LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT CONTEXT TRAINING PROGRAM SALVAGE

Transcription

1 LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT 13

2 14 GENERAL INFORMATION Salvage is the protection of a structure and its contents from unnecessary damage during firefighting operations. Fire damage is categorized as either direct or indirect. Direct damage is that which is caused by the fire itself. Indirect damage is that which is caused by water, smoke and the fireground activities of firefighters. PROPERTY CONSERVATION Damage control should be practiced by all firefighters to reduce the amount of loss a building experiences during firefighting operations. All personnel should avoid unnecessary damage-to windows and doors during forcible entry operations. When possible, select the point and method of entry that will have the least financial impact on the building owner. Damage can also be reduced by using a fire attack that coordinates extinguishment with ventilation and salvage activities. The objective of a coordinated attack is to extinguish the greatest amount of fire while causing the least amount of damage. Directing water streams into smoke or uninvolved portions of a building is almost always a poor practice. Use only the amount of water absolutely necessary during firefighting and overhaul operations. Ventilation openings should be carefully selected and executed in a professional manner. A proper size-up will determine the size and placement of the ventilation openings required and minimizes any unnecessary damage to the structure.

3 15 OBJECTIVES OF 1. Reduce direct and indirect fire damage. 2. Expedite rehabilitation and-occupancy of the structure. 3. Enhance public relations. SPECIFICATIONS There are several types of salvage covers used in the Fire Service. The most common size is 12' X 18'. Conventional salvage covers are constructed of waterproofed, closely woven canvas. Rubber, plastic and paper disposable salvage covers are also available. The use of plastic sheeting may be a viable alternative to using canvas covers. Plastic sheeting is made of a polyethylene film and is extremely lightweight and easily handled. The specifications for canvas salvage covers are: 1. Size: - 12' X 18' 2. Fabric: - Treated clean cotton duck, free of knots, dropped threads or other weaving imperfections. 3. Grommets: - The 12' X 18' covers shall have twenty-four brass grommets spaced: - Two at each corner - Five on each side - Three at each end 4. Advantages: - Better able to resist mechanical damage - Reusable 5. Disadvantages: - Expensive to replace if damaged beyond repair - Heavy

4 16 The specifications for plastic sheeting are: 1. Size: - 10, X 100', rolled and boxed for easy handling. 2. Advantages: - Ease in covering large areas - May use nails or staples to secure - Can be left at the incident - Can be cut to required size - Relatively low cost 3. Disadvantages: - Prone to mechanical damage such as rips, tears, or burn holes from embers. The specifications for a hall runner are: 1. Size: - 3' X 15' 2. Fabric: - Treated canvas MAINTENANCE Salvage covers should be-washed with clear water, scrubbed with a broom to release embedded dirt, rinsed thoroughly and allowed to dry. Covers that are extremely dirty or stained may be scrubbed with a mild detergent and then thoroughly rinsed. Covers should be completely dry before they are folded and placed back in serviced. Permitting salvage covers to dry, while in a dirty condition, is not a good practice. A chemical reaction may take place that can cause the covers to rot. Other considerations are: 1. Do not place salvage covers on broken glass-or other sharp objects. 2. Once a salvage cover has dried, any foreign materials are difficult to remove, even with a detergent. 3. Damaged salvage covers are sent to the Pacoima Warehouse for repairs with a Form 47, stating the nature of the damage.

5 17 TECHNIQUES The list of Department recognized methods includes: 1. One-Person Throw 2. Two-Person Throw 2. Two-Person Balloon Throw 3. Drains and Catch Basins 4. Drains Methods - 1, 2, 3 5. Stairway Drains Chute Note: Additional information on folding, deployment and pick up after use, can be found in Volume 5, Chapter 6.

