SOP Manual - Cleveland Fire Department

Cleveland Fire Department
Operations Manual
b. Commercial and Industrial Structures
A main power switch and several sectional switches allow the power to be cut either completely or
selectively.
The Incident Commander should notify Cleveland Utilities or Volunteer Electric to cut power to
commercial and industrial structures.
c. Elevators
Water Pipes
The main power switch for the elevators is located near them, usually in the basement. The power
to the elevators should only have to be cut off when the fire has control of the elevator shafts or
the motor house, usually located on the roof.
Ladder/Truck Companies should maintain control of both the water system and the power system. A
damaged water system should be shut down as soon as possible in order to minimize problems due to
excessive water or freezing and to reduce the extent of required salvage operations. This task may require
notification of the local water district authority.
Overhaul
The main purpose of overhaul is to make certain that no trace of fire remains to re-kindle after the fire force
has left. A second purpose is to leave the structure in as safe a condition as possible, especially if it is to be
partially or completely occupied soon after the fire. Firefighters must protect undamaged goods and
furnishings as part of these operations.
Debris that could be dangerous to occupants or which must be examined during overhaul should be
removed from the building.
Two procedures can help reduce the frequency of injury during overhaul: (1) pre-inspection by Officers and
(2) assignment of fresh or rehabilitated personnel (if available) to overhaul duties, along with proper
control of these personnel.
A. Pre-Inspection
Before any firefighters are sent into a building for overhaul operations, the fire area must be
checked thoroughly.
The purpose of the inspection is to make sure that the area in which overhaul operations will be
conducted is safe. The inspecting Officer(s) should see to it that holes in the flooring are safely
covered or barricaded, that unsafe stairways are marked of roped off, that structurally unsound
areas of the building are marked in an obvious way, and that portable lights are placed in dark and
dangerous locations. Hand lines should be established to extinguish any fire that might be rekindled,
and some Ladder/Truck crews should remain on the scene to assist Engine Companies.
Effective: June 1, 1997 Revised: 5/14/2009 Page | 230
Approved by: Chief Chuck Atchley