STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 1.     Demonstrate an understanding of building construction as it relates to firefighter safety, building codes, fire prevention, code inspection, and firefighting strategy and tactics.

 2.    Classify major types of building construction.

 3.    Analyze the hazards and tactical considerations associated with the various types of building construction.

 4.    Explain the different loads and stresses that are placed on a building and their interrelationships.

 5.    Identify the principle structural components of buildings and demonstrate an understanding of the functions of each.

 6.    Differentiate between fire resistance and flame spread and describe the testing procedures used to establish ratings for each.

 7.    Classify occupancy designations of the building code.

 8.    Identify the indicators of potential structural failure as they relate to firefighter safety.

 9.    Identify and analyze the causes involved in the line of duty firefighter deaths related to structural and wildland firefighting and training and research the reduction of emergency risks and accidents.

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.      Introduction

         A.      History of Building Construction

         B.      Governmental Functions, Building and Fire Codes

         C.      Fire Risks and Fire Protection

         D.      Fire Loss Management and Life Safety

         E.      Pre-fire Planning and Fire Suppression Strategies

 II.     Principles of Construction

         A.      Terminology and Definitions

         B.      Building and Occupancy Classifications

         C.      Characteristics of Building Materials

         D.      Types and Characteristics of Fire Loads

         E.      Effects of Energy Conservation

 III.    Building Construction

         A.      Structural Members

                 1.      Definitions, Descriptions and Carrying Capacities

                 2.      Effects of Loads

         B.      Structural Design and Construction Methods

         C.      System Failures

 IV.     Principles of Fire Resistance

         A.      Standards of Construction

         B.      Fire Intensity and Duration

         C.      Theory vs. Reality

 V.      Fire Behavior vs. Building Construction

         A.      Flame Spread

         B.      Smoke and Fire Containment

                 1.      Construction and Suppression Systems

                 2.      HVAC Systems

                 3.      Rack Storage

 VI.     Wood Construction

         A.      Definition and Elements of Construction

         B.      Types of Construction

         C.      Fire Stopping and Fire Retardants

         D.      Modifications/Code Compliance

 VII.    Ordinary Construction

         A.      Definitions and Elements of Construction

         B.      Structural Stability and Fire Barriers

         C.      Modifications/Code Compliance

 VIII.   Collapse

 IX.     Ventilation

 X       Non-Combustible

 XI.     Steel Construction

         A.      Definitions and Elements of Construction

         B.      Structural Stability, Fire Resistance and Fire Protection of Elements

         C.      Modifications/Code Compliance

 XII.    Concrete Construction

         A.      Definitions and Elements of Construction

         B.      Structural Stability and Fire Resistance

         C.      Modifications/Code Compliance

 XIII.   High Rise Construction

         A.      Early vs. Modern Construction

         B.      Vertical and Horizontal Extension of Fire and Smoke

         C.      Fire Protection and Suppression

         D.      Elevators

         E.      Atriums/Lobbies

         F.      Modifications/Code Compliance

 XIV.    Collapse

 XV.     Ventilation