A Ventilation Review

Evaluating the Roof Integrity

Some tips and thoughts:

Have full protective gear and SCBA
Look for any heavy equipment, air conditioners or other equipment that would place excess weight on a roof.
Checks for bubbles or melting of tar.
"Sounds" the roof making sure that the"tool should spring back").
Checks for smoke coming from the roof.
Make determination of whether or not the roof is safe, and relay that info to command.


OPENING WINDOWS

Some Tips and thoughts:

Pick the correct tool of choice. (You did bring one with you when you got off the piece didn't you?)
Attempt to open the locked windows from the inside when possible and safe to do so.
Attempt to open unlocked window from the outside when possible and safe to do so.
Force locked windows using a forcible entry tool.
Block the windows open when possible.
Wear proper protective clothing.
(includes but is not limited to eye protection, gloves, SCBA etc.)
Always attempt to open the window using minimal damage.

Breaking Glass

Some tips and thoughts:

Chose a proper tool adequate for the task
(axe or other tool identified in the Essentials manual).
Carry the tool safely.

Stand to the windward side of the glass whenever you can

Use the correct end of the tool
Strike the tool at top of pane
Keep hands above point of impact.
Wears full protective clothing
(Bunker coat/pants, helmet, gloves and eye protection).
Be sure to remove all of the glass and cleans area of sharp edges.

VENTILATION OF PITCHED AND FLAT ROOFS

Some tips and thoughts:

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Be sure to organizes & collect the necessary equipment (starts power tools
on the ground).
Be sure to access the roof safely (proper ladder technique, etc.).
Be sure to move roof ladder to roof and uses it to distribute weight.

Roof ladder should extend from the peak to beyond the bearing wall.

Moves ladder and tools to roof safely utilizing teamwork.
Select most suitable location to ventilate based on fire location, highest point, exposures, and safety.
Stand upwind from location of cut.
Work from safety of roof ladder.
Locate roof joists by sounding with tool.
Mark off the opening (scratch surface, etc.).
Remove built-up material.
Cut the decking ALONGSIDE the joist.
Cut large hole 4x4 as one large opening is better than several small ones).
Remove all roof material after cuts.
Push ceiling through using pike pole or other adequate tool.
Provide two means of escape.
Checks the roof for integrity.
Looks for overhead obstructions.
Makes sure that everyone is out of range of tools.
Starts power tools on the ground.
Do not cut towards the body.
Make sure that the structural members are not cut.

Training Tips:

Use old pallets covered with roll roofing for training props.

Be sure all members are comfortable working on ladders and pitched roofs.

Make sure personnel know how to start and maintain saws. (Change blades etc.)

This was not all inclusive but should give you a start toward one or more ventilation trainings.