The Importance of Locating Building Systems During the 360

Introduction

When firefighters arrive at the scene of a structure fire, their initial actions can determine the success of the entire incident. A critical step is conducting a “360-degree size-up”. Often noted as an issue in NIOSH reports for not being completed, it is a complete walk-around of the building to assess conditions on all sides. One task that should be completed during this procedure is the identification and understanding of building systems: utilities (gas, electric, water), fire protection systems, and HVAC equipment. Locating these systems can greatly impact safety, strategic decision-making, and operational effectiveness.

Understanding the 360 Size Up

The 360 is a fundamental practice in firefighting operations. Its purpose is to move beyond the limited perspective offered from the arrival side of the structure, allowing firefighters to observe crucial details that may influence tactics and safety. This process helps identify fire location and extension, building access and egress points, structural integrity, and occupants in need of rescue.

However, to maximize the value of a 360, firefighters must also seek out and identify building systems. These systems can present both hazards and resources, and the knowledge gained during this process may dictate the sequence and nature of tactical assignments.

Natural Gas Service

Locating Building Utilities

There may be lifesaving value in locating building utilities. Natural gas leaks or burning gas lines can cause catastrophic explosions or intensify a fire. Locating and shutting off the gas supply early could save lives and property. This applies to propane tanks in addition to natural gas. You may also notice a fill pipe indicating the presence of heating oil.

Electricity can energize metal components, elevator shafts, and standing water, presenting electrocution hazards. Knowing the location of the main electrical panel allows the building to be de-energized, reducing risks to both firefighters and occupants.[EH1] While isolating power can improve fireground safety, firefighters must proceed carefully when de-energizing systems due to potential arc flash risks and hazards from high voltages. In addition, emergency generators may continue powering the building, and unscheduled shutdowns can lead to equipment damage or product loss. Fire departments should have an SOP for safe power isolation or coordinate with facility staff to handle the process safely.

Natural Gas and Electric Meters

In some situations, it may be necessary to shut down or restore water flow to protect valuable infrastructure within the building.

Fast food restaurants often store liquid CO2 in cryogenic cylinders for carbonating fountain drinks, which present asphyxiation and thermal risks. Firefighters should know where these systems are and prepare pre-incident plans for their hazards.

Fire Protection and Suppression Systems

Many commercial, industrial, and multi-residential buildings are equipped with fire protection systems such as sprinklers, risers, standpipes, and fire alarm systems.

Fire Department Connection (FDC) and Fire Pump Test Header

Locating the fire department connection (FDC), sprinkler room, or standpipe risers is essential for supplementing water supply and controlling fire spread on upper floors or in remote areas.

Fire alarm panels can reveal the point of origin and current status of the fire alarm system, offering vital clues for search and attack crews.

Some buildings have chemical or gas-based suppression systems, which may require special handling or deactivation in the event of a fire. These systems may also be an indication of the presence of a specialty hazard or high value asset.

HVAC Systems

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can play a major role in fire behavior and occupant safety. Large HVAC units may contribute to fire spread, and their ductwork can channel smoke and heat throughout the building. Working with facilities personnel to control these units enables firefighters to control smoke movement and improve tenability for both rescuers and trapped occupants.

Large or multiple rooftop HVAC units can present a significant collapse hazard if the roof structure’s integrity has been compromised by fire exposure. It is essential that the presence and location of these units be promptly communicated to interior crews to ensure their safety and support effective incident management.

Energy Efficient Systems

Be observant for red labels or placards that indicate the presence of a solar energy system. Solar panels installed on rooftops may not be immediately visible if you are relatively close to a residential structure or if they are positioned on a flat-roofed commercial building. These systems can present significant hazards, including electrical shock, thermal risks, and potential structural concerns. Mitigation of these systems is a must.

Solar panels on roof of commercial building

Green roofs, characterized by vegetation covering the building's roof surface, present unique challenges for fire operations. These installations can contribute to elevated interior temperatures, pose potential collapse hazards, and complicate roof access and firefighting activities. Although explicit mitigation techniques are limited, it is essential for firefighters to be aware of the locations of green roof systems and to develop pre-incident plans that address the specific risks associated with these structures.

Green roof plantings noticeable at roof line

Incident Command and Tactical Decision-Making

The information gathered during a thorough 360 does not just benefit the first-in engine or truck company. It is central to the entire incident command system. Knowledge of building systems allows the incident commander to:

· Assign crews to secure utilities and building systems, eliminating or mitigating hazards.

· Develop safe points of entry and egress, accounting for building controls and barriers.

· Make informed decisions regarding ventilation, fire attack, and rescue priorities.

This intelligence is particularly vital in complex or unfamiliar buildings, where hidden hazards may not be apparent from the street.

Firefighter Safety

Firefighters can be injured (or worse) by electrical shock, gas explosions, or entrapment in buildings with unrecognized hazards. A disciplined approach to locating and controlling building systems during the 360 can dramatically reduce these risks. By proactively managing utility controls and system shutoffs, crews create a safer environment for themselves and the people they are protecting.

Planning and Training

While the 360 is an arrival assessment, its effectiveness is improved with pre-incident planning. Firefighters should be familiar with common utility and building system locations, especially in target hazards such as schools, hospitals, and industrial facilities. Training in understanding building plans, recognizing system components, and practicing system shutdowns makes the process quicker and more reliable under stress.

