ESCONDIDO FIRE DEPT TRAINING MANUAL Section ENGINE MODULE Page 1 of 12 Special Operations Revised

Transcription

1 ENGINE MODULE Page 1 of 12 SPECIAL HOSE OPERATIONS The information presented in this section covers a variety of hose-handling methods. These special operations include: Connecting hoses to fire department connections Operating from a standpipe Extending a hose-line Advancing a hose-line up stairs Hoisting a hose-line aloft Advancing a hose-line up a ladder Fire Department Connections (FDC) Many of today s buildings, complexes, and facilities are built with some form of private fire protection system. The most commonly encountered by firefighters are automatic sprinkler systems and standpipes. FDCs may supply sprinkler only, standpipe only or a combination that supplies both; all are considered a fire protection system. When a fire occurs in a building with a fire protection system, an engine company is assigned to connect to the FDC to support the system. In Escondido Engineers are taught to set their discharge pressure to 100 PSI for no smoke showing and 150 PSI for smoke showing or a confirmed fire. In combination systems, the Engineer will pump to the attack line at the pressure required. FDC s can be found on the side of buildings or in a driveway. By code they are situated to provide easy access to the fire department and are required to have a fire hydrant within 50 ft. Access to connections must be clear, unobstructed and maintained. The connection itself must be serviced by a State certified contractor every five years and inspected by the fire department during the Life Safety Inspection. Hose connections to the fire department connection are 2½ female swivels with either a threaded cap or non-threaded break away cover. Some buildings are large enough to require separate sprinkler zones and in some cases there may be multiple FDC s supplying the different

2 ENGINE MODULE Page 2 of 12 zones. Such is the case with the downtown Palomar building and Westfield North County Mall. When multiple FDC s are required they must have a sign indicating what it covers. All FDC s are located on our pre-maps. Firefighters should always use both 2½ connections. Using both allows for volume of water that may be required and a backup if one line is compromised. It is not uncommon for the caps to be difficult to remove usually do to corrosion and lack of maintenance. The firefighter should bring a spanner wrench to assist with difficult caps. Non-threaded caps are designed with weak points in the cap (break away caps) to break when struck with a hard object. A spanner wrench or other hardened tool can be used for this. Once the caps are off, the firefighter must look for and clear any debris that may be inside the connection. Internally, connections are made with a clapper valve that closes the open side when the other is charged. Once both connections are made, the clapper moves to the middle so both lines can flow. This means that once one line is connected it can be charged without water escaping the unused inlet. Standpipe Operations One of the greatest problems in fighting fires in large buildings, particularly in multi- storied buildings, is transporting water to the seat of the fire. Years ago, firefighters were required to lay hose into a building and up stairwells to reach the fire floor. Eventually, however, new buildings were equipped with standpipe systems so that firefighters only need to transport enough hose to connect to the standpipe and reach the fire. These standpipe systems may be vertical, such as in high-rise buildings, or horizontal like ones found in shopping malls and warehouses.

3 ENGINE MODULE Page 3 of 12 Standpipe systems, whether wet or dry, are an important component to firefighting efforts in large buildings. Firefighters must be familiar with their operation and arrangement. Buildings constructed with standpipes will have a minimum of one 2½ male connection with a protective cap. Connections are located at each floor of a multi-story building and are usually located in the stairwells. Connections will either be exposed or installed in a cabinet. Although transporting hose to a standpipe connection is a more efficient than laying hose the entire distance from the apparatus to the fire, it can still be an exhausting job. Firefighters must follow established techniques to operate safely and effectively when connecting hose lines to a standpipe system. The following guidelines should be considered when operating from a standpipe: Where full protective clothing and SCBA. Shoulder load 2½ hose or carry hose bundles for use as attack lines. Connect a 2½ section of hose to standpipe when operating with hose bundles. Firefighters must take forcible entry tools, spanner wrenches, and adapters. Connect to the standpipe one floor below the fire floor. Remove protective cap from standpipe and check for debris. Lay hose to the outside of the stairwell to prevent kinks and minimize obstruction. Flake excess hose up stairs toward the floor above the fire floor. Fully open valve when charging the hose line. The decision to use a standpipe is the Captain s or the Division Supervisor s when established. Note to Engineers: In combination systems supplying sprinklers and a standpipe, Engineer s must pump to the standpipe and the attack lines from it rather than the sprinkler system. With sprinkler only systems our engine pressure is 100 PSI No Smoke Showing and 150 PSI for Smoke Showing or a Known Fire.

