Essentials of Fire Fighting, 5th Edition Chapter 17 Loss

1

• Essentials of Fire Fighting,
• 5th Edition

Chapter 17 Loss Control Firefighter I
2
Chapter 17 Lesson Goal

• After completing this lesson, the student shall
  be able to perform loss control operations
  following the policies and procedures set forth
  by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

3
Specific Objectives

• 1. Explain the philosophy of loss control.
• 2. Discuss planning and procedures for salvage
  operations.
• 3. Describe salvage covers, salvage cover
  maintenance, and equipment used in salvage
  operations.

(Continued)
4
Specific Objectives

• 4. Summarize basic principles of salvage cover
  deployment.
• 5. Summarize methods used to catch and route
  water from fire fighting operations and cover
  openings using salvage.
• 6. Discuss overhaul operations.

(Continued)
5
Specific Objectives

• 7. Describe tools and equipment used in
  overhaul.
• 8. Discuss fire safety during overhaul.
• 9. Discuss locating hidden fires.
• 10. Summarize the overhaul process.

(Continued)
6
Specific Objectives

• 11. Clean, inspect, and repair a salvage cover.
  (Skill Sheet 17-I-1)
• 12. Roll a salvage cover for a one-firefighter
  spread. (Skill Sheet 17-I-2)
• 13. Spread a rolled salvage cover
  One-firefighter method. (Skill Sheet 17-I-3)

(Continued)
7
Specific Objectives

• 14. Fold a salvage cover for a one-firefighter
  spread. (Skill Sheet 17-I-4)
• 15. Spread a folded salvage cover
  One-firefighter method. (Skill Sheet 17-I-5)
• 16. Fold a salvage cover for a two-firefighter
  spread. (Skill Sheet 17-I-6)

(Continued)
8
Specific Objectives

• 17. Spread a folded salvage cover
  Two-firefighter balloon throw. (Skill Sheet
  17-I-7)
• 18. Construct a water chute without pike poles.
  (Skill Sheet 17-I-8)
• 19. Construct a water chute with pike poles.
  (Skill Sheet 17-I-9)

9
Specific Objectives

• 20. Construct a catchall. (Skill Sheet 17-I-10)
• 21. Locate and extinguish hidden fires. (Skill
  Sheet 17-I-11)

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Philosophy of Loss Control

• Minimize damage and provide customer service
  through effective mitigation and recovery efforts
  
• Builds goodwill

(Continued)
11
Salvage and Overhaul

• Most effective means of loss control
• Restoration of the property

12
Salvage

• Operations that aid in reducing primary and
  secondary damage during fire fighting
• Primary damage is caused by the fire
• Secondary damage is caused by fire suppression
  activities

(Continued)
13
Salvage

• Both primary and secondary damage can be
  minimized through salvage
• Some damages cannot be avoided
• Starts as soon as adequate personnel are
  available
• May be done simultaneously with fire attack

14
Overhaul

• Consists of operations involved in searching for
  and extinguishing hidden or remaining fires
• Protecting the scene and preserving evidence are
  components of overhaul

(Continued)
15
Overhaul

• If possible, do not start overhaul operations
  until
• Fire is under control
• Fire cause has been determined
• Evidence has been identified and protected

16
Salvage

• Methods and operating procedures by which
  firefighters attempt to save property and reduce
  further damage
• Removing property
• Covering property
• Other means

(Continued)
17
Salvage

• Proper salvage operations
• Early planning
• Knowing the procedures
• Being familiar with tools and equipment

18
Planning for Salvage Operations

• Efficient operations require planning and
  training
• SOPs should be developed

(Continued)
19
Planning for Salvage Operations

• Preincident plans
• High-value contents
• Residential occupancies
• Commercial occupancies
• Work with loss-control representatives

20
Salvage Procedures

• Operations can be started at same time as fire
  attack
• Group building contents into compact piles

