Construction Concerns for Firefighters: Insulated Concrete Forms
Mon, Feb 6, 2012
Greg Havel discusses modern concrete forms for building construction and how these components could affect firefighters on the fireground. |
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Construction Concerns: Church Skylights
Mon, Jan 23, 2012
Skylights have often been installed in churches, and firefighters need to note their presence in preincident plans to avoid getting injured when operating at these structures, Greg Havel writes. |
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ICC Expands Online Download Offerings with American Wood Council Standards
Fri, Jan 20, 2012
For easy access and application for codes and standards users, the International Code Council (ICC) is collaborating with key standards developers and organizations, such as the American Wood Council (AWC), to make the vast array of construction industry safety standards referenced in the 2012 International Codes available to the building industry on the ICC Web site. |
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Construction Concerns: I-Joists Used as Rafters
Mon, Jan 9, 2012
Some builders use manufactured I-joists not only to support floors, ceilings, and flat roofs, but also in place of either sawn-lumber rafters or wood trusses to support pitched roofs. Gregory Havel discusses how this may affect firefighters during fires in such buildings. |
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Corbett's Trivia: Cellar Pipe
Thu, Jan 5, 2012
Who invented a cellar pipe for which a patent application was filed on December 15th, 1900? |
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New Codes and Standards Influence Future Tactics
Sun, Jan 1, 2012
Although many past codes and standards have addressed building construction, building features, fire protection systems, fireground operations, and past building failures, how will the new codes and standards impact future tactical operations and firefighter safety? |
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A Commonsense Approach to Building Construction
Sun, Jan 1, 2012
Although much has been written on building construction and fire behavior, there seems to be a growing debate on when we should go in or stay outside the building on the fireground based on building construction and fire behavior. |
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Construction Concerns: Finished Basements and Cellars
Tue, Dec 6, 2011
Finished basements may not be up to code and can present hazards to both occupants and firefighters responding to emergency incidents at these structures. Gregory Havel talks about things to look for in these remodeling situations. |
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USFA Releases 2010 Fire Estimate Summary Series
Mon, Dec 5, 2011
The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) issued the 2010 Fire Estimate Summary Series today which presents basic information on the size and status of the fire problem in the United States as depicted through data collected in USFA's National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). |
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USFA: 87 LODDs in 2010
Thu, Dec 1, 2011
According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA) report "Firefighter Fatalities in the United States in 2010," 87 on-duty firefighters from 31 states lost their lives as the result of 83 fatal incidents that occurred in 2010. |
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Letter to the Editor: Delaminated Plywood
Tue, Nov 22, 2011
Read a letter to the editor from Marilyn Thompson, Market Communications Director of the APA-The Engineered Wood Association, regarding Greg Havel's recent Construction Concerns article, "Delaminated Plywood," followed by Greg's reply. |
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Keeping Up with Technology Revisited: Impact-Resistant Products
Mon, Nov 21, 2011
Ric Jorge explains why it's critical for firefighters to get educated on impact-resistant windows and other products. |
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Construction Concerns: Delaminated Plywood
Thu, Nov 3, 2011
Plywood in older buildings built before more stringent code requirements can weaken over time, presenting grave dangers to firefighters operating in these structures. |
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Attacking from the Burned Side Can Save Lives
Tue, Nov 1, 2011
The urban fire problem of rear porches and asphalt exterior siding has moved to the suburbs in the forms of wood decks and vinyl siding. |
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ICC Releases Statement on World Standards Day
Tue, Oct 11, 2011
When the United States celebrates World Standards Day Oct. 13-14 in Washington, D.C.,—with the theme Advancing Safety and Sustainability Standards Worldwide—the International Code Council will be much more than a sponsor and exhibitor; it will participate as a pioneer and partner in the global mission of safe and sustainable construction. |
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Corbett's Trivia: First Steam Fire Engine
Tue, Oct 4, 2011
What was the name of the first steam fire engine constructed by Cincinnati builders Abel Shawk and Alexander Bonner Latta? |
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USFA Releases Residential Building Fires Topical Report
Thu, Sep 29, 2011
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) announces the release of a special report focusing on the causes and characteristics of fires in residential buildings. |
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Construction Concerns: Shear Walls
Tue, Sep 27, 2011
Shear walls, shear panels, and braced wall lines can affect the behavior of a building in a fire. Greg Havel offers details on shear walls for firefighters operating in structures that have them. |
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New ASTM Fire Standard Provides Description of Extended Duration Surface Burning Characteristics
Tue, Sep 20, 2011
A new ASTM International standard provides a more detailed and complete description of a test protocol that has been used for more than 40 years in code requirements and specifications for fire-retardant-treated wood. |
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Corbett's Trivia: FEMA
Mon, Sep 19, 2011
What year was the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) created? |
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Construction Concerns: Reinforced Masonry
Mon, Sep 12, 2011
Some firefighting operations can be made more difficult because of the vertical rebar and the horizontal wire and rebar that may be encountered in structures with reinforced masonry, Greg Havel writes. |
Fire Safety Education Resources Available for University and College Resident Assistants
February 8, 2012
An innovative set of integrated, multimedia, tools are available for resident assistants to use in reaching out to th...
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