Posted by dc802 on December 28, 2009 • Filed under: administration-leadership, fire-prevention-education, firefighter-safety-health, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics, Uncategorized • Tagged: building construction, building inspsections, fire codes, fire department, fire inspections

Inspections

As you can see, this is a huge obstacle for those wanting to get out of that door. I have had companies do inspections and when I asked about the exterior, especially the rear of the building, I would get blank stares.

It is important to check out the exterior in particular where the exit discharge is. These areas should be level, lit and clear of obstacles.

An engine company could inpsect the interior of this building and never notice this unless they do a 360 of the building. This is another time when your tactics are the same for fire suppression as they are for prevention. As I have said before, inspections and prevention are the first steps to situational awareness. Stay safe and be careful.

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Posted by dc802 on December 27, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: building construction, building inspsections, fire codes, fire inspections, inspections, situational awareness

Inspecting Exits and Exit Aisles

You can see the problem here, right? This is a common problem in warehouses, mercantile stores and the “big box” stores, especially the large do-it-yourself stores. We have to make sure that these lanes are not ‘permanently’ blocked. The exception is if they are using the lift to move merchandise to or from high shelves, in that case, the aisle is temporarily blocked for the consumer’s protection. We just need to make sure that the staff understands the importance of opening it up as soon as possible. Keep safe out there and be diligent in doing these inspections. Remember, they are as much for you, the firefighter, as much as the patron.

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Posted by dc802 on December 26, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, firefighting-operations, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: company training, exit, exit aisle, fire codes, fire fighters, fire inspections

Tragedy 85 Years Ago

On this day in 1924, children and their parents were gathered in the Babbs Switch School for a visit from Santa Clause. It would end up being a tragic Christmas story and a reason for inspections and codes. The school had been recently painted with terpintine used for paint thinner. After windstorms had damaged the building, it was restored and repaired and metal mesh was placed over the windows to protect them.

The program and gathering took place in a small building of approximately 1200 square feet and people were standing against the walls and in the aisles. Santa started to hand out presents from under the tree which had lit candles on it for decoration. Santa’s suit had cotton trim on it and was lit after bumping into the tree and lit candles.

A panic started and the tree was knocked over, which was a real tree, and the fire grew quickly. As people attempted to exit, many were not able to escape because the door opened to the inside instead of out. This allowed only one side of the building to easisly exit, trapping those on the other side of the room. A total of 36 people died from the fire and many others injured from burns.

This is another reminder of where fire and building codes have come and that we must monitor and inspect these occupancies to ensure that all safety requirements are met. Stay safe and be careful.

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Posted by dc802 on December 24, 2009 • Filed under: fire-prevention-education, firefighting-operations, major-incidents, mass-casualty-incident, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: building construction, building inspsections, christmas tree fire, fire codes, fire inspections, fire training, school fires

More On Engineered Lumber

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nc-IZhpIYwk]

I know this is older but is worth mentioning and showing again. Be careful out there and take time to look for basements. Stay safe.

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Posted by dc802 on December 23, 2009 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire-prevention-education, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, line-of-duty, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: building construction, building inspsections, fire codes, fire pictures, fire training, firefighter

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