Using Building Design and Codes to Bolster Firefighter Safety and Efficiency

By Mat Chibbaro

Firefighters quickly learn on the job that buildings and the features they contain can either help or hinder them. Fireground operations may be enhanced or constrained by numerous factors, including the manner in which fire hydrants are located and fire apparatus access is arranged, standpipe systems are designed, annunciators are organized, and rooms and floors are designated. Hazardous features can expose firefighters to injuries or even death if not properly protected, as in the case of Denver (CO) Fire Department Firefighter John Whelan, who tragically died in July 2015 after falling through a skylight in June of that year. (http://bit.ly/2fdZjRb)

Much can be done to limit these hazards, protect against them, and ensure that building features and protection systems facilitate firefighting operations. Following are several important factors design professionals and code officials should consider. Design professionals and code officials should work with the fire service to understand the challenges firefighters face and how they interact with building features and systems (Figure 1). When fire departments’ equipment, apparatus, and standard operating procedures are considered during the building design and approval processes, fire operations can be streamlined. This communication process would ideally start even before design and continue through building approval, occupancy, and use.