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Emergencies > Natural Gas Emergencies And Fires > Flashcards

Natural Gas Emergencies And Fires Flashcards

1
Q

Natural Gas is comprised mainly of METHANE, but also contains ethane, propane, and nitrogen…

A

Colorless
Odorless
-MERCAPTAN give gas distinctive “ROTTING” ODOR
Mercaptan may be removed as it passes through soil or can be masked by other odors

You can become DESENSITIZE

EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE

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2
Q

ALWAYS test for presence of Natural Gas with combustible gas detector …

A

LIGHTER than Air
-specific gravity -0.6
Explosive Range - 5%-15%

natural gas confined - will explode with force
natural gas unconfined- will ignite

NON-TOXIC(CO is toxic)
Asphyxiant /Displace OXYGEN

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3
Q

Distribution Gas mains run under the street and deliver:

A

HIGH PRESSURE- 60-90 psi
Medium pressure- 3-15 psi
Low pressure- 1/4 psi

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4
Q

Transmission mains:

A

high pressure -STEEL

medium and low - steel, plastic, cast iron

-
high and medium pressure mains have CONTROL VALVES , generally found near street corners, but may also be located along the street or the sidewalk
-main valve covers are larger than curb valve and may be ROUND OR SQUARE

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5
Q

Single Master Meter

A

multi occupancy with only a single meter supplying gas to all occupancies–shutting down , will SHUT DOWN ENTIRE BUILDING
-some will have 2 meters adjacent to one another , so service can be replaced without interruption, BOTH METERS NEED TO BE SHUT DOWN , in order to shut service to building

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6
Q

Some older apt. buildings have ?

A

INDIVIDUAL METER in APT.

OR

METERS IN PUBLIC HALLWAY (HIGH PRIORITY REFERRAL)

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7
Q

MOST Gas shutoffs are 1/4 turn COUNTER CLOCKWISE

A

When the key operating nut is parallel to the piping, it is in the OPEN POSITION…
-Perpendicular is CLOSED (OFF )

  • use halligan/vise grip/pliers to shut
  • do NOT force
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8
Q

Shut valve CLOSEST to the leak, if possible.

A

-in some older installations–wheel handle valve is JUST INSIDE buildings -resemble water valves or stem and yoke

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9
Q

Priority Order of Shut Down:

A

All. Idiot.Moms.Have.Excellent.Cooking.Skills
A- appliance–located behind or alongside appliance/hard pipe or flexible tubing /1/4 COUNTER CLOCKWISE turn/fork end of halligan
-operating nut parallel to piping , it is in open position

I-interior Gas valve- if appliance defective or leak is on SUPPLY SIDE, check for interior gas riser valve in BASEMENT/CELLAR near ceiling (1/4 turn)
I- individual meter-1/4 turn for each occupancy

M-master meter-may serve a few appliances(PD) or many appliances (apart. house)…avoid shutting master meter if it supplies many occupancies/appliances..to restore, UTILITY COMPANY must access each apt.

  • when possible, prior to shutting MASTER METER, NOTIFY UTILITY COMPANY and inquire for alternatives (plugging/taping, waiting arrival of utility company)–this DOES NOT preclude unit from shutting master meter valve , if it closest valve controlling leak
  • -may have 2nd master meter , adjacent to first, for switch of service uninterrupted..*CONSULT with utility company to correctly bypass an impaired meter without disrupting service, or for advice on SHUTTING BOTH MASTER METER VALVES.

H-HEAD OF SERVICE valve (aka building service valve)- found JUST INSIDE BUILDING where gas enters –most are 1/4 turn valves …when meters are located outside, valve will be before the meter

E-EXTERIOR GAS RISER VALVE–1/4 turn located outside of the building before ANY EXTERIOR METERS..all external meter installations will have a riser valve installed prior to the meter…each meter will also have its own shut off valve

