WEA TOWNSHIP, Ind. — The potential dangers of unprotected pre-engineered I-joist floor systems have been highlighted in a NIOSH report into the death of an Indiana firefighter while tackling a house fire.
Deputy Chief Steven Smith, 34, of the Wea Township Volunteer Fire Department, died after falling through a failed section of floor on the first floor of a residential structure in June last year.
Attempts were made to reach him via a 14' roof ladder, but due to debris in the basement, fire/smoke conditions, and the angle of the failed floor, all attempts failed, according to the report.
Firefighters then entered the house, traversed the floor, and gained interior access to the basement to retrieve the victim, it added.
According to the County Coroner, the cause of death was carbon monoxide intoxication.
The NIOSH investigation found that the property had pre-engineered wooden I-joists floor systems.
Its report said that findings from this investigation and another study identified research showing that pre-engineered wooden I-joists floor systems may fail earlier than other systems under direct flame impingement.
The report’s recommendations for fire departments include:
- Ensuring that firefighters and incident commanders are aware that unprotected pre-engineered I-joist floor systems may fail at a faster rate than solid wood joists when exposed to direct fire impingement, and they should plan interior operations accordingly.
- Ensuring that the Incident Commander maintains the role of director of fireground operations and does not become directly involved in firefighting operations.
- Ensuring that risk vs. gain is evaluated during size-up prior to making entry in fire-involved structures.
- Ensuring that team continuity and accountability is maintained.
Related Resource: Full NIOSH report |