4 ENGINE MODULE Page 4 of 12 One factor that goes into whether to use a standpipe is if the standpipe has been properly maintained. The integrity of the system isn t always well known but previous site visits and Life Safety Inspections can help. Some systems are not part of a business and may be part of a multiple story residential building. Systems in residential units are more susceptible to tampering by occupants. Another factor in standpipe operations is whether there is a more efficient way to get hose to the fire scene. For instance, even though the fire building may be multi-story and have standpipes the fire area may be on the first floor and a pre-connect or 2 ½ to bundles is a better choice. Even though a building may have standpipes it may make more sense to access the balcony of an adjoining unit and make access through that unit and the interior hallway to the fire apartment. The Captain using the pre-maps and dispatch information will be selecting the best method to place the attack lines. The firefighter must be proficient in any order that Captain may give to reach the fire since the method is situation dependent. 2½ to Standpipe Large fires may require 2½ flows with either a combination or smooth bore nozzle. The default 2½ smooth bore tip size is 1. Any change of tip size must be communicated to the Engineer. Engineers will pump to the line plus friction loss added for the standpipe system. In this case the firefighter will usually get an assignment that includes 150 ft. or more of 2½ hose. Shoulder loaded hose by multiple firefighters may be required to move the hose up the stairs to the standpipe outlet and advanced after the connection. As a variation to the shoulder load method in Engine Module Section Attack Hose Lays the hose is connected directly to the standpipe instead of to the engine. 2½ to Bundles from Standpipe More often, the standpipe is used to supply 1¾ hose bundles. When bundles are used a section of 2½ is used to connect to the standpipe outlet. This sections serves to give room for the 2 ½ to 1½ gated wye to be connected and can add needed length to the hose pull. The default 2½ hose utilized for this is one 50 ft. section. The Captain can adjust this as needed by either adding more 2 ½ for example 100 ft. or may use a 20 ft. bypass section if additional hose length isn t required. Extending A Hose line There are times when hose lines that have been deployed on the fire ground are required to be extended. These hose lines can be extended with hose of the same size or smaller diameter. This is one reason we use break away nozzles. See Engine Module section for more information on the breakaway feature of our nozzles.

5 ENGINE MODULE Page 5 of 12 Sometimes, for example, an existing 2½ attack line may be extended by attaching a 2½ x 1½ gated wye, allowing firefighters to attach two smaller diameter attack lines, usually hose bundles. No matter the situation, firefighters must consider what type of hose line and nozzle are in use and gather the required appliances and hose needed to complete the assigned task. Firefighters are faced with many different methods of extending a hose line based upon the fire equipment, including nozzle types available to complete the evolution. Firefighters must be familiar with the fire equipment available to them so that this operation can be completed safely and efficiently. Unless using the breakaway feature of the nozzle the water flow must be shut down so the hose line can be extended. Firefighters have the following prioritized options when shutting down the existing hose line: If equipped with a breakaway nozzle, use bale shutoff and remove nozzle. The nozzle portion has an offsetting. Have apparatus operator shut down hose line. Use a hose clamp currently we do not carry hose clamps. The following guidelines should be considered when extending hose lines: Consider type of nozzle and size of hose line already in use. Ensure apparatus operator is aware of assignment affecting existing hose line. Only gather necessary equipment (i.e. hose, nozzles, adapters). After connections are made safely set aside any unused equipment. Flake out hose prior to charging the extended hose line.

6 ENGINE MODULE Page 6 of 12 Stairwells In any stairwell space is limited and kinks always need to be monitored. Attention must also be given to maintaining the integrity of the stairwell as a ventilation conduit. An attack stairwell should be designated. Occupants should be directed to other stairwells when possible or to shelter in place when safe to do so. Commercial stairwells can service floors 14 ft. or more apart. These stairwells can require a full 50 ft. section of hose to make the stairwell travel distance. Residential stairwells used in apartment buildings are usually smaller with approximately 8-10 ft. between floors. Extra hose staged in the stairwell when safe should be placed on the stairs above the point of entry to facilitate movement of the hose onto the fire floor. If not safe to do so, the hose may be advanced from the stairs below but must be laid out in such a way to minimize kinks and trip hazards. Advancing Hose Up Stairs Hose is difficult to drag and advance in an open space and is exceedingly difficult to drag up stairs and around the obstructions found in a stairwell. When safety permits, hose should be advanced up stairways before it is charged with water. If the line has already been charged, additional firefighters will be needed to advance the hose line up the stairwell. When advancing hose up stairs, the hose shall be laid against the outside wall of the stairwell to avoid sharp bends and kinks and to give a path of travel for firefighters. Hanging Method The hanging method uses the space between the stair run and railing. When used the hose hangs in this space vertically from the point of entry to the floor being used, normally the fire floor. The hanging method requires about ½ the hose that laying the hose on the stairs requires. The space in between the stair run and railing must be wide enough for the hose to fully expand when charged. If that space is not large enough or doesn t exist, the hose must be laid on the stairs. Always bring enough hose to lay on the stairs if not sure if the hanging method is an option.

