By Michael N. Ciampo
Although metal casement windows are not the most common type of windows you will encounter in today’s structures, you will find them in a number of occupancies—large multiple dwellings, project-style occupancies, single-family dwellings, and factories and commercial occupancies. Because of their poor insulating value and single-pane glass construction, most of these windows have been removed and replaced with newer windows. However, the structures that still have these windows can present problems for occupants seeking a means of egress and for firefighters attempting to gain entry or escape through these windows.
In occupancies such as dwellings, the metal casement windows usually have one or two vertical sections that open for ventilation purposes. Most common are windows that have a section at each end, which may consist of four to eight individual rectangular window panes. When operated by a crank handle, these panes open the hinged window. Normally, these windows will either open up fully (at a right angle to the window frame) or will open up partially (to restrict a person or child from falling out of the window). In many of these installations, you may find that the crank handles are missing or broken and the mechanism is stripped. This may mean the window will open fully or not at all. Also, from age and wear and tear, the hinge supporting rod may be broken or disconnected, and once the window is unlocked (interior locking handle/device), the window quickly flies open. It is also common to find that many of these windows are caulked closed at their seams, are screwed closed to tighten the seal, or have Plexiglas® instead of the glass panels. Such conditions can add to the difficulty in forcing these windows open for ventilation or rescue operations (photos 1, 2).
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| (1) This large multiple dwelling has casement windows. Notice some have been retrofitted to allow window air-conditioning installations. (Photo 1 by author; photos 2-6 by John W. Carr.) |
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| (2) The end two sections of this window were screwed and caulked closed. Cutting the center section’s cross members allowed access and egress. |
Although horizontal hinged windows are not commonly found in residential occupancies, they do exist. They have sections attached to either a large piano-type hinge or side-mounted folding hinges. The windows open when you release the interior locking mechanism and then push out the window base. Once in the open position, the windows resemble an awning-type opening from the outside. They are more common in commercial occupancies, public schools, parking garages, and factories.
The major concern for firefighters is how to get the windows open quickly for rescue operations, ventilation efforts, or vent-enter-search operations. Unfortunately, when you encounter a victim trapped behind one of these windows, it may be difficult to remove him if the window is the style that opens only partially. This can be a particular problem if you encounter an obese individual and time is of the essence (photos 3, 4).
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| (3) When the side window opens only partially, it may be more advantageous to cut the center section out to increase the opening’s width. |
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| (4) Using a rotary saw made quick work of cutting the window’s structural members. |
ACCESS/EGRESS STEPS
After drilling on these types of windows with hand tools and power tools, we found that one of the fastest ways to create an opening large enough for escape was with the rotary power saw. For a vertically hinged window, simply releasing the interior locking mechanism and cutting the upper and lower hinge allowed the window frame section to be removed from the frame. This created an unobstructed opening for the removal of a normal size human being.
Note: In some installations, the brick work of the structure may prevent the saw blade from reaching and cutting the entire hinge assembly. In these instances, it may be necessary to cut the vertical and horizontal members on the opposite side, to create a wide enough opening (photo 5).
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| (5) In some installations, the brick work on the building may interfere with or prevent cutting some of the hinges; have an alternate plan of attack. |
For a firefighter to enter this window with an SCBA on was somewhat difficult. In some situations, the firefighter had to forcefully pull himself into the window with the SCBA air bottle dragging across the window frame or wall. It worked better when the firefighter performed the reduced profile maneuver (twist the SCBA under one side of the body) when he entered the window. Use caution if you are going to attempt the swim maneuver (putting the SCBA tank through the opening first and then using your arms to “swim” through the opening, then twisting to permit access) for entry through the space; you could drop to the floor suddenly and sustain injury if you do not perform this tactic properly and safely.
For obese victims trapped behind these windows or for easier firefighter access and egress, it may be better to remove a larger section of the window frame to allow unobstructed access/egress. First, as with every other firefighting operation, perform a quick size-up. Look for the easiest and simplest ways to cut the window frame. If heavy smoke obscures your visibility of the window, look at an adjacent window to get an idea of where the window components are. It may be easier to cut only a few of the vertical and horizontal frame members opposite the hinge side to increase the width and size of the opening. (Remember, all installations are different; a size-up will help you perform a quicker operation.)
After size-up is complete, ventilate the glass, and remove it near the metal frame so the saw blade does not have to cut it (photo 6). Cutting or hitting the glass will make it a flying projectile and possibly injure an unsuspecting firefighter. Then, cut the frame’s metal structural members. While drilling with different methods, we attempted to cut only a few of the vertical joints near the top and bottom of the frame. Then we attempted to bend the frame over onto itself to create a larger opening. During one attempt, it was very difficult to bend the five horizontal cross members over, probably because of the material’s thickness. Sticking with the saw, cutting and removing the sections were much easier.
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(6) Remember to remove all the glass prior to cutting the frame; it also may be necessary to work off a ladder to reach all of the window. |
During the drill period, we used some other types of saws, but they did not work with the speed and efficiency of the rotary power saw. The battery-powered reciprocating saw with a bi-metal blade cut the frame rapidly, but if it pulled out of the cut or the firefighter slipped with the saw, the blade bent and lost its effectiveness. A cordless rebar cutter or bolt cutter did not have a large enough jaw opening to accept the structural members. One member even suggested using an auto extrication cutter for the window frames, but most felt the tool would be too cumbersome and become too heavy to cut numerous windows.
Often firefighters are inclined to bang these structural members at the connection points or joints; unfortunately, all they do is bend. If you’re lucky, you might get one of the weaker welds to break, but this will require a lot of physical work and much stamina. Even placing the structural members between the forks of the halligan tool and twisting didn’t have positive results.
Be sure to size up your response district and identify the locations of metal casement windows. The next time you see them on structures, treat them as window security bars—you may need to cut and remove them for overall firefighter safety.
MICHAEL N. CIAMPO is a 24-year veteran of the fire service and a lieutenant in the Fire Department of New York. Previously, he served with the District of Columbia Fire Department. He has a bachelor’s degree in fire science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. He is the lead instructor for the FDIC “Truck Company: Essentials” H.O.T. program. He wrote the Ladder chapter and co-authored the Ventilation chapter for Fire Engineering’s Handbook for Firefighter I and II (Fire Engineering, 2009) and is featured in “Training Minutes” truck company videos on www.FireEngineering.com.
