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Coffee Break Training: Automatic Sprinklers: Obstruction Investigations
"Over time pipe can become obstructed by various forms of corrosion that affect water flow and, eventually, sprinkler system performance. Although today's picture illustrates a potable water line problem, the same conditions can develop in water-based fire protection systems. The valve in this picture is only 10 years old. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 25, 'Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems', requires internal pipe inspections to discover and resolve these problems. A pipe and branch line inspection must be performed every 5 years by opening a flushing connection at the end of one main and by removing a sprinkler toward the end of one branch. Alternative nondestructive examination methods are permitted."
United States Fire Administration
2010-10-26
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Coffee Break Training: Hazardous Materials: Long Bolt Emergency Vents
"Excessive pressure or vacuum can occur whenever filling, emptying, or a temperature change occurs in an aboveground liquid storage tank. Vents are provided to minimize this buildup and protect the tank from any excess pressure. Tanks normally have two vents: an operating vent and an emergency vent. The operating vent allows air to enter and vapor to exit at a rate sufficient to prevent the tank from bursting or collapsing. The emergency vent provides the tank with relief from the pressure resulting from overfilling the tank or overheating the tank contents if the tank is exposed to fire. One type of emergency vent design is a loose bolt manhole. Generally, these bolts are 1- 1/2-inch (38.1 mm) long. Operators frequently see these manholes open during a delivery because of the pressure increase that occurs during filling, and mistakenly tighten the bolts. Or, owners will tighten the bolts after rainstorms because the lid gets warped and water seeps into the stored liquid."
United States Fire Administration
2010-10-19
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Coffee Break Training: Buildings with Cellars and Basements
"Do you have commercial buildings with basements or cellars in your jurisdiction? Honor the fallen by taking some time to inspect these dangerous conditions so we don't repeat history."
United States Fire Administration
2010-10-17
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Coffee Break Training: Hazardous Materials: Indoor Magazine Construction Requirements
"Explosives and explosive materials are required to be stored in magazines to minimize the risk of unwanted detonation. (See Coffee Break 2008-9 for an explanation of the different types of magazines.) Indoor magazines may be used in factory and industrial, hazardous, mercantile, storage occupancies, or research and development laboratories when storage is needed for small quantities of explosive materials. They may never be used in buildings containing residential occupancies."
United States Fire Administration
2010-10-12
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Coffee Break Training: Automatic Sprinklers: Sprinklers Beneath Mezzanines
"Today's photo illustrates a common problem found on inspections: a sprinklered storage space with high ceilings where someone has increased storage capacity by erecting a combustible mezzanine. The construction has created a 'continuous' obstruction that would interrupt water flow from the ceiling sprinklers, preventing it from reaching the products stored on the floor. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13, 'Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems', requires that additional sprinklers be installed beneath obstructions that interrupt the water discharge in a horizontal plane more than 18 in (457 mm) below the sprinkler deflector when the obstruction prevents adequate coverage."
United States Fire Administration
2010-10-05
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Coffee Break Training: Fire Investigation: Report Writing -- Part 3
"Speaking of evidence, all documents pertaining to evidence should be a part of the report. This includes collection photographs and the evidence log as well the evidence transmission log to secure a chain of custody. Laboratory reports should also be a part of the report. A summary of the lab results may head up the report, but the original document that identifies the lab, the technician, the tests performed, and the results should be included. Finally witness reports or any other written documents should be included. This includes witness statements, law enforcement reports, and insurance documents obtained through the use of an immunity letter. Any financial or personal documents, as well as any other documents that may be pertinent to the incident, should be a part of the investigative report."
United States Fire Administration
2010-09-30
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Coffee Break Training: Inspection Techniques: Inspecting Dry Chemical Fire Suppression Systems
"Dry chemical fire suppression systems provide protection for many flammable and combustible liquid (Class B) fire hazards. They are particularly suited for outdoor environments where concerns about freezing prevent the installation of water-based systems. The system owner is responsible for a monthly inspection to ensure the equipment remains in an operable condition. The inspection must be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer's listed installation and maintenance manual or owner's manual."
