The History of Roof Markers in the Fire service

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Truss Roof Markers
Immediately after the death of two brave fire service men, Todd Aldridge and Mark Benge, in 1989, they saw the need to revisit and amend laws pertaining such incidences to avoid future occurrences. The duo died after the roof of a shop they were in collapsed killing everyone inside. It was not until 2008 that the issue was revived and members of the Florida House unanimously passed a bill which would later come to be called the Aldridge –Benge firefight safety act. On the 13th day of December 2009, the bill became law after being enacted by both the Florida House and the Senate (Naum 1). The law required the owners of commercial buildings, industrial structures, and multi-unit residential units to acquire roof markers that would help in identifying whether a particular type of structure is light-frame or truss-type of construction.
A roof marker was in the form of a sign or symbol, and its significance and value in fire services cannot be ignored. The primary role of the roof markers was to alert the firefighters the materials which have been used to construct the roof of the house where they are addressing the emergence of a fire outbreak. However, the primary purpose was helping firefighters to change the tactics that they use to handle a fire outbreak (Naum 1). At all times, firefighters are supposed to take precautionary measures to ensure that the roof of the house that they are in does not collapse killing even the occupants.

In the incidence that the house roof is categorized as light-frame based on the type of placard placed, then the team of firefighters had to exercise maximum caution at all times.
The state of Florida deployed very stringent laws regarding truss construction in roofs with the sole intention of preventing the occurrence of another death incident especially involving firefighters. A truss roof marker was, therefore, a type of mark that each owner of any structure had to purchase and place it outside the building. Firefighters would consequently easily identify buildings with truss construction. State and local fire marshals were hired to ensure that the owners of building bought truss roof markers that match the type of construction technique used in constructing the roof of the building (Cross 1). In fact, they recommended that the roof markers to be placed near the entrance of buildings for ease of locating and determining whether a house is fit to enter while putting off the fire. Additionally, the roof markers gave firefighters insight on the best approach to handle a fire emergency without having any party injured following a collapsed roof.
Although the idea of truss roof markers originated in Orange County, Florida estate, other states later came to embrace this innovation for purposes of maintaining safety during the process of handling a fire emergency. Research shows that truss roof markers are different from one state or city to another. Light-frame roof markers mean that the roof is entirely made of repetitive wood while truss-type roof markers mean that the roof is made up of light steel framing. Truss roof markers should be interpreted as a hazard that a building or a structure can collapse. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) considers roof markers as hazards to the fire department service (Hogrefe 1).
Trusses have been used for a long time now, but their strength is limited depending on the type of materials used for construction. At times, trusses do not even need vertical supporters and thereby can be useful in reducing the number of materials and construction cost. For many years now, the use of truss roof markers has been approved and considered a recognized building code. The fact that they are bound to fall during a fire means effective protection policies must be observed at all times to avoid loss of lives. Additionally, it will also be uncertain for a team of fire extinguishers to understand when a roof is about to collapse. The best approach to avoid such instances is erecting markers which in this case will act as precautionary guards for alerting the fire service of imminent danger (Naum 1). The roof markers are also known to reveal the extent strength of any given building structure.
The exterior of a building does not offer any insight on the strength and the condition of the interior. Firefighters should therefore not make hasty assumptions but instead must follow the outline protocols and procedures to avoid loss of lives. However much someone wishes to save the life of another, there is no need of endangering lives in the name of saving others. This does not mean that firefighters should not save the lives of fire victims because they will also be endangering themselves to the threat. Instead, this is just a precautionary message warning of impending danger. The use of truss roof markers is therefore crucial in dictating the level of preventive measures that firefighters must consider at all times. Firefighters will decide on whether to enter the structure and the best route they can use.
The state fire marshal is responsible for the issuance of roof markers. They conduct a thorough analysis before approving that a building or structure is physically strong to enter. In the long run, they will issue the owner of the commercial building with a truss roof marker. The owner of the house, on the other hand, should ensure that he/she has placed the truss roof marker in a visible location preferably at the front side of the building or the structure (Cross 1). However, it is worth noting that the use of truss roof markers is not only limited to personnel who handle fire incidences but can also be used by anyone who is summoned to address an emergency.
