OPERATIONS BULLETIN BOOK fire fighting Flashcards
(116 cards)
Firefighting Operations Bulletin No. 1 JUNE 2007 (Revised)
VEHICLE FIRES
PART 1. FIREFIGHTING
Overview:
Firefighting Operations Bulletin No. 1 JUNE 2007 (Revised)
VEHICLE FIRES
PART 1. FIREFIGHTING
Overview:
. The major components are the fuel injector and lines, the catalytic converter and the fuel evaporation system (which includes the fuel tank).
. The major components are the fuel injector and lines, the catalytic converter and the fuel evaporation system (which includes the fuel tank).
- Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter was designed to reduce hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions before they reach the atmosphere. Tremendous heat is generated in the converter as the catalytic reaction takes place; normal internal temperatures of the catalytic converter can rise to somewhere between 1300 and 1600 degrees F while normal outside surface generally reaches the neighborhood of about 1000 degrees F.
- Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter was designed to reduce hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions before they reach the atmosphere. Tremendous heat is generated in the converter as the catalytic reaction takes place; normal internal temperatures of the catalytic converter can rise to somewhere between 1300 and 1600 degrees F while normal outside surface generally reaches the neighborhood of about 1000 degrees F.
This sealed fuel system concept is the primary design used in vehicles presently being manufactured. The intent of this system is to prevent fuel vapors from leaking from this sealed network. The fuel tank cap is designed to prevent passage of gasoline vapors directly into the atmosphere. It incorporates a vacuum relief set-to operate at approximately 3/8 pounds per square inch and a pressure relief valve set to open at approximately one pound per square inch.
This sealed fuel system concept is the primary design used in vehicles presently being manufactured. The intent of this system is to prevent fuel vapors from leaking from this sealed network. The fuel tank cap is designed to prevent passage of gasoline vapors directly into the atmosphere. It incorporates a vacuum relief set-to operate at approximately 3/8 pounds per square inch and a pressure relief valve set to open at approximately one pound per square inch.
Apparatus should be positioned in front of the vehicle that is involved in fire by at least fifty feet, and if possible, by one hundred feet. If apparatus must be positioned to the rear of the involved vehicle, a distance of at least one hundred feet must be maintained.
Apparatus should be positioned in front of the vehicle that is involved in fire by at least fifty feet, and if possible, by one hundred feet. If apparatus must be positioned to the rear of the involved vehicle, a distance of at least one hundred feet must be maintained.
vehicle, a distance of at least one hundred feet must be maintained.
If encountering a vehicle model where the fuel tank is known to be other than the rear of the vehicle, adjust your tactics accordingly. Consider positioning the apparatus and the direction of attack from the end opposite the fuel tank, and if possible approach the vehicle from a 45 degree angle.
vehicle, a distance of at least one hundred feet must be maintained.
If encountering a vehicle model where the fuel tank is known to be other than the rear of the vehicle, adjust your tactics accordingly. Consider positioning the apparatus and the direction of attack from the end opposite the fuel tank, and if possible approach the vehicle from a 45 degree angle.
If members must approach an extensively involved vehicle from the rear and tank rupture does occur, a fire ball will likely erupt from underneath the back bumper and out the sides of the rear wells and the rear fenders. To protect the firefighters on the first one and one-half inch line in this situation, the second one and one-half Inch line should be deployed to the tank area utilizing a wider fog pattern to offer limited additional protection and allow members the opportunity to back out of immediate danger.
If members must approach an extensively involved vehicle from the rear and tank rupture does occur, a fire ball will likely erupt from underneath the back bumper and out the sides of the rear wells and the rear fenders. To protect the firefighters on the first one and one-half inch line in this situation, the second one and one-half Inch line should be deployed to the tank area utilizing a wider fog pattern to offer limited additional protection and allow members the opportunity to back out of immediate danger.
- In cases of a leaking fuel tank, request the Haz Mat unit.
- In cases of a leaking fuel tank, request the Haz Mat unit.
Definitions of each of the major electrical systems are as follows:
Charger Mechanism The device used to charge the battery. The style of charging varies with each manufacturer, car, and the amount of voltage used.
Definitions of each of the major electrical systems are as follows:
Charger Mechanism The device used to charge the battery. The style of charging varies with each manufacturer, car, and the amount of voltage used.
Motor
During a vehicle fire involving an EV, electrical shock should not occur because the high-voltage of an EV does not use the earth as s ground. A firefighter standing on the ground does not complete a circuit when a stream of water hits an EV. However, there is still a possibility that by touching certain electrical components an electrical shock could occur.
Motor
During a vehicle fire involving an EV, electrical shock should not occur because the high-voltage of an EV does not use the earth as s ground. A firefighter standing on the ground does not complete a circuit when a stream of water hits an EV. However, there is still a possibility that by touching certain electrical components an electrical shock could occur.
