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Ontario Fire Service Messenger

August/September 2007                Volume 16 Issue 4

Overhaul

Teaching Plan


Introduction:

Overhaul, the final phase of firefighting, involves searching out and extinguishing hidden fire, preserving evidence and restoring the premises to a secure state at the conclusion of firefighting operation. It is essential that firefighters understand their roles and responsibilities during this final phase in order to ensure their health and safety, maximize the preservation of evidence and to restore security to the premises.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this session, the firefighter will be able to:

a) Explain the importance of overhaul;

b) Describe the role of the firefighter in overhaul operations;

c) Explain the procedures for overhaul;

d) Describe the safety considerations for overhaul operations;

e) Identify the tools and equipment used for overhaul; and,

f) Perform overhaul operations as part of a training scenario.

Expectations of the Participant:

Students in this training session are expected to participate in group discussions, in class activities and in the training scenario. Participation includes listening, observing actively, asking relevant questions, providing examples, acting professionally and working as part of a team to perform overhaul.



Key Points
and Terms

Student Learning Activity

References and Resources

Trainer/Facilitator Activity

Define overhaul

 
In-class discussion

 
IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting Ch. 18
 

•Lead discussion and encourage participation

•Provide a clear definition


 
Role of the firefighter in overhaul operations

 
In-class discussion
 
IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting Ch. 18
 

•Facilitate discussion based on input from participants

 
Overhaul procedures:

When, where, how much debris removal

Fire scene assessment and investigation related to overhaul
 

View video on overhaul procedures followed by discussion


 

American Heat or other video showing overhaul

IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting Ch.18


 

•Show video

•Discuss its content

•Answer any questions

•Illustrate how overhaul can affect investigations (e.g. if walls or partitions are taken down)



 
Safety considerations for overhaul

SCBA and PPE

Charged hose line

Building construction

Physical limitations

Potential hazards  

In class discussion

Students provide examples

Discussion

Implications of not having safety issues addressed


 

IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting Ch.18


 

•Facilitate discussion

•Provide examples if the students don’t provide visuals where possible


 

IMPORTANT: ALWAYS WEAR SCBA AND PPE


 

Key Points
and Terms

Student Learning Activity

References and Resources

Trainer/Facilitator Activity

Tools and Equipment

  • Pike poles and ceiling hooks
  • Crow bars and Halligan tool axes
  • Power tools
  • Pitchforks and shovels
  • Rubbish hooks/rakes
  • Lighting
  • Thermal imaging cameras
 

 

IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting Ch.18

Manufacturer’s guidelines

Sample of each tool

Sample of each piece of equipment

 

•Explain or have the participants identify and explain each tool and piece of equipment  

Overhaul scenario
 

Participate in roles assigned

Complete the exercise

Participate in a debrief after the scenario
 

Site safety officer

Tools and equipment props or building scene set up

Charged hose lines
 

•Introduce scenario outline roles

•Go over safety procedures

•Establish parameters

•Oversee scenario

•Facilitate debrief