HAZARDOUS MATERIALS & ERP Flashcards
The term LP refers to Liquid Petroleum Gases which are stored as a liquid under pressure but vaporize into a gas when the pressure is released. Which of the following properties describing LP gas is incorrect?
A) LP gases are heavier than air (1.5 to 2 times heavier)
B) LP gases are toxic and poisonous. Asphyxiation can occur due to oxygen displacement.
C) LP gas is flammable
D) LP gas is odorless; an odorizing agent is added for domestic consumption.
ANSWER: B) LP gases are toxic and poisonous. Asphyxiation can occur due to oxygen displacement. (INCORRECT)
- NON TOXIC and NON POISONOUS
(HM 1 - 2.1)
Some basic precautions to take at LP gas fires and emergencies include all of the following except which choice?
A) Whenever possible, approach the incident from upwind. Keep the nozzle low and aim it upward to disperse gases or flaming vapors.
B) Clear all persons out of the vapor cloud area, evacuate areas in the path of the vapor cloud immediately. Shut off all ignition sources at the same time.
C) If not present, call for police assistance to establish and maintain a safety zone.
D) Keep all members engaged in operations at least 1000 feet from the front and rear of the tank and 500 feet from the sides.
ANSWER: D) Keep all members engaged in operations at least 1000 feet from the front and rear of the tank and 500 feet from the sides. (INCORRECT)
- Keep all members NOT ENGAGED IN OPERATIONS at these distances.
(HM 1 - 3.4)
When operating at an LP tank leak with a fire, which of the following procedures is described correctly?
A) Approach the tank from either end, applying water to all exposed surfaces.
B) Never extinguish the fire until the leak has been stopped.
C) Portable dry chemical extinguishers are effective on small LP gas fires. Carbon dioxide extinguishers can also be used.
D) Tank failure usually occurs in the liquid area of the tank when sufficient water cannot be applied to prevent the metal from softening or weakening to a point where metal failure occurs.
ANSWER: C) Portable dry chemical extinguishers are effective on small LP gas fires. Carbon dioxide extinguishers can also be used.
A - Approach the tank from the SIDES, applying water to all exposed surfaces as well as piping and valves.
B - Do not extinguish the fire until the leak has been stopped, EXCEPT UNDER EXTREMELY UNUSUAL CONDITIONS.
D - Tank failure under fire conditions usually occurs in the VAPOR AREA of the tank when sufficient water cannot be applied to prevent the metal from softening or weakening to a point where metal failure occurs.
(HM 1 - 1.4.6)
You are a Lt. discussing some of the inherent hazards with propane fueled vehicles with one of your probies. You make the following four remarks. Which is the only correct statement?
A) Propane is a liquefied gas stored in cylinders at a temperature below its boiling point and remains under pressure in liquid form only as long as the container remains closed to the atmosphere.
B) One cubic foot of liquid will expand 170 times as a gas.
C) There is a great possibility that a cylinder involved in a fire will BLEVE (boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion). A satisfactory performance of a relief valve will prevent a BLEVE.
D) If the tank area is involved in fire, immediately locate where the tank relief valve discharges and keep clear of this area. On passenger cars this discharge point will be within 45 degrees of the vertical.
ANSWER: D) If the tank area is involved in fire, immediately locate where the tank relief valve discharges and keep clear of this area. On passenger cars this discharge point will be within 45 degrees of the vertical.
A - Propane is a liquefied gas stored in cylinders at a temperature ABOVE its boiling point and remains under pressure in liquid form only as long as the container remains closed to the atmosphere.
B - One cubic foot of liquid will expand TWO HUNDRED AND SEVENTY (270) times as a gas.
C - A satisfactory performance of a relief valve WILL NOT prevent a BLEVE.
(HM 1 - 2.4.1)
Members are at the kitchen table discussing compressed natural gas (CNG) fueled vehicles. The probie is questioning you about the features that he might encounter with these types of vehicles. You respond with the following information. Which piece of information is incorrect?
A) All vehicles powered by CNG, which requires a FD permit to operate using such fuel, are required to have a warning placard on the rear bumper only.
B) The identification number 1971 in the diamond indicates that CNG is being used for propulsion.
