FVCC Fire Rescue

Loss Control

OBJECTIVES

• 2-17.1 Identify the purpose of salvage and its value to the public and fire department. (3-3.13, 3-5.3)

• 2-17.2 Identify the benefits of salvage. (3-3.13,3-5.3)

• 2-17.3 Identify the considerations for planning salvage work. (3-3.13,3-5.3)

OBJECTIVES

• 2-17.4 Identify the construction and uses of the following: (3-3.13, 3-5.3)– 2-17.4.1 Water chute– 2-17.4.2 Catchall– 2-17.4.3 Carryall– 2-17.4.4 Salvage covers (to remove debris)

• 2-17.5 Identify the procedures for the covering or closing of building openings, including doors, windows, floors, and roofs. (3-3.13,3-5.3)

OBJECTIVES

• 2-17.6 Identify two folds and rolls for salvage covers. (3-3.13, 3-5.3)

• 2-17.7 Identify two methods of deploying salvage covers to cover property. (3-3.13, 3-5.3)

• 2-17.8 Demonstrate two folds and rolls for salvage covers. (3-3.13(b), 3-5.3(b))

OBJECTIVES

• 2-17.9 Demonstrate two methods of deploying salvage covers to cover property. (3-3.13(b), 3-5.3(b))

• 2-17.10 Demonstrate the construction and use of a water chute. (3-3.13(b), 3-5.3(b))

• 2-17.11 Demonstrate the construction and use of a water catchall. (3-3.13(b), 3-5.3(b))

• 2-17.12 Demonstrate the covering or closing of building openings, including doors, windows, floors and roofs. (3-3.18(b), 3-5.3(b))

OBJECTIVES

• 2-17.13 Demonstrate the removal of debris, and the removal and routing of water from a structure. (3-3.13(b), 3-5.3(b))

• 2-17.14 Demonstrate the procedures of inspection, cleaning and maintaining salvage equipment. (3-3.13(b), 3-5.3(b))

OBJECTIVES

• 2-17.15 Identify the purpose of overhaul. (3-3.13, 3-5.3)

• 2-17.16 Identify the methods used to detect hidden fires. (3-3.7, 3-3.12)

• 2-17.17 Identify the precautions and procedures to be followed when overhauling. (3-3.7, 3-3.12)

OBJECTIVES

• 2-17.18 Identify the procedures for restoration of the premises after a fire. (3-3.13)

• 2-17.19 Identify the duties of firefighters left at the fire scene for fire and security surveillance. (3-3.13)

• 2-17.20 Identify the procedures to expose hidden fires by opening ceilings, walls, floors, and pulling apart burned materials. (3-3.12, 3-3.13)

OBJECTIVES

• 2-17.21 Identify the procedures to separate, remove and relocate charred material to a safe location while protecting the area of origin for determination or cause. (3-3.12, 3-3.13)

OBJECTIVES

• 2-17.22 Demonstrate exposing hidden fires by opening ceilings, walls, floors, and by pulling apart burned materials. (3-3.12(b))

• 2-17.23 Demonstrate separation, removal and relocating charred material to a safe location while protecting the area of origin for determination of cause. (3-3.13(b))

» IFSTA Essentials, 4th ed, Chapter 16» Delmar, Firefighter’s Handbook, 2000, Chapter 20

SALVAGE

• To aid in reducing fire, water and smoke damage during and after fires.

• Identify the benefits of salvage.– Minimize losses– Build goodwill with publicBuild goodwill with public

PLANNING SALVAGE WORK

• Equipment inventory• Training– Procedures– Equipment– Timing of salvage operations

PLANNING SALVAGE WORK

• Arranging contents– Close piles– Group in center of room– Place high item in center– May not be possible in

commercial occupancies

PLANNING SALVAGE WORK

• Care and maintenance– Synthetic salvage covers• Rinse off• Dry (recommended, but not

necessary)• Fold

PLANNING SALVAGE WORK

• Canvas salvage covers– Wet with hose– Scrub with a broom– Rinse– Dry– Fold

PLANNING SALVAGE WORK

• Inspection– Have 3 or 4 firefighters line up along

one end of the salvage cover– Have them pass the salvage cover over

their heads and start walking towards the other end

– While walking, have the firefighters look up to detect any light shining through holes in the cover

– Have the firefighters mark any holes with chalk to be repaired

PLANNING SALVAGE WORK

• Cleaning of salvage equipment– Once cover is empty and brushed off, it

must be washed using a mild soap solution, and hung to dry.

