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Storage in the Stairs

We know the importance of inspections and identifying hazards in the buildings that we serve and respond to. This is just a simple reminder of one hazard that depending on it's location in the building, can be missed.

Combustible storage under stairs or in the stairwell can cause some serious problems. Even in sprinklered buildings this is a hazard.

The pictures you seeshows a pile of combustible storage in the stairwell and under the stairs in a hotel. You can also see that this is in the means of egress area next to the exit door.

Smoke from a fire from these combustible materials can make the use of the stairwell almost impossible and access for firefighters difficult. Occupants are expected to use the stairs during a fire and a large mass of people filling a smoke filled stairwell is disastrous.

This building also is equipped with standpipes in the stairwells, so making that connection would be difficult for fire crews trying to make the connection.

Keep an eye on your buildings and explain this situations to your crews to impress the importance of inspections and mitigating these hazards before they become problems.

Train hard and stay safe.

Jason

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Posted by dc802 on June 25, 2011 • Filed under: administration-leadership, command-leadership, fire codes, fire sprinklers, fire-prevention-education, fires, high rise, inspections, situational awareness, size up, training-development • Tagged: building inspections, combustible storage, fire codes, fire inspections, standpipes

What’s Behind the Rack?

Can you identify the problem here?

During a recent visit to one of those large home improvement stores, I noticed this.

Although this is probably not that uncommon, it is something that could be very difficult to find out in a smokey envrionment.

This is another reason for getting familiar with your area and the buildings that you protect.

I was visiting as a patron, so I didn’t look around at the entire store, but I am sure there are other issues that I could have found.

Accessing this stand pipe is almost impossible and these systems aren’t always that reliable and shouldn’t be your sole suppression plan. They don’t get maintained and are rarely, if ever flushed and tested.

A tight fit!

But, that doesn’t excuse the blocking of this protection system. One way to find these standpipes is to look for their risers. These stores will typically have two of these at each end of the store.

Notice the riser running behind the rack.?

Have a plan for these large area stores. Know the building and it’s systems so that you aren’t caught off guard.

Preplan these buildings. Know what line your going to pull before you arrive and know the different access points for entry. The front door may not be your best option.

Stay diligent and be safe.

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Posted by dc802 on September 22, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire sprinklers, fire-rescue-topics, firefighting-operations, situational awareness, training-development, training-fire-rescue-topics • Tagged: fire inspections, inspections, large area buildings, risers, standpipe, standpipe systems, standpipes

Standpipe or Not?

Not typical for stairway standpipes

We were recently going through a large senior residential occupancy. This occupancy has 7 wings and several different stairwells.

Not all of the stairwells have standpipes in them. Most were typical connections with a valve and 2 1/2 inch connection. As you can see in this picture, this one was not a typical seen in a stairwell.

At the left of riser you can see the standpipe connection. They basically put the sprinkler room in the stairwell.

If you weren’t familiar with this, a person might just start turning valves or just think that there is not a standpipe connection at all.

The point here is that not all standpipe connections are created the same. Nor are all sprinkler rooms in a closet.

Get to know your buildings and the systems that operate in them. You never know when you will need to use them.

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Posted by dc802 on August 10, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire sprinklers, firefighter-safety-health, inspections, situational awareness • Tagged: building codes, building inspections, fire codes, fire inspections, sprinklers, stairs, stairwells, standpipe systems, standpipes

Cleveland School Fire of 1923

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.

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.

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Posted by dc802 on May 20, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, fires, historic fires, inspections • Tagged: building codes, building inspsections, fire codes, fire inspections

False Exterior Walls

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.

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Posted by dc802 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: building characteristics, building codes, building construction, building inspsections, company training, false wall, fire codes, fire inspections, fire training, rescue efforst, situational awareness, strategies, tactics

Addresses on Inspections

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.

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Posted by dc802 on March 26, 2010 • Filed under: fire codes, fire-prevention-education, inspections • Tagged: addresses, building codes, building inspsections, company training, fire codes, fire inspections

Light Fixtures?

This photo shows what is supposed to be a light fixture. Now, this is likely in a residential building, like a house, but it is still something that will cause a fire.

Now, let’s say that you get a call for an “odor of” or something similar that makes you check the attic. You pop open the hatch and here you have this.

Depending on your jurisdiction, what do you do? What leverage, if any, do have to correct this right away? It is a tough spot for us as firefighters and company officers.

Let us know how you would handle this and what actions you would take to correct this to the best of your level of responsibility.

Stay safe and be careful.

Thanks again to Captain Jeff Schwering from St. Louis County. Great stuff.

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Posted by dc802 on March 18, 2010 • Filed under: fire codes, fire-prevention-education, inspections, training-development • Tagged: building codes, electrical, electrical fire, electrical problems, fire codes, fire inspections, light fixture

Light Weight Strip Malls

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.

