WEEK #11 WEEK OF 12/02/13 PART I – FFP – UNDER RIVER RAIL OPERATIONS PART II – TB – CONFINED SPACE OPERATIONS PART III – AUC's #266, 268, 269 & 271 PART IV – HAZ MAT #1, 2, 3 & 4 PART V – EVOLUTIONS #25, 26 & 27 INSTRUCTOR: BC PAT SHERIDAN Flashcards
PART I – FFP – UNDER RIVER RAIL OPERATIONS PART II – TB – CONFINED SPACE OPERATIONS PART III – AUC's #266, 268, 269 & 271 PART IV – HAZ MAT #1, 2, 3 & 4 PART V – EVOLUTIONS #25, 26 & 27
- Under river tubes are cylindrical in shape and are constructed of brick, concrete, or tubular
cast iron. Some cast iron tubes are lined with concrete. Choose the incorrect point about under
river tubes. (2.2.1, Figure 1, 2.2.2)
(A) Most tubes are between 14 and 19 feet wide, which is only large enough to contain one
track.
(B) When evacuating passengers, walk them between the running rails. Do not walk
passengers outside the rails due to the 3rd rail alternating sides as it goes through the tube.
(C) Most tubes have no access to the adjacent tube throughout the underwater areas.
(D) There is very little space between the train and the tube. In the event of a collision or an
explosion, it may be impossible to obtain access to the side of the train from the exterior.
- B
Typical under river NYCT subway tube. Note the following features: Cylindrical tube shape,
drainage trough between running rails, benchwall, dry chemical extinguisher, blue light phone
and standpipe. Also note that it would be unsafe to walk between the running rails due to the
drainage trough. Personnel and evacuating passengers should walk in the area outside the
rails, opposite to the third rail; be aware that the 3rd rail alternates sides as it goes through the tube
- Which point about emergency exits and crossovers associated with under river tubes is
incorrect? (2.4, 2.5.1, Photo p. 5, 2.5.2, 2.6.1, Figure 6A, 2.6.2)
(A) The tunnel to tube transition area is the point where the underground tunnel connects to the
under river tube. In most cases, it is the location of the last emergency exit and the last crossover
to the adjacent tube until the other side of the river.
(B) Emergency exits may be standard (flush with the sidewalk), or upright (located in the side
of a structure). Both types of exits are opened with a subway emergency tool, the triangle key.
(C) Exit stairways are constructed of either concrete or metal. The metal stairs are often
steeper, with open treads.
(D) Crossovers (cross passageways), are connections between adjacent tunnels. They are
located only in underground areas and at the ends of under river tubes. Crossovers associated
with emergency exits are usually one or more levels above the tracks.
- D
Figure 6A shows a crossover at track level, the most common configuration.
- Standpipes and other fire protection systems and equipment are found in under river tubes.
Which of the following is incorrect about these systems? (2.7.1, 2.7.2)
(A) All under river standpipes in the NYC Transit System are wet. Standpipes are city-main
fed. There are no pumps to augment pressure, but Siameses are usually located at the emergency
exits closest to the river.
(B) 2 ½” outlets are located every 200 feet throughout under river tubes. Section valves are
located approximately 600 feet apart.
(C) Sound powered phone jacks are located at all under river standpipe outlets in all tubes.
(D) 20 pound dry chemical extinguishers are located at power removal boxes, approximately
every 600 feet.
(E) Emergency Evacuation Devices (EED) are located at both ends of each under river tube at
the base of the emergency exits.
- C
• Sound-powered phone jacks are located at standpipe outlets (exception:
Joralemon Tube).
- Communications in incidents involving under river tubes can be extremely challenging.
Which of the following would not be a proper way to communicate at these incidents?
(2.9.1, 2.9.2, 2.9.6)
(A) If enough personnel are on scene and conditions warrant, the HT relay should be
established. The HT relay is the basic means of communication in the subway system.
(B) For maximum repeater coverage, the IC should ensure that a member operating on the
repeater channel is at street level in a position at the closest station on both sides of the river.
