2. Determine basic requirements the training tower must satisfy.

• Safety – Many factors must be considered to satisfy safety requirements.
  • Most roof and floor live loads must exceed standard building codes (100 PSF minimum).
  • Wall and roof surfaces must be flat so they can be safely rappelled, laddered, and walked on.
  • Window sill heights must be designed high enough to prevent accidental falls.
  • Rake trim and window sills should have a beveled edge so as not to cut or damage rappelling ropes.
  • Door swings should not be an obstacle in a passageway.
  • Stairs should not allow for standing or cascading water.
  • Stair platforms must be of a distinct profile as to give a different “feel” than the floor deck.
  • Metal floor decks should have a maximum 1” recess to prevent personal injury.
  • Avoid trip hazards and latching hardware on burn room doors.
  • Burn room doors and window shutters should always swing out.

• Tower Height and Working Deck Levels – Consider the reach of commonly used ground ladders, average building heights in the community, and any rappelling requirements. Knowledge of the most common street widths will help in establishing the best height for ladder crew operations.

  FYI: The roof of a training tower is considered one working deck level.

• Number of Rooms – This depends upon the available personnel resources
  (i.e. instructors, safety officers, students).
  • Will resources allow for multiple operations simultaneously?
  • Are engine and ladder crews, Officer or Incident Commanders part of your training program?

  FYI: Burn rooms may be used for purposes other than live burns and need not be designated for restricted use.

• Room Sizes – Determine the intended use of the space and the number of personnel, including students and instructors, likely to be involved in a single exercise. Include space to be occupied by any required props.

  FYI: Spaces used for search and rescue are generally large and may involve more personnel than typical fire training exercises.

• Material Integrity – Training towers are non-insulated, non-heated buildings. The materials used should be selected to best avoid deterioration due to freezing and thawing or other weather related conditions. Training towers are subjected to more physical abuse than ordinary commercial or industrial buildings and these considerations should also be made clear to the designer.

TIP 2: Consider ENVIRONMENTAL conditions
Identify circumstances that represent challenges beyond the fundamentals. This list may also contain features that are not necessary for the basic function of the tower but would enhance the training experience.

• High concentration of garden apartments? Consider a balcony.
• Industrial risks prevalent? Consider a caged ladder.
• Confined space rescue training needed? May want to include an elevator shaft.

TIP 3: Consider possible FUTURE modifications
Make provisions within the basic requirements for possible future modifications. Planning for future modifications in the preliminary stages can make changes not only possible, but easier and cost effective.

• Changes in tower height
• Changes in allowable fuel sources for the burn room(s)
• Converting spaces into burn room

TIP 4: COMPARE and SHARE Design Ideas
Compare – Compare the checklist with existing training structures. Visit other sites and review designs of pre-engineered towers to determine if any will satisfy your basic requirements. Be aware of any unique features you may want to incorporate in your design.

Share – Now it’s time to convey the tower design requirements to Fire Facilities. We understand the semantics of fire service terminology and, based on your training tower requirements, will create a design concept.

Now you are able to Review and Accept!
Having conveyed your specifications to us, your ideas will now begin taking shape. Compare the proposed design with your needs. Look for adherence to the basic functions and all safety and structural demands. Accept the design when certain it will allow you to do everything expected.

Cost is a factor in the acceptance of the design. You may have developed an estimate of the final cost, including design and building prop costs. Fire Facilities can provide accurate cost projections upon completion of the design. When the completed design is accepted, expect an updated estimate. Make sure the estimate includes anticipated costs such as:

• Bonds
• Filing fees
• Permits
• Soil tests
• Applicable taxes
• Insurance
• Freight
• Any variance for local building codes since a training tower is a “simulated” building

Whatever your needs, whether small or large, include them all in your master plan. What may seem like an unnecessary feature today may become a significant part of your future training efforts. Follow these tips in preparation for the design of your tower and you will be certain to have a fire training facility that meets the unique needs of your department.