SOP Flashcards
What is a dielectric fluid found in many transformers
and capacitors?
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
What are PCBs used for?
increasing or decreasing electrical power
what are the four types of coolants for transformers?
- Air
- Mineral oil
- askarel
- Silicone
What is Askarel?
insulating fluid which contains 50% PCBS
Are askarel and PCBS materials chemically stable and have low flammability?
true
What are the trade names for PCBS and askarel?
Inerteen and Pyranol
Why are mineral oils dangerous??
they are used for coolants for transformers and contaminated with PCBs
Does silicone coolant fluids contain PCBs?
False
Why are PCBS the most stable organic chemicals known?
Low dielectric constant and high boiling point make them ideal for use as dielectric fluid fluids in electrical capacitors and transformers.
What are some of the advantage of PCBs?
low dielectric constant
low volatility
good fire resistance
low water solubility
high solubility in organic solvents
good ageing properties, with no deterioration in service
What are some of the disadvantages of PCBs fluid?
non-biodegradable
persistent in the environment
able to accumulate in fatty tissues in the body
suspected of being carcinogenic
What is created if PCBs is burning?
very toxic chemicals are formed. PCBs produced furans because of their great stability and oleophilic nature which means the fatty tissues of humans and animals easily absorb them.
what are the side effects of PCBs on humans?
Failure of kidneys and other human organs
excessive and intensive headaches if inhaled and chloracne if absorbed through the skin.
What companies serviced transformers?
Electric utility companies ie MBTA, Conrail, B&M
What are the two types of labels used to identify locations and where equipment containing PCBs are found?
- a yellow 9in diamond shaped placard with black lines containing DOT number for PCBs (2315)
- second label is attached directly to transformers and other high voltage equipment 6 in square with bold black letters
What type of transformers are a source of PCBs?
Railroad transformers its classified separately by the federal government
Does capacitors and pole transformers present the same problems as transformers in vaults?
no because its found outside on poles, have fewer fire incidents and contain lesser amount of fluid.
What are the procedures for capacitors and pole transformers incident?
avoid contact with fluid
isolate the area and wait for utility employees to take charge of the spill
do not flush with water
doke and contain if possible
never assume that the unit has been de-energized
if fire occurs, wear full PPE and SCBA and use DRY Chemical
never contact any downed wires or lines
What to do in the event of an unknown condition of the transformer?
implement the BFD/ICS
initial size up wearing PPE and SCBA
informed conditions ie location of fire, material involved, extent and magnitude of fire
What to do if a confirmed PCB incident occurs?
Incident commander shall upgrade the incident to Level 3 Hazardous materials
What are involve in electrical incidents in manholes?
Cables only or cables and high voltage transformers and switchgears
What is the incident commander duty when responding to electrical incident?
determine who owns the manhole
Due to the potential for explosion or the release of toxic fumes what should be worn?
All protective gear including SCBA
Who should Fire Alarm office dispatch involve a Eversource manhole incident?
One Engine, one Ladder and the nearest Hazmat company with the special FireIce retardant and application equipment.
Where should the company commander place the apparatus during a eversource manhole incident?
Company Commanders shall place the apparatus and position the members to avoid any contact
with or inhalation of fumes or smoke from the manhole.
If the first arriving companies observed smoke or flames coming from the manhole what should be done?
secure the area and establish a hot zone
What the purpose of FireIce?
unique powder when added to water produces a gel for insulating and extinguishing burning electrical cables at manholes which reduces the levels of carbon monoxide and minimizing secondary explosions.
FireIce is approved for what type of fire?
Class C (electrical fires)
FireIce or water shall never be directed into manholes belonging to who?
MBTA
What can be done if FireIce was not avaible?
flooding the manhole with water
How many feet should you flow or pour water into the manhole?
25 feet
FireIce is a potassium-based dry powder that produces a firefighting gel. What size hose line can it be educted into?
1 3/4 hose lines
Hazmat companies carry how containers of FireIce agent?
(4) 25 lb. containers
What type of equipment is included with FireIce agent?
specifically designed nozzle/tip with built in eductor and shutoff
25’ lenght of 3/4 hose connected to the eductor with a pick up tube attached
25 pound containers of FireIce
system supplied by a 1 3/4 handline
What type of effect is used to educted the FireIce agent?
Venturi effect
What type of motion should the members employ?
vacuuming motion with the tube in order to draw the product up to the nozzle.
What should the nozzle pressure be while operating FireIce agent?
60-100 psi
What is the safe distance while operating the nozzle with FireIce agent?
50 feet
After establishing an adequate gel solution, the nozzle team may advance toward the manhole while maintaining a minimum safe distance of what?
25 feet from the manhole opening
What can be used to accurately judge the distances?
a dry 50 foot length of hose
About how many foot should the member direct the stream of FireIce solution?
one foot of the manhole opening