(C) Repeater coverage is available in all emergency exit stairways. If repeater use is
unsatisfactory in the emergency exit stairwell, a HT relay on Channel 14 should be used.
(D) Notify NYC Transit when Post Radios are in use within the subway system. Post radios
may be useful to communicate above ground from one side of the river to the other.
- C
2.9.2 The Subway Repeater System
The NYCT is in the process of installing a radio repeater system for all below
grade subway stations and tunnels. Refer to AUC 207, Addendum 16A: Interim
Procedures for the NYCT Repeater System for more information. The following
points pertain specifically to under river tunnels:
The breaks between repeater zones, as described in Addendum 16, Sec 3.3, often
occur inside under river tubes. At present, members inside the tube on opposite
sides of the break will not be able to communicate with each other. For maximum
repeater coverage, the IC should ensure that a member operating on the repeater
channel is at street level in a position at the closest station on both sides of the
river. Members operating at street level on opposite sides of the tunnel should
relay important messages across the river.
At present, there are no repeater antennas at most emergency exits, and no repeater
coverage inside most emergency exit stairways. A HT relay on the tactical
channel shall be used.
- Additional methods of communication include Blue Light Phones, TA Portable Radios, and
Sound Powered Phones. Choose the correct point about these methods of communication.
(2.9.5, 2.9.7)
(A) TA portable radios are carried by conductors, train operators, and TA supervisors. These
radios may not work above ground.
(B) Members using Sound Powered Phones in the tubes should use handsets for more effective
communication.
(C) A blue light phone can be used to call outside the system, and can receive calls from
outside the system.
(D) To call a blue light telephone from outside the system, dial the 2 digit access code and the
four digit extension number.
- A
• A blue light phone cannot be used to call outside the system, but can receive calls
from outside the system. To call a blue light telephone from outside of the
system, dial 1 + the area code (usually 718) + the three digit exchange + the four
digit extension number.
- The acronym “LIVES” can be used to organize a preliminary size up. Which one of the
following is not correctly indicated concerning this acronym? (3.2)
(A) L stands for Location of the Incident and Life Hazard
(B) I stands for Incident Information
(C) V indicates Ventilation
(D) E stands for EMS and need for first aid.
(E) S stands for Safety.
- D
E Evacuation
- Ladder 100 is assigned to an emergency exit at a reported explosion in an under river tube.
Which action taken by Ladder 100 is incorrect? (3.3, 4.3)
(A) Ladder 100 consulted the Emergency Exit Guidebook and Operational Guide to verify that
they were operating at the correct emergency exit.
(B) Upon opening the exit door, Ladder 100 checked for the presence of smoke, haze, odors,
unusual sounds, and people in the stairwell.
(C) Ladder 100 notified the dispatcher which emergency exit they opened, and requested power
off on Track # 1 due to passengers self evacuating on Track # 1.
(D) Ladder 100 descended the stairwell and searched the tracks for approximately ½ mile to
ensure any self evacuating passengers were not missed in the initial stages of the operation.
- D
- Ladder 100 is assigned to an emergency exit at a reported explosion in an under river tube.
Which action taken by Ladder 100 is incorrect? (3.3, 4.3)
(A) Ladder 100 consulted the Emergency Exit Guidebook and Operational Guide to verify that
they were operating at the correct emergency exit.
(B) Upon opening the exit door, Ladder 100 checked for the presence of smoke, haze, odors,
unusual sounds, and people in the stairwell.
(C) Ladder 100 notified the dispatcher which emergency exit they opened, and requested power
off on Track # 1 due to passengers self evacuating on Track # 1.
(D) Ladder 100 descended the stairwell and searched the tracks for approximately ½ mile to
ensure any self evacuating passengers were not missed in the initial stages of the operation.
4.3 Coordinate and Control Actions of Units
• Members should assist evacuating civilians, but they should not be committed too
far into a dangerous area until a proper hazard assessment is completed.
- The First Arriving Battalion Chief has many duties at an Under River Rail emergency.
Which one of the following is a correct action to take? (BATTALION CHIEF QUESTION)
(4.2, 4.4, 4.5)
(A) Special call a Battalion Chief, at least one engine and one SOC Support Ladder to stage at
the stations and the emergency exits nearest to the under river tube.
