FVCC Fire Rescue
Ventilation
Part A
Truck Company Operations
Review of Ventilation
Principles & Practices
Principles of Ventilation
• Truck Company Operations can be
performed without access to the use
of a aerial apparatus.
OBJECTIVES
• 2-11.1
Identify the definition and principles of
ventilation and the considerations of proper
ventilation (3-3.10)
• 2-11.2 Identify the safety considerations and
precautions to be taken while ventilating a
structure. (3-3.10, 3-3.11)
OBJECTIVES
• 2-11.3
Identify the advantages and
disadvantages of the following types of
ventilation:
▫
▫
▫
▫
▫
2-11.3.1 Vertical (3-3.11)
2-11.3.2 Horizontal (3-3.10)
2-11.3.3 Trench/strip (3-3.11)
2-11.3.4 Mechanical (3-3.10)
2-11.3.5 Mechanical pressurization/positive pressure
ventilation (3-3.10)
▫ 2-11.3.6 Hydraulic (3-3.10)
OBJECTIVES
• 2-11.4 Identify the signs, causes and effects of
backdraft explosions. (3-3.10)
• 2-11.5
Identify methods of preventing a
backdraft explosion. (3-3.10)
• 2-11.6 Identify the characteristics of the
following roof types: (3-3.10, 3-3.11)
OBJECTIVES
▫
▫
▫
▫
2-11.6.1 Flat
2-11.6.2Shed
2-11.6.3 Pitched
2-11.6.4Arched
• 2-11.7
Identify the types of tools used during
ventilation. (3-3.10)
OBJECTIVES
• 2-11.8 Identify the necessary precautions
when ventilating the following roof types:
▫
▫
▫
▫
2-11.8.1 Flat
2-11.8.2Shed
2-11.8.3Pitched
2-11.8.4Arched
OBJECTIVES
• 2-11.9 Identify the procedures for the types of
ventilation referred to in 2-11.3 (3-3.10, 3-3.11)
▫
▫
▫
▫
▫
2-11.9.1 Vertical (3-3.11)
2-11.9.2 Horizontal (3-3.10)
2-11.9.3 Trench/strip (3-3.11)
2-11.9.4 Mechanical (3-3.10)
2-11.9.5 Mechanical pressurization/positive pressure
ventilation (3-3.10)
▫ 2-11.9.6 Hydraulic (3-3.10)
OBJECTIVES
• 2-11.10 Identify how the following factors are
used to determine the integrity of a roof system:
(3-3.10, 3-3.11)
▫ 2-11.10.1Construction
▫ 2-11.10.2
Visual observation
▫ 2-11.10.3
Elapsed time of fire
• Identify the procedures for opening various
types of windows from inside and outside with
the use of tools. (3-3.10)
OBJECTIVES
• 2-11.12 Identify the procedures for opening
various types of windows from inside and
outside without the use of tools. (3-3.10)
• 2-11.13 Identify the procedures for breaking
window or door glass and removing
obstructions. (3-3.10)
• 2-11.14 Identify ventilation using water fog. (33.10, 3-3.11)
OBJECTIVES
• 2-11.15 Demonstrate opening various types of
windows from inside and outside with the use of
tools. (3-3.10(b))
• 2-11.16 Demonstrate opening various types of
windows from inside and outside without the
use of tools (3-3.10(b))
OBJECTIVES
• 2-11.17 Demonstrate breaking window or door
glass and removing obstructions. (3-3.10(b))
• 2-11.18 Demonstrate the removal of skylights,
scuttle covers, and other roof openings. (33.10(b))
• 2-11.19 Demonstrate ventilation using water
fog. (3-3.10(b)), (3-3.11(b))
OBJECTIVES
• 2-11.20 Demonstrate determining the integrity
of a roof system by sounding. (3-3.11(b))
• 2-11.21 Demonstrate the ventilation of a flat
roof using both hand tools and power tools. (33.11(b))
• 2-11.22 Demonstrate the ventilation of a
pitched roof using both hand tools and power
tools.
OBJECTIVES
• 2-11.23 Demonstrate floor ventilation
procedures. (3-3.11(b))
• 2-11.24 Demonstrate the use of positive
pressure ventilation. (3-3.11(b))
▫ Ifsta, Essentials, 4th ed, Chapter 10
▫ Delmar, Firefighter’s Handbook, copyright 2000, Chapter
18
Principles of Ventilation
• Ventilation: the
planned & systematic
removal of heat, smoke
and toxic gases from an
area and the
replacement of these
products with cooler
fresher air.
• Planned aspect should
be done during preincident planning to
help identify buildings
with light weight or
wooden trusses.
Reduces Mushrooming Effect
Principles of Ventilation
• Considerations
▫ Roof type
 Flat
 Arched
 Pitched
▫
▫
▫
▫
▫
Type of building involved
Location of the fire
Duration of the fire
Extent of the fire
Existing roof openings
Principles of Ventilation
•Effects of proper ventilation:
•1. Better visibility
•2. Reduced temperature levels
•3. Reduced possibility of back draft (heat &
smoke removal) or flashover (heat removal).
•4. Easier to locate seat of fire or victims.
•5. Reduced smoke damage to property.
Principles of Ventilation
• Advantages of ventilation toward fire
suppression operations:
1. Assists with victim rescue.
• 2. Increases fire attack.
• 3. Reduces possibility of back draft/flashover.
• 4. Aids in property conservation (fire confinement).
