Firefighter Ventilation Techniques: NFPA Standard & Safety Considerations

1. VENTILATION NFPA Standard 1001 Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications - 2002

2. Objectives • Understand ventilation as a fire service tool • Know the principles, advantages, and effects of ventilation (NFPA 1001:3-3.10a)

3. Objectives • Identify the considerations for proper ventilation (NFPA 1001:3-3.10a) • Identify the types of ventilation (NFPA 1001:3-3.10a, 4-3.2a) • Describe ventilation techniques (NFPA 1001:3-3.10a, 3-3.11a, 3-3.11b)

4. Objectives • Describe the need for roof ventilation (NFPA 1001:3-3.11a, 3-3.11b,4-3.2a) • Identify safety considerations when venting (NFPA 1001:3-3.10a)

5. Objectives • Describe the obstacles to ventilation (NFPA 1001:4-3.2a) • Identify the factors affecting ventilation Delmar, Firefighter’s Handbook, Chapter 18

6. Ventilation is the systematic removal of the byproducts of combustion. It relieves the structure of heat. It channels smoke out of the structure. It removes toxic gases from the structure. Principles, Advantages, and Effects of Ventilation

7. Vertical ventilation is the removal of heat and smoke through vertical channels. Horizontal ventilation is the removal of smoke and gases through horizontal openings. Considerations for Proper Ventilation

8. Types of Ventilation Natural • Opening of doors and windows • Cutting a hole in the roof

10. Mechanical Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) Smoke fans Positive pressure Types of Ventilation

12. Hydraulic Fog stream out a window or other opening Smooth bore with partially opened nozzle out a window or other opening Types of Ventilation

14. Break windows Open doors Rope and a tool For ventilating upper floor windows from above Hook or pike pole Halligan Axe Ventilation Techniques

15. Portable ladder Aerial ladder tip Negative pressure ventilation Positive pressure ventilation Introduction opening should be larger than exhaust opening Cone of air should be larger than opening Ventilation Techniques

17. Quickest way is to use building features Skylight Scuttle cover Bulkhead door When making holes, cut directly over the fire when possible Roof Ventilation

19. Types of cuts Expandable cut Produces hole as large as needed Roof Ventilation

20. Louver cut A series of cuts parallel to the roof joists, keeping them in the middle. When opened, they look like hinged louvers Triangular cut Good for Q-decking over open web bar joists Roof Ventilation

22. Trench cut or Strip cut Defensive in design and execution Used to cut off fire extension Examination holes Kerf cut – cutting blade lowered into roof material and pulled out Triangular cut – three intersecting kerf cuts Roof Ventilation

23. Safety Considerations • Will ventilation permit fire to extend? • Will the escape route be cut off? • Will ventilation endanger others? • Work in teams

24. Obstacles to Ventilation Access Security devices Height Unfamiliar building layout Timing

25. Factors Affecting Ventilation Partial openings Partially broken windows Screens Roof material

26. Factors Affecting Ventilation Dropped or hanging ceilings Building size Weather Opening windows

27. Lessons Learned Ventilation is a tool that is to be used like any other tool. It must be understood, used to its advantage, and applied carefully.

28. The End