(B) SOC resources should be used only for monitoring, structural assessment, and technical
rescue. If the use of the SOC Rebreather System is being considered, request it as soon as
possible.
(C) In most cases, the Initial Command Post should be established at the emergency exit or
station closest to the tunnel, in the borough of the first assigned Deputy Chief.
(D) If passengers and/or firefighters are in the adjacent tube, request power removal. The
power must remain off in the adjacent tube until all Fire Department operations have been
completed.
- B
• Special call a Battalion Chief, at least one engine and one ladder, and a unit with
monitoring capability to stage at the stations and the emergency exits nearest to the
under river tube.
4.4 Establish Command Post
The best location for the Command Post may not be evident until the situation is more
well-defined. The Command Post location should provide:
• Communication capability between the Command Post and the under river tube.
• Protection from smoke, hazardous materials and excessive noise (upwind and a safe
distance from the ventilation system exhaust fans).
• Sufficient room for representatives from numerous agencies.
• In most cases, the initial Command Post will be located at the station closest to the
tunnel, in the borough of the first assigned Deputy Chief.
• A decision will need to be made regarding the power status of the adjacent tube, which
may be accessible via the crossover at the emergency exit. If passengers and/or
firefighters are in the adjacent tube, request power removal. After the adjacent tube is
searched and secured, the IC may request a “Rescue Train” be routed through this
tube, in which case the power would have to be restored.
- Ladder 100 is operating at a fire in an under river tube. The ventilation fans on the
Brooklyn side of the tube are being operated in supply mode. The ventilation fans on the
Manhattan side are being operated in the exhaust mode. There is an occupied subway car in the
tube, approximately 2500 feet from Brooklyn, and 1300 feet from Manhattan. Which would be a
correct thought for Ladder 100 to consider concerning evacuation of the passengers of this car?
(4.6)
(A) Evacuate the passengers towards Brooklyn, after ensuring power removal in the affected
tube.
(B) Evacuate passengers towards Manhattan, after ensuring power removal in the affected tube.
(C) Evacuate the passengers towards Brooklyn, after ensuring power removal in the entire
system.
(D) Evacuate passengers towards Manhattan, after ensuring power removal in the entire
system.
- A
- Depending on the results of the size-up and hazard assessment, the IC may authorize
limited entry into the tube for reconnaissance (recon). Which unit(s) would be a logical choice
for recon? (6.1.1)
(A) A SOC Support Ladder due to their metering capability
(B) A Squad company
(C) A Rescue Company
(D) Haz Mat Company 1
- B, C
6.1.1 A Rescue or Squad Company would be a logical choice as a recon unit for the
following reasons:
• Metering capability
• 1 hour SCBA cylinders
• Knowledge of structural issues
- A massive search and rescue operation in an under river tube will present significant
logistical requirements, which will take time to assemble and put into position. Choose the
incorrect point about logistics in an under river tube. (BATTALION CHIEF QUESTION)
(6.3, 6.3.1, 6.3.3, 6.3.6)
(A) If supplies and equipment are needed at track level, consider loading them onto a rescue
train at the nearest station for efficient transport to point of operations.
(B) 45 minute and 1 hour SCBA cylinders should be provided to both sides of the incident.
The Mask Service Unit of a High Rise Unit can be special called if necessary.
(C) There may be a need for RAC supplies at track level. These supplies will have to be
transported to track level by RAC personnel only, due to operational units being occupied with
other duties.
(D) Lighting methods should cause as little noise and heat buildup as possible. Hand lights,
glow sticks and portable lighting can be used to provide lighting.
- C
6.3.6 RAC
There may be a need for RAC supplies at track level. These supplies will have to be
transported to track level by full duty personnel.