C) Natural gas is flammable, non-toxic, and lighter than air (about 2/3 as heavy)
D) CNG cylinders are subject to failure, but not to BLEVE because they do not contain liquid.
ANSWER: A) All vehicles powered by CNG, which requires a FD permit to operate using such fuel, are required to have a warning placard on the rear bumper only. (INCORRECT)
- Warning placard is on the FRONT AND REAR
(HM 1 - 3.2.1)
NYC Transit Operators, both MTA and private no longer have methanol fueled buses in operation. There is however a possibility that these types of vehicles will enter NYC from other jurisdictions. All of the statements below related to methanol are correct except which?
A) Methanol is a highly volatile flammable liquid with a flash point of 54 degrees F.
B) Methanol vapors are slightly heavier than air and will flow along the ground collecting in low areas. It is soluble in water.
C) Application of large amounts of water will dilute methanol rendering it non-flammable. The concentration of methanol must be reduced below 25% to be effective.
D) Methanol is destructive to ordinary foam. Alcohol type foam must be used. Purple K is the most effective of the dry chemical extinguishing agents.
ANSWER: Application of large amounts of water will dilute methanol rendering it non-flammable. The concentration of methanol must be reduced below 25% to be effective. (INCORRECT)
- Must be reduced below TWENTY PERCENT (20%) to be effetcive.
(HM 1 - 4.2)
While working your first tour as a Lieutenant in a Queens Ladder Company, your unit responds to an accident on the BQE. Upon arrival you find an overturned tank truck which has spilled its product onto the road. On the tank truck you see a diamond placard with the number “8” at the bottom. You would be correct to identify this product as a?
A) Corrosive
B) Oxidizer
C) Flammable Liquid
D) Poison
ANSWER: A) Corrosive
“Every Good Lts. S. O. P. Reqs. Coord. Members”
E - 1) Explosives
G - 2) Gases Compressed
L - 3) Flammable Liquid
S - 4) Flammable Solid
O - 5) Oxidizers
P - 6) Poison
R - 7) Radioactive
C - 8) Corrosives
M - 9) Miscellaneous
(HM 2 2.1)
Members should be aware of how chemicals can gain entrance into their body. Which of the following is not considered a method of exposure?
A) Inhalation (breathing)
B) Skin contact (absorption)
C) Ingestion (swallowing)
D) Being within line of sight of the chemical.
ANSWER: D) Being within line of sight of the chemical. (INCORRECT)
Inhalation (breathing) / Skin contact (absorption) / Ingestion (swallowing) & PUNCTURE OR WOUND.
(HM 2 3.1)
Safety of members is of the utmost importance at a haz-mat incident. Of the following choices, which contains incorrect information?
A) Proper identification of the material involved is essential to decide on safe tactics to handle any haz-mat incident. Identification should be the initial action taken by the first to arrive units.
B) Often, plant personnel or the vehicle driver can supply the name of the involved material.
C) Upon arrival at a haz-mat incident, if there are no clearly recognizable signs, it is safe to assume there are no hazards.
D) Any members who are exposed prior to the recognition of the hazardous material should be isolated until proper information is available.
ANSWER: C) Upon arrival at a haz-mat incident, if there are no clearly recognizable signs, it is safe to assume there are no hazards. (INCORRECT)
- DO NOT ASSUME THERE ARE NO HAZARDS.
(HM 2 4.8)
Proper identification of a hazardous material is essential to implementing safe tactics and should be the initial action taken by first to arrive units. One option for identification of a hazardous material in transit is to check shipping papers. Of the following choices, which description is correct?
A) Railroad - Bill of lading is kept in the caboose or engine.
B) Truck - The waybill is carried by the driver.
C) Aircraft - The air bill is kept in the rear of the fuselage
D) Ships - The cargo manifest is kept by the master or first mate.
ANSWER: D) Ships - The cargo manifest is kept by the master or first mate.
Truck ———The “bill of lading” is kept in the cab within reach of the driver.
Railroad ——The “waybill” is carried by the conductor in the caboose or engine.
Aircraft——-The “air bill” is kept by the pilot.
Ships ———-The “cargo manifest” is kept by the master or first mate.
(HM 2 4.4)
Following a recent haz-mat incident, the first arriving Engine Captain was discussing strategy and tactics with the Haz-Mat Battalion. In which choice was an incorrect comment made?