C-curb valve–LAST RESORT AND IN CONSULTATION WITH UTILITY COMPANY –usually found on sidewalk side of curb and will shut down gas to entire building
-4”x4” square or round brittle concrete or steel cover..may have been covered with concrete or grass
GAS SHUT OFF KEY-long shaft with uniquely shaped wrench on EACH END, look into valve box to determine which end is suitable …before turning the key , place a chalk mark to determine 1/4 turn
WHITE VALVE- plastic, easily broken..NAT GRID supplies white plastic insert for shutting these valves …for CON ED plastic curb valves , use gas key as is

MAIN VALVE..usually on STREET SIDE of curb…-FDNY MEMBERS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO SHUT MAIN VALVE
CON ED main valve–tag inside of the valve housing with an ID NUMBER , indicating these are not curb valve
NAT GRID- ID stamped on the NORTH collar underneath cover

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10
Q

Wear Full PPE when operating at gas emergencies and wear the SCBA facepiece when operating in a gas astmosphere

A
  • Stage apparatus upwind
  • do NOT park over manholes/gratings
  • all units should stay out of potential collapse or ignition zone
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11
Q

When approaching an alarm location and STRONG GAS ODOR IS DETECTED, …?

A

stop apparatus and TAKE READINGS with a digital combustible gas meter

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12
Q

When necessary, special call unit with DIGITAL gas meters or request additional Haz Mat resources..

A

approach buildings from corner, as explosion will tend to blow walls directly outward
-stand to side of doors and windows when approaching or knocking

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13
Q

KNOCK on door (do not ring bell)

-do not turn lights on

A

Coming near to or touching a leaking plastic gas pipe could result in spark that ignites the escaping gas..DO APPROACH OR FOLD LEAKING PLASTIC GAS PIPE

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14
Q

FD flashlights are INTRINSICALLY SAFE…

A

-TIC/NON FD ISSUED LIGHTS/DEPT. FANS ARE NOT

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15
Q

IF you cannot find source of INDOOR LEAK, take readings at ?

A

SEWERS/ MANHOLES

-utility company can track gas movement through the ground by inserting PROBES

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16
Q

IF GAS READINGS ARE OBTAINED in ELECTRIC , SEWER OR ANY OTHER UTILITY MANHOLES, SURROUNDING STRUCTURES MUST BE CHECKED..

A

Serious Gas incident, readings found in Electric manhole:
-identify buildings being supplied by involved manhole through utility rep..if not on scene, through FDNY dispatcher

Serious Gas Incident and gas readings are found inside buildings where the electricity enters the building (ELECTRIC/POE—POINT OF ENTRY)
-Identify location of manhole supplying electricity-obtain through utility company

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17
Q

Removal on MANHOLE COVERS:

A

SEWER MANHOLE COVERS
-performed by FDNY personnel with approval of ON SCENE CHIEF OFFICER

ELECTRIC MANHOLES:

  • ONLY when requested by utility company gas rep on the SCENE and APPROVED BY chief OFFICER
  • GAS REP must test for stray voltage

ROUND manhole covers removed by 2 FF’s utilizing MANHOLE HOOKS (BATT VEHICLES)

  • DO NOT pull rectangular/square electric manhole covers
  • DO NOT pull any electric manhole cover if there is manhole fire/arcing/smoking observed
  • if any doubt as to which MANHOLE cover is affected, or SMOKE UNDER PRESSURE or electric arcing , DO NOT remove manhole cover

ANY TIME manhole cover is removed, the CHIEF OFFICER ordering such removal shall ensure area is cordoned off

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18
Q

When investigating any odor gas, be aware of utility trucks, workers , construction sites, recently patched sections of pavement

A

NEVER turn gas valve back on

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19
Q

Any time a gas valve has been shut down or operated by the FDNY…IC SHALL NOTIFY UTILITY COMPANY….TYPE and LOCATION shall be included in notification..

A

UNITS ARE NOT required to remain on the scene awaiting utility company response, unless conditions indicate and /or IC REQUEST IMMEDIATE RESPONSE

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20
Q

T or F…Notify Gas Utility of Water Main Breaks

A

TRUE

-burst water main can undermine and cause a break in underground piping

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21
Q

If you smell gas or suspect its involvement in a manhole fire…notify ?

A

GAS UTILITY in addition to electric utility

same goes for downed wires, if gas suspected
-always consider that outdoor gas leak is migrating into buildings

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22
Q

At FIRES, presence of Wall mounted Gas heating units, must be communicated to ?