(Continued)
21
Salvage Procedures

• Group household furnishings in center of the room
  
• Raise furniture off wet floors

(Continued)
22
Salvage Procedures

• Commercial occupancies present special challenges

(Continued)
23
Salvage Procedures

• Large quantities of water can be removed by a
  variety of methods
• Water may ruin finishes wipe off surfaces

24
Salvage Covers

• Made of waterproof canvas materials
• Manufactured in various sizes
• Have reinforced corners and edge hems

(Continued)
25
Salvage Covers

• Synthetic covers
• Lightweight
• Easy to handle
• Economical
• Indoor and outdoor use
• Some covers may be disposable

26
Salvage Cover Maintenance

• Proper cleaning, drying, and repairing increases
  service life

(Continued)
27
Salvage Cover Maintenance

• Canvas salvage covers
• Wetting or rinsing with hose stream and scrubbing
  with a broom
• Detergent solution if needed
• Dont let dry when dirty
• Should be completely dry before being folded and
  placed in service

(Continued)
28
Salvage Cover Maintenance

• Synthetic salvage covers
• Do not require as much maintenance as canvas
• May be folded wet
• Usually better to let dry first
• After salvage covers are dry, examine for damage

(Continued)
29
Salvage Cover Maintenance

• Look up at the underside to locate holes
• Mark holes with chalk or marking pen
• Repair holes

30
Salvage Equipment

• Should be located in a readily accessible area on
  apparatus
• SOPs dictate where equipment is carried and who
  performs operations

(Continued)
31
Salvage Equipment

• Keep smaller tools/equipment in a salvage toolbox
• Plastic tub may be used for supplies

32
Typical Salvage Equipment

• Electricians pliers
• Sidecutters
• Various chisels
• Tin snips
• Tin roof cutter
• Adjustable wrenches
• Pipe wrenches

• Hammer(s)
• Sledgehammer
• Hacksaw
• Crosscut handsaw
• Heavy-duty stapler and staples
• Linoleum knife
• Wrecking bar

(Continued)
33
Typical Salvage Equipment

• Padlock and hasp
• Hinges
• Screwdriver(s)
• Battery-operated power tools
• Hydraulic jack
• Assortment of nails

• Assortment of screws
• Plastic sheeting
• Wooden laths
• Wooden wedges
• Soft wood plugs
• Sawdust

(Continued)
34
Typical Salvage Equipment

• Mops
• Squeegees
• Scoop shovels
• Brooms
• Mop buckets with wringers
• Automatic sprinkler kit
• Water vacuum

• Submersible pump and discharge hose
• Sponges
• Chamois
• Paper towels
• Assortment of rags

(Continued)
35
Typical Salvage Equipment

• 100-foot (30 m) length of electrical cable
• Pigtail ground adapters
• Approved ground fault interruption device
• Salvage covers
• J-Hooks

• S-hooks
• Floor runners
• Duct tape
• Plastic bags
• Cardboard boxes
• Styrofoam blocks
• Rope
• Bungee cords

36
Equipment Descriptions

• Automatic sprinkler kit
• Needed for buildings protected by automatic
  sprinkler systems
• Used to stop flow of water from an open sprinkler

(Continued)
37
Equipment Descriptions

• Carryalls Used to carry debris, catch falling
  debris, and provide a water basin for immersing
  small burning objects

(Continued)
38
Equipment Descriptions

• Floor runners Protect floor coverings
  lightweight, tough, heat and water resistant,
  easy to maintain

(Continued)
39
Equipment Descriptions

• Dewatering devices
• Used to remove water from basements, elevator
  shafts, and sumps
• Should not use fire department pumpers
• Trash-type pumps are best for salvage
• Use a jet-siphon device or submersible pump for
  removal of excess water

(Continued)
40
Equipment Descriptions

• Water vacuum Used to dewater floors, carpets,
  other areas where water is not deep enough to be
  picked up by submersible pump or siphon ejector

(Continued)
41
Equipment Descriptions

• J-hooks Driven into walls or wooden framing to
  provide a strong point from which to hang things