Conclusion

Locating building utilities during the 360 is an important step in fireground operations. It influences firefighter safety, operational effectiveness, and the ability to protect life and property. A culture of thorough, detail oriented size-ups - where building systems are included - ensures that firefighters are equipped to meet the complex challenges of today’s built environment. Every fireground victory begins with knowledge, and there is no more immediate or practical knowledge than knowing how a building works, inside and out.

Be Smart - Stay Safe!

Building Systems - You May Know More Than You Think

What do you know about building systems? You may not realize how much you do know. Often times, the systems located in our own homes are great examples for understanding what we may find in a commercial structure.

Residential HVAC Unit

The first picture shown is a typical residential HVAC unit. There's a fan at the bottom, a heating section above the fan, and a cooling section above that. The fan pushes the air through the supply duct and the air is heated or cooled as needed. The fan also draws return air back to the unit where it is filtered and sent back through the system.

Conceptually, this is not really different than a commercial HVAC unit. It's just a much smaller scale, but there will be differences. The unit orientation may be different. The unit may be located on a roof and draw in outside air. Heating and cooling can be accomplished with hot or chilled water instead of electric, natural gas, or refrigeration.

The main intent of HVAC systems is to provide comfort. They may also offer some type of "environmental protection" to occupants or to a process. For example, they may use air pressurization to keep contaminants out of a pharmaceutical manufacturing area or contain biologics in a laboratory. A properly engineered system can also provide protection to firefighters and building occupants by controlling airflow to contain fires and preventing the transmission of smoke containing harmful contaminants. What happens if the system is not engineered, installed, or maintained correctly? A system failure can make a bad situation worse and lead to inefficient use of time on the fireground.

Firefighters should be able to recognize these units and understand how they operate in the event they need to get control of them. In a light commercial structure, this may not be a complicated task. In a more complicated installation, this may not be easy. The units may not be as easy to gain control of and shutting them down could create other issues or concerns. In these situations it is good to have a strong working relationship with building personnel that can help firefighters get control of the equipment and the situation. The units may even be controlled to provide smoke removal in lieu using fans and openings in the buildings.

Air Handling Unit © Wikipedia

If you understand the system in your home you can relate it to a larger system. If you don't understand the system, ask your service technician to explain it to you the next time they come out to do preventative maintenance. For larger more elaborate systems, have a working relationship with the facility to be able to understand and operate these units. We all know that if you can control the air, you can control the fire. The HVAC system can be your control point so it's important for firefighters to understand how the system operates and how to gain control of it.

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Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) - Know What You're Dealing With

Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) is not a new product and has been installed in natural gas systems for quite some time. Although I have always been familiar with it, I've never specified it on project that I have designed. It's primarily used in residential construction and doesn't suit the commercial projects that I work on. I was not aware of any issues with this tubing from the engineering side and was surprised when I became aware of the hazards associated with CSST from the firefighting side.

Brothers Gone Too Soon

Sadly, I became aware of the issues with CSST following two LODD's. Both tragedies took place in a neighboring state and one of the lives lost was known by firefighters that I know from training and/or social media. If you are not familiar with the circumstances around their final calls, I encourage you to honor their memory by reading the reports and educating yourself. Their stories prompted me to do some research as a designer and as a firefighter. I was quite surprised at what I learned.

For those that are not familiar with CSST, it is a flexible, thin wall tubing used to distribute natural gas or propane typically in residential occupancies. Most people associate CSST with yellow, corrugated tubing because that is probably what is most commonly found. The shape and color of the tubing can vary based on the age of the tubing and whether it is meant for distribution or as an appliance connector. It is preferred because it typically results in less joints that can leak and is easier to install than more traditional steel piping. However, it can be damaged easier and is more susceptible to failure from contact with electricity which is a serious liability to firefighters.

Newer versions have a black coating and are provided with arc shielding. The coating does has a flame and smoke spread rating. Although the newest versions are ANSI and Lighting Code rated, there are concerns that the testing is not sufficient because the tested ratings do not reach a high enough current level to match what is experienced in common lighting strikes. This is what has caused the most recent LODD's.

It does seem to be relatively safe if it’s installed properly, but that's the problem. It's only as good as it was installed and it can be installed by the weekend warrior. There is a difference between distribution tubing and appliance connectors which may not be understood. They are not the same and not meant for the same application. There may be improvements to be made in its construction and some companies are proactive. Gastite has been improving its product over the years to make it safer and even tries to work with the fire service to make a safer product. 

The bottom line is that fire departments need to be educated. CSST is not flawless, but it's critical that the correct material is used and installed correctly. Some of the newer products are better, but still need to be improved. Firefighters need to beware of legacy installations as they will be less safe than newer installations and materials. Home owners should be encouraged to update older systems that aren’t as safe as newer systems. Local authorities having jurisdiction should mandate that installers submit certifications with permits to show that they are qualified to the latest standards and are installing the latest material technologies. Making sure that installations and the materials used are the best possible to ensure firefighter safety is crucial.

Resources

•Lightning Fire Research Google Form

•CSST Info

Be Smart - Stay Safe!