Chapter 1 Flashcards
What temperatures is it required to wear full ppe and scba?
120-130 def F.
What is the leading cause of fire deaths in the civilian population and what percentage die as a result?
Inhalation of toxic fire gases, 80%
What toxic fire gases?
Carbon monoxide (co) Carbon dioxide (co2) Hydrogen sulfide (h2s) Sulfur dioxide (so2) Hydrogen cyanide (hcn) Hydrogen chloride (ho) Phosgene (cocl2)
Is co heavier or lighter than air and at what levels is it
A) extremely lethal
B) caused unconsciousness with death following
Co is slightly lighter than air
A. 3200 ppm (0.32%)
B. 12,800 ppm (1.28%)
What is the department standard regarding co levels for scba usage?
35 ppm (0.0035%)
What are the normal levels of co2 in the atmosphere and what levels cause
A) increase in respirations and dizziness?
B) death in a few minutes due to paralysis of the respiratory center of the brain?
300ppm (0.03%)
A. 5000 (0.5%)
B. 100,000-200,000 (10-20%)
This gas smells like rotten eggs. It’s heavier than air, poisonous, corrosive, flammable and explosive. It comes from burning living things such as wool, rubber, and hair
Hydrogen sulfide
This gas has an irritating effect on the eyes and respiratory tract. Comes from oxidation of wool, rubber, and some woods. Not considered to be toxic.
Sulfur dioxide
Highly toxic colorless gas from the combustion of nitrogen containing materials such as wool, nylon, polyurethane foam, rubber, and paper. Smells like bitter almonds. Causes death very quickly. Kills by preventing cells from absorbing oxygen.
Hydrogen cyanide
Fire gas formed from burning PVC, electrical insulation, and conduit. Forms hydrochloric acid when combined with moisture
Hydrogen chloride and chlorine
Fire gas produced when refrigerants and freon, air conditioners are burned. Has a musty hay order
Phosgene
What are the percentages of oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere?
21% o2
78% nitrogen
How much faster does carbon monoxide bind with hemoglobin than oxygen?
210 times as fast