6 18 OPERATIONS OBJECTIVE: 1. To protect an involved building and its contents from unnecessary damage due to water, smoke and other elements. 2. To identify the purpose and value of proper salvage by answering general information questions about salvage operations. 3. To deploy salvage covers utilizing proper techniques. EQUIPMENT: ' X 18' salvage covers roof ladders attic ladder 4. 2 l0' pike poles 5. Hose straps 6. Props to cover (tables, chairs, stairs, etc.) DESCRIPTION OF EVOLUTION: 1. All personnel in personal safety equipment with S.C.B.A. 2. Answer general questions about salvage covers. 3. Assemble the company and obtain the necessary equipment. Develop and execute a salvage plan. 4. Assemble and properly cover the contents of a structure and construct the appropriate chutes and drains.

7 19 OPERATIONS UNIT STATION SHIFT DATE NAME NAME NAME NAME RANK RANK RANK RANK INDIVIDUALS NOT MEETING THE COMPANY SKILLS STANDARD WILL REQUIRE ADDITIONAL TRAINING IN THAT SKILL. COMPANY HAS MET THE STANDARD: YES NO COMMENTS: 1. Develop a salvage plan: A. Assemble the salvage tears. B. Obtain the necessary salvage equipment. C. The crew leader conducts a size-up of the building, determines the structural integrity and develops a salvage plan in coordination with the I.C. D. Discuss the salvage plan with the crew and make individual assignments where needed. 2. Commence salvage operation: A. Enter building and determine priorities.

8 20 OPERATIONS COMPANY HAS MET THE STANDARD: YES NO COMMENTS: B. Deploy salvage covers i. Assemble contents to be salvaged. ii. Select method to be used for deploying covers. (One-man toss; twoman payoff; balloon toss) iii. iv. Deploy salvage cover in the prescribed manner and cover contents of structure. Roll ends and sides under. v. Evaluate effectiveness. C. Construct a chute or drain: i. Assemble needed equipment. ii. iii. Construct the chute or drain. Evaluate effectiveness. D. Construct a catch basin: i. Assemble needed equipment. ii. iii. Construct catch basin. Evaluate effectiveness. 3. Terminate salvage operation: A. Reevaluate salvage cover effectiveness. B. Reassemble crew in front of building. C. Notify the I.C. that salvage operations have been completed. RATER DATE

9 21 1. What is the definition of salvage? RATERS ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS A. The protection of the structure and its contents from unnecessary damage due to water, smoke and any other elements. 2. Under what conditions is directing water streams into smoke filled conditions good policy? A. Directing water streams into smoke or uninvolved portions of a building is almost always a poor practice. 3. L. A. County Fire Department salvage covers are constructed of what material? A. Waterproofed canvas. 4. What are the dimensions of a conventional salvage cover? A. 12' X l8' 5. Plastic sheeting is composed of what material? A. 100% polyethylene film. 6. What is the total number of grommets along the edges of a salvage cover and where are they located? A. 24 total grommets; 2 at each corner; 5 on each side; 3 at each end. 7. What is the procedure for cleaning salvage covers? A. Salvage covers are washed with clear water, scrubbed with a broom to remove embedded dirt, rinsed and allowed to thoroughly dry. Covers that are extremely dirty and/or stained may be scrubbed with a mild detergent, rinsed, and thoroughly dried. 8. What effect do ash stains have on a salvage cover? A. Ash stains may cause a chemical reaction which will rot the canvas.

10 22 INSTRUCTIONS: The Battalion information recorded on this form shall be a combination of all three shifts informally evaluated by the Battalion Chiefs. This form is to be submitted by 1. The total number of Battalion personnel that participated in the Informal Evaluation is: 2. The total number of people that were unable to complete the Informal Evaluation is: ALL RANKS 3. List any problems encountered in the Informal Evaluation: ALL RANKS 4. List additional feedback on the Context Training Program: Prepared by: Division: Battalion: Reviewed by: Distribution: Original to Battalion Chief files Rev. 2 copies to jurisdictional Assistant Chief