Chapter 17 Loss Control. 17–2 Chapter 17 Lesson Goal After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to perform loss control operations.

Chapter 17— Loss Control

17–2

Chapter 17 Lesson Goal

After completing this lesson, the student shall be able to perform loss control operations

17–3

Philosophy of Loss Control

• Minimize damage & provide customer service through effective recovery efforts

• Builds goodwill

(Continued)

17–4

DISCUSSION QUESTION

How does effective loss control contribute to goodwill in the community?

17–5

Salvage & Overhaul

• Most effective means of loss control

• Restoration of the property

• Salvage - methods & operating procedures that reduce fire, water & smoke damage during & after fires

• Overhaul – Searching for & extinguishing hidden fires

17–6

Salvage

Operations that aid in reducing primary & secondary damage during firefighting

• Primary damage is caused by the fire

• Secondary damage is caused by fire suppression activities

(Continued)

17–7

Salvage

• Both primary & secondary damage can be minimized through salvage

• Some damages cannot be avoided

• Starts as soon as adequate personnel are available

• May be done simultaneously with fire attack

17–8

Overhaul

• Consists of operations involved in searching for & extinguishing hidden or remaining fires

• Protecting the scene & preserving evidence are components of overhaul

(Continued)

17–9

Overhaul

If possible, do not start overhaul operations until

• Fire is under control

• Fire cause has been determined

• Evidence has been identified & protected

17–10

Salvage

Methods & operating procedures by which FFs attempt to save property & reduce further damage

• Removing property

• Covering property

• Other means

(Continued)

17–11

Salvage

Proper salvage operations

• Early planning

• Knowing the procedures

• Being familiar with tools & equipment

17–12

Planning for Salvage Operations

• Efficient operations require planning & training

• SOPs should be developed

(Continued)

17–13

Planning for Salvage Operations

Pre-incident plans

• High-value contents

• Residential occupancies

• Commercial occupancies

17–14

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What should be done with other smaller items, such as photographs & documents?

17–15

Salvage Procedures

• Operations can be started at same time as fire attack

• Members performing salvage should be in full PPE & SCBA

• Group building contents into compact piles

• Salvage usually begins a floor below fire

17–16

Salvage Procedures

• Group household furnishings in center of the room

• Remove pictures & place w/ furniture

• Raise furniture off wet floors

(Continued)

17–17

Salvage Procedures

• Commercial occupancies present special challenges

• Place stock on pallets

• Be very cautious of high-piled stock that gets wet at the bottom

(Continued)

17–18

Salvage Procedures

• Large quantities of water can be removed by a variety of methods

Remove toilets fixtures

Use water chutes

Use squeegee’s

• Water may ruin finishes; wipe off surfaces

17–19

Salvage Covers

• Made of waterproof canvas materials

• Manufactured in various sizes

• Have reinforced corners & edge hems

• Used to:

Control runoff water

Collect debris

Cover furniture

As a catchall

(Continued)

17–20

Salvage Covers

• Synthetic covers

Lightweight

Easy to handle

Economical

Indoor & outdoor use

• Some covers may be disposable

17–21

Salvage Cover Maintenance

Proper cleaning, drying, & repairing increases service life

(Continued)

17–22

Salvage Cover Maintenance

Canvas salvage covers

• Wetting or rinsing with hose stream & scrubbing w/ a broom

• Detergent solution if needed

• Don’t let dry when dirty

• Should be completely dry before being folded & placed in service

(Continued)

17–23

Salvage Cover Maintenance

Synthetic salvage covers

• Do not require as much maintenance as canvas

• Rinse w/ hose stream & scrub w/ broom

• Use approved detergent on heavy stains

• Do not dry in direct sunlight

(Continued)

17–24

Salvage Cover Maintenance

• After salvage covers are dry, examine for damage, i.e. holes

• Look up at the underside to locate holes

• Mark holes w/ chalk or marking pen

• Repair holes w/ duct tape

17–25

DISCUSSION QUESTION

Why should you repair holes in salvage covers?

17–26

Salvage Equipment

• Should be located in a readily accessible area on apparatus

• SOPs dictate where equipment is carried & who performs operations

(Continued)

17–27

Salvage Equipment

• Keep smaller tools/equipment in a salvage toolbox

• Plastic tub may be used for supplies

17–28

Typical Salvage Equipment

• Electrician’s pliers

• Sidecutters

• Various chisels

• Tin snips

• Tin roof cutter

• Adjustable wrenches

• Pipe wrenches

• Hammer

• Sledgehammer

• Hacksaw

• Crosscut handsaw

• Heavy-duty stapler and staples

• Linoleum knife

• Wrecking bar (Continued)

17–29

Typical Salvage Equipment

• Padlock & hasp

• Hinges

• Screwdriver(s)

• Battery-operated power tools

• Hydraulic jack

• Assortment of nails

• Assortment of screws

• Plastic sheeting

• Wooden laths

• Wooden wedges

• Soft wood plugs

• Sawdust

(Continued)