. A firefighter may encounter the following types of EV fluids at an emergency incident: Potassium Hydroxide (KOH), Marlotherm, and Sulfuric Acid.
. A firefighter may encounter the following types of EV fluids at an emergency incident: Potassium Hydroxide (KOH), Marlotherm, and Sulfuric Acid.
A telltale sign of an Electric Vehicle is the international orange color associated with the wiring system that provides the electric power. This wiring is usually bundled and runs along the lower frame or beneath the seats along the floor boards of an Electric Vehicle.
A telltale sign of an Electric Vehicle is the international orange color associated with the wiring system that provides the electric power. This wiring is usually bundled and runs along the lower frame or beneath the seats along the floor boards of an Electric Vehicle.
As with any electrical system the capacitors hold stored energy, this energy must be “dumped” for the system to be considered completely de-energized. Because of this there is a delay of between 5 and 10 minutes between the time the power is cut and the system is de-energized. For this reason it is imperative that the power to an electric or hybrid vehicle be cut immediately upon arrival of an accident or vehicle fire.
As with any electrical system the capacitors hold stored energy, this energy must be “dumped” for the system to be considered completely de-energized. Because of this there is a delay of between 5 and 10 minutes between the time the power is cut and the system is de-energized. For this reason it is imperative that the power to an electric or hybrid vehicle be cut immediately upon arrival of an accident or vehicle fire.
Always check the cut off switch and disconnect all batteries before attempting rescue operations.
Before starting any cutting operations, firefighters must peel back any insulation or covering, or make a spy cut first.
The battery pack and connected cables remain HOT for several minutes after the power is disconnected.
Always check the cut off switch and disconnect all batteries before attempting rescue operations.
Before starting any cutting operations, firefighters must peel back any insulation or covering, or make a spy cut first.
The battery pack and connected cables remain HOT for several minutes after the power is disconnected.
Large EV fires can be safely controlled with water; if the fire involves the batteries and is minor in nature consider utilizing a “type D” dry chemical extinguisher.
Large EV fires can be safely controlled with water; if the fire involves the batteries and is minor in nature consider utilizing a “type D” dry chemical extinguisher.
Use a water fog to dilute toxic smoke from a burning sodium and sulfur battery
Use a water fog to dilute toxic smoke from a burning sodium and sulfur battery
There is also a growing frend to provide alternative fuel vehicles in order to lower emissions, meeting Government mandates. Investigating vehicle fires has become complex due to:
Light weight material, introducing more plastics into the vehicle — currently there is over 9001bs of combustible material in vehicles.
Combustible and Flammable liquids and solids are present including CNG, propane, hydrogen, gasoline, oils, magnesium, etc.
There is also a growing frend to provide alternative fuel vehicles in order to lower emissions, meeting Government mandates. Investigating vehicle fires has become complex due to:
Light weight material, introducing more plastics into the vehicle — currently there is over 9001bs of combustible material in vehicles.
Combustible and Flammable liquids and solids are present including CNG, propane, hydrogen, gasoline, oils, magnesium, etc.
Note:
Company Officers should always check the trunk area of all vehicle fires to ensure that this area does not contain victims of a crime.
Note:
Company Officers should always check the trunk area of all vehicle fires to ensure that this area does not contain victims of a crime.
When developing a criminal case that involves automobiles, the first 48 hours is the most critical.
When developing a criminal case that involves automobiles, the first 48 hours is the most critical.
FIREFIGHTING TACTICS FOR E85 FUEL
This Bulletin is to alert first responders to the requirements for handling E85 fuel, an alternative fuel composed of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.
FIREFIGHTING TACTICS FOR E85 FUEL
This Bulletin is to alert first responders to the requirements for handling E85 fuel, an alternative fuel composed of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.
According to the ERG2004, public safety should:
• Call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper first.
• As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind.
• Keep out of low areas.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering.
• Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
According to the ERG2004, public safety should:
• Call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper first.
• As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind.
• Keep out of low areas.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering.
• Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
• For small fires, use dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.
• For large fires:
o Use water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. o Use water spray or fog; do not use straight streams.
• For small fires, use dry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.
• For large fires:
o Use water spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. o Use water spray or fog; do not use straight streams.
For evacuation, public safety should:
• For a large spill, consider downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1,000 feet). • If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also consider the evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
For evacuation, public safety should:
• For a large spill, consider downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1,000 feet). • If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also consider the evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
For first aid, public safety should:
• Move victim to fresh air.
• Give artificial respiration if victim not breathing.
• Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.
• Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. • In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes; wash skin with soap and water. • In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water.
For first aid, public safety should:
• Move victim to fresh air.
• Give artificial respiration if victim not breathing.
• Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.
• Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. • In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes; wash skin with soap and water. • In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water.