42
Equipment Descriptions

• S-hooks Used for the same purpose as J-hooks
  but cannot be driven into walls or framing must
  have a horizontal ledge

43
One-Firefighter Spread with a Rolled Salvage Cover

• One person can quickly unroll a cover
• May be carried on the shoulder or under the arm

44
One-Firefighter Spread with a Folded Salvage Cover

• Two firefighters are needed to make fold
• May be carried in any manner

45
Two-Firefighter Spread with a Folded Salvage Cover

• Large salvage covers cannot be easily handled by
  a single firefighter
• Carry this fold on the shoulder with open edges
  next to neck

(Continued)
46
Two-Firefighter Spread with a Folded Salvage Cover

• Position cover so carrier can grab lower pair of
  corners and second firefighter can grab uppermost
  pair

(Continued)
47
Two-Firefighter Spread with a Folded Salvage Cover

• Balloon throw is most common method for deployment

(Continued)
48
Using Chutes Removing Water

• Practical way to remove water that comes through
  the ceiling from upper floor
• May be constructed on floor below fire fighting
  operations

(Continued)
49
Using Chutes Removing Water

• Prepared chutes are approximately 10 feet (3 m)
  long
• Chutes can be constructed from plastic sheeting,
  a heavy-duty stapler, and duct tape

50
Using Chutes Constructing a Catchall

• Constructed from a salvage cover placed on the
  floor to hold small amounts of water

(Continued)
51
Using Chutes Constructing a Catchall

• Temporarily control large amounts of water
• Place into position as soon as possible
• Usually requires two people

52
Splicing Covers

• Used when
• Objects/groupings are large
• Long chutes or catchalls need to be made
• Splice covers with watertight joints

(Continued)
53
Splicing a Chute to a Catchall

• Method of removing accumulated water should be
  prepared
• Submersible pumps may be used
• Water chute spliced to the catchall

54
Covering Openings

• One of final parts of salvage operations
• Prevents damage by weather

(Continued)
55
Covering Openings

• Cover doors/windows
• Cover openings in roofs

56
Overhaul

• Operations conducted once main body of fire has
  been extinguished
• Searching for and extinguishing hidden or
  remaining fire
• Placing building and contents in safe condition

(Continued)
57
Overhaul

• Operations conducted once main body of fire has
  been extinguished
• Determining fire cause
• Recognizing and preserving evidence of arson

58
Safety During Overhaul

• Steps required
• Inspecting premises
• Developing operational plan
• Providing tools and equipment
• Eliminating or mitigating hazards

(Continued)
59
Safety During Overhaul

• Toxic gases
• Common and dangerous threat during overhaul
• Wear appropriate PPE, including respiratory
  protection

(Continued)
60
Safety During Overhaul

• Other hazards are present, such as fire-weakened
  floors
• Mark or barricade hazardous areas
• Use gloves and eye protection

(Continued)
61
Safety During Overhaul

• Physical conditioning and correct lifting are
  necessary
• Fatigue is preventable cause of injury

62
Overhaul Tools and Equipment

• Pike poles and plaster hooks
• Axes
• Prying tools
• Power saws, drills, and screwdrivers

(Continued)
63
Overhaul Tools and Equipment

• Carryall, buckets, and tubs
• Shovels, bale hooks, and pitchforks
• Thermal imaging camera

64
Supervision of Overhaul

• By a supervisor/officer not directly engaged in
  overhaul tasks
• Fire investigator should be involved

65
Fire Safety During Overhaul

• Size of charged hoselines in overhaul may not be
  the same
• Disconnecting fire apparatus from hydrants
• Departmental SOPs may dictate one supply line
  left in place

(Continued)
66
Fire Safety During Overhaul

• Attack lines used for overhaul are typically 1½
  inch (38 mm) or 1¾ inch (45 mm)
• Water fire extinguishers or booster hoses may be
  used for small fires
• One attack line should be available

(Continued)
67
Fire Safety During Overhaul

• Place nozzle so it will not cause additional
  damage
• Do not allow water damage from leaking hoselines
• Use a 100-foot (30 m) hoseline as the first
  section on attack lines