17–30

Typical Salvage Equipment

• Mops

• Squeegees

• Scoop shovels

• Brooms

• Mop buckets with wringers

• Automatic sprinkler kit

• Water vacuum

• Submersible pump & discharge hose

• Sponges

• Chamois

• Paper towels

• Assortment of rags

(Continued)

17–31

Typical Salvage Equipment

• 100-foot (30 m) length of electrical cable

• Junction boxes

• Approved ground fault interruption device

• Salvage covers

• J-Hooks

• S-hooks

• Floor runners

• Duct tape

• Plastic bags

• Cardboard boxes

• Styrofoam blocks

• Rope

• Bungee cords

17–32

Equipment Descriptions

Automatic sprinkler kit

• Needed for buildings protected by automatic sprinkler systems

• Used to stop flow of water from an open sprinkler

(Continued)

17–33

Equipment Descriptions

Carryalls — Used to carry debris, catch falling debris, & provide a water basin for immersing small burning objects

(Continued)

17–34

Equipment Descriptions

• Floor runners — Protect floor coverings; lightweight, tough material, heat & water resistant, easy to maintain

• Used in hallways or traffic areas

(Continued)

17–35

Equipment Descriptions

Dewatering devices

• Used to remove water from basements, elevator shafts, & sumps

• Do not use FrPD pumpers because water can damage pumps

• Trash-type pumps are best for salvage

(Continued)

17–36

Equipment Descriptions

• Water vacuum — removes water from areas where water is not deep enough to be picked up by other means

• 4-5 gallon capacity

• Backpack & floor models

• PPE, i.e. SCBA, limited w/ backpack model

17–37

Equipment Descriptions

• J-hooks — Driven into walls or wooden framing to provide a strong point from which to hang things

• S-hooks — Used like J-hooks but cannot be driven into walls or framing; must have a horizontal ledge

17–38

Equipment Descriptions

Grommets

• Found along the edges of salvage covers

• Can be used w/ rope, S & J hooks

17–39

One-Firefighter Spread with a Rolled Salvage Cover

• One person can quickly unroll a cover

• May be carried on the shoulder or under the arm

• Same may be done w/ folded cover

17–40

Two-Firefighter Spread with a Folded Salvage Cover

• Large covers cannot be easily handled by a single FF

• Carry this fold on the shoulder w/ open edges next to neck

• Position cover so carrier can grab lower corners & second FF can grab upper corners (Continued)

17–41

Two-Firefighter Spread with a Folded Salvage Cover

Balloon throw is most common method for deployment

(Continued)

17–42

Using Chutes: Removing Water

• Practical way to remove water that comes through the ceiling from upper floor

• Used to route water short distances through windows or doors

• May be constructed on floor below firefighting operations

(Continued)

17–43

Using Chutes: Removing Water

• Prepared chutes are approximately 10 feet (3 m) long

• Chutes can be constructed from plastic sheeting, a heavy-duty stapler, & duct tape & pike poles or a ladder

•Firefighter I•17–44

Using Chutes: Constructing a Catchall

• Constructed from a salvage cover placed on the floor to hold small amounts of water

(Continued)

17–45

Using Chutes: Constructing a Catchall

• Temporarily control large amounts of water

• Place into position as soon as possible

• Usually requires 2 people

Using Chutes: Constructing a Catchall

• Open salvage cover fully

• Roll sides inward to fit area

• Fold ends over to form a 90° angle

• Roll in

• Lock corner

17–46

17–47

DISCUSSION QUESTION

How much water do you think a catchall can carry?

17–48

Splicing Covers

• Used when:

Objects/groupings are large

Long chutes or catchalls need to be made

• Splice covers w/ watertight joints

(Continued)

17–49

Splicing a Chute to a Catchall

• Method of removing accumulated water should be prepared

• Submersible pumps may be used

• Water chute spliced to the catchall

17–50

Covering Openings

• One of final parts of salvage operations

• Prevents damage by weather

• Cover doors/windows

• Cover openings in roofs

(Continued)

17–51

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What is the point of covering doors, windows, and openings on a home that has already been affected by fire?

Overhaul

Operations conducted once main body of fire has been extinguished

• Searching for & extinguishing hidden or remaining fire

• Placing building & contents in safe condition

17–52

(Continued)

17–53

Overhaul

• Ideally, fire investigators begin their work before overhaul starts

• Overhaul is completed after:

Determining fire cause

Recognizing & preserving evidence of arson

17–54

DISCUSSION QUESTION

What is the purpose of overhaul?