United States Fire Administration
2010-09-28
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Coffee Break Training: Fire Investigation: Report Writing -- Part 2
"There are several uses for fire investigation written reports. They can be used to compile statistical information, keep others, such as supervisors and other investigative staff, informed, and prepare cases as well as the investigator for court. The investigator must always remember when preparing the document that an investigative report is an official record. The report serves as proof of the fire and/or possible crime. It documents how the investigator collected the facts about the incident and includes not only what, but how and by whom evidence is or was taken. A report has a definite structure. It is arranged in a way that the reader can easily find the information he or she requires. A structure also makes it easier for the writer to arrange thoughts in a logical flow and to write a readable report. In its simplest form, a report will consist of a beginning, a middle, and an end. When preparing your investigative report it is important to include all pertinent information. The follow¬ing discusses the information needed."
United States Fire Administration
2010-09-23
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Coffee Break Training: Automatic Sprinklers: Residential Sprinkler Water Supplies
"The national model building codes for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses now include requirements for residential sprinkler systems. In those areas where the municipal-type water supply is inadequate or nonexistent, stored water supplies with electric pumps may provide the solution. The code official should be able to verify that the minimum tank capacity is adequate to supply the system. The one- and two-family dwellings and townhouse residential sprinkler standards require the water supply to last for 7 minutes in a one-story dwelling less than 2,000 ft2 (186 m2) and 10 minutes for dwellings more than one story or 2,000 ft2 and larger. To obtain the total stored water requirement, the calculations are simple arithmetical equations that multiply the flow from the required number of design sprinklers times the duration. The number of design sprinklers is based on the largest room size: if the largest room can be protected by a single sprinkler, the design number is one. Otherwise, two sprinklers flowing simultaneously must be used to compute the system demand."
United States Fire Administration
2010-09-21
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Coffee Break Training: Fire Investigation: Report Writing -- Part 1
"One of the most important elements of fire and arson investigation is the written report. Written reports may be used by other investigators, courts, insurance agencies and regular citizens. As 'Kirk's Fire Investigation' inquires, 'If I were to die tomorrow and this report were the only information on this incident, how completely and accurately would it reflect what I know about this fire?' If you were no longer able to express your thoughts and opinions regarding a specific case, would your education and credibility as an investigator be reflected in the documentation of your investigation? Not all arson cases go to trial and it is impossible to predict which ones will be prosecuted and within what time schedule. As a result, oftentimes an investigator may be subpoenaed to testify on an incident that occurred years prior. The written report is the investigator's best tool when preparing a case for court that captures what happened and will help the investigator recollect the incident and its specific details. Charles and Gregory O'Hara write in the 'Fundamentals of Criminal Investigations,' 'The effectiveness of an investigator is judged in large measure by the reports of investigations. If an otherwise satisfactory investigation is poorly reported, the reputation of the investigator suffers.' The report must include and the investigator must be able to explain, simply, what event(s) were brought together to cause a fire. A complete and detailed report containing photos, diagrams/charts, sketches, evidence log, photo log, witness interview logs, incident report, etc., is an investigators best tool when preparing a case for court."
United States Fire Administration
2010-09-16
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Coffee Break Training: Fire Pumps: Eccentric Reducers: Another Perspective
"Coffee Break Training 2008-4 emphasized the importance of correct orientation and placement of tapered eccentric reducers on the suction side of stationary fire pump installations. The purpose of an eccentric reducer is to transition the pipe sizes from a larger incoming supply to a smaller suction inlet on the pump. Eccentric reducers are easily identified by the fact that one side appears to be flat, while the other side is tapered toward the suction inlet. When the pump is fed from below or the side from an underground water main, the eccentric reducer must be installed with the 'flat side' on the top, parallel to the floor. This arrangement prevents air being trapped in the upper portion of the fitting. Air entering the suction side of the pump can cause dangerous cavitation."