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Overhaul Safety Considerations

• Maintain situational awareness
• Work in teams of two or more
• Maintain awareness of exit routes
• Maintain a RIC

(Continued)
69
Overhaul Safety Considerations

• Monitor personnel for rehab
• Beware of hidden gas or electrical utilities
• Continue using accountability system

70
Locating Hidden Fires

• Before starting a search, evaluate the condition
  of the area
• Factors that affect condition of the building
• Intensity of the fire
• Amount of water used for control

71
Indicators of Loss of Structural Integrity

• Weakened floors
• Concrete that has spalled
• Weakened steel roof members
• Walls offset
• Weakened roof trusses
• Mortar in wall joints opened

(Continued)
72
Indicators of Loss of Structural Integrity

• Wall ties holding veneer/curtain walls melted
• Heavy storage on mezzanines or upper floors
• Water pooled on upper floors
• Large quantities of wet insulation

73
Detecting Hidden Fires

• Sight
• Touch
• Sound
• Electronic sensors

74
Overhaul Procedures

• Begins in the area of most severe fire
  involvement
• Looking for fire extension should begin as soon
  as possible after fire is declared under control
• Systematically carried out

(Continued)
75
Overhaul Procedures

• If fire extended to other areas, path must be
  determined
• When floor beams are burned at ends or where they
  enter a party wall, flush the voids in the wall
  with water

(Continued)
76
Overhaul Procedures

• Check far side of the wall to see if fire or
  water has come through.
• Thoroughly check insulation materials

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Understanding Basic Building Construction

• Assists firefighters in searching for hidden
  fires
• Windows or doors
• Fire may remain within frames or casings
• Open these areas to ensure complete
  extinguishment

(Continued)
78
Building Construction and Overhaul

• When fire has burned around combustible roof or
  cornice, open cornice and inspect for hidden
  fires
• Balloon construction Check the attic and
  basement for fire extension

(Continued)
79
Building Construction and Overhaul

• Opening concealed spaces
• Move the furnishings of the room to locations
  where they will not be damaged
• Consider electrical wiring, gas piping, or
  plumbing
• Make neat, planned openings to ensure
  extinguishment and facilitate restoration

(Continued)
80
Building Construction and Overhaul

• Ceilings may be opened from below using a pike
  pole or other tool
• The plaster must first be broken on some ceilings
• When pulling a ceiling, do not stand directly
  under area to be opened

(Continued)
81
Building Construction and Overhaul

• Always position body between area being pulled
  and doorway to keep exit route from being blocked
• Always wear full protective clothing, including
  eye and respiratory protection

(Continued)
82
Building Construction and Overhaul

• Small burning objects
• Submerge entire objects in containers of water
• Bathtubs, sinks, lavatories, wash tubs
• Remove larger furnishings to the outside

(Continued)
83
Building Construction and Overhaul

• Scorched or partially burned articles may prove
  helpful to an investigator
• Use of wetting agents such as Class A foam is
  valuable
• Cotton, upholstery, and baled goods
• Must break bales of rags, cotton, hay apart

84
Summary

• Customer service is the core of everything that
  fire departments do. Loss control is an important
  component of fire department service delivery and
  is but one aspect of customer-service
  opportunities.

(Continued)
85
Summary

• Salvage and overhaul operations are two of the
  most effective means of loss control.
• Planning, procedures, and equipment are essential
  for effective loss-control operations.

86
Review Questions

• 1. What is the difference between salvage and
  overhaul?
• 2. List five items used in salvage operations.
• 3. How can water be removed from fire fighting
  operations using salvage covers?

(Continued)
87
Review Questions

• 4. When should overhaul start?
• 5. List three indicators of possible loss of
  structural integrity.
• 6. What are visual indicators of hidden fires.

(Continued)
88
Review Questions

• 7. What sounds may indicate a hidden fire?
• 8. Where does overhaul typically begin?