• Maintaining salvage equipment– Salvage cover should be inspected for

holes and tears– Salvage cover should be repaired as

needed– Cover should then be folded and placed

back on the apparatus or in storage

USES AND CONSTRUCTION

• Water chute – Used to remove water– Create a water chute using salvage cover

and pike poles– Place chute on the lower floor under

firefighting effort, utilizing a ladder– Place one end of chute on ladder at an

angle higher than window, doorway or down a stairwell

– Place other end of chute out window, doorway or down stairwell for runoff

USES AND CONSTRUCTION

• Catchall – Using catchall to catch

water until water chute is created• Create catchall• Place on lower floor, under

firefighter efforts, to catch water until water chute is created

USES AND CONSTRUCTION

• Carryall – Using carryall to remove

debris• Heavy canvas

– Approximately 6 foot square– Has a rope strung through the

grommets for handles

USES AND CONSTRUCTION

• Salvage covers to remove debris – Fold cover into a loose fold and roll– By folding it on itself, debris will be trapped inside

to remove it where it is to be dumped

COVERING OR CLOSING OF BUILDING OPENINGS

• Windows/doors– Cover with plywood, heavy

plastic or similar materials to keep out rain

– Plywood, hinges, a hasp and a padlock can make a temporary door.

COVERING OR CLOSING OF BUILDING OPENINGS

• Floors/roofs– Cover with plywood, roofing

paper, heavy plastic sheeting or tar paper, using appropriate nails where applicable

– Mark the “holes/hazards”

Lay cover flat on the floor with one person at each end

One Person Roll

FOLDS & ROLLS

Grasp the cover with one hand midway between the center and the edge to be folded

Using the other hand as a pivot, pull tightly with the holding hand and bring the fold over toward the center

After the first fold has been placed at the center, grasp the open edge with the outside hand. Using the other hand as a pivot, stretch the cover

Bring this outside edge over to the center and place it on top and in line with the previously placed foldFold the other half of the cover in the same

manner by using steps 1, 2, 3 and 4

Fold over 12 inches at both ends

Start rolling at either end. Compress the first few rolls as tightly as possible

Tuck in slack at center if wrinkles appear while rolling

FOLDS & ROLLS

Two Person Roll

With the cover stretched lengthwise, both firefighters grasp opposite ends of the cover at the center grommet and then pull the cover tightly between them

Raise the center fold high above the floor and shake out the wrinkles to form the first half fold

Spread the half fold upon the floor, and smooth it flat to remove the

wrinkles

With a firefighter standing at each end of the half fold and facing the cover, grasp the open edge corners with the hand nearest to these corners. While in this position, place the corresponding foot at the center of the half fold and thus make a pivot for the next fold

Stretch that part of the cover being folded tightly between the firefightersMake the quarter fold by folding the open edges over the folded edges

One firefighter should stand on one end of the quarter fold while the other firefighter grasps the opposite end and shakes out the wrinkles

The firefighter holding the end of the cover then folds the quarter fold into one hand and carries this end to the partner

Both firefighters then grasps the open ends and use their inside foot as a pivot for the next fold

Both firefighters bring these open ends over and place them just short of the folded center

fold

The firefighters continue this folding process by The firefighters continue this folding process by bringing the open ends over and just short of the bringing the open ends over and just short of the folded end. During this fold, the free hand may be folded end. During this fold, the free hand may be used as a pivot to hold the cover straightused as a pivot to hold the cover straight

Both firefighters then crouch at each end of the lengthwise fold. The one at the fold forms a pivot with his hands. The other firefighter places the upper end

just short of the other end

The firefighters complete the operation by one more fold in the same manner. They bring the open ends over and to the folded end using the free hand as a pivot during the fold

• One person with a rolled cover– Start at one end of the object to be covered and

while still holding the roll in the hands, unroll it sufficiently to cover the end