A

INCIDENT COMMANDER and their supply shut down

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23
Q

Gas Leaks can occur at.?

A

STEAM, WATER , ELECTRICAL EMERgENCIES, construction sites

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24
Q

Underground gas leak:

A

indicators:

  • inability to locate source of gas odor in building
  • inability to locate outdoor
  • gas odor coming from sewers or manholes

tactics:
-have gas utility respond with ETA
take gas readings in building, sewer, manholes

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25
Q

TiFF 8800xCombustible GAS Detector:

A

“Geiger Counter” like TICKING signal that increases in frequency when a gas sources a s low as 1 ppm is detected and is INTRINSICALLY SAFE

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26
Q

TIFF 800X MAY BE USED TO LOCATE GAS:

A
  • gas lines/pipes
  • fuel in marine bilges
  • exhaust and fuel leaks
  • manholes

Note: shall NOT be used to detect CO

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27
Q

T or F…Always reinstall RUBBER BOOT.

A

TRUE

maintains INTRINSICALLY SAFE FEATURE

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28
Q

GREEN INDICATES ?

A

full charge

yellow- charging

initial charging is 24 hours
subsequent charges 12-16 hours

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29
Q

Test?

A

turn sensitivity know from LEFT to right …change in frequency from TICKING TO FULL SIREN should be heard…if this does NOT happen,,,return to

HAZ MAT OPERATIONS for repair

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30
Q

Full charge provides ?

A

3 hours of continuous use

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31
Q

Operation:

A
  • turn SENSITIVITY KNOW FULLY COUNTERCLOCKWISE
  • non contaminated atmosphere- push POWER “ON”–30 second warmup–ticking heard
  • rotate sensitivity control to the highest setting that does not cause alarm

When DETECTABLE compound enters the PROBE, TICKING RAE SPEEDS UP….LEAK INTENSITY INDICATOR LEDS WILL ILLUMINATE from LEFT to RIGHT…larger concentration, MORE LEDS LIGHT UP

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32
Q

In most cases, it will not be necessary to adjust the sensitivity of a detector, however, for EXTREMELY SMALL LEAK, turn the sensitivity knob clockwise to the “high” position (rapid ticking)…large concentrations, desensitize the detector by turning sensitivity knob COUNTER CLOCKWISE to lower setting to PINPOINT THE LEAK LOCATION

A
  • failure to maintain steady click or lack of power light may indicate low battery charge
  • combustible solvents may cause detector to alarm
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33
Q

5 VERTICAL LED’S on the front of too- INSTRUMENT STATUS:

A 
Red-power indicator
Red- low battery (charge needed)
Yellow- recharging
Green-Fully charged
REd-fault (battery won't charge --Haz MAT operations)

Haz Mat also has batteries —RT-2 to requesiton

-store in carry case, when not used…probe is susceptible to damage

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34
Q

Who carries TIFF 8800 x?

A

Battalions/LADDER COMPANIES

  • USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ALTAIR DIGITAL GAS METER
  • pinpoints small leaks, but does NOT INDICATE how hazardous
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35
Q

Who carries MSA Altair Digital?

A

ALL LADDER COMPANIES

  • used in conjunction with TIFF
  • will give digital read out - LEL OF COMBUSTIBLE GAS
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36
Q

MSA DIGITAL used ONly to detect NATURAL GAS…

A

before turning on–contaminant FREE AREA

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37
Q

POWER “ON”…

A
  • meter will run self test- 40 seconds–will activate all 3 alarm types-VISUAL, AUDIBLE, VIBRATING and display will scroll through several LCD screens
  • “FAS”- fresh air setup–press POWER BUTTON again (CONTAMINANT FREE)—this will “0” LEL SENSOR to ambient air…not performing “FAS”, will affect accuracy
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38
Q

Meter will alert user that it is operating by:

A

emit a VIBRATING PULSE AND FLASHING GREEN LIGHT EVERY 30 SECONDS

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39
Q

FRESH AIR : NORMAL READINGS:

A

-LEL- 0.0%

O2- 20.8%

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40
Q

Meter WILL ALARM AT :

A

LEL- 10.0%
O2- 23.5%- enriched
O2- 19.5%- DEFICIENT

Note: after alarm activation-consider additional meter to verify readings

-to silence alarms, press reset button

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41
Q

Malfunction of meter ?