The state marshal determines the size and the color of the roof marker based on a variety of factors which include the size of the structure and the physical strength of the roof. The fire services must also evaluate whether a building is for commercial, industrial or residential use based on the available blueprint (Naum 1). The state marshal must also document the type of truss roof marker that each building or structure has been issued with. Individuals who fail to abide by the set laws and standards are subjected to a fine as a form of a penalty. They have guidelines which dictate how they are supposed to operate and the precise operating rules. The dimensions, color and the specific location where the truss roof maker is placed depending on the size and type of structure.
According to the State Fire Marshal’s office, a typical roof marker resembles a Maltese cross and usually measures 8 inches both horizontally and vertically (Hogrefe 1). However, it is worth noting that townhouses are not considered residential houses and therefore does not have to acquire a truss roof marker. There are certain letters which are mounted on the roof marker, and each letter has a different meaning. Structures and buildings which have a letter “R” mean that the roof is made of light frame truss. In the case of light frame floor truss, the roof marker has a letter “F.” In the incidence that the structure contains both light-frame roof and floor, then letters “RF” are used (Hogrefe 1). Some city marshals believe that the roof marker should be placed at least 24 inches from the main entrance to the structure. The roof marker is permanently attached to a different base material for purposes of visibility. The marker should be at a minimum height of 6 feet from the ground. In the incidence that there is a structure with multiple entry doors, each entry door should be marked.
The National Fire Protection Association has in the recent past drafted voluntary standards which dictate and guide how roof trusses should be erected. In fact, some states such as Florida have been on the forefront in the quest to employ these standards in determining how they should handle the laws regarding the use of truss roof markers (Cross 1). However, the federal government is yet to come up with universal rules dictating the need to have truss roof markers. Although the truss roof marker laws differ from one state to another, they share the same essential elements. The only variance that exists is the shape, color, and dimensions of the roof marker from one state to another. The roof marker should be made from a reflective material and therefore display a bright color.
Wooden trusses are mostly used for most modern residential homes but this is bound to change, and more people nowadays prefer light steel. Regardless of the type of roofing that an individual chooses, a roof marker is inevitable at all times. The kind of roof marker offered depends on the strength of the roof in holding the truss together and intact. The type of roof markers has evolved due to the technological developments currently in the construction industry (Naum 1). More changes are also expected although the primary motive at the moment is to standardize and legalize the use of roof markers in all states. Florida State is a pacesetter in this bold initiative that is supposed to reduce the number of deaths following collapsed roofs while addressing fire emergencies.
In conclusion, it is evident that the idea to have truss roof markers came at the onset of the 21st century. However, it is heartbreaking that two professional firefighters had to die to pay the price and pave the way for this worthy initiative. The state of Florida has been on the forefront to advance the agenda advocating for the installation of truss roof markers in all houses regardless of whether they are commercial, residential or industrial structures. There are a variety of bodies which will work closely with the office of the state fire marshal to approve the issuance of roof markers. Although the roof markers may differ from one state to another, there are ongoing plans to standardize the operating procedures. The invention of the truss roof markers remains to be one of the most significant breakthroughs in the wake of the 21st century. The number of deaths following the collapse of roofs while handling fire emergencies has reduced drastically following the move to place roof markers on every building or structure.
Works Cited
Cross, Paul. “The History of Trusses (An Article) – Alliance Truss”. Alliance Truss, 2014, http://alliancetruss.ca/history-trusses-article/ Accessed 25 Feb 2018.
Hogrefe, Kristen. “Truss Signs and Fire Safety Signs – Accuform Manufacturers”. Accuform.Com, 2012, https://www.accuform.com/news/Truss-Signs-and-Fire-Safety. Accessed 25 Feb 2018.
Naum, Christopher. “Truss and Engineered Systems Placards | Command Safety”. Commandsafety.Com, 2009, http://www.commandsafety.com/2009/12/18/truss-and-engineered-systems-placards/ Accessed 25 Feb 2018