PCB's (AUC 266)

Question 1

PCB’s…

Answer 1

Cooling liquids in electrical transformers and capacitors

Question 2

What is the primary consideration at PCB incidents?

Answer 2

SAFETY of civilians and fire personnel

Question 3

A PCB transformer will be marked (required by EPA), at what level?

Answer 3

500 or MORE ppm of PCB

NYC- 0-49 NON PCB
50-499 PCB contaminated

-both are marked only NYC regulations by DEP

Question 4

Are VEHICLES carrying PCB TRANSFORMERS marked .?

Answer 4

YES

Question 5

An unmarked transformer is…?

Answer 5

assumed to contain PCBs until a LABORATORY TEST rules out PCB contamination

Question 6

When are vehicles carrying PCB CONTAINERS..marked?

Answer 6

500 or more ppm

PCB contaminated liquid (50-499 ppm)

Question 7

All PCB TRANSFORMERS are registered with the FDNY?

Answer 7

YES

Question 8

Where does a unit direct people looking to register PCB Transformer?

Answer 8

Toxic Substance Unit, Bureau of Fire Prevention

Question 9

What info do these registrations provide?

Answer 9

address/location
physical location in the building
dielectric fluid (PCB/mineral..etc)
name and phone number of contact

Question 10

Combustible materials may not be stored within a PCB TRANSFORMER enclosure, within?

Answer 10

5 METERS of pCB transformer enclosure or unenclosed transformer (16.4 feet)

Question 11

How long can PCB items and PCB liquids be stored?

Answer 11

PERIOD OF 1 YEAR

Question 12

Temporary storage of PCBS/ PCB liquid?

Answer 12

PCB items (500 or greater) and liquid (50-499) not exceeding 30 days

LIQUIDS 500 OR GREATER CANNOT BE STORED IN A TEMPORARY SITE

Question 13

EPA marking format…?

Answer 13

letter and stripping on a WHITE or YELLOW background

6”x6” square or 2”x2” square

Question 14

Oil is a mineral oil, originally PCB free, HOWEVER, it may have…?

Answer 14

become PCB contaminated

Question 15

A transformer cooled by AIR..will…

Answer 15

NOT CONTAIN PCB

Question 16

THE NYC fire Dept. considers with any amount of PCBs….

Answer 16

A PCB TRANSFORMER

Question 17

Entrance into the contaminated or suspected are shall be…?

Answer 17

Kept to A MINIMUM

-First arriving Officer shall seek out person in charge of the premises in order to determine location and extent of fire or emergency, and the amount of hazardous material involved….this person may NOT BE AWARE OF PRESENCE OF PCB’S

Question 18

Deactivation of transformers or capacitors shall be performed by?

Answer 18

Con ED or Engineering Personnel

-no member of the FD should attempt this deactivation upon instruction of engineering personnel

Question 19

Proper extinguishing methods?

Answer 19

Structural-water

liquids-foam or FOG

Question 20

USE SCBA’s even in..?

Answer 20

LIGHT SMOKE CONDITION

Question 21

Breathing apparatus shall be used at all times, unless..?

Answer 21

the IC confirms that are is free of TOXIC GASES

-NO SMOKING, EATING OR DRINKING

Question 22

Members exposed should..?

Answer 22

• be confined to designated area until decon
• decon along with equipment
• examined by medical officer

Question 23

Prime consideration is given to?

Answer 23

EVACUATION of Fire floor and all areas exposed (even if light haze exists)

Question 24

Decon procedures in the ERP are implemented when?

Answer 24

members or equipment are exposed to levels of PCB’s of 50 PPM or higher

Question 25

Ohsa unit…?

Answer 25

Car 68

will respond to PCB emergencies, as needed

Question 26

SIGN (page 9)

Answer 26

“Caution”

“Askarel Filled equipment”

• high concentration of PCB’S
• THIS SIGN will be found on TRANSFORMER VAULT DOOR
• arcing or occurring or has occurred, present hazardous condition
• SCBA must be worn

Question 27

M2 Cars?

Answer 27

A-pantograph–even numbered
B- NO pantograph-odd numbered

M2- orange stripe on each side and pantograph on roof of car A

pantograph receives power from from catenary wires

Amtrak/NJ transit- PCB decals

Question 28

NYC Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) has authorized marking format for ?

Answer 28

CITY OWNED TRANSFORMERS ONLY

Question 29

PCB CONTAMINATED (50-499) and NON PCB TRANSFORMER (0-49) decals will ONLY be place on NYC owned transformers …all other will be EPA regulations

Answer 29

unless “0” is shown—–

FD will consider a transformer in ANY AMOUNT OF PCBS a PCB transformer