A

HAZ MAT OPERATIONS

  • ISSUED AS ONE FOR ONE (REPLACEMENT, BECOME’S UNITS PERMANENT METER)
  • Units shall not MARK METER

-meter re-calibrated based on HAZ MAT ops schedule

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42
Q

ACTION LEVELS?

A

INDOOR- 10% LEL

OUTDOOR- 20% LEL

-as these levels are approached, VENTILATION procedures shall be initiated

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43
Q

Series of CROSSES under the COMB/EX ICON, indicates?

A

atmosphere above 100% LEL
-potentially explosive environment

members should only operate for LIFE SAVING PURPOSES

44
Q

If INDOOR LEVELS continue to climb and ventilation procedures fail to lower the LEL READINGS, _____should be initiated?

A

EVACUATION

and

IC INITIATE HAZ MAT RESPONSE (nearest Squad/HMTU) for advanced METERING CAPABILities

45
Q

In an OXYGEN deficient atmosphere the LEL SENSORS will not be accurate

A

Upon activation of Oxygen sensor, members shall DON FACEPIECE and Notify IC
-have utility respond and request ETA

46
Q

A series of 3 CROSSES along screen under the O2 ICON indicates that atmosphere is ?

A

ABOVE 25% OXYGEN ..

  • extremely dangerous because actual readings are no known
  • initiate HAZ MAT RESPONSE
47
Q

DCGI: SOC/ SOC SUPPORT LADDER COMPANIES/HAZ MAT TECH UNITS

A
  • % of the LEL of any flammable gas present
  • sounds alarm at 10% (indoor) and different alarm at 20% (outdoor)
  • reading on meter represents the level of flammable vapors at the SPECIFIC LOCATION OF THE METER ONLY….environment closer to source of leak could contain higher level, possibly over 100% LEL
48
Q

Utility Company Meter displays ?

A

% of GAS in the air (different from our meters)

10% LEL = .5 % GAS IN AIR

100% LEL = 5 % GAS IN AIR

49
Q

There should be NO ODOR AT PECK VENT..

A

peck vent used for HIGH PRESSURE SYSTEM

NATIONAL Grid System - “EFV” means –NO CURB VALVE —and where the line meet denotes the location of an EXCESS FLOW VALVE , which will automatically shut down flow of gas, when it senses an excess flow of gas .”NC”- on tag indicated there is NO CURB VAVLE

50
Q

When natural gas ignites, it undergoes a rapid increase in volume…

A

IF CONFINED, the pressure, due to the volume change, will create an explosive force (greater amount a gas, greater destruction)
-two cubic feet of natural gas , energy potential of 1 pound of TNT
UNCONFINED , natural gas will burn rapidly , without triggering explosion

51
Q

GATE STATIONS..

A
  • REMOTE monitoring by gas control centers, no permanent on site personnel
  • considered industrial facility
  • LIFE SAVING AND PROTECTING EXPOSURE until utility company has been consulted
52
Q

ONLY a ______can safely PLUG/SQUEEZE off distribution or service mains (1/4 PSI) LOW PRESSURE..

A

UILITY COMPANY

-low pressure distribution mains do NOT have valves or isolation sections

53
Q

Between Distribution main and building there is …

A

CURB VALVE /SERVICE VALVE (below grade) or EXTERIOR GAS RISER VALVE (ABOVE GRADE)

-curb valves: sidewalk side of the curb, shut gas to entire building, covered with 4” x4” square or round , brittle concrete or steel cover, sitting on top of plastic/wooden plate

54
Q

on NAT GRID ‘LONG SERVICE’..curb valve is sometimes located ACROSS the street from building it supplies .

A

this type of curb valve can be identified by ARROW CAST into the cover POINTING TO THE BUILDING IT SUPPLIES

55
Q

some gas service piping supplies gas to the building WITHOUT having curb valve or service valve…

A

‘NC’ stamped on tag near service meter indicates there is no curb valve or service valve.