- Triage duties within under river tubes will probably be performed by Rescue Paramedics
and/or CFR trained firefighters. The guiding principle should be to remove the largest number of
victims as quickly as possible. Choose the correct order to remove victims. (7.1) - Non-Ambulatory Victims
- Red Tag (Immediate Transport)
- Yellow Tag (Delayed Transport) - Ambulatory Victims
- Black Tag (deceased victims)
- Victims Requiring Disentanglement/Extrication
- Red Tag (Immediate Transport)
- Yellow Tag (Delayed Transport)
(A) 1, 2, 3, 4
(B) 2, 1, 4, 3
(C) 4, 2, 1, 3
(D) 2, 4, 1, 3
- B
- When ambulatory victims have reached the area at the base of the emergency exit stairs,
there are several possible removal options. Which of the following is incorrect concerning
removal? (7.2.2)
(A) Passengers may be directed to walk along the track to the nearest station. This decision
will be based on travel distance, patient condition, and the status of 3rd rail power.
(B) FD members attempting to descend an Emergency Exit Stairway must first allow civilians
to evacuate.
(C) When two emergency exits are present, designate an Evacuation Stairway and an Attack
Stairway.
(D) A Rescue Train is always the quickest option. The more likely scenario is using the Rescue
Train on the same track as the incident.
- D
C. Rescue Train
A Rescue Train would take some time to put in operation. It would be
useful to remove victims who are non-ambulatory, or too weak to evacuate
on foot. CFR units and/or EMS personnel should initiate treatment onboard
the rescue train, conditions permitting. Consider loading medical
equipment onto rescue train at the nearest station. There are two possible
scenarios for use of rescue trains:
• A rescue train may be used on the track in the adjacent tube, accessed
via the emergency exit crossover. Power would remain off on the track
where the incident took place. Passengers would have to walk or be
carried from the incident scene to crossover at the emergency exit.
• Rescue train on same track as incident. Although unlikely, this may be
possible if passengers are not on the tracks and they can be sheltered in
place on the affected train, allowing 3rd rail power to remain on.
Passengers would only have to be moved a short distance along the
benchwall from train to train.
Note: Potential rescue trains should be swept for secondary devices by law
enforcement personnel prior to deployment.
- Removing non-ambulatory victims from the tube will be labor intensive and will require
increased personnel and logistical support. Which choice below is incorrect concerning the
removal of non-ambulatory victims? (7.2.2 Note, 7.3)
(A) Victim removal teams would spread out from victim location to emergency exit. Victims
would be passed from team to team in a relay fashion.
(B) SKED stretchers have proven to be the most efficient way to move non-ambulatory
victims.
(C) Rail carts, which ride on the tracks, are the primary method for moving patients and
equipment.
(D) Rescue trains may also be used. Potential rescue trains should be swept for secondary
devices by law enforcement personnel prior to deployment.
- B
- When FD units operate at fires in an under river rail incident, they will confirm power
removal, but operate as if power is on. Which of the following guidelines is incorrect about
engine operations? (8.1.3)
(A) It is most likely that handlines will be stretched through an emergency exit.
(B) Units shall use the FT-2 nozzle.
(C) When stretching a hoseline through a train, it may be necessary to chock numerous car
doors to reach the fire. Many chocks would be required.
(D) Several units may need to work together to stretch and operate a handline.
(E) Consider the use of dry chemical extinguishers, which are located at the blue lights in the
tube.
- A
• It is most likely that handlines will be operated from standpipe outlets. If the
incident is very close to an emergency exit, it may be feasible to stretch a
handline via the exit. However, we cannot operate from an emergency exit in a
manner that hinders passenger evacuation.
- Ladder companies have many duties at an under river rail incident. Which one of the
following is not a correct action for a ladder company to take? (8.2.1, 8.2.2, 8.2.4, 8.2.5)
(A) Assist victims who are self-evacuating and verify the location and nature of the incident.
(B) Ensure a HT relay is set up and later arriving units augment it as necessary.
(C) Enter hazardous locations immediately after gaining access and obtaining approval of the
Ladder Officer.
(D) Include bolt cutters in the tools carried, to assist in gaining access to Emergency
Evacuation Devices.
- C
- Electrical Power in Under River Tubes presents dangers to members operating. Which
point about the electrical power is incorrect? (9.1.1)
(A) Third rails in the affected tube and adjacent tubes may be live.
