Building Collapse # 1

Comment

Comment byChristopher Naum, SFPEon May 19, 2008 at 9:56pm

Bobby;
Your drive by video presents some very pertinent operational and safety issues that are very self revealing related to the construction and occupancy use for both video clips. The first and foremost question for both properties; are the occupancies protected by a fixed sprinkler systems and standpipe system? It’s obvious that the first clip identifies possible engineered floor support assemblies that are evident by the incomplete exterior sheathing and what appears to be the evidence of voids along the floor line. This stage of construction provides company and command officers with a wealth of pre-planning information to aide in incident risk management decision-making- IF one were to take the time to walk through and observe. The hotel occupancy on the second clip shows the common use of the exterior clad expanded foam backing and synthetic cement coating. The built-up cornice edging at the roof lines will create significant safety concerns when positioning an aerial device near the edge given the false sense of edge integrity under compressive loads. In each instance, the extensive fire loading of the building assemblies and structural systems will challenge suppression efforts once they penetrate the interior wall membranes (wall board) or find open chase or penetrations for travel. The key here is understanding the building’s construction profile, its main components and assemblies and looking at the present workmanship and deficiencies BEFORE it gets fully enclosed and finished. The insights gained by conducting walk-through at this stage of construction are price-less later on.