DEPLOYING SALVAGE COVERS

– Lay the roll on the object and continue to Lay the roll on the object and continue to unroll toward the opposite endunroll toward the opposite end

Let the rest of the roll fall into place

Stand at one end and grasp the open edges

Open both sides by snapping both hands up and out

Open the other end in the same manner

DEPLOYING SALVAGE COVERS

• Two person with a folded coverTwo person with a folded cover– Stretch the cover along one side of the object Stretch the cover along one side of the object

to be covered and separate the last half fold by to be covered and separate the last half fold by grasping each side of the cover near the endsgrasping each side of the cover near the ends

Make several accordion folds in the hand that is Make several accordion folds in the hand that is to make the throw and place the other hand to make the throw and place the other hand

about midway down the end hemabout midway down the end hem

Pull the cover tightly between the operators and Pull the cover tightly between the operators and prepare to swing the folded part down, out and prepare to swing the folded part down, out and then up in one sweeping motion so as to pocket as then up in one sweeping motion so as to pocket as much air as possiblemuch air as possible

When the cover is as high as the operators When the cover is as high as the operators can reach, the accordion folds may either be can reach, the accordion folds may either be pitched or carried across the object; an pitched or carried across the object; an action which causes the cover to float over action which causes the cover to float over the objectthe object

As the cover is floated over the object, guide it into As the cover is floated over the object, guide it into position and straighten for better run offposition and straighten for better run off

OVERHAUL

• Overhaul is the practice of searching a fire scene to detect hidden fires or sparks, which may rekindle, and to note the possible point of origin and cause of fire.

METHODS USED TO DETECT HIDDEN FIRES

• Sight– Discoloration– Peeling paint– Smoke emitting from cracks– Cracked plaster– Rippled wallpaper– Burned areas

• Sound– Popping or cracking noises– Hissing of steam

METHODS USED TO DETECT HIDDEN FIRES

– Touch• Feel walls with the back of hand

– Electronic sensors• Thermal detection• Infrared detection

PRECAUTIONS & PROCEDURES• Wear proper PPE with SCBA where

applicable• Should be supervised by an officer not

directly involved in the overhaul operations

• Charged hose lines available• Evaluate structural integrity

– Weakened floors– Spalled concrete– Weakened steel– Weakened trusses– Weakened walls

RESTORATION OF THE PREMISES

• Make the building safe• Make the contents safe• Make the area safe

RESTORATION OF THE PREMISES

• Insure fire protection systems have been restored to operational status by a qualified technician

Sprinkler systems– Standpipe systems– Alarm systems

RESTORATION OF THE PREMISES

• Insure utility services are not restored until inspected and deemed safe by the appropriate utility representative or qualified repairperson

• Secure the building– Cover roof openings– Cover doors and windows

• Release the premises to the owner– Done in front of witness

DUTIES OF PERSONNEL LEFT AT FIRE SCENE

• Guard the evidence where it is found, untouched and undisturbed, to preserve the chain of custody

• Properly identify, remove and safeguard evidence that cannot be left at scene of fire

• Control access

EXPOSING HIDDEN FIRES

• Ceilings– Position yourself between the area

to be opened and an escape route– Break plaster in the area to be

pulled– Use a pike pole or similar tool to

hook and pull the lath or wire mesh– Pull down and away

EXPOSING HIDDEN FIRES

• Floors– Wood• Determine the approximate location for

the hole based on need• Sound for floor joists to decide the

exact location• Cut one side of the finished floor by

using angle cuts• Cut the other side of the finished floor

in a like manner

EXPOSING HIDDEN FIRES

• Remove the flooring or floor covering with the pick of the axe• Cut all sides of the sub-floor using the same technique

and angle cuts• Remove the boards from the sub-floor

• Walls– Masonry/Veneer• Use power tools to cut an opening• Use battering ram to knock away material

EXPOSING HIDDEN FIRES

• Metal– Select location for the opening– Position saw or other metal cutting

tool next to studs– Make opening as neat as possible

• Wood frame– Remove the siding– Sound the wall for the studs– Cut along the stud– Remove the sheathing– Watch for electrical wiring and pipes

