This course explores the components of building construction that relate to fire and life safety. The focus is on firefighter safety. The elements of construction and design of structures are shown to be key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and oerating at emergencies.

Entry Level Competencies: There are no prerequisites for this course. However, it is strongly recommended that you have prior certification as Firefighter I and II and have completed FST 100, Principles of Emergency Services.

If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the relationship between building construction and fire department operations.
• Identify and describe the common types of construction.
• Identify the purpose that occupancy Use Groups play in building construction.
• Describe the advantages & potential weak points for each of the five types of building construction.
• Discuss fire resistance as it relates to building classifications, construction types and occupancy classifications.
• Explain the impact of loads on building stability and the strengths and weaknesses of structural components.
• Identify signs of potential building collapse in each of the five types of building construction.
• Describe how basic building systems affect the growth and rate of fire spread.
• Describe flame spread rating of interior finishes and methods used to contain the spread of smoke and fire.
• Describe the properties of various building materials and their fire-related behavior.
• Discuss the fire protection methods installed in various types of buildings based on code and structure type.

Possible Assignments Include: (Subject to change each semester. The actual assignments are available in the Syllabus in the Blackboard course site on the first day of classes.)

Your final grade may be based on the following scale. Please note that you must also pass at least several exams in order to pass the course, regardless of your scores on the other assignments.

There are 2 exams in this course.

Last Updated: November 30, 2010