This document discusses ventilation techniques for firefighters. It defines ventilation as the systematic removal of combustion byproducts to relieve heat and remove smoke and toxic gases. It identifies different types of ventilation including natural, mechanical, hydraulic, and various roof ventilation cuts. It emphasizes the importance of considering safety, obstacles, and factors that can affect ventilation when deploying these techniques. The goal is to use ventilation strategically as a tool to fight fires while avoiding risks to firefighters or fire spread.

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. Principles, Advantages, and Effects of Ventilation 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.

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

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

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

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

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

15. Ventilation Techniques 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

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

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

20. Roof Ventilation 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

22. Roof Ventilation 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

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