A) If no information is available from placards or chemical names on a vehicle, obtain the transporter’s name on the vehicle and the license plate number and state, which can be checked by the police department computer. A similar procedure can be used for railroad cars, using the railroad’s name and the number ont he car.
B) If 1st arriving units are able to identify a hazardous substance by name, this shall be relayed, letter by letter, phonetically (A-Adam / B-Boy etc.), to the dispatcher for notification to Chemtrec and to the hazardous materials response team (HMRT)
C) In general, Department of Transportation regulations require placards to be posted only on trucks that are transporting over 1000 pounds of the particular material.
D) In cases involving derailment of railroad tank cars, the Hazardous Materials Unit should only be called when it appears there is significant damage. In all cases, the use of water on substances leaking and/or fuming is a proper tactic pending identification and hazard assessment.
ANSWER: D) In cases involving derailment of railroad tank cars, the Hazardous Materials Unit should only be called when it appears there is significant damage. In all cases, the use of water on substances leaking and/or fuming is a proper tactic pending identification and hazard assessment. (INCORRECT)
- DO NOT use water on any substance that is fuming until after proper identification and hazard assessment.
- The Hazardous Materials unit MUST BE CALLED, even when it APPEARS THERE IS NO DAMAGE.
(HM 2 7)
Company Officers should be aware of the hazards of asbestos as well as proper tactics when responding to asbestos-related incidents. Of the following choices, which contains the most correct statements?
- Asbestos in its natural state or “Asbestos Containing Material”, when intact, does not present a health hazard.
- Isolate the suspected area and protect civilians and members from possible exposure.
- Contact the Haz-Mat Battalion via dispatcher, cell phone or 800 MHz radio. In consultation with the Haz-Mat Battalion, transmit the appropriate 10-80 signal, specifying an asbestos related incident.
- Strictly enforce the Department’s SCBA policy to reduce inhalation exposure. The SCBA must be used until decontamination procedures are initiated or the member has been washed down.
- Gently wet down suspected asbestos material using a fog or spray stream. This will minimize the amount of fibers that become airborne.
- Limit overhaul in the suspected area.
- Isolate members suspected of being contaminated to prevent cross-contamination of apparatus or other members.
A) 2,3,4,5,6,7
B) 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
C) 1,2,3,4,7
D) 1,2,3,4,6,7
ANSWER: B) 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 (All are correct)
HM 3 2.1 / 4.1-4.7
As a good officer you would know that Carbon monoxide (CO) is a natural by-product of incomplete combustion that is a flammable gas with an auto ignition temperature of 1128 degreed Farenheit. From the choices below which is the only incorrect point about CO?
A) CO has a vapor density which makes it slightly lighter than air (.968)
B) CO is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, irritating, non-toxic gas.
C) The LEL of CO is 12.5% and the UEL is 74%.
D) CO provides no early warning signs and is about 210 times more attracted to hemoglobin than O2.
ANSWER: B) CO is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, irritating, non-toxic gas. (INCORRECT)
- NON IRRITATING (silent killer)
- TOXIC GAS
(HM 4 - 2.1)
At the change of tours two officers were discussing how CO is considered to represent the most dangerous acute exposure faced by firefighters. Even at low concentrations, CO may impair judgement, visual acuteness and decision making. In which point below should the members correct the officer?
A) Low level CO poisoning can mimic flu-like symptoms, headache (mild/severe), fatigue, nasuea, dizziness, confusion, irratibility.
B) Medium level Co poisoning - vomiting, drowsiness, loss of conciousness.
C) High level CO poisoning - seizure, coma, permanent brain damage, death.
D) To reverse the buildup of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) in the body, over 250 parts of oxygen are required to replace one part of CO.
ANSWER: D) To reverse the buildup of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) in the body, over 250 parts of oxygen are required to replace one part of CO. (INCORRECT)
- TWO HUNDRED (200) parts of O2
(HM 4 3.11)
1 Engine & 1 Ladder respond to a CO detector activation in an OLT, apartment 3B on the 3rd floor. Which action taken by these units should be corrected?
A) The Ladder Company took initial readings of CO in the kitchen of apartment 3B at a location high and in the middle of the room.