(B) 1,000 volt lines may run throughout the tubes at ceiling level. These lines are deactivated
by routine requests for power removal.
(C) An explosion or derailment may cause the high voltage lines to come in contact with the
metal skin of the car.
(D) Electrical fires may generate thick, irritating smoke.
- B
- Which of the following safety guidelines is incorrectly stated? (9.1.2)
(A) If a terrorist event is suspected, the possibility of secondary devices must be considered.
(B) Members must be aware that trains may be traveling in any direction at any time. An
approaching train may be indicated by increased noise level, powerful air movement, a distant
light reflecting on the rails, or vibration in the tracks.
(C) Members must have SCBA facepieces equipped with APR adaptors and canisters due to
the potential for large amounts of airborne dust.
(D) A water flow will only be caused by a ruptured standpipe.
- D
9.1.8 Structural Failure
• A severe explosion or a high speed derailment may cause structural damage to
the tube itself. Catastrophic tube failure could result in extensive flooding.
- It is very important for members to know where they are in an under river tube. Which of
the following cannot be used to help identify the location of the incident? (2.10,
Figure 7, Ops Guide 6B Add. 1, Figure 13)
(A) The numbers associated with ventilation fans located in the under river tubes.
(B) Standpipe outlet numbers
(C) Column numbers on columns or walls
(D) Signal numbers attached to signal lights
- A
- Choose the incorrect point about Under River Operational Guides. (2.11, Figure 13)
(A) Two sided Operational Guides have been developed to provide information regarding
each individual under river tube.
(B) Side “A” contains maps, pictures, and information to locate a particular set of tubes, the
associated emergency exits and stations.
(C) Side “B” contains a diagram of the tube and information about emergency exits, distances
and crossovers.
(D) You will not find information about the land side of the tube. Only information that
pertains to under river tube areas is included.
- D
Figure 12
Side “A” of the Operational Guide for the Clark Street Tubes. The IC can use this side of the guide to
determine where to assign resources. Individual units can use it to understand where they need to go to
carry out their assignments.
Figure 13
Side “B” of the Operational Guide for the Clark Street Tubes. The lengths of the under river sections of the tubes are
shown, along with the distances from the closest stations to the emergency exits at the start of the tubes. Column
numbers provide a means to estimate the distance from an incident to an exit or a station. Standpipe outlets
throughout most of the tubes are numbered, as indicated by the numbers in the red circles. In every tube, except the
Joralemon Tubes, sound powered phone jacks are located at the standpipe outlets. The information in the lower
corners pertains to the land-side of the tube directly above. For example, the information bullet in the lower left
corner of this guide pertains to the emergency exit and crossover on the Manhattan side.
PART II – TB – CONFINED SPACE OPERATIONS:
1. If a confined space poses a danger to anyone that enters it, it is designated a Permit
Required Confined Space (permit space). Which point about Permit spaces is incorrect?
(1.2.2)
(A) It contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere.
(B) It contains material that could potentially engulf a person.
(C) It is shaped in a way that a person could be caught or asphyxiated by inwardly tapering
walls, or floors that slope downward, tapering into a smaller cross section.
(D) It contains any recognized serious health or safety hazard.
(E) A non-permit space will not be as deadly as a permit space, and therefore does not require a
sign to warn of the dangers.
- E
1.2 What is a Permit Required Confined Space?
1.2.1 If a confined space poses a danger to anyone that enters it, it is designated a
Permit Required Confined Space (permit space). A Permit Space is any
confined space that has one or more of the following potential problems:
• Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere.
• Contains material that could potentially engulf a person.
• Is shaped in a way that a person could be caught or asphyxiated by inwardly
tapering walls, or floors that slope downward, tapering into a smaller cross
section.
• Contains any recognized serious health or safety hazard.
A permit space is designated by the owner of the space, who issues the permit. They may
be recognized by the warning sign which OSHA requires to be posted at the entry to the
space reading: Danger: Permit Required Confined Space-Do Not Enter or similar wording.
- A confined space is defined as any area that is not designed for continuous human
occupancy; and is large enough and so configured that a person can enter and perform work; and
has limited means for entry and escape. Which one of the following is not a confined space?