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Posted by dc802 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: building codes, building construction, building inspsections, fire codes, fire inspections, firefighter safety, light weight construction, light weight trusses, roof operations, situational awareness, strip mall, trusses

Fire Stopping Pillows

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.

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Posted by dc802 on March 10, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire stopping, fire-prevention-education • Tagged: building codes, building inspsections, fire codes, fire inspections, fire stopping, fire stopping pillows

Who Needs an Extension Cord?

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.

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Posted by dc802 on March 3, 2010 • Filed under: electrical, fire codes • Tagged: building codes, building inspsections, electrical, electrical fire, fire codes, fire inspections

More Fire Stopping–Puddy

Penetrations through a rated floor.

Penetrations through a rated floor.

This is a good example of penetrations in a rated floor assembly. This looks like data cable and there are three collars.

What is important here is that the installation is done appropriately and per manufactures recommendations.

You also have to make sure it meets the required UL system that applies for this specific situation.

Notice how the cables are very close, maybe touching the side of the collar? Depending on the UL system and the type of material, you may be creating a void for smoke and fire to travel through.

If the fire puddy or caulk is not completely around the cables or conduit, when the puddy/caulk is heated and expands, there will be a void on the side that the cable or conduit is touching the side of the pipe or sleeve.

Just make sure you look at the UL system and the product recommendations so that you know what it can and cannot do. If it isn’t done correctly, smoke and fire can spread. Don’t be afraid to make a contractor dig all that out and do it right.

Check it out and be careful.

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Posted by dc802 on February 25, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, inspections • Tagged: building codes, fire caulk, fire codes, fire inspections, fire penetrations, fire protection, fire puddy, fire stopping, fire walls, penetrations, rated floors

Making Sure Beams Fail

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.

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Posted by dc802 on February 21, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, engineered lumber, fire codes, firefighter-safety-health • Tagged: beams, building codes, building construction, building inspsections, fire codes, fire inspections, steel, steel beams

Who Needs Junction Boxes?

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.

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Posted by dc802 on February 19, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, electrical, fire codes • Tagged: building inspsections, electrical, electrical fire, electrical problems, fire codes, fire inspections

Firestopping Collars

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.

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Posted by dc802 on February 16, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire stopping • Tagged: building codes, building inspsections, fire codes, fire inspections, fire stopping, fire stopping collars

Making I-joists More Dangerous

: Like they aren’t dangerous enough?

This is a look at an altered and inappropriately installed engineered i-joist. This happens a lot when pieces don’t fit or changes are made to the original design.

This is a weak spot in this floor and will sag. It will fail much faster if contacted with fire.

I know many don’t do residential inspections, but, if you do, this is something to watch for. In addition, just understand that this type of work is out there.

Be careful and be aware. Stay safe.

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Posted by dc802 on February 10, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, engineered lumber, firefighter-safety-health, i joists, inspections • Tagged: building construction, company training, fire inspections, i joists

Company Discussion: Vacant Buildings Cont.

I am back and will continue the discussion on vacant buildings.

First, I appoligize for not posting all weekend, I was at Missouri Winter Fire School teaching. It was a great weekend and everyone was pleasant and eager to learn.

When I left, I had posted a picture and gave a scenario of a vacant building. Vacant buildings and how we approach them is a hot topic right now. We have some chiefs and firefighters arguing that we need to write-off all vacant buildings.

On the otherhand, we have firefighters and some officers that argue that we should search all buildings that are on fire because that was what we were sworn to do. I understand both points.

While teaching this weekend this topic was brought up and the very vocal crowd, and the majority immediately said, “Let ‘em burn.” Their setement was that we should not be entering these buildings because they are “vacant.”

I then asked the question, “Are all vacant buildings decrepit and delapidated?” The answer is absolutely not. Many vacant buildings are just that; not occupied. It doesn’t mean that they are falling down and structurally unsound.

I pose this scenario. If a couple leaves their winter home for five months out of the year for warmer weather, is that building abandoned? Most said , “no.” Would the “let it burn” montra apply in that situation and why or why not? Well, most said no it would not apply.

Listen, I am not sure why this is so difficult. In a way I do because I understand the history of some very famous LODD that have happen in abandoned buildings. But, at the same time, we are seeing and hearing reports of homeless and vagrants being rescued and found in these vacant buildings.

So, what do we do? Here is what I am suggesting and you are free to disagree. If we use the same risk management system and the risk vs. benefit anaylysis, this becomes less of an issue. If your first arriving units are adequately trained, confident in their decision making abilities and familiar with their area, they perform like they would at any other building.

Just because a building is occupied does not make it inherently safe if it is on fire. The same is true for vacant buildings; just because it is vacant does not make inherently dangerous just because it is vacant. It also doesn’t mean it isn’t occupied.

Do your size up, get three sides when you pull up. Get your 360 and make an evaluation of conditions inside and those of the building. If conditions are poor and survivability is not possible, don’t put your people at risk.