United States Fire Administration
2010-09-14
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Coffee Break Training: Fire Alarms and Detection: Secondary Power Calculations
"National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72, 'National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code', requires all fire alarm systems to have primary and secondary power supplies. The source of these supplies is left to the installer with the code official's approval. If a fire alarm system loses primary power, it must automatically transfer to secondary power within 30 seconds without losing any signals. The secondary power supply must be capable of powering the system in standby ('normal') mode for at least 24 hours and, after that, in alarm mode for at least 5 minutes. Voice command systems require power to operate the system for 15 minutes at maximum connected load. The installer must submit calculations to confirm that the secondary power supply is capable of meeting these demands."
United States Fire Administration
2010-09-07
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Smoking-Related Fires in Residential Buildings
Topical Fire Reports "are designed to explore facets of the U.S. fire problem as depicted through data collected in the U.S. Fire Administration's (USFA's) National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). Each topical report briefly addresses the nature of the specific fire or fire-related topic, highlights important findings from the data, and may suggest other resources to consider for further information. Also included are recent examples of fire incidents that demonstrate some of the issues addressed in the report or that put the report topic in context." This report examines smoking-related fires in residential buildings.
National Fire Data Center (U.S.); United States Fire Administration
2010-09
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Coffee Break Training: Fire Alarms and Detection: Fire Alarm Signal Transmission
"Fire alarm system reliability is enhanced when its signals are transmitted to a location where a qualified and competent person can interpret the signal and take action. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72, 'National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code', provides five options for signal supervision."
United States Fire Administration
2010-08-31
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Coffee Break Training: Fire Alarms and Detection: Smoke Detector Application Listings
"Smoke detectors are the preferred devices for early fire detection and life safety, but they are not always the most suitable fire sensing devices because of the environment in which they may have to be installed. Installing smoke detectors in an atmosphere that is normally dirty, dusty, or humid only invites false alarms."
United States Fire Administration
2010-08-24
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Coffee Break Training: Fire Alarms and Detection: Fire Alarm Plan Submittals
"Code officials may have the responsibility to review fire alarm system plans before the equipment is installed. The plans submitted to the code official should be an accurate representation of what the designer intends to install. Of course, during construction or installation there may be field modifications that must occur, but good planning and forethought will keep those to a minimum. At the very least, the designer should submit two types of fire alarm plans: a riser plan and a point-to-point plan."
United States Fire Administration
2010-08-17
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Coffee Break Training: Building Construction: Smoke Dampers
"Smoke dampers are installed in an air-distribution system to control the movement of smoke. These dampers are intended for use when air ducts pass through smoke barriers or are installed as a component of a building's smoke control system. Smoke dampers are controlled by an automatic alarm initiating device (smoke detector) and also are permitted to be positioned manually from a firefighting command station. Smoke dampers are required by either the model building or mechanical codes or National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 90A, 'Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems' and NFPA 92A, 'Standard for Smoke-Control Systems Utilizing Barriers and Pressure Differences'."
United States Fire Administration
2010-08-10
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Coffee Break Training: Building Construction: Structural Strength and Stiffness
"In building construction, structural strength and stiffness do not describe the same construction characteristic. Strength is the ability to resist stress in the form of pressure. Strength is a property of the materials involved and the direction of the stress. Material strength usually describes the capability of materials to carry the loads without having failure in shear, elongation, or yield. Stiffness is a derived property involving not only strength but the material's shape. For example, two beams of different shapes made of reinforced concrete will have different stiffness even though they are the same material. Stiffness is a capability of materials to resist against bending, buckling, or deflection."
United States Fire Administration
2010-08-03
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Fatal Fires in Residential Buildings
"The original goal for USFA [United States Fire Administration] was to help lead a reduction in fire deaths by 50 percent in a generation. With annual fire deaths dropping from over 9,000 to less than 3,500 in that period of time, USFA's goal has been achieved. Nevertheless, fire deaths are still high. Approximately 1,800 fatal residential building fires occurred annually in recent years (2006 to 2008).These fires resulted in an annual average of approximately 2,635 deaths, 725 injuries, and $196 million in property loss. This report is one of a continuing series of topical reports issued by the USFA's National Fire Data Center and addresses the characteristics of fatal residential building fires reported to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) from 2006 to 2008, the most recent data available at the time of the analysis. Because 79 percent of fire deaths occur in residential buildings, they are the focus of this report. The information in this report about fatal residential fires can be used not only to assess progress but also to understand the nature of the fatal fire problem and its implications for targeting of prevention programs. For the purpose of this report, the terms 'residential fires' and 'fatal residential fires' are synonymous with 'residential building fires' and 'fatal residential building fires,' respectively. 'Fatal residential fires' is used throughout the body of this report; the findings, tables, charts, headings, and footnotes reflect the full category, 'fatal residential building fires.'"