EFV’ stamped on a tag near the service meter indicates “ excess flow valve” exists in line on the service pipe…this should limit or stop excess flow down pressure

56
Q

EXTERIOR GAS SERVICE VALVES..

A

control supply of gas to meters installed on the outside of buildings..if an exterior gas service valve is present, NOT CURB/SERVICE VAVLE IS REQUIRED

57
Q

head of service valves..

A

supply gas to meters installed on the inside of buildings

58
Q

typical house appliance is?

A

1/4 PSI
1-3 PSI in few commercial customers
small number of large facilities utilizing FULL LINE PRESSURE, especially for power generation

59
Q

service regulator..

A

before gas meter on medium and high pressure systems , reduce gas to low pressure

60
Q

PECK VENTS..

A
  • MEDIUM or HIGH PRESSURE..
  • VENT EXCESS GAS if service regulator fails
  • RED CAP
  • NO ODOR of natural gas at peck vent(if odor is detected , must investigate to determine the source
61
Q

GAS METERS..

A

supply individual occupancies or entire building

-before the meter there should be 1/4 turn meter valve

62
Q

if a leak is serious enough to consider SHUTTING DOWN MASTER METER VALVE, HAEAD OF SERVICE OR CURB VALVE, consider treating the incident as …

A

MAJOR GAS EMERGENCY

63
Q

CONFIRM gas leak has stopped ?

A

a distinct and continuous drop in natural gas levels must be present

  • spray bottle/soapy water used to test suspected leaking plumbing and confirm valve closure has stopped the leak
  • gas detector/meter may slow or stop, indicating the leak has slowed or stopped
64
Q

Following conditions indicative of MAJOR GAS LEAK?

A
  1. SERIOUS damage to MAJOR components of the gas infrastructure (MASTER METER SERVICING MANY APPLIANCES, GAS SERVICE PIPE, MAIN VALVES, DISTRIBUTION MAINS,etc)
  2. 10% LEL or greater detected OUTSIDE OR INSIDE,
  3. elevated natural gas reading (20% LeL or greater) IN AN (JUST ONE)UNVENTED, SUBSURFACE STRUCTURE (manhole , sewer)
  4. gas PRESENT(no specific LeL reading) in 2 or more subsurface structures (manhole, sewers)
  5. gas migrating INTO A BUILDING FROM an OUTSIDE SOURCE
  6. gas leaking inside of a structure and the CONTROLLING VALVE CANNOT BE LOCATED OR IS INOPERABLE
  7. gas leaking or present inside of a WALL OR VOID, in a structure
65
Q

Natural gas readings…

A
  • more CONCENTRATED closer to source/leak
  • when reporting results of readings taken , report EXACT LOCATION and state if they are in proximity to any natural gas appliance
    example: “L-38 to command, we have a reading of 7% LEL in the lobby”
  • FURTHER from the source the gas/leak has traveled, MORE DANGEROUS the condition (a leak in lobby, generally more cause for concern that kitchen leak)
66
Q

Gas utility company is notify …

A

UPON RECEIPT OF ALARM.(new policy) and gas utility company required to give ETA

67
Q

If a STRONG ODOR is present on approach..

A

STOP and METER the area
-if the meter displays 10% of the LEL, may indicate a potentially serious leak and require treating incident as MAJOR GAS LEAK

68
Q

Apparatus SHOULD NOT be positioned in front of reported leak location..

A

avoid positioning over manholes and sewers

-additional units should stage on street corners and only enter block when appropriate

69
Q

Vacant and untenanted buildings will require closer evaluation..

A

because slow leaks go unnoticed

70
Q

Vent holes(prospecting bar holes)…

A

-series of roughly 1” holes in the pavement and indicate recent GAS UTILITY WORK.