If the structure appears to be sound, the fire conditions are condusive for an aggressive search and attack, then it should be done. The same rules apply for occupied structures. You may take more risk for an occupied structure if you don’t konw that all occupants are out. But, you still will measure conditions and survivability, especially if you have confirmation everyone is out. Use the same judgment and experience with vacant buildings.

The bottom line is that properly trained firefighters and company officers will make the right decision. IF they don’t, adequately trained and experienced chief officers need to make sure the correct decision is made and the proper battle plan is followed.

Use your head and don’t let your ego and emotions rule your actions. It could get you and your crew killed. Take your time to call on good practices and experience to see the overall picture.

Until next time, stay safe and be careful.

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Posted by dc802 on February 7, 2010 • Filed under: administration-leadership, buildling construction, command-leadership, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health • Tagged: building construction, fire fighters, fire inspections, fire training, firefighter safety, preplanning, situational awareness, vacant building fires

Painted Sprinkler Heads

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.

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Posted by dc802 on January 31, 2010 • Filed under: command-leadership, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, inspections • Tagged: building inspsections, fire codes, fire inspections, inspections, painted sprinkler heads, sprinkler systems

Bare Wires and Styrofoam

Bare Wires Encased in Foam!

Bare Wires Encased in Foam!

This picture shows how someone used Styrofoam as a junction box.

If you look at the wires real close, you see that some have a great deal of copper showing.

Just imagine these bare wires getting hot and then heating that “junction box.”

Look for these unique ways of wiring on your inspections. Sometimes it takes a keen eye.

We would love to see some of the things you find. Send them to sfpdfm@fidmail.com

Keep an eye out for this stuff and make them correct it.

Stay safe and fight the good fight.

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Posted by dc802 on January 29, 2010 • Filed under: fire codes, fire-prevention-education, inspections • Tagged: building codes, electrical, electrical fire, electrical problems, fire codes, fire inspections

The Ingenuity Files

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.

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Posted by dc802 on January 23, 2010 • Filed under: electrical, fire codes, inspections • Tagged: building inspsections, electrical, electrical fire, fire codes, fire inspections

Burnt Breakers

Check the panel boxes, you never know what you will find.

Check the panel boxes, you never know what you will find.

Take a look inside the breaker boxes if you get a chance. Especially if something seems “not right.”

These two breakers are melted and still have wires connected. In certain instances they will fail and be overloaded and instead of being removed, get left on the bar.

These are no longer on the bar, but we need to know what, if anything, is powering whatever was connected to these breakers.

Just be aware that if a panel box looks bad, you may need to look a little harder and take off the panel cover.

Be careful and stay safe out there.

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Posted by dc802 on January 22, 2010 • Filed under: electrical, fire codes, fire-prevention-education, inspections • Tagged: breaker box, building codes, electric, electrical, electrical fire, fire codes, fire inspections, fire training, melted breakers

Vertical Fire Stopping

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.

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Posted by dc802 on January 19, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, fire codes, fire stopping, fire-prevention-education, inspections • Tagged: building codes, building construction, building inspsections, fire codes, fire inspections

Multiple Story I-Joists Floors

I-joists are everywhere!

I-joists are everywhere!

This is a picture of a multiple story house being built with engineered i-joists.

We have posted, and probably will continue to do so, pictures of these i-joist on the main level. Those pictures have been associated with text that tells of firefighters falling into basements.

Just remember that when you go to the second floor to search with fire below you, that second or third story floor is made of these i-joists. You have to be just as diligent above the main floor as you are on it.

The use of TIC’s are appropriate and should be used, but not solely depended on. Have good situational awareness and try to coordinate all searches with suppression and ventilation.

Be careful and don’t get complacent.

Thanks again for checking us out, stay safe.

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Posted by dc802 on January 18, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, engineered lumber, fire codes, fire-rescue-topics, firefighter-safety-health, i joists, trusses • Tagged: building codes, building construction, fire codes, fire inspections, fire training, i joists, situational awareness

Accidental Green Roof

: This is not supposed to be a green roof.

We have posted pictures of “green” roofs and construction and I thought this was a great picture.

This is not a purposeful “green” roof. This is just a lack of maintenance on the homeowners part.

But, this can cause you some trouble if you get out on this roof, especially if it is wet.

Use those roof ladders. I know it takes a little time, but, it is worth it to keep from slipping on something like this and hitting the ground.

Try to get a good survey of the roof before you get on it. Be careful and use common sense.

Stay safe and be careful.

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Posted by dc802 on January 17, 2010 • Filed under: Uncategorized • Tagged: building codes, building construction, fire inspections, green codes, green construction, roof operations, roof venting, situational awareness, vent the roof

Creative Wiring

: 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.

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Posted by dc802 on January 15, 2010 • Filed under: buildling construction, electrical, fire codes, firefighter-safety-health • Tagged: building codes, building construction, building inspsections, electrical, electrical problems, fire inspections, situational awareness

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