United States Fire Administration
2010-08
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Residential Building Electrical Malfunction Fire Trends [August 2010]
"Fire Estimate Summaries present basic data on the size and status of the fire problem in the United States as depicted through data collected in the U.S. Fire Administration's (USFA's) National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). Each Fire Estimate Summary addresses the size of the specific fire or fire-related issue and highlights important trends in the data. [...] National estimates for residential building electrical malfunction fires for 2008, the most recent year data are available, are: [1] Fires: 29,100 [2] Deaths: 380 [3] Injuries: 1,075 [4] Dollar Loss: $1,214,700,000".
National Fire Data Center (U.S.); United States Fire Administration
2010-08
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Topical Fire Report Series: Fatal Fires in Residential Buildings [August 2010]
From the Lessons Learned Information Sharing abstract: "These topical reports are designed to explore facets of the U.S. fire problem as depicted through data collected in the U.S. Fire Administration's (USFA's) National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). Each topical report briefly addresses the nature of the specific fire or fire-related topic, highlights important findings from the data, and may suggest other resources to consider for further information. Also included are recent examples of fire incidents that demonstrate some of the issues addressed in the report or that put the report topic in context. This issue discusses fatal fires in residential buildings."
United States Fire Administration
2010-08
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Vacant Residential Building Fires
"This topical report addresses the characteristics of vacant residential building fires reported to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) from 2006 to 2008. Vacant residential building fires, as analyzed in this report, include properties where the building is under construction, under major renovation, vacant and secured, vacant and unsecured, and being demolished. The remaining building status categories (occupied and operating; idle, not routinely used; building status, other; and undetermined) are considered 'nonvacant' but not necessarily occupied. For the purpose of this report, the terms 'residential fires' and 'vacant residential fires' are synonymous with 'residential building fires' and 'vacant residential building fires,' respectively. 'Vacant residential fires' is used through-out the body of this report; the findings, tables, charts, headings, and footnotes reflect the full category, 'vacant residential building fires.'"
United States Fire Administration
2010-08
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Coffee Break Training: Access and Water Supplies: Automatic Water System Flushing Systems
"The level of residual chlorine in underground water systems is an indicator of water quality and safety. The chlorine level in water changes over time, and depends on water temperature, initial chlorine concentration, and the nature and type of organic matter that may be present in the water. In recent years, many water utilities have noted that chlorine levels in portions of their distribution systems are often too low for the water to be potable. Dead-end water mains (resulting from cul-de-sac developments and/or provisions for future extension of the system) and/or low flow rates in a section of the water system can result in lower than required chlorine levels in the water in underground mains."
United States Fire Administration
2010-07-27
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Coffee Break Training: Inspection Techniques: Flushing Underground Fire Protection Water Mains
"Today's photograph has not been enhanced: the water flowing onto the parking lot really is the color of cocoa. Underground water mains that supply water-based fire protection systems are vulnerable to contaminants when they are installed. Dirt, rocks, bird nests, oyster shells, sticks, and even workers' tools can find their way into the pipe during installation. Every attempt should be made to remove these potential obstructions in the water system. One method to increase the reliability of underground water supplies is to perform a controlled flush before the pipe is connected to a fire protection system or fire hydrants. The flush is intended to remove small objects and identify any potential obstructions that may require the pipe to be excavated and inspected."
United States Fire Administration
2010-07-20
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Coffee Break Training: Inspection Techniques: Fueled Equipment Indoors
"Storing liquid or gas-fueled equipment indoors increases the likelihood of an unwanted fire due to accidental leaks or spills; plus the fuel adds to the building's overall fire load. To address this issue, the fire codes prohibit the storage, operation, or repair of fueled equipment indoors in all but a few special cases. Fueled equipment includes motorcycles, mopeds, lawn-care equipment, floor-care equipment, cooking equipment, or general maintenance apparatus such as the gasoline-powered pressure washer in the photograph. Fuels may include flammable or combustible liquids, compressed flammable gases, or liquefied petroleum gases (LPGs)."