71
Q

Serious gas leaks, generally originate

A

-EXCAVATION WORK (failure can be distance away and occur some time after excavation has been filled in)
-mechanical failure –“human error”–work done by local plumber
subsurface leak: corrosion / arcing from adjacent electric feeder cables , many serious leaks originate below grab and migrate into building
-undetected small leak: leaks may go unnoticed in confined areas (plenum space, crawl space) or vancant or untenanted buildings/)

72
Q

utilize gas meter and detector …

A

BOTH require warm up times in FRESH AIR, good practice to power on these devices before arrival on scene

73
Q

Natural Gas Detector…

A

determine location of gas leak, no LCD nor can it quantify gas levels

  • audible tick that increases in frequency as it approaches the source of escaping gas
  • detects natural gas at LOW LEVELS, for this reason , superior tool FOR LOCATING LEAKS IN appliances, supply piping , and pints of entry into a building
  • hallway with multiple locked doors, excellent tools for identifying which apartment (probe around door frames UPPER AREA )
74
Q

Natural Gas METER …

A
  • AMOUNT of gas present in an area
  • visually displays level of gas on an LCD in % LEL
  • superior tool in identifying areas NO LONGER SAFE to operate
  • this device should NOT be used at APPLIANCE, pipe or crack as HIGH levels of gas are expected at these locations
  • measure HIGH and MIDDLE OF THE ROOM: this % LEL to reported to IC
75
Q

What is FIRST PRIORITY at natural gas emergencies..

A

ensure there is not MAJOR GAS EMERGENCY

76
Q

OUTSIDE calls..

A
  • interview caller
  • using detector, meters…investigate subsurface structures, manholes , sewers
  • if gas is DETECTED–notify utility company, meter BELOW GRADE AREAS and UTILITY ROOMS of adjacent buildings, with emphasis on POINT OF ENTRY of utilities, sewer line clean out pits and cracks in walls
77
Q

Points of Entry..

A

locations where utility pipe/conduit of any type pierces the wall of a building and are commonly located in METER ROOM(P.O.E)

78
Q

INSIDE CALLS…

A
  • -VENT while searching for leak, units can continue their investigation until arrival of Utility company
  • when a detector activation and meter reading were present , it is not acceptable to leave the scene of an odor of gas response after the odor has dissipated without mitigation or coordination with utility company reps.
79
Q

Natural Gas may be leaking into areas that are difficult to sample such as wall spaces, plenums, etc…

A
  • when necessary make inspection holes
  • UTILITY COMPANIES AND FDNY HAZ MAT 1, HAZ MAT TECH UNITS, SQUAD COMPANIES AND SOC SUPPORT LADDER COMPANIES have meters proficient in sampling hard to reach areas including wall and ceiling plenum space, subsurface structures, below grades…etc.
80
Q

if gas is present in HVAC system…

A

-examine rooftop and setback HVAC equipment for gas leaks, even if remote, SHUT DOWN havc fans and determine if odor dissipates…may indicate leak in HVAC EQUIPMENT or near air intake for HVAC system

81
Q

Ladder company inside team

A

-ALL investigations warrant use of all available gas detector/meters on scene
if ANY natural gas levels are displayed on the NATURAL GAS meter upon entering the building, or while proceeding to reported location within the building, INSIDE TEAM SHOULD PROCEED TO BASEMENT/CELLAR TO EVALUATE CONDITIONS

82
Q

Ladder company OUTSIDE TEAM…

A

-proceed to natural gas utility meter …basement/cellar or exterior of building

83
Q

Engine COMPANY arrival prior to LADDER COMPANY..

A
  • -activate natural gas meter prior to entering building
  • Engine officer proceed to reported location , noting odors , info gathered and detector/activity on meters, report info to LCO/BC upon their arrival …REMAINING ENGINE members prepared to stretch line , positioned outside of potential blast zone
84
Q

Main mission is to ensure there is not a major gas leak.

A

SECONDARY , is mitigating minor gas leaks

85
Q

VENT the immediate area and continue to monitor natural gas levels using meter/detector..

A

REMOVE IGNITION SOURCES near leak utilizing REMOTE SHUT OFF…removing power will cause a spark at the switch ,should ONLY BE DONE OUTSIDE AREA that is within explosive range

86
Q

Leak or break in LOW PRESSURE PIPING…

A

stooped or greatly diminished by TAPING, or stuffing putty , rags, paper , in the break
-this will NOT WORK ON MEDIUM/HIGH PRESSURE PIPING

87
Q

Leaking PLASTIC pipe ..

