Peaked Roof Operations

   Before this task can take place, you need to do your size-up of the building. Size-up always starts at dispatch of the incident. Your size-up should consist of; What time of day is it. What are the weather conditions. Where is the location of the fire in the fire building. How many floors in the fire building. Is roof ventilation needed. Does the roof look safe to work on. What size ladders do we need or can we operate from an aerial device. What is the wind direction. What types of tools are you going to need. Are there any overhead obstructions to contend with. Where is the best location to operate and complete the roof ventilation safely.

   Once size-up is complete, it’s time to put your plan of attack into operation. If your working in a team of two(2), a power saw is suggested to be brought to the roof, along with two(2) halligan bars, a pick-head axe and some type of pike pole or hook of the proper length.

   The ladder selection is very important for this operation. You need a long enough to get you to the roof and to cover the the roof decking. When ladder selection is complete and placement is done, you can make your way to the roof.

   When you get to the roof, before you step onto the roof ladder, sound the roof decking like your depends on it. When you determine that the roof is safe to walk on, it’s time to determine where you are going to make your cuts for your vent hole. Look for bubbling tar or shingles, smoke venting from roof decking, and in the winter time, melting snow. Fire conditions may affect where you make your cuts, sometimes you might not be able to make your cuts directly over the fire. Remember to make your cuts as close to the fire as safety permits.

   The cuts on a peaked roof should be at least a 4x4 hole. Before you start to make your cuts, have your backup person drive the pick end of one halligan bar into the roof decking in the location you what it, for a step for your outside foot. The first cut should be the horizontal top cut. Then make a diagonal cut from the top cut towards the outside vertical cut. Then make the outside vertical cut furthest away from you as possible down. The next cut will be the horizontal bottom cut. The final cut should always be to inside vertical cut closest to you as possible. On older type construction sometimes all you need to do is make two(2) vertical cuts. Only on older construction, where roof decking is 1x6 planking with an 1 inch gap between them, can this work.

   When the cuts are complete, start pulling up the roof decking. When all the cut decking is cleared you must punch through the ceiling below if needed. Remember to use the but end of the hook or pike pole when completing this task.

   Once the roof operations is complete, leave the roof in a safe and timely fashion.

   Always wear full turnouts, including SCBA, work as safe as possible, and never take any risks that will jeopardizes your teams safety. 

   Be Smart, Be Safe, and See You on the Next Job