Stairwell safety precautions
· Know if stairway is a refuge or a collapse hazard
· U-Return steel frame stairs are an area of refuge
· Wooden straight run stairs are not
· Wooden stairs without fire retardant soffits or without soffits (old cellar stairs) are vulnerable and may collapse early.
· Watch for hidden structural damage
· Stay close to the wall when climbing weakened wood stairs
· Place foot directly over steel riser on steel framed, U-return stair
· Do not allow stone to support your weight
· Avoid stepping on intermediate landing altogether; hold banister and swing body around from lower stair section to upper stair section
· Avoid bunching up on stairway during hoseline attack
· Use ground ladder over weakened stairs or gain access from window
· Avoid removing primary structural beams (header and trimmer) Removing will cause floor, then stair collapse