(1.1.2, TB SCBA Sec. 2.2.1)
(A) Manholes
(B) Basements
(C) Sub-cellars
(D) Chimneys
(E) Storage Buildings with windows
- E
- Atmospheric hazards can be Asphyxiants, Toxic or Explosive. Choose the correct action to
take to deal successfully with Atmospheric hazards. (2.1.1)
(A) The only safe way to detect a lack of oxygen is through the use of an oxygen meter carried
by Rescue Companies and Haz Mat.
(B) Due to the potential for life threatening atmosphere, all members entering any confined
space must be breathing air from their SCBA at all times, throughout the entire operation.
(C) The only accurate way to test for the presence of all possibly toxic materials in the field is
through the use of DEP’s Mobile Lab or Haz Mat Company 1 meters.
(D) Materials will be either flammable or toxic, but will not be both flammable and toxic.
- A
2.1 Atmospheric Hazard
Due to the potential for life threatening atmosphere, all members entering any
confined space must be breathing air from their SCBA at all times, until the
atmosphere is verified safe !
2.1.1 Atmospheres that are simply asphyxiants (do not contain enough oxygen to
support life) account for as many as 50% of all confined space deaths. Oxygen
deficiency can be brought on by a number of factors in a closed space. Oxygen
can be displaced by another gas, such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen, both are inert
gases. Oxygen can be used up in a space by the action of biological decay, even
steel rusting in a ship’s tanks can use up the oxygen. In most of these cases there
will be no hint to give indication of any lack of oxygen-no visible cloud or any
other outward sign. The only safe way to detect a lack of oxygen is through
the use of an oxygen meter carried by Rescue Companies and Haz Mat. The
use of an SCBA will protect the wearer against an oxygen deficient atmosphere.
Remember that some materials have multiple hazards,
i.e., some flammable materials such as methanol are highly toxic, and highly toxic
materials like hydrogen cyanide can be flammable
- Physical hazards also pose dangers to members at Confined Space operations. Which of
the following is not correct concerning Fire Department precautions taken to combat physical
hazards? (2.2.1, 2.2.2)
(A) Members entering these spaces should always use a Fire Department ladder due to the
likelihood that the ladders built into these spaces have deteriorated significantly.
(B) Members should be protected against sudden falling by tying off their life line around a
substantial object to allow them to be lowered into the space.
(C) Members should remain attached to their lifeline at all times while operating in the space.
(D) The lifeline may act as a guideline for retreat, guide reinforcements to the member’s
position, or be used to pull additional equipment in or out of the space.
- A
2.2.2 Members entering these spaces should use a Fire Department ladder if conditions
permit.
- As a bare minimum, the rescuer who is entering a confined space must know all of the
following except? (3.1.1)
(A) The hazards within the space, including signs of danger and symptoms of exposure to
materials in the space.
(B) How to escape the space in an emergency.
(C) How to communicate with the attendant outside.
(D) How to use the equipment needed to perform the rescue, especially the rescuers personal
protective equipment and patient handling equipment.
(E) All CFR-D procedures
- E
3.1.1 As a bare minimum, the rescuer who is entering a confined space must know:
• The hazards within the space, including signs of danger and symptoms of
exposure to materials in the space.
• How to escape the space in an emergency.
• How to communicate with the attendant outside.
• How to use the equipment needed to perform the rescue, especially the
rescuers personal protective equipment and patient handling equipment.
• First Aid procedures and C.P.R.
- Engine 333 arrives at the scene of a worker trapped in a chemical storage tank. Which
action taken by Engine 333 was incorrect? (4.1, Data Sheet #1)
(A) Engine 333 established a control perimeter and posted two radio equipped members with
necessary tools at each location which controls the flow inside space.
(B) Contacted the victim by entering the space and establishing physical contact with the
victim.
(C) Ensured the response of the nearest Rescue Company, Haz Mat Company 1, a Battalion
Chief, a SOC Support Ladder Company and CFR-D Engine, and an ALS ambulance.
(D) Began ventilation of the chemical tank, and explored the possibility of using positive
pressure venting.
- B