7 ENGINE MODULE Page 7 of 12 Order of Operations Hanging Method Advance hose to the base of the stairs Grab the male or nozzle end of the hose and proceed up the stairs holding the end in your right hand so the hose is pulled up the well. When possible the nozzle/hose should be passed through the railing as low as possible to minimize kinks and provide a cleaner work area. If not possible to pass the hose low on the railing it must come over the top. D Pull all excess hose up and shoulder load it. The hose is then secured with a hose strap so its weight doesn t pull it back down.

8 ENGINE MODULE Page 8 of 12 Excess hose should be flaked above the fire floor because it will be much easier to advance when the hose line is carried onto the fire floor. Hoisting A Hose line Hose can also be hoisted up the outside of a building with a rope. Only uncharged hose lines should be hoisted in this fashion. Hose should be advanced to a position below the objective. Once the hose is positioned on the ground, the firefighter on the floor above lowers the end of a rope or carabineer from a drop bag (see below). When possible, edge protection should be provided to prevent damage to the hose. Firefighters should pull aloft as much hose as needed prior to charging the hose line. The hose line should be secured to the building or ladder when possible. Order of Operations Hoisting a Hose Line Prepare hose for hoisting aloft. Pull adequate hose to hoisting location. Flake hose out in a neat arrangement in an effort to avoid snags during hoisting. Tie off hose. Fold hose back over itself locating nozzle approximately 6 feet from fold. Assure bale is closed and place between nozzle and hose. Coworker drops utility rope from area above. Tie a clove hitch-up on the nozzle and hose, and then tie a half hitch halfway between nozzle and folded end. Tie a half hitch approximately 6-8 inches from folded end. Hoist hose aloft. Firefighter on ground guides hose upward by holding hose line. Do not stand directly below hoisting operation.

9 ENGINE MODULE Page 9 of 12 Secure hose. Tie hose off to building, as required. Drop Bag Hose Aloft Escondido utilizes drop bags that carry approximately 90 ft. of ¼ nylon rope. These drop bags are attached to the waist band of every breathing apparatus. Drop bags have many potential uses. Tying hose and equipment to go aloft is one of the main uses. One end of the rope is secured with a carabineer to the interior of the bag and the other end is tied into a figure eight knot with another carabineer attached to the figure eight When used to hoist hose it is recommended the firefighter keeps the bag attached to the waist band of the BA and lower the end with the carabineer attached to the figure eight to the hose to be raised. Once the equipment is raised, the rope is disconnected, the rope collected/wrapped around the firefighter s hand and replaced into the bag for future use. Order of Operations - Utilizing drop bag for taking hose or other equipment aloft Carabineer (preferred) 1. Create a bite of rope and pass it through the carabineer.

10 ENGINE MODULE Page 10 of Slip the bite over the end of the nozzle 3. Once raised dis-connect the rope from the hose - The firefighter then wraps the rope around his hand and stuffs it back into the bag. Order of Operations - Utilizing drop bag for taking hose or other equipment aloft middle of the rope 1. Make a figure 8 knot Loop must be large enough to slip over the nozzle.

11 ENGINE MODULE Page 11 of Slip loop through bail and over nozzle 3. Hoist hose Advancing Hose Up A Ladder The safest way to get hose to an elevated position is to carry it up stairs or by hoisting the hose line aloft utilizing a rope. However, sometimes these methods cannot be used, and it is necessary to advance the hose up a ladder. Advancing hose up a ladder should be done only with an uncharged hose line. If the hose line has been charged with water, it is safer, quicker, and easier to drain the hose and relieve the pressure before advancing. Once the ladder is in place and hose line has been pulled, a firefighter should position at the base of the ladder so that the hose can be safely guided up as the firefighter climbs. The best way to advance the hose line up the ladder is to have the firefighter drape the nozzle over the shoulder, from front to back, across your chest with the nozzle resting against your back. When taking sections of hose up the aerial or fully extended 35 sometimes it is helpful for two or three firefighters to assist. When this is the case, the first firefighter with the nozzle climbs up the ladder until the first fly section is reached and waits until the next

12 ENGINE MODULE Page 12 of 12 firefighter is ready to proceed. At this point, a second firefighter drapes a large loop of hose over the shoulder, same side as first firefighter, and starts climbing the ladder. A third firefighter may be used in the same manner as needed. When firefighters have reached their objective the hose line and excess hose should be pulled aloft and arranged for fire attack. If the objective is away from the top of the ladder the firefighter should shoulder load the hose to facilitate advancing the hose. Once the hose has been pulled up and placed on shoulder, the hose will need to be secured to the building with webbing so its own weight doesn t pull it back down as the firefighter advances or when it gets charged. Firefighters do not need to lock into the ladder when positioned momentarily for the purpose of placing the nozzle or hose line from the ladder to the building. However, a firefighter must lock into the ladder if he will be required to maintain his position for an extended period of time. The following guidelines should be considered when advancing a hose line up a ladder: Secure hose to building whenever possible. Do not secure hose to ladder when working on roof, landing, or balcony. Pass hose/nozzle through lower railings when possible. Avoid charging hose line and operating nozzle from ladder.