Flex4 Multi Gas Monitor

Question 1

What is the purpose of air monitoring equipment in the fire service?

Answer 1

To provide effective air monitoring capabilities for first arriving crews during routine calls.

Specifically, it aids in identifying hazardous gas levels.

Question 2

What is the Honeywell BW Flex4 Multi-Gas Monitor used for?

Answer 2

To monitor air quality for Regina Fire & Protective Services personnel during incidents.

It detects Carbon Monoxide (CO), Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), flammability, and unsafe Oxygen (O2) levels.

Question 3

Define Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH).

Answer 3

An atmospheric concentration of any toxic, corrosive, or asphyxiating substance that poses an immediate threat to life.

It can cause irreversible or delayed adverse health effects.

Question 4

What does Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) refer to?

Answer 4

The maximum concentration allowed for a 15-minute exposure period.

It is a guideline for short-term exposure to hazardous substances.

Question 5

What is the Threshold Limit Value-Time Weighted Average (TLV-TWA)?

Answer 5

The allowable time-weighted average concentration in an 8-hour day or 40-hour work week.

It is used to assess long-term exposure risks.

Question 6

Fill in the blank: An atmospheric concentration that poses an immediate threat to life is known as _______.

Answer 6

Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH)

This term is critical in assessing hazardous environments.

Question 7

Fill in the blank: The maximum concentration allowed for a 15-minute exposure period is called _______.

Answer 7

Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL)

This helps in managing short-term exposure to hazardous substances.

Question 8

True or False: The TLV-TWA is meant for a 24-hour work period.

Answer 8

False

TLV-TWA refers to an 8-hour day or 40-hour work week.

Question 9

What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?

Answer 9

A colourless, odourless, tasteless gas that is a by-product of combustion

Produced from incomplete or faulty combustion of any fuel, CO displaces oxygen in the bloodstream, potentially causing brain damage and death.

Question 10

What is the maximum safe working level for CO according to Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Regulations?

Answer 10

25 parts per million (ppm) over an eight-hour period and 190 ppm over 15 minutes

These levels are established to ensure safety in the general workplace.

Question 11

What is Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)?

Answer 11

A colourless gas known for its pungent ‘rotten egg’ odor at low concentration

It is extremely flammable and highly toxic, used in various industries such as oil and gas refining.

Question 12

In which industries is Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) used or produced?

Answer 12

• Oil and gas refining
• Mining
• Tanning
• Pulp and paper processing
• Rayon manufacturing

It also occurs naturally in sewers, manure pits, and volcanoes.

Question 13

Why is Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) dangerous in confined spaces?

Answer 13

Because it is heavier than air and can collect in low-lying and enclosed spaces

This accumulation makes work in such areas potentially very dangerous.

Question 14

What is the composition of Oxygen (O2) in the Earth’s atmosphere?

Answer 14

Makes up 21% of the Earth’s atmosphere

It is an essential component of air and necessary for the sustenance of all living things.

Question 15

What is the safe oxygen concentration range in workplace settings according to the Government of Canada?

Answer 15

Between 19.5% and 23.0%

This range ensures safety for workers in various environments.

Question 16

What can happen to humans at oxygen levels of 10% to 12%?

Answer 16

Breathing becomes difficult and judgement can be impaired

Lower oxygen levels can lead to serious health issues.

Question 17

What are the consequences of oxygen levels dropping to 6% to 8%?

Answer 17

Can cause death within eight minutes

This highlights the critical importance of maintaining adequate oxygen levels.

Question 18

What is the Lower Flammability Limit (LFL)?

Answer 18

The lowest concentration of a gas or vapour in air capable of producing a flash of fire in the presence of an ignition source

It is often considered the same as the lower explosive level (LEL).

Question 19

What is the Lower Flammability Limit (LFL) for natural gas?

Answer 19

4.3%

At concentrations lower than 4.3%, an explosion cannot occur, even if an ignition source is present.

Question 20

What should RFPS first arriving officers do if the Flex4 Multi-Gas Monitor detects Carbon Monoxide (CO)?

Answer 20

Follow the procedures outlined in SOP 206-03 Carbon Monoxide Response Procedure.

SOP 206-03 details specific actions for CO incidents.

Question 21

What action must RFPS first arriving officers take if Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is detected?

Answer 21

Contact the Emergency Communications Centre (ECC) to upgrade the incident response.

Follow RFPS SOP 302-04 Response Codes Inside the City Limits.

Question 22

What equipment must RFPS personnel don before conducting a primary search in a H2S incident?

Answer 22

Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Question 23

What must officers advise occupants to do if H2S is detected?

Answer 23

Leave the occupancy and not re-enter until the source is determined and the threat mitigated.

Question 24

What procedures should be followed if the Flex4 Multi-Gas Monitor detects a flammable gas?

Answer 24

Follow the procedures outlined in SOP 206-09 Damaged or Leaking Natural Gas Equipment (SaskEnergy).

Question 25

What should RFPS first arriving officers do if a low oxygen environment (<19.5%) is detected?

Answer 25

Contact ECC personnel to upgrade the incident response.

Question 26

What is the high oxygen threshold that requires RFPS officers to take action?

Answer 26

>23%.

Question 27

What must officers advise occupants to do in case of a low or high oxygen environment?

Answer 27

Leave the occupancy and not re-enter until the source is determined and the threat mitigated.

Question 28

Fill in the blank: If the Flex4 Multi-Gas Monitor detects the presence of H2S, RFPS officers must contact the _______.

Answer 28

Emergency Communications Centre (ECC).

Question 29

When must the Flex4 be bumped by driver/operators?

Answer 29

Every morning (08:00 - 18:00 day shift) ## Footnote This is part of the daily apparatus checks.

Question 30

What is required to bump and calibrate the Flex4?

Answer 30

The Flex4 must be powered on ## Footnote Calibration is necessary for accurate readings.

Question 31

What should be done if the Flex4 fails the bump test twice?

Answer 31

Submit an electronic Form 50 Problem/Change Type: Maintenance, indicating the issue and send the Flex to the Education & Training Centre (ETC) ## Footnote This ensures proper maintenance and troubleshooting.

Question 32

Who must be contacted if the Flex4 is out of service?

Answer 32

ECC personnel ## Footnote This allows for the dispatch of an alternate unit.

Question 33

How does the Flex4 charge?

Answer 33

Using a USB port found on the Mobile CAD on each apparatus ## Footnote This facilitates easy charging during operations.

Question 34

What happens if the Flex4 reaches any of the four gases low alarm?

Answer 34

It will give a reading on the display and go into alarm ## Footnote This indicates a potential hazard that needs immediate attention.

Question 35

What are the characteristics of the Flex4 alarm state?

Answer 35

Vibrating, audible, and visual ## Footnote This multi-sensory alert ensures the operator is aware of the alarm.

Question 36

Can the Flex4 alarm be silenced?

Answer 36

No ## Footnote This is to ensure that the alarm is always noticeable.

Question 37

How should the Flex4 be cleaned?

Answer 37

With a damp cloth as required, never with chemicals or wipes ## Footnote Using chemicals can damage the device.

Question 38

Where should the Flex4 be powered up?

Answer 38

In fresh air, never on the apparatus floor ## Footnote This ensures accurate readings and safety.