Natural Gas

Question 1

Natural gas is _ (lighter/heavier) and other ingredients with an explosive range of _%

Answer 1

Significantly Lighter (rises in air); Explosive range 5-15%

Question 2

Distribution gas mains are run under the streets and deliver gas either:
High Pressure (_-_ psi)
Medium Pressure (_-_ psi)
Low Pressure (_psi)

Answer 2

High pressure 60-90 PSI
Medium pressure 3-15 PSI
Low pressure 1/4 PSI

NOTE: High and Medium pressure gas is regulated down to 1/4 psi before it passes through the customer’s meter.

Question 3

Gas Service Piping are either Steel, Plastic, or Copper. Which are not allowed inside structures?

Answer 3

Plastic and Copper

Question 4

Some older apt bldgs may have individual gas meters located in each apartment served, and in some buildings the meters may be found in the public hallway. The presence of gas piping or meters in a public hallway requires _

Answer 4

High Priority Referral (BISP Manual Ch 5 Ref 2.1). If found leaking then immediate notification to DOB BI Ch 5 Ref 2.1 A 8.1

Question 5

Priority Order of Valve Shutdown: “All Red Melted M and Ms Have Been Eaten”

Answer 5

Appliance valve, Riser interior gas valve (coming off the master meter typically found in cellar/basement, Meter, Master Meter (when possible notify utility company prior to shutting Master Meter), Head of Service (AKA Building service valve) found just inside the building where the gas service enters, Exterior gas riser valve located on gas riser outside of the bldg before any exterior meters, Curb valve on sidewalk side of curb.

Question 6

Street Valves (AKA Line, Main, Isolation Valve) are located on the street side of the curb. Can FD members operate street valves?

Answer 6

Members shall not operate street valves. These valves are used to isolate large sections of the gas main. Have the Utility company shut all valves beyond the curb valve.

Question 7

When operating at the scene of a serious gas incident and gas readings are found in an electric manhole, what must be done?

Answer 7

ID the bldgs being supplied electricity by the involved manholes via the utility company rep, or if not on scene from the utility company through the FDNY Dispatcher.

Question 8

Can FD personnel remove
A. Sewer Manhole covers?
B. Electric Manhole covers?

Answer 8

A. Removal of Sewer manhole covers can be performed by FD personnel with the approval of an on-scene Chief Officer
B. Removal of Electric manhole covers may be performed only when requested by a utility gas rep on scene AND approved by an on-scene Chief Officer.

Question 9

Can FD personnel pull round manhole covers and rectangular covers?

Answer 9

Round Manhole covers should be removed by 2 FF’s utilizing manhole hooks carried on Battalion vehicles;
Round Electrical Manhole covers may be pulled with Chief permission and Utility Rep verifies free of stray voltage
Do NOT pull rectangular covers or Transformer covers
Do NOT pull any electric manhole covers if there is a manhole fire in the area if smoking or arcing; If any doubt do NOT pull.

Question 10

Choose the incorrect for minor indoor gas leaks:
A. Vent bldg from top down
B. Dept fans may be used to vent gas
C. Fog nozzle may be used for venting
D. If leaking gas is burning, allow it to burn until the gas supply is shut off
E. Leak in low pressure gas piping may be stopped by taping or stuffing rag into the break. This tactic will not work on high pressure piping.

Answer 10

B. Dept fans are not intrinsically safe and should NOT be used to vent gas 4.3

Question 11

National Grid Peck Vent coding on Metal Tag: What does “EFV” stand for?

Answer 11

Excess Flow Valve which will automatically shut down the flow of gas when it senses an excess flow of gas. The letters “NC” on the tag also indicate that there is no curb valve present.

Question 12

The MSA Altair Digital Gas Meter has been issued to all Engine and Ladder companies. The meter will alarm at the following LCD readings:
LEL _
O2 enriched _
O2 deficient _
Who is notified when one of these meters is placed OOS?

Answer 12

LEL 10%
O2 enriched 23.5%
O2 deficient 19.5%
OOD shall call Haz Mat ops and request a replacement. Meters shall NOT be sent via the bag.

Question 13

What does a series of “XXX” under the COMB/EX icon indicate on the MSA Altair?

Answer 13

“XXX” indicates the atmosphere is above 100% LEL. This is an extremely dangerous atmosphere- potentially explosive environment that members should NOT operate in except to save a life. Evacuation should be initiated and the IC should initiate a Haz Mat response.

Question 14

What does a series of “+++” along the screen under the O2 icon indicate on MSA Altair?

Answer 14

Atmosphere is above 30% oxygen. Extremely dangerous since the actual readings are not known. IC shall take actions to address the abnormal condition and initiate a Haz Mat response.

Question 15

The SENSIT TKX combustible gas detector provides a “Geiger Counter” like ticking sound that increases in frequency when a gas source as low as _ is detected.
Can it be used to detect CO?

Answer 15

As low as 20 PPM of methane are detected.

The SENSIT TKX Combustible Gas Detector will not detect Carbon Monoxide.

Question 16

T/F: The MSA Altair must be used in conjunction with the Combustible Gas Detector when surveying for leaks?

Answer 16

True add 5 pt 4

Question 17

Gas incorrect?
A: IC should define the extent of the emergency; this is especially true for sub-surface leaks, as well as excavation accidents due to the potential for multiple leaks as a result of pipe movement.
B: Units should be deployed as necessary and may be used for, but not limited to, determining the extent of gas migration, evacuation, and/or mitigation (venting, power removal, etc.)
C: The Utility Company’s Gas Emergency Control Center may be contacted for info as to utility runs (gas, electric and sewer) to discern where natural gas may be migrating. This may help establish priority of reconnaissance for units.
D: The Gas Utility Company should be contacted by the IC to define the underground infrastructure for subsurface leaks and determine any additional exposures that may be affected. This contact can be made through the Utility Company representative on the scene or by contacting the Utility Company directly from the Battalion/Division cellular phone.