B) The Officer of the ladder company, after determining that readings of over 150 PPM were caused by a defective stove in apartment 3B ordered the occupants of that apartment to leave the building. Once the CO levels dropped to 9 PPM the Ladder officer told the occupants they could return to their apartment and they didnt need to wait for the utility company.
C) After the Ladder company shut down the defective stove the Captain of the Engine as the IC, requested the utility company to respond.
D) The Ladder company officer sent the Roof FF & OV FF to search the utility room in the cellar.
ANSWER: A) The Ladder Company took initial readings of CO in the kitchen of apartment 3B at a location high and in the middle of the room. (INCORRECT)
- Take initial readings AT THE FRONT DOOR or the premises.
(HM 4 - 4.1.3)
In regards to Carbon Monoxide runs, the IC shall request the utility company to respond in all of the following situations except which one?
A) CO levels over 9 PPM are recorded by the meter.
B) An individual is displaying symptoms of CO poisoning.
C) The IC feels a response by the utility company is required.
D) On scene units shut down any appliance.
ANSWER: D) On scene units shut down any appliance. (INCORRECT)
- Units on the scene shut off a GAS appliance.
(HM 4 - 4.1.5)
On a busy day tour in Brooklyn, you respond to a CO alarm in a PD. Upon your investigation you find a CO Detector was present but did not activate. There is 60 PPM reading throughout the PD. What is the most accurate signal to give in this scenario?
A) 10-38 Code 1
B) 10-38 Code 2
C) 10-38 Code 3
D) 10-38 Code 4
ANSWER: D) 10-38 Code 4
- No detector activation or detector present but did not activate.
- Do not be thrown off by the # of PPM
(Comm 8 pg 11)
A CO investigation will determine if a response is just an investigation, an incident or an emergency. Choose the most correct regarding a CO incident or emergency.
A) Transmit a 10-38 Code 1 for CO incidents if no occupants are symptomatic and meter readings are 1-9 PPM.
B) If there are CO meter readings of 6 PPM but the occupant is complaining of flu-like symptoms you should transmit a 10-38 code 3.
C) SCBAs shall be worn at all CO emergencies and used at all CO investigations.
D) When a fatality or serious injury associated with a CO incident is discovered, the IC shall have NYPD notified through the dispatcher.
ANSWER: B) If there are CO meter readings of 6 PPM but the occupant is complaining of flu-like symptoms you should transmit a 10-38 code 3.
A - Code 1 is defective / unwarranted / low battery. In this scenario trasmit a a 10-38 Code 2 for an Incident.
C - SCBA shall be worn at all CO INVESTIGATIONS & used at all CO EMERGENCIES.
D - Fatality or serious injury associated with CO, contact BFI through the dispatcher.
(HM 4 - 5.1.2)
The GasAlert Extreme is a warning device issued for monitoring CO gas in ambient air. Use of the instrument is intended to alert the user to CO presence in the environment. What is the most correct point about the GasAlert Extreme?
A) If the concentration of CO in the atmopshere exceeds 9 PPM, the meter will signal the following alarm: a slow modulating tone (every 1 second) with slow flashing red lights (every 1 second) and a slow vibration (every 1 second). When the CO concentration falls below 9 PPM, the alarm will automatically turn off.
B) If the concentration of CO in the atmopshere exceeds 100 PPM, the meter will signal the following alarm: a fast modulating tone (every 1/2 second) with fast flashing red lights (every 1/2 second) and a fast vibration (every 1/2 second). When the CO concentration falls below 100 PPM, the alarm will automatically turn off.
C) The meter is equipped with 4 push buttons and should be affixed to the HT strap, near the HT antenna. To turn on and activate the meter press the green circular button on the right only. The right button is the only button to be used by field units. The other 3 buttons are for use by Haz-mat ops meter room only.
D) CO meters will display readings up to 999 PPM. If readings of 1,000 PPM or more are detected, the CO meter will display “OL”, indicating an over limit condition.
ANSWER: D) CO meters will display readings up to 999 PPM. If readings of 1,000 PPM or more are detected, the CO meter will display “OL”, indicating an over limit condition.
A - THIRTY FIVE (35) PPM (slow tone/light/vibration)
B - When concentration falls below 100 PPM, the alarm will GO INTO LOW ALARM.