EXPOSING HIDDEN FIRES

• Partition walls– Select the location of the opening– Check for electric wall plugs and

switches– Select the appropriate tools– Locate the studs by sounding– Cut along the studs with a fire axe

or other cutting tool

SEPARATE, REMOVE, & RELOCATE CHARRED MATERIAL

• Separate materials to check for embers• Use hose line or hand can to cool materials

Determine that Determine that removal of removal of materials will materials will not affect cause not affect cause and origin and origin investigationinvestigation

Remove larger items from building

If items may be salvageable, or contain contents that may be salvageable, place off to the side away from pile of debris

SEPARATE, REMOVE, & RELOCATE CHARRED MATERIAL

• Shovel or place smaller debris into tubs, garbage cans or carryalls

• Remove debris from building– Take care to prevent damage to walls, doors

• Place in safe place• Avoid placing on lawn, sidewalks, if possible• Do not place on adjacent property

Homework• Select facts about salvage planning and procedures. Write the correct letters on

the blanks.1. When should salvage work begin?a. After fire extinguishment c. During overhaulb. Before or during fire attack d. After arson investigation2. Which of the following best describes how building contents should be arranged

when preparing them to be covered?a. In small, isolated stacks to prevent weight and scratch damageb. In their normal positions to save timec. Away from the wall in close piles that can be covered with a minimum of salvage

coversd. In a square or rectangular grouping to fit the shape of the cover3. How many average-sized salvage covers will usually protect the contents of one

room?a. 3 2. b 3.c 4. d4. Where should a dresser, chest, or high object be placed when arranging bedroom

furnishings to be salvaged?a. On its side on the bed b. At the foot of the bedc. Beside the bed on the floor d. On end at the head of the bed

Homework

5. Where should pictures, curtains, lamps and clothing be placed when arranging a bedroom to be covered?

a. On the bed b. On the dresser or bureauc. Between the mattress and springs d. At the head of the bed on the floor6. What is the purpose of rolling a rug and placing it on top of gathered contents?a. Protective cover to provide additional water protection to the contents

beneath itb. Ridge pole to elevate the salvage cover and provide drainagec. End weight to hold the contents in a compact groupingd. Support member to bear the weight of higher stacked items7. What presents the biggest challenges for firefighters who are trying to perform

salvage functions?a. Expensive furniture b. Commercial occupanciesc. Residential occupancies d. Large area rugs

Homework

8. What construction feature makes it difficult to cover display shelving in commercial occupancies?

a. Built-in electrical lighting b. Glass doors and shelvesc. Center-aisle support columns and posts d. Against-wall-to-ceiling design9. What is a common obstacle to efficient salvage work in commercial

occupancies?a. Low, wide display shelves b. Wide aisles between shelvesc. Built-in, nonmovable stock d. Lack of skids or pallets under stock10. Which of the following best describes the reason firefighters should be

cautious around high-piled stock such as boxed materials or rolled paper?a. Stacked materials are heavy and present lifting hazards.b. Stacked materials of paper and cardboard present a spontaneous combustion

hazard.c. Stacked materials present a collapse hazard when wet at the bottom.d. Stacked materials are difficult to extinguish so may smolder in an unseen area

and reignite suddenly.

Homework• Select facts about salvage tools, equipment, and materials. Write the correct letters

on the blanks.11. Why is it usually better to let synthetic salvage covers dry before folding them?a. The folds will stick together when the salvage cover has dried.b. They will mildew if they are folded wet.c. Water weakens the material and causes cracks.d. They will be stiffer and more difficult to unfold after they have dried.12. What happens when canvas salvage covers are allowed to dry while dirty?a. Carbon and ash dry to a flake state and can be cleaned from the covers with a stiff

broom.b. Carbon and ash react chemically and rot the fibers in the covers.c. Carbon and ash particles penetrate the cover increasing its waterproof properties.d. Carbon and ash residue penetrate the covers’ fibers, decreasing their waterproof

properties.13. Which of the following is not a method of repairing canvas covers? a. Covering with duct tape or mastic tape b. b. Sealing and joining with a heat sealerc. Applying iron-on patches d. Sewing on fabric patches

