200 Series P 635 Flashcards
What is the flammable range if natural gas and is it toxic
The flammable range is approximately 4% to 15% in air. Natural gas itself is nontoxic, however, it can displace oxygen and result in asphyxiation if in a confined space
Is natural gas lighter than air
Natural gas is much lighter than air and will usually dissipate rapidly when outdoors. Inside buildings, however, it tends to pocket, particularly in attics and dead air spaces
How can we tell what the flammable ranges are of natural gas
Flammable gas ranges shall only be determined by a combustible gas instrument. Request the dispatch of a Hazardous Incident Response Team the Hazardous Materials Team (Mesa), or a Ladder Company (Mesa) to obtain a Combustible Gas Instrument (CGI). Also request the appropriate utility company
When should we ventilate a building with a gas leak
If a gas concentration is encountered inside, adjacent to, or underneath any building, secure all possible sources of ignition in the affected area. Disconnect electricity from outside the affected area to avoid arcing. Ventilate buildings where gas is found with explosion proof equipment only
What’s used to detect ground leaks of natural gas
The use of ground probes is essential to evaluate potential underground leaks. When gas company personnel are on the scene, ground probe readings and locations must be coordinated. Time, location, and concentration should be recorded for each probe–sub-sequent readings should be taken from same holes when possible
Who is responsible for locating and eliminating leaks
Gas company personnel shall be responsible for locating and eliminating leak sources
What are the 5 steps to control a gas leak
- Evacuate any civilians in the area of escaping gas.
- Attempt to locate the source of the gas and any shutoff devices available.
- Gas leak situations within a building where the source of the leak is unknown or uncontrolled, the gas supply shall be shut off at the meter. Command shall ensure the meter is red-tagged and locked off until repairs are completed. This is most easily accomplished with the cooperation of the gas supplier at the scene.
- If there is any indication of gas accumulating within a building, evacuate civilians from the structure and control ignition sources. Check for explosive concentrations with a combustible gas indicator if there is any suspicion of accumulation within a structure. Shut off electrical power from an outside breaker. Ventilate using explosion proof blowers to pressurize if necessary.
- If gas company personnel must excavate to shut off a leak, provide standby protection with a charged 1-1/2-inch line and two firefighters in full protective equipment and SCBA
What is the proper ppe for a gas leak
All personnel working in the vicinity of a known or suspected gas leak shall wear full protective clothing with SCBA’s.
Personnel working in a suspected ignitable atmosphere (i.e., attempting to shut off a gas line) shall be breathing air from SCBA and shall be covered by a manned, and charged, protective hoseline. The number of exposed personnel will be kept to an absolute minimum at all times
Who is called to an incident with a co a detector that has natural gas at its location
Any incident involving a carbon monoxide detector, with natural gas serving the property, will require notification of the Utilities Control Center through Alarm. They will determine whose delivery area is involved, i.e., City of Mesa or Southwest Gas and dispatch the appropriate utility company. Alarm will give the fire company an ETA.
Should fire crews cancel the gas company if there is no emergency
Fire is not to cancel the gas company representatives, even though the situation may have been stabilized before their arrival
Any incident involving a carbon monoxide alarm, with other fuel sources, such as propane or a residence with a fireplace will require an investigation by Mesa Fire Department personnel what is the procedure
- Zero meter in fresh air and comply with all other start-up procedures as recommended by the manufacturer of the metering equipment.
- Initiate a survey of the premises to determine if there are any amounts above 5 ppm of carbon monoxide present.
- All members should make complete use of SCBA in any atmosphere that is in excess of 35 ppm of CO. If the fire company doesn’t have meter abilities, any search or investigation inside the structure should include the use of SCBA.
- Keep in mind that any prior ventilation efforts and shutting-off of fuel fired appliances may have caused lower readings on meters. Attempt to keep premises in same condition as when the alarm went off initially, to determine accurate concentrations of CO. Some situations may require shutting fuel off and ventilation, initially. The concentration of carbon monoxide and potential spread to other units in multi-family occupancies will determine when these will be accomplished
What is a normal reading for C O
Any reading above 5 ppm shall be considered an above normal reading
Spanning and/or calibration shall be done on each instrument (except RMD* instruments) prior to making entry into the following atmospheres:
- contaminated atmospheres
- atmospheres which may suddenly become contaminated
- atmospheres where there is suspected oxygen deficiency
- atmospheres which are suspected of being contaminated or oxygen deficient
- or at any other time it may be necessary to render an instrument in a ready state of conditions
Members should be aware of the indications of potential clandestine drug laboratories when responding to EMS, fire, check odor, or any other service request. Common indicators are
Unusual odors like ether, acetic, solvents, and odors of urea.