Principles of Ventilation
• Signs of backdraft (smoke explosion):
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Pressurized smoke appearing from small cracks
Puffing smoke at intervals from the building
Smoke stained windows
New construction increase likelihood of backdraft
because energy conservation measures trap heat inside
structure.
Smoke is a grey-yellow color or changes color.
Sparking like effect of fire
Little or No visible signs of flame.
Inward movement of smoke.
PREVENTING A BACKDRAFT EXPLOSION
• Provide vertical ventilation at highest point to
permit the release of superheated gases.
Principles of Ventilation
•
•
•
•
Disadvantage:
1) Does not reduce the risk of fire flare up.
2) Increase fire intensity/spread.
3) Requires firefighters to work above the
ground.
• 4) Possibility of roof failure.
• 5) Requires close communication.
Safety Precautions
• Leader of the roof team you
are RESPONSIBLE
for:
• Make sure only the
required ventilations
are made
• Direct efforts to
minimize secondary
damage caused by
firefighters ventilating.
• Insuring safety of all
personnel who are
working on the roof.
Safety Precautions
• When considering the ventilation of a burning
structure, the SAFETY of the occupants & your
crew is the first priority.
• Decide if there is a need to ventilate and if so
what type of ventilation is needed?.
• Rescue operations can begin:
•
•
•
•
a) prior to ventilation
b) simultaneously to ventilation
c) after ventilation operations have begun
d) depends upon the circumstances
Safety Precautions
• When
ventilating a
structure,
firefighters
should wear
full PPE and
SCBA. (Do’s)
Safety Precautions
• (continued) Don’ts:
• When ventilating a
structure,
firefighters should
wear full PPE and
SCBA.
Safety Precautions
• Always vent at the
HIGHEST point if
possible. Helps
reduce chances of
backdraft.
Safety Precautions
• Have hose lines in place
and ready to make your
attack.
• During vent/ops,
charged hose lines
should be in place at all
times and should be
located at the attack
entrance, immediate
point where the fire
could be expected to
spread, and positions to
protect exposures.
Safety Precautions
• Always work with the wind at your
back or side when cutting vent holes
or venting windows.
?
Of course, you must always use the
proper tool (ladder)for the job.
Safety Precautions
• Never place a hose line or
elevated stream into a
ventilation opening.
Especially with fire
suppression crews working
below.
Elevated streams are fire streams that are
Directed over ventilation holes to help cool
the thermal column, lessen sparks
& flying brands.
Safety Precautions
• Check stability of the roof before starting
ventilation operations.
Safety Precautions
• Restrict number of personnel working on roof
to minimum to accomplish task.
Safety
• Always Precautions
work from a roof ladder when cutting
hole on a pitched roof.
Safety Precautions
•Always work from a roof ladder when
cutting hole on a pitched roof. (Don’ts)
Safety Precautions
▫ Extend ladders at least five rungs above the roof line.
▫ “Sound” the roof for structural integrity before stepping
on it.
▫ Use supporting members of the structure for travel.
▫ When using a roof ladder, make sure it is firmly secured
to the peak of the roof before using it.
▫ Work in groups of two, with no more people than
absolutely necessary.
▫ Be aware of the following warning signs of an unsafe
roof condition:




Melting asphalt
“Spongy” roof
Smoke coming from the roof
Fire coming from the roof
Safety
Precautions
• Watch out for overhead power lines.
Ladder Placement
Ladder Placement
Safety Precautions
• Have a secondary escape route from roof. Which should be
located as far away from your ventilation hole as possible.
Safety Precautions
• Check power tools on the
ground to make sure they
will start before taking to
the roof.
• Shut off power tools
before carrying up
ladder.
Rotor rescue saw
Carbide tipped chain saw
Vent saws
Safety Precautions
• Always take a pick-headed
axe (Axe will always start).
• Keep other firefighters out of
range of the axe.
• Caution axe users to beware
of overhead obstructions.
Safety Precautions
•
•
•
Be careful not to cut main structural supports.
Cut roof material diagonally along side of joists.
Make sure the angle of the cut is directed toward your body.
Safety Precautions
• Watch out for unsafe roof conditions.
Lapping
Signs: melting asphalt, “spongy roof”, smoke coming from roof, fire coming from roof.
Safety Precautions
• Maintain
communications
capability with
ventilation crew.
Safety Precautions
• Remove crew from roof after ventilation hole is
completed.
4 ft
4 ft
Safety Precautions
• Ventilation should be performed only after the seat of
the fire has been located.
• Basement fires are some of the most challenging fires for
firefighters.
• Windowless buildings create an adverse effect on
firefighters & vent/ops.
• Availability & involvement of exterior fire escapes &
exposures.
• Number & size of wall openings
• Number of stories, stair cases, dumb waiters, ducts &
roof openings the structures has to offer.
Safety Precautions
• Do not place ladders in front of entry or exit
points-keep these areas free for fireground
operations and victim egress.
• Do not place ladders over windows or doors
when going to upper floors or the roof. Should
fire vent out a window or door, it will compromise
the ladder and its use.
• the pitch of the roof and the ridge vent can prevent the
hooks of the roof ladder from properly engaging the roof
and can result in your being able to pull a roof ladder off
the roof with only a slight tug
• To avoid this, take the hook of a halligan tool and drive
it into the roof just past the ridge
This enables you to safely secure the hook(s) of the roof
ladder to the roof
• As always, when working on a pitched roof
without a roof ladder, use a halligan tool or
pickhead ax with the hook driven in for balance.
Risk Management
L.I.B.