Target hazard for sheet metal roofs

Sheet metal roofs are being used currently on both residential and commercial structures

Prior to ascent, it is incumbent for a firefighter to be aware of these specific hazards. 1st being thickness of the metal sheets 26-29 gauge or .0217- .013 inches generally is the current industry standard. 2nd the manner in which they are fastened together and to the frame of the structure. One method is shown in the next slide.

Lastly, the roof load will be compounded by live and dead load components. This can be anything from: snow, hvac equipment, swamp coolers and personnel on the roof.

Skylights, in general seem to be easily identifiable. prior to any roof operations, we as fire fighters need to be cognizant of these roof components. However, there is one additional component commonly overlooked as a potential life safety hazard on these roofs. Skylights, in general seem to be easily identifiable.

However: These skylights are obvious and easily identifiable. The next slide illustrates another type of skylight that is difficult to identify and acts more like a trap door for fire fighters! It is not easily discernible from the ground or roof vantage points.

1st example of these skylights is: Trap door is defined as: a door flush with the surface of a floor, ceiling, or roof. ( by dictionary.com) Now in particular a skylight is not intended to be a trap door but is instead intended to allow ambient light in or allow for ventilation 1st example of these skylights is: The yellow arrows show the skylights

In the previous slide something was not easily identifiable There are additional skylights that even during daylight hours, are difficult to make out The very faint outline of the skylight can be seen, where the arrows are pointing

More examples: these buildings exist in multiple districts

An interior view looks like:

It is important to highlight, visibility and identification is enhanced with proper lighting, whether it be daylight or scene illumination. These skylights seem to be most often made of Plexiglass or Fiberglass. Generally, they can be thin and camouflaged in appearance.

Coupled with night operations, hazard identification is decreased.

Even with some street lighting visibility is still low on the roof.

thermal imager utilization increases determination of skylight placement. Note the yellow arrows indicate the location of the skylights from the same building from the previous slide.

When operating on this type of roof, be sure to utilize: Appropriate sounding techniques A Thermal Imaging Camera: a. Will show a difference between the metal and the skylight openings b. It may indicate a distinct difference in the roofing materials and may also indicate the location of the I- beams During roof operations, utilization of aerial devices and roof ladders allows for increased safety