By: Jason Poremba-www.firerescue1.com
You're tired. You fought hard. You have barely any energy left, but you still need to muster the strength to conduct overhaul.
This is the part of the job when fire suppression is complete. You are told to pull ceilings and open walls in search of hidden fire, embers, or signs of further extension. During this phase of fireground operations, firefighters have a tendency to let their guards down.
In reality this is the time we should have our guards up the most. During overhaul we must be aware of potential collapse hazards and overhaul related injuries. We also must learn to communicate and understand the dangers of operating in an IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) or unknown atmosphere.
If we remember the basics and understand that we must continue to assess and reassess the scene, we can prevent many of these hazards from becoming injuries.
When conducting overhaul, firefighters must remember that fire load weakens structural members. Beyond the weakened framing elements, we have most likely introduced thousands of gallons of water to the structure in question.
This leaves us with water load applied to compromised structural members. These weakened structural members were not likely designed to support these greater loads.
Take this information seriously and carefully consider how many members you are committing to the overhaul operation.
Tread lightly
Author, lecturer and retired FDNY Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn recommends that overhaul begin at the origin and work outward. In a typical residential building, one firefighter can easily overhaul a room. When two firefighters are working in close proximity of each other, an officer should always supervise and coordinate work to prevent injuries.
Continually assess the structural conditions. Check for signs of collapse, and continually sound or check the floor for signs of structural deterioration.
If there is any doubt of the structural integrity communicate immediately to the incident command and back your members out to safety. If an area is compromised, overhaul operations should be abandoned or relocated to a different area.
While working inside, firefighters must wear full PPE — including SCBA and eye protection. The potential for falling debris and collapse are the highest during overhaul.
When opening up walls and ceilings, firefighters will often come in contact with gypsum board, plaster, lathe, splinters, rusty nails, light fixtures, duct work, and many other sharp and hazardous objects. Without full protection we are setting ourselves up for body, hand, and facial injuries.
During this period of fireground operations toxic gases also can be at their highest levels. Firefighters must wear full SCBA until the area has been determined a non-IDHL atmosphere.
Assuming your department's meters clear the space, don't assume that the area is clear to breath freely. What about asbestos, dust particles, or new toxic gases disturbed during further overhaul operations?
Other dangers can include existing gas and electric utilities. Incident command will need to insure utilities are shut off or firefighters can be electrocuted, overtaken by toxic gases, or caught in an unexpected explosion.
This is the part of the job when fire suppression is complete. You are told to pull ceilings and open walls in search of hidden fire, embers, or signs of further extension. During this phase of fireground operations, firefighters have a tendency to let their guards down.
In reality this is the time we should have our guards up the most. During overhaul we must be aware of potential collapse hazards and overhaul related injuries. We also must learn to communicate and understand the dangers of operating in an IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) or unknown atmosphere.
If we remember the basics and understand that we must continue to assess and reassess the scene, we can prevent many of these hazards from becoming injuries.
When conducting overhaul, firefighters must remember that fire load weakens structural members. Beyond the weakened framing elements, we have most likely introduced thousands of gallons of water to the structure in question.
This leaves us with water load applied to compromised structural members. These weakened structural members were not likely designed to support these greater loads.
Take this information seriously and carefully consider how many members you are committing to the overhaul operation.
Tread lightly
Author, lecturer and retired FDNY Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn recommends that overhaul begin at the origin and work outward. In a typical residential building, one firefighter can easily overhaul a room. When two firefighters are working in close proximity of each other, an officer should always supervise and coordinate work to prevent injuries.
Continually assess the structural conditions. Check for signs of collapse, and continually sound or check the floor for signs of structural deterioration.
If there is any doubt of the structural integrity communicate immediately to the incident command and back your members out to safety. If an area is compromised, overhaul operations should be abandoned or relocated to a different area.
While working inside, firefighters must wear full PPE — including SCBA and eye protection. The potential for falling debris and collapse are the highest during overhaul.
When opening up walls and ceilings, firefighters will often come in contact with gypsum board, plaster, lathe, splinters, rusty nails, light fixtures, duct work, and many other sharp and hazardous objects. Without full protection we are setting ourselves up for body, hand, and facial injuries.
During this period of fireground operations toxic gases also can be at their highest levels. Firefighters must wear full SCBA until the area has been determined a non-IDHL atmosphere.
Assuming your department's meters clear the space, don't assume that the area is clear to breath freely. What about asbestos, dust particles, or new toxic gases disturbed during further overhaul operations?
Other dangers can include existing gas and electric utilities. Incident command will need to insure utilities are shut off or firefighters can be electrocuted, overtaken by toxic gases, or caught in an unexpected explosion.
Overhaul Close Call Video: http://flashovertv.firerescue1.com/media/3784-Firefighter-Hit-by-Window/
Previous Post on Overhaul: http://firerescuesafety.blogspot.com/2012/02/overhaul-dont-let-your-guard-down.html
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