Service Delivery 3

Salvage

Aim

To introduce students to salvage considerations within the Fire Service.

Learning OutcomesAt the end of the session students will be able to:

• Define salvage, as applied to the Fire Service

• State the legislation applicable to salvage

• Understand the value and aim of salvage

• Identify the procedures and considerations for carrying out salvage.

What is salvage

Salvage is the limitation or prevention of avoidable damage, before, during or after a fire.

Why undertake salvage

Section 1.1(e) of the Fire Services Act 1947 requires fire authorities to;

“….secure efficient arrangements for ensuring that reasonable steps are taken to prevent or mitigate damage to property resulting from measures taken in dealing with fires in the area of the fire authority.”

The value of salvage

Damage is not restricted to the burning of property and may also be caused by;

• Water or other extinguishing agent

• Debris, dirt and breakages

• Adverse weather conditions on exposed interiors

• Vandalism and pilfering at insecure premises.

• Smoke, steam, fire or fumes

The aim and potential of salvage

The aim of salvage is to minimise the losses due to a fire and the operations undertaken to extinguish it.

Salvage procedures

• Effective salvage is a continuous procedure

• The various aspects can be arranged in the following groups;

• Considerations to be borne in mind whilst firefighting

• Active measures to prevent avoidable damage

• Mitigating the effects of the fire and firefighting operations

• Subsequent rehabilitation and protection of property and contents.

• Preliminary work

Preliminary work

• Advice to occupiers, during 1.1(d) visits

• Salvage pre-planning

• Salvage exercises.

Steps can be taken before a fire occurs which could reduce the potential losses;

Considerations to be borne in mind whilst firefighting

The way firefighters undertake their duties can assist in salvage.

• Reduce the number and size of jets

• Hose reel or hand controlled branches should be used where possible

• Replace damaged hose as soon as possible

• Haul hose aloft

• Drain dry risers to the outside of the building.

• Use minimum amount of water

Active measures to prevent avoidable damage

Cover goods.

Removal of water

Salvage sheets

Pump.

Active measures to prevent avoidable damage

• Covering goods

• Removal of water

• Moving goods.

Mitigating the effects of firefighting

• Keeping water on the move

• Divert water to the lowest floor and pump out.

Standing water, due to a drain being blocked by debris.

Pumping out diverted water from lowest point.

Mitigating the effects of firefighting

• Keeping water on the move

• Divert water to the lowest floor and pump out

• Removal of smoke.

Simple method of removing smoke.

Positive pressure ventilation fan.

Rehabilitation and protection

• Removal of water

• Remove debris, after fire investigation

• Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry premise

• Attempt to make the property secure, request police to attend.

Health and safety considerations

• Full firefighting kit must be worn

• Be aware of your surroundings, conditions can deteriorate rapidly

• Be aware of open drainage covers

• When removing debris, wear gloves and eye protection, be aware of unseen hazards.

Confirmation Assessments will be based on this lesson and the corresponding study note

Learning Outcomes• Define salvage, as applied to the Fire Service

• State the legislation applicable to salvage

• Understand the value and aim of salvage

• Identify the procedures and considerations for carrying out salvage.

THE END