Essentials of Fire Fighting,

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).

Firefighter I
172
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)
Firefighter I
173
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)
Firefighter I
174
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)
Firefighter I
175
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)
Firefighter I
176
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)
Firefighter I
177
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)
Firefighter I
178
9
Specific Objectives
20. Construct a catchall. (Skill Sheet
17-I-10) 21. Locate and extinguish hidden fires.
(Skill Sheet 17-I-11)
Firefighter I
179
10
Philosophy of Loss Control

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

(Continued)
Firefighter I
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11
Salvage and Overhaul

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

Firefighter I
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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)
Firefighter I
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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

Firefighter I
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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)
Firefighter I
1714
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Overhaul

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

Firefighter I
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16
Salvage

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

(Continued)
Firefighter I
1716
17
Salvage

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

Firefighter I
1717
18
Planning for Salvage Operations

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

(Continued)
Firefighter I
1718
19
Planning for Salvage Operations

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

Firefighter I
1719
20
Salvage Procedures

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

(Continued)
Firefighter I
1720
21
Salvage Procedures

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

(Continued)
Firefighter I
1721
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Salvage Procedures

• Commercial occupancies present special challenges

(Continued)
Firefighter I
1722
23
Salvage Procedures

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

Firefighter I
1723
24
Salvage Covers

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

(Continued)
Firefighter I
1724
25
Salvage Covers

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

Firefighter I
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26
Salvage Cover Maintenance

• Proper cleaning, drying, and repairing increases
  service life

(Continued)
Firefighter I
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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)
Firefighter I
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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)
Firefighter I
1728
29
Salvage Cover Maintenance

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

Firefighter I
1729
30
Salvage Equipment

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

(Continued)
Firefighter I
1730
31
Salvage Equipment

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

Firefighter I
1731
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)
Firefighter I
1732
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)
Firefighter I
1733
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)
Firefighter I
1734
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

Firefighter I
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Equipment Descriptions

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

(Continued)
Firefighter I
1736
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Equipment Descriptions

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

(Continued)
Firefighter I
1737
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Equipment Descriptions

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

(Continued)
Firefighter I
1738
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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)
Firefighter I
1739
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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)
Firefighter I
1740
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Equipment Descriptions

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

Firefighter I
1741
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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

Firefighter I
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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

Firefighter I
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One-Firefighter Spread with a Folded Salvage Cover

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

Firefighter I
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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)
Firefighter I
1745
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)
Firefighter I
1746
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Two-Firefighter Spread with a Folded Salvage Cover

• Balloon throw is most common method for deployment

(Continued)
Firefighter I
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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)
Firefighter I
1748
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

Firefighter I
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50
Using Chutes Constructing a Catchall

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

(Continued)
Firefighter I
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Using Chutes Constructing a Catchall

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

Firefighter I
1751
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Splicing Covers

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

(Continued)
Firefighter I
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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

Firefighter I
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Covering Openings

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

(Continued)
Firefighter I
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Covering Openings

• Cover doors/windows
• Cover openings in roofs

Firefighter I
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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)
Firefighter I
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Overhaul

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

Firefighter I
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Safety During Overhaul

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

(Continued)
Firefighter I
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Safety During Overhaul

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

(Continued)
Firefighter I
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Safety During Overhaul

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

(Continued)
Firefighter I
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Safety During Overhaul

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

Firefighter I
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Overhaul Tools and Equipment

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

(Continued)
Firefighter I
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Overhaul Tools and Equipment

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

Firefighter I
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Supervision of Overhaul

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

Firefighter I
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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)
Firefighter I
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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)
Firefighter I
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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

Firefighter I
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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)
Firefighter I
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Overhaul Safety Considerations

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

Firefighter I
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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

Firefighter I
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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)
Firefighter I
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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

Firefighter I
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Detecting Hidden Fires

• Sight
• Touch
• Sound
• Electronic sensors

Firefighter I
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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)
Firefighter I
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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)
Firefighter I
1775
76
Overhaul Procedures

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

Firefighter I
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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)
Firefighter I
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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)
Firefighter I
1778
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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)
Firefighter I
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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)
Firefighter I
1780
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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)
Firefighter I
1781
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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)
Firefighter I
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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

Firefighter I
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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)
Firefighter I
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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.

Firefighter I
1785
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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)
Firefighter I
1786
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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)
Firefighter I
1787
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Review Questions
7. What sounds may indicate a hidden
fire? 8. Where does overhaul typically begin?
Firefighter I
1788