Openings are an essential part of the work with fire ventilation. We will consider here the methods of Creating Openings for Fire Ventilation where openings are made manually by means of hand tools. Explosive cutting frames and water cutting are methods that require special training and special equipment, and will only be considered in general terms.
There are no general methods that can be applied for creating openings in roofs during fi re ventilation in a fire and rescue operation (with the exception of explosive cutting frames and water cutting, which can be used in several different situations). On the other hand there are a large number of suitable tools that can be used, and certain gui- delines can be given for creating openings in several common types of roof structures.
There are several factors that infl uence how successful ventilation can be implemented by creating openings in a roof. Examples of such factors are:
- the fire scenario and intensity of the fire
- room volumes and geometries
- the size and positioning of inlets
- the prevailing wind conditions
- access to mechanical ventilation
- the capacity of the fire fighting crew
- equipment to create openings
- the roof structure
The roof structure influences the tactics during the fire and rescue operation. It also influences the positioning and size of the openings, the time for
On the following pages there is a description of the common tools used to create openings in the roof, and examples of openings made in different roof structures commonly found in Sweden. Unconventional measures, such as for example demolishing walls/roofs with the help of excavators or crane lorries are not considered. In certain cases these methods may very well provide suitable solutions to tactical problems, but they should be used with a certain degree of caution.
Tools for creating openings in the roof
The tools shown are generally available at the fire and rescue
Electric motor powered tools
The electric motor powered tools are often smaller and lighter than the equivalent tools with internal combustion engines. The function of an electrically powered tool is not diminished by the fire gases and fumes when creating openings for fire ventilation. One of the disadvantages is that freedom of movement is limited by
Internal combustion engine powered tools
Tools powered by engines can be used regardless of external power sources and produce a comparatively large output. They are, however, relatively heavy and the engine power can be affected by the fire gases when creating openings. In the event of an intense development of fi re gases the engine may at the worst stop. Engine powered tools should be used together with proper safety equipment. It is important to know how the tools should be used, among other things because of the relatively large output and their weight.
The cutting machine with twin-head rotating cutting discs cuts with two metal blades that are fi tted beside each other and rotate in different directions. It can cut through stainless steel, cast iron and
The tiger saw works with a reciprocating action. It can be used to saw in wood, plasterboard and metal. For the purpose of cutting sheet metal the cutting speed is slower than that of rotary tools, but the noise level is lower and it produces less sparks. The saw blade is approximately 15 cm long. The thicker the sheet metal, the lower the sawing speed.
The circular saw is used to saw wood and plasterboard. It is effective and relatively easy to carry during an operation. It can be used for both boarding and supporting parts in wooden roof structures. The sawing depth varies from 50–70 mm, depending on the manufacture.
The electric chainsaw is handy for creating openings in wooden structures. Its function can be impaired by nails and metal jointing in the roof structure. When creating openings in wooden roofs covered with tarred roofing felt, the blade can stick because of the tar.
A special machine is used as a screwdriver, or a battery operated drilling machine is
The power cutter is a heavy-duty tool that can be fitted with different blades, depending on what is to be cut. Users of power cutters, in similarity with other power tools, must be knowledgeable of its correct usage to ensure safety and efficiency. It should be run at full speed and allowed to eat its way through the material without being forced.
Different types of hand tools are iron bars, pincers, jemmies, crowbars, fi reman’s axes, and cutting axes.
Special tools
The jaws of the sheet metal extractor are tensioned over the sheet metal that is to be pulled down from the roof with the chain fi tted in the tool, for example a lever. This works best on low roofs. If the sheet metal is securely fastened to the roof it can be diffi cult to pull off from a high roof with the lever, because the torque is excessive. To simplify removal on high roofs the fi xing screws in the sheet metal can be unscrewed.
Explosive cutting frames are mainly used to create openings in roofs with folded metal sheeting on tongue and grooved boarding. The blasting frame consists of a rigid cellular plastic frame, which can be mounted together with other frames to enable the blasting of larger openings. The frame can be carried by one person and lifted through standard roof hatches (width 0.60 m). An explosive strip of a plastic explosive is placed in the frame with a directional explosive effect, a copper material that cuts through the roof, foam plastic that holds the component parts together, and tape for adhesion to the underlayer.
Hydraulic powered eccentric cutting machines have the large advantage that the blade works eccentrically, i.e. the driving does not take place in the centre of the blade. The blade can therefore work in material with a depth greater than the radius of the blade (typical working depth approx. 25 cm). It can work in most materials. The disadvantage of the machine is that it requires hydraulic power by means of a separate hydraulic unit, and that it requires cooling.
Water cutting involves using water at high pressure to cut an opening in a structure. The pressure can vary, depending on the equipment, from 200 to 300 bar. The water flow normally varies from 25 l/min. to 50 l/min. An abrasive additive (cutting agent) is often needed to cut through hard materials (roof materials etc.). A cooling and suppression effect is also achieved in conjunction with making an opening. Equipment for water cutting can normally cut through all the materials commonly found.
by Stefan Svensson
Stefan Svensson works as a research and development engineer/instructor at the Swedish Rescue Services Agency. He started his career as a fire fighter in the Swedish Air Force in 1986, became a fire protection engineer in 1989 and earned his Ph.D. in 2002. Stefan is researching on the subject of fire fighting tactics. He has also worked for a number of years on fire ventilation, and has contributed to several works on manual high-pressure fire fighting.