United States Fire Administration
2010-07-13
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Coffee Break Training: Building Construction: Part 3: Fire Investigations: Fire Protection Systems and Codes
"Today, fire protection systems are an integral part of many structures. These systems can activate to control or mitigate a fire or its effects. These systems include automatic sprinklers, special suppression systems including commercial kitchen range hood systems, fire alarms, smoke alarms, standpipes, and smoke management systems. The design of fire protection systems may include methods to notify the occupants and/or fire department. Failures in these systems may be due to either accidental or intentional reasons."
United States Fire Administration
2010-07-08
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Coffee Break Training: Building Construction: Motorized Fire Door Radii
"In some circumstances, the model building codes require elevator shafts to be separated from fire- and smoke-rated corridors to protect the integrity of the means of egress from smoke, heat, and flames rising in the shaft. Depending upon the architectural design of the space connecting the corridor to the elevator waiting area, this separation often is accomplished by fixed partitions and side-swinging fire and smoke assemblies that create an elevator lobby. In some arrangements, the owner and architect prefer to maintain a sense of visual openness between the elevators and the corridor. This creates a design challenge to protect the corridor."
United States Fire Administration
2010-07-06
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Coffee Break Training: Identification of Juveniles Involved in Firesetting
"There are multiple ways that juveniles involved in fire incidents come to the attention of a youth firesetting prevention and intervention program, including parents and caregivers; schools; law enforcement, juvenile justices, courts and attorneys; mental health agencies; social and child protective services; and the fire service. Once the juvenile has been identified, the pathway to intervention depends on a number of factors. 1. Immediate referral: Mandates may require immediate referral to the local justice system if there is a violation of local, state or federal law. […] 2. The age of the juvenile: This is known as the age of accountability. Depending upon the state, the age of accountability may vary. […] 3. The nature and severity of the fire: Those youths who commit firesetting acts that result in large dollar loss and/or loss of life may be referred to the juvenile justice system before any firesetting intervention takes place. […] 4. The firesetting history of the juvenile: Many youth firesetting prevention and intervention programs have strict guidelines on disposition of first-time firesetting versus repeat firesetting. […] 5. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) or standard operating guidelines (SOGs): It is essential that all personnel who have the potential to interact with a youth and his or her family have a basic understanding of SOPs or SOGs of the youth firesetting prevention and intervention program."
United States Fire Administration
2010-07-03
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Coffee Break Training: Characteristics of the Medical Components of the Incident Command System: Responder Rehabilitation Manager
"The Responder Rehabilitation Manager reports to the Medical Unit Leader and is responsible for the rehabilitation of incident personnel who are suffering from the effects of strenuous work and/or extreme conditions: a. Review Common Responsibilities (Page 1-2). b. Designate responder rehabilitation location and have location announced on radio with radio designation 'Rehab.' c. Request necessary medical personnel to evaluate medical condition of personnel being rehabilitated. d. Request necessary resources for rehabilitation of personnel, e.g., water, juice, personnel. e. Request through Food Unit or Logistics Section Chief feeding as necessary for personnel being rehabilitated. f. Release rehabilitated personnel to Operations Section or Planning Section for reassignment. g. Maintain appropriate records and documentation. h. Maintain Unit/Activity Log (ICS Form 214)."
United States Fire Administration
2010-07-02
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Field Operations Guide
From the Statement of Intent: "The content of the Field Operations Guide (FOG) is intended to provide guidance for the application of the Incident Command System (ICS) to any planned or unplanned event. Position descriptions, checklists, and diagrams are provided to facilitate that guidance. The information contained in this document is intended to enhance the user's experience, training, and knowledge in the application of the Incident Command System. All users must obtain proper ICS training at the level necessary to effectively utilize the system."
National Fire Academy; United States Fire Administration
2010-07
