Phx Fire Vol 2 (Deck 19) Flashcards
205.15 - 205.20B (151 cards)
1
Q
205.15
A
Freeway Response
2
Q
Describe the term ‘Unified Command’ as used for Freeway Response.
A
Command post consisting of more than one agency, and it involves requesting specific location from the reporting party. The use of the term ‘Unified Command’ is discouraged.
3
Q
Lane numbering sequence for Freeway Response.
A
No. 1 as the traffic lane nearest the median or center, excluding the HOV lane.
4
Q
Define ‘The Tunnel’ in Freeway Response.
A
Portion of the Papago freeway (I-10) under Central Avenue, 3rd Street to 3rd Avenue. It is also known as ‘The Deck’.
5
Q
Define the Black Canyon Freeway (Interstate 17) and its location as per the Phoenix Metropolitan Freeways glossary.
A
Durango Curve and continues north through Phoenix.
6
Q
Define the East Papago Loop 202 and its location as per the Phoenix Metropolitan Freeways glossary.
A
Begins at the I-10/SR-51/L-202 interchange and continues east to the Price Freeway.
7
Q
Define the Hohokam State Route 143 and its location as per the Phoenix Metropolitan Freeways glossary.
A
The Hohokam State Route 143 begins at I-10 and 48 Street and continues north to McDowell Rd.
8
Q
Define the Maricopa Freeway and its location as per the Phoenix Metropolitan Freeways glossary.
A
Portions of I-17 south (east) of the Durango Curve to the Maricopa Interchange and I-10 continuing east.
9
Q
Define the Papago Freeway (Interstate 10) and its location as per the Phoenix Metropolitan Freeways glossary.