A

–NOT APPROACHED OR TOUCHED

88
Q

EXPLOSION PROFILE…

A

-size up of buildings explosion potential , based on the current amount of natural gas and gas energy within structure
example: GAS PILOT light may read 100% at stove, if meter is placed directly on pilot light…if there is NO natural gas accumulation in the roof, ,this is not a concern
example 2: natural gas leak of piping passing through cabinet, may cause cabinet doors to blow off, but not building to explode..MINOR explosion profile
example 3: MAJOR-..2 STORY BUILDING in which a line was damaged by contractor , filling building with significant amount of gas

89
Q

a 10-75, 10-80 CODE 1 should be transmitted when an incident is considered…

A

MAJOR GAS EMERGENCY

  • aslo transmit location of designated COMMAND POST AND STAGING AREA…incoming units not requested by IC for IMMEDIATE DEPLOYMENT should report to STAGING AREA
  • OFFICER, not put to work by IC, should be staging area manager until BC (assigned staging area manager) arrives
90
Q

OUTSIDE LEAK…

A

-stopping a leak from a LOW pressure main will generally require UTILITY COMPANY CONSTRUCTION CREW PLUG OR CLAMP the pipe …this request should be made as early as possible

stopping a MEDIUM /HIGH pressure leak involves UTILITY COMPANY finding and operating the correct upstream valves

91
Q

Outside leak..

A
  • -check SUBSURFACE STRUCTURES and surrounding/basements/cellars
  • setup precautionary hose lines, to control possible extension in case gas ignites
  • large caliber streams should be considered as their reach and volume is appropriate for defensive use
  • -if gas ignites, DO NOT extinguish fire, avoid operating into excavation, water accumulation can impede isolation and repair…cool ADJACENT structures to prevent extension from radiant heat
  • remove ignition sources with thing limits of safety, coordinate with ELECTRIC UTILITY COMPANY directly and through dispatcher
  • locate valves IF OUTSIDE BLAST ZONE
92
Q

SUBSURFACE LEAK…

A

–evacuate area, keeping ALL PERSONNEL(including RESPONDERS AND UTILITY COMPANY ) out of potential blast zone, except for DIRECT LIFESAVING EFFORTS
-evacuate affected area and search for victims
-mark blast zone with RED, DANGER TAPE..ANNOUCNE the potential blast zone boundaries over the HT and DEPT. RADIO
AS RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE-survey below grade areas of adjacent buildings with meters
-set up precautionary lines
-remove ignition sources within limits of safety
-locate valve locations if outside potential blast zone

93
Q

INSIDE LEAK..

A

-IF NATURAL GAS METER displays ANY readings at the building entrance/first floor the LADDER INSIDE TEAM should go DIRECTLY TO BASEMENT /CELLAR (do not delay by going to caller on upper floor

94
Q

LEAK IS FOUND (INSIDE LEAK)..

A
  • if LEAK IS FOUND–can be controlled by a valve or, on low pressure service (or medium/high pressure service AFTER SERVICE REGULATOR )by tapping/plugging, then do so
  • if LEAK IS FOUND, and levels can be kept to less than 80% LEL BY VENTING, YOU MAY CONTINUE TO OPERATE
  • if levels can be kept to less than 80% LeL , REMOVE IGNITION SOURCES (shut breakers/pull fuses/shut off gas appliance)ONLY IF THIS CAN BE DONE FROM AREA NOT WITIHIN EXPLOSIVE RANGE
  • *if anytime gas levels reach 80% LEL OR HIGHER , treat affected area as POTENTIAL BLAST ZONE
  • if it is suspected that natural gas has been leading for a considerable amount of time and is likely trapped in a void space, treat affected area as a potential blast zone
95
Q

LEAK NOT FOUND (INSIDE LEAK)..