17–55

Safety During Overhaul

Steps required

• Inspecting premises to ensure building is safe to work in

• Developing operational plan

• Providing tools & equipment

• Eliminating or reducing hazards

(Continued)

17–56

Safety During Overhaul

Toxic gases

• Common & dangerous threat during overhaul

• Wear appropriate PPE, including respiratory protection

(Continued)

17–57

Safety During Overhaul

• Other hazards are present, such as fire-weakened floors

• Mark or barricade hazardous areas

• Use gloves & eye protection

(Continued)

17–58

Safety During Overhaul

• Physical conditioning & correct lifting are necessary

• Fatigue is a preventable cause of injury

17–59

Overhaul Tools and Equipment

• Pike poles & plaster hooks

• Axes

• Prying tools

• Power saws, drills, & screwdrivers

(Continued)

17–60

Overhaul Tools and Equipment

• Carryall, buckets, & tubs

• Shovels, bale hooks, & pitchforks

• Thermal imaging camera

17–61

Supervision of Overhaul

• By a supervisor/officer not directly engaged in overhaul tasks

• Fire investigator should be involved

17–62

Fire Safety During Overhaul

• Size of charged hoselines in overhaul may not be the same as attack lines

• Do not disconnect all fire apparatus from hydrants

Leave at least one pumper connected

(Continued)

17–63

Fire Safety During Overhaul

• Attack lines used for overhaul are 1.5”

• One attack line should be available to put out hot spots or flare ups

• Place nozzle so it will not cause additional damage

• Do not allow water damage from leaking hoselines

(Continued)

17–64

Overhaul Safety Considerations

• Maintain situational awareness

• Work in teams of 2 or more

• Maintain awareness of exit routes

• Maintain a RIC

(Continued)

17–65

Overhaul Safety Considerations

• Monitor personnel for rehab

• Beware of hidden gas or electrical utilities in walls & floors

• Continue using accountability system

17–66

Locating Hidden Fires

• Before starting a search, evaluate condition of area

• Factors that affect condition of building:

Intensity of fire

Amount of water used for control

17–67

Indicators of Loss of Structural Integrity

• Weakened floors

• Concrete that has spalled

• Weakened steel roof members

• Walls offset

• Weakened roof trusses

• Mortar in wall joints opened

(Continued)

17–68

Indicators of Loss of Structural Integrity

• Heavy storage on mezzanines or upper floors

• Water pooled on upper floors

• Large quantities of wet insulation

Detecting Hidden Fires

• Sight

Cracked plaster, peeling paint, discoloration

• Touch

Using back of hand, feel walls for heat

17–69

Never remove gloves while inside

Detecting Hidden Fires

• Sound

Popping, crackling, or hissing of steam

• Electronic sensors

Thermal imaging camera

Sees heat signature

17–70

17–71

Overhaul Procedures

• Begins in area of most severe fire damage

• Looking for fire extension should begin as soon as possible after fire is declared under control

• Systematically carried out

(Continued)

17–72

Overhaul Procedures

• If fire extended to other areas, path must be determined

• When floor beams are burned at ends or where they enter a party wall, flush the voids in the wall w/ water

(Continued)

17–73

Overhaul Procedures

• Check far side of wall to see if fire or water has come through

• Thoroughly check insulation materials

Hidden fires can smolder for many hours

May be necessary to remove insulation

17–74

Understanding Basic Building Construction

• Assists FFs in searching for hidden fires

• Windows or doors

Fire may remain within frames or casings

Open these areas to ensure complete extinguishment

(Continued)

17–75

Building Construction and Overhaul

• When fire has burned around combustible roof or cornice, open cornice & inspect for hidden fires

• Balloon construction — Check the attic & basement for fire extension

(Continued)

17–76

Building Construction and Overhaul

• Opening concealed/void spaces

• Open all spaces immediately that may conceal a hot spot

Move the furnishings of the room to locations where they will not be damaged

Consider electrical wiring, gas piping, or plumbing

• Make neat, planned openings to ensure extinguishment & facilitate restoration

(Continued)

17–77

Building Construction and Overhaul

• Ceilings may be opened from below using a pike pole

• The plaster must first be broken on some ceilings

• When pulling a ceiling, do not stand directly under area to be opened

(Continued)

17–78

Building Construction and Overhaul

• Always position body between area being pulled & doorway to keep exit route from being blocked

• Pull down & away from your position

• Always wear full PPE, including SCBA

(Continued)

17–79

Building Construction and Overhaul

• Small burning objects

Submerge entire objects in containers of water

Bathtubs, sinks, lavatories, wash tubs

• Take mattresses & other large furniture outside & overhaul it

(Continued)

17–80

Building Construction and Overhaul

• Scorched or partially burned articles may prove helpful to an investigator

• Use of wetting agents such as Class A foam is valuable

Cotton, upholstery, & baled goods

Must break bales of rags, cotton, hay apart

17–81

Summary

• Customer service is the core of everything that fire departments do

• Loss control is an important component of fire department service delivery & is only one aspect of customer-service opportunities

(Continued)

17–82

Summary

• Salvage & overhaul operations are two of the most effective means of loss control

• Planning, procedures, & equipment are essential for effective loss-control operations

17–83

Skills

• Clean, inspect, and repair a salvage cover.

• Fold a salvage cover for a two-firefighter spread.

• Spread a folded salvage cover — Two-firefighter balloon throw.

• Construct a water chute with pike poles

• Construct a catchall. (Skill Sheet FF-I-112)