Homework

14. Whose policies dictate which apparatus the salvage equipment is carried on?a. U.S. Department of Transportation b. Individual fire departmentc. State Department of Safety d. IFSTA15. What tools are commonly found in an automatic sprinkler kit? a. Sprinkler tongs b. Screwdrivers c. Hammers d. Ratchet sets16. What is the primary purpose of a floor runner?a. To protect floor coverings from falling debrisb. To protect floor coverings from grime and mud tracked by firefightersc. To protect floor coverings from fire damaged. To reduce water damage to floor coverings

Homework

17. What kind of pumps are best suited for salvage operations?a. Booster pumps c. Two-cycle pumpsb. Trash-type pumps d. Centrifugal pumps18. Which type of water removal equipment can also be used to remove dirt and small

debris from floor coverings? a. Trash-type pump b. High-pressure flushing systemc. Jet siphon device d. Water vacuum19. How should roofing, tar paper, or plastic be attached to cover an opening in a

structure?a. With duct tapeb. With roofing nails, and with lath between the nails and the materialc. With roofing nails, and with lath between the material and the structured. With staples

Homework• Match to their correct uses tools and equipment used in

overhaul. Write the correct letters on the blanks. 20. Moving baled or loose materials21. Carrying debris to or providing a basin for immersing

smoldering material22. Opening walls and floors23. Opening ceilings to check on fire extension24. Searching for hidden fires

a. Electronic sensor

b. Carryall

c. Shovel, hook, or fork

d. Pike pole or plaster hook

e. Axe

HomeworkSelect facts about overhaul safety and methods. Write the correct letters on the blanks.25. Firefighter A says that most of the equipment used for overhaul work is different

from that used for salvage and extinguishment operations.Firefighter B says that salvage operations performed during fire fighting will directly affect any overhaul work that may be needed later.Who is right?

a. Firefighter A b. Firefighter B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B26. What are the two primary factors that determine the condition of a building after

fire extinguishment?a. The type of water application and the amount of water usedb. The intensity of the fire and the area covered by the firec. The size of the structural members and their flammability ratingd. The intensity of the fire and the amount of water used27. What happens to concrete exposed to high temperatures?a. Spalling occurs b. Cracks and fissures developc. It hardens, becoming stronger d. The surface softens and wrinkles28. What should firefighters look for when trying to detect hidden fires?a. Cracked plaster c. Bent steel membersb. Charred wood d. Offset walls

Homework

29. What two types of electronic sensors detect hidden fires? a. Thermal and X-ray c. Ultraviolet and infraredb. Thermal and infrared d. Ultrasound and X-ray30. Which of the following items should be thoroughly checked as they are prone to

harboring hidden fires for a prolonged period?a. Floor spaces b. Voids in walls c. Insulation materials d. Spaces around windows31. How do firefighters overhaul ends of floor beams that enter a party wall?a. Remove the wall sheathing with a pike pole and apply water directly to the beams.b. Flood the floor space with water.c. Remove flooring with an axe and apply water to beams.d. Flush the voids in the wall with water.32. What action should be taken when fire has burned around windows or doors?a. Seal the window or door with plastic sheeting.b. Close the window or door to prevent re-ignition and flashover.c. Pull off the molding to expose the inner parts of the frame or casing.d. Remove the door from its hinges and any glass or window covering from the

window.

Homework

33. Firefighter A says that charged hoselines of the same size that brought the fire under control should be used to extinguish hidden fires.Firefighter B says that pumpers can be disconnected from hydrants while overhaul crews are extinguishing hidden fires.Who is right?

a. Firefighter A b. Firefighter B c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B34. How are small, burning articles discovered during overhaul best extinguished?a. Drenching with a booster lineb. Submerging in a container of waterc. Drenching with an attack lined. Moving outside for extinguishment

HomeworkSelect from a list indicators of hidden fires. Mark an “A” before each indicator of hidden fire

or “B” if it is not an indicator of hidden fire.35. __ Discoloration of materials36. __ Peeling paint37. __ Spalled concrete38. __ Smoke issuing from cracks39. __ Charred wall coverings40. __ Cracked plaster41. __ Ash accumulation42. __ Blackened windows43. __ Rippled wallpaper44. __ Smell of burning45. __ Hot spots behind walls, floors, or ceilings46. __ Roaring burning sounds47. __ Popping or crackling sounds48. __ Hissing steam