A
  • investigate structures natural gas meters, if one is showing high gas flow, shut it using MASTER METER/HEAD OF SERVICE/CUR CALVE/SERVICE VALVE
  • treat the affected area as a potential blast zone if levels cannot be limited to LESS THAN 10% LEL (not found leak)(found leak/less than 80% LEL) AND:
  • LEAK CANNOT BE FOUND
  • INDICATIONS AHTAT LEAK IS COMING FROM AN OUTSIDE , SUBSURFACE STRUCTURE
96
Q

SIZE of potential blast zone…

A

-INCLUDE AREA LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED BY POTENTIAL COLLAPSE (RED TAPE)
*at Major gas leak, THE POTENTIAL BLAST ZONE shall be considered an EXCLUSION ZONE for all personnel and shall only be entered for direct life saving purposes
-OTHER AGENCIES (including UTILITY COMPANY ) shall be prevented from entering blast zone, unless direct life saving purposes
apparatus should not be located in blast zone, however DO NOT ENTER A POTENTIAL BLAST ZONE, TO MOVE APPARATUS

97
Q

Tactics in potential blast zone, limited to …

A
  • quick evacuation of likely occupants
  • MINIMUM exposure to members
  • minimum time spent in the potential blast zone to obtain first objective

removing ignition sources and venting are NOT OPTIONS in potential blast zone
only action in blast zone is RAPID EVACUATION
-ALL MEMBERS should strive to GET OUT of this blast zone

98
Q

SAFETY inside potential blast zone..

A
  • do not use door bells
  • avoid standing on doormats
  • use only intrinsically safe equipment
intrinsically safe equipment :
-ht's 
-natural gas detectors
-natural gas meters
-fdny issued flashlights
power on in clear environment and remain on until returned to clear environment 
NOT INTRINSICALLY SAFE:
-TIC
-vent fans
cell phones
megaphones
99
Q

RAPID EVACUATION..

A
  • FEW MEMBERS /shortest time possible
  • ELEVATORS SHOULD NOT BE USED
  • door to door knocking/if no one answers..move on
  • FORCIBLE ENTRY for KNOWN LIFE HAZARD : NON CONVENTIONAL (CREATES SPARK) –use ADZ to gap and use hydraulic hydra ram
  • occupants informed that MUST evacuate by orders of any

*ELEVATORS can be used (gas leak on upper floors of high rise), however elevators in POTENTIAL BLAST ZONE NOT TO BE USED *

100
Q

OPS OUTSIDE potential blast zone:

A

2 1/2” and LCS are appropriate for DEFENSIVE POSITIONS /GREATER REACH
-all members , apparatus and appliances positioned outside potential blast zone
FOG STREAMS NOT USED to dissipate natural gas venting outside of a structure/let gas vent naturally
-use charged fog hose line to protect utility workers plugging or squeezing pipe
*in all cases, IC can disapprove this tactic (if it places utility company personnel or fdny MEMBERS AT RISK

101
Q

AT ALL MAJOR GAS LEAKS..

A

have ELECTRICAL UTILITY COMPANY RESPOND AND REQUEST ETA

  • IF FDNY MEMBERS can remove power from the area of leak before natural gas readings reach 80% LEL , it should be done (to determine this , explosive readings must be taken wherever the highest concentration of natural gas has accumulated , usually , but not always near source of leak
  • if any readings display 80% or higher , the opportunity to cut power has expired
  • when unable to locate source of leak, DO NOT CUT POWER
102
Q

AFTER EVACUATION…IC may allow the utility company to cut power remotely from a utility pole or manhole, EVEN IF GAS LEVELS ARE IN EXPLOSIVE RANGE, when following conditions are met?

A
  • ALL PERSONS (fdny and utility personnel ) remain withdrawn from potential blast zone
  • LOCATION from which the utility company is cutting power is NOT LOCATED IN BLAST ZONE
103
Q

IF ventilation efforts have failed to prevent area from becoming potential blast zone…(80% or more LEL gas location known/ or more than 10% LEL gas leak location unknown)..

A

than emphasis should be on RAPID EVACUATION, not ventilation

104
Q

venting windows/doors are permissible…

A

if doing so WILL NOT DELAY EVACUATION

105
Q

HVAC are exposed to outdoor leak…

A

-FRESH AIR SUPPLY FANS should be shut down

Emergencies (8 decks)

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