• Glassware that is normally associated with school or industrial laboratories, such as flasks, beakers, flasks with vacuum ports, glass cooling towers, and funnels.
• Heating elements, hot plates, or heating mantles.
• Vacuum pumps, plastic or rubber tubing.
• Marked and unmarked chemical containers of various sizes
What is the Suspected Drug Laboratory Operation-Notification Process(who needs to be notified)
Members that encounter a suspected laboratory should withdraw to a safe location as soon as it is possible, using discretion on actions and radio conversation. The Battalion Chief, law enforcement, and the Special Ops Captain, should be notified of the situation. If a situation warrants additional immediate action (e.g. evacuation of surrounding areas, several victims, a chemical release or spill), request through Alarm the appropriate hazardous materials response. Command should also request, through Alarm, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Emergency Response Division
What is different about a drug lab fire
The color of the flames may appear to be an unusually bright or dark orange, or the flames may be of several different colors. An unusual color of smoke or odor may also be present
What agency needs to be called prior to making entry into a clandestine drug lab
Prior to taking any action at a suspected clandestine drug laboratory, the Mesa Fire and Medical Department will request the response of a representative of the Department of Environmental Quality Emergency Response Division. If a representative from the Department of Environmental Quality is unable to respond directly to the location of the incident, every effort will be made to contact a representative by telephone to inform them of the situation. This shall be accomplished by the Special Ops Captain
Who is responsible for disposal of the material in a clandestine drug lab
Proper disposal of the hazardous material(s) in a clandestine laboratory is the responsibility of the law enforcement agency that is making the seizure. The law enforcement agency on-scene must arrange clean-up with the proper contractor
What are considered confined spaces
Confined spaces include caverns, tunnels, pipes, tanks, and any other locations where ventilation and access are restricted by the configuration of the space. These factors may also apply to basements or attics. Confined space incidents may involve injured persons, persons asphyxiated or overcome by toxic substances, cave-ins or fires occurring within the space
What is involved in the initial assessment in a confined space incident
Command should attempt to secure a Responsible Party (R.P). or witness to the accident to determine exactly what happened.
If there is a language barrier call in an interpreter
An immediate assessment of the hazards present
If no witness is present, Command may have to look for clues on the scene that may indicate what has happened.
An assessment of the victim(s) should be done.
Command should determine how many victims have been affected. Command should determine how long the victims have been down, the mechanism of injury, and the survivability profile of the victim. An early decision must be made as to whether the operation is a rescue or recovery mode.
Ask alarm the time from initial dispatch to the first on-scene company.
Establish communications with the victim as soon as possible. Locate confined space permit and all other information about the space
What are pre entry operations in a confined space incident
A. Establish a perimeter. Consider using a Site Control Sector. The size of the perimeter should be dictated by the atmospheric conditions, wind direction, structural stability, etc.
B.Stop all unnecessary traffic in the area.
C.Assure vehicles park downwind from incident if vehicles are running.
D. Establish ventilation to general area if necessary.
E.Assign Lobby Sector at perimeter entrance.
F. Assign Safety Sector. Assign Rehab Sector
What should the audio alarm be set at in a confined space
Any instruments used to monitor the confined space shall have: An audio-alarm. Have the audio-alarm set at: - 19.5% and 23.5% for oxygen levels (O2 readings below 12% will affect the flammability readings) - - - 10% of the LEL 35 ppm for carbon monoxide 10 ppm for hydrogen sulfide
How often should hazard sector give command atmosphere readings
Hazard Sector shall give Command atmosphere readings at least every 5 minutes with an announcement of offensive or defensive mode (i.e., rescue or recovery
How can safety insure utilities are not turned back on
Safety Sector shall post a guard to assure the utilities are not turned on during the operation