C - Only push the green circular button on the LEFT. Having CO meter near handie-talkie antenna WILL CAUSE FALSE ACTIVATION. Wear near CHEST area.
(HM 4 - Addendum 4)
Which choice contains incorrect information about maintenance of the GasAlert Extreme CO Meter?
A) At the start of each tour, turn the meter on and allow it to perform a self test. Ensure the sensor port is clear from any blockage.
B) The low battery alarm consists of 1 beep (every 5 seconds), 1 flash (every 5 seconds), 1 quick vibration (every 1 minute), and a low battery icon will appear ont he display.
C) Field units are only to perform regular maintenance on the meter. Defective meters shall be exchanged directly to Haz Mat Ops meter room by the Officer.
D) If marking the meter with company ID, do not etch or use markers (sticker/tape are acceptable)
ANSWER: C) Field units are only to perform regular maintenance on the meter. Defective meters shall be exchanged directly to Haz Mat Ops meter room by the Officer. (INCORRECT)
- Field units DO NOT perform maintenance on CO meters.
- CO Meters are ONE FOR ONE EXCHANGE w/ Battalion.
(HM 4 - Addendum 4)
A Lt. from L160 was supervising a company drill concerning the Chemical Protective Clothing (CPC) carried by their unit. The Lt. should correct which statement made in regard to a CPC unit’s operations?
A) Their purpose is to assist in performing search, rescue and removal of emergency responders and civilians from contaminated areas.
B) CPC units are certified to operate in both Level A and Level B CPC and can perform required documentation.
C) They are trained to perform mitigation at hazardous material operations.
D) They can be utilized at any incident where the incident commander feels their training and equipment might be useful
ANSWER: C) They are trained to perform mitigation at hazardous material operations. (INCORRECT)
- They are NEITHER TRAINED NOR EQUIPPED to perform mitigation.
(HM 5 - 1.1)
CPC unit entries into a contaminated area require a coordinated team effort by trained CPC members. The minimum number of members required to make up this team can be found in which choice?
A) 4 members (2 entry, 2 backup)
B) 4 members (2 entry, 1 backup, 1 decontamination)
C) 6 members (2 entry, 2 backup, 2 decontamination)
D) 5 members (2 entry, 2 backup, 1 decontamination)
ANSWER: D) 5 members (2 entry, 2 backup, 1 decontamination)
HM 5 - 4.1
Two CPC trained Lieutenants were breifing the members of their units prior to entry into a contaminated area. Which statement would be a correct one for these officers to make?
A) Several units may be combined to make up a complete CPC team.
B) Under no circumstances shall a CPC officer don a CPC suit.
C) The 1st to arrive ladder company officer shall recommend the entry point into the hot zone for the CPC Unit when they arrive
D) At a minimum, there must be an entry and backup team in place prior to any entry into the hot zone.
ANSWER: A) Several units may be combined to make up a complete CPC team.
B - The CPC Unit Officer shall not don a chemical protective suit UNLESS the situation indicates that a suit is required in order to properly supervise the unit’s operation.
C - The first arriving CPC UNIT OFFICER will recommend to the IC the ENTRY POINT into the Hot Zone (based on their training, initial briefing and size-up), and then establish the CPC Unit Assembly Area adjacent to the entry point.
D - The necessary number of trained individuals must be assembled and a DECONTAMINATION STATION must be established and staffed before entry is made.
(HM 5 - 4.1 / 5.1)
The CPC entry team from Ladder Company 172 is operating at an ammonia leak with a confirmed unconcious person below grade. Members operating at this incident should know which operating procedure to be incorrect?
A) Always operate as a team, within line of sight of each other.
B) Both members of the entry team shall be radio equipped.
C) If one mmeber of the entry team goes down for any reason, the other member must immediately leave the operating area.
D) When one member must leave the operating area, he must be accompanied by the other.
ANSWER: C) If one mmeber of the entry team goes down for any reason, the other member must immediately leave the operating area. (INCORRECT)
- If one of the Entry team members goes down for an UNKNOWN REASON, the other team member must leave the operating area to insure notification is made to the Back up team for the need of an immediate rescue.
(HM 5 - 6.1)