Answer 17

C The Utility Company’s Gas Emergency Control Center may be contacted for information as to utility runs (GAS and ELECTRIC) to discern where natural gas may be migrating. This may help establish priority of reconnaissance for units. If there are indications that natural gas is migrating through the SEWER , NYCEM or DEP can provide information as to the run of the sewers in the area.
If there are indications that natural gas is migrating via subsurface infrastructure (electric or sewer lines), buildings served by those lines should be prioritized for rapid evacuation.
EP Gas 10 1

Question 18

Major Gas Emergency
A. Any damage to major components of gas infrastructure (Master meter, gas service piping, main valves)
B. 10% LEL or greater detected outside or inside
C. Elevated natural gas reading (10% LEL or greater) in an unvented, sub-service structure (manhole, sewer)
D. Gas present in two or more subsurface structures (manholes, sewers)
E. Indications of gas migrating into a bldg from an outside source
F. Gas leaking or present inside of a wall or void in a structure
G. Gas leaking inside of a structure and controlling valve cannot be located or is inoperable

Answer 18

B, D, E, F G
A Serious damage to major components
C 20% LEL or greater in unvented, subsurface areas

Question 19

Main mission at a gas leak vs secondary mission

Answer 19

Main mission: Ensure there is NOT a Major leak

Secondary: mitigating minor leaks

Question 20

Choose incorrect for a gas leak
A. Vent immediate area and continue to monitor using gas meter and detector
B. Remove ignition sources near the leak utilizing a remote shut off
C. Once a leak is found control the leak by shutting the closest valve that controls supply to the leak
D. A leak or break in low pressure gas piping (made of steel, cast iron, or plastic) may be stopped by or greatly diminished by taping, or stuffing putty, rags, paper, into the the break

Answer 20

D Do NOT touch Plastic

Question 21

Choose incorrect for Major Gas Emergency
A. 10-75 and 10-80 Code 1 transmitted specifying “Major Gas Emergency”
B. Officers of all incoming Units should report into ICP until deployed by IC
C. IC may modify response assignment after careful consideration and consultation w/Haz Mat Battalion via cell phone or 800 MHz radio (preferred)
D. ASAP, IC should transmit to Dispatcher a concise description of conditions, % LEL of meter readings, and tactics implemented

Answer 21

B Incoming units not requested by the IC for immediate deployment should report to the Staging Area.
The officer not put to work by the IC should be the Staging Area Manager until relieved by the assigned Battalion Chief designated as the Staging Area Manager.

Question 22

Major Gas Emergency w/damage to gas service pipe in the street causing a leak incorrect
A. Command Post est at a safe distance and it’s location announced over HT and Dept radio
B. Affected area was evacuated and searched for victims. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic was controlled to prevent entry into operational area
C. Precautionary HL and LCS were set up from a safe distance to operate into the excavation if natural gas was to ignite
D. Subsurface structures and surrounding basement/cellars were checked for natural gas infiltration from the original leak, or secondary leaks

Answer 22

C . If the natural gas ignites, do not extinguish the fire. Avoid operating into the excavation, as water accumulation here can impede isolation and repair. Cool adjacent structures as necessary to prevent extension from radiant heat.

Question 23

Major Gas Emergency use the _ to assist in defining the potential blast zone and keep all members who are NOT directly involved in direct life-saving operations out
A. Safety Battalion Chief
B. Haz Mat Battalion Chief
C. 1st arriving Soc Officer
D. 2nd BC

Answer 23

A
B Haz Mat BC assist in planning of strategy as well as
function as a liaison with Utility Companies. The Haz-Mat Battalion may work closely with other agencies to address technical issues and problem
C Soc units will inform the IC as to how they can best be used at these emergencies
D This chief may be positioned where concern is greatest or coordination between groups and teams is essential

Question 24

Source of gas leak cannot be found within the structure and it’s believed the gas is leaking into the bldg from an outside manhole. After venting the area, if LEL cannot be limited to less than _% the area should be treated as a Potential Blast Zone

Answer 24

10 %

Question 25

Major Gas Emergency with a Potential Blast Zone est, how many actions may be taken in the PBZ?
A. Rapid evacuation of area
B. Rapid ventilation of area
C. Power removal of affected bldgs
D. Rapid metering of affected area

Answer 25

A Removing ignition sources and venting are not
options within the potential blast zone. Other than rapid evacuation no other actions inside of the potential blast zone should be warranted. All members should strive to
GET OUT of the potential blast zone.

Question 26

Choose correct
A. Fog streams can be used to dissipate natural gas venting outside of a structure or to protect Utility Company workers attempting to “plug’ or “squeeze” a pipe with a break
B. If unable to locate the source of a leak, only shut power if the gas readings are below 80 % LEL
C. During rapid evacuation, venting windows and doors as passed may be possible
D. Round, rectangular and square electrical manholes may be pulled by FD members only when requested by Utility members, approved by IC and cover has been determined to be free of stray voltage by on-scene Utility worker

Answer 26

C
A. Do NOT use fog streams to vent outside; let gas vent naturally. When required and consistent with safety, a
charged fog hoseline may be used to protect workers placing the plug or operating the clamp.
B 10% if unknown location
D Rectangular NO Good

Question 27

Con Ed gas main valve have ID number
A. On a tag on the topside of the Main valve cover
B. On a tag on the inside of the Main valve cover
C. Stamped on the inside of Main valve cover
D. Stamped on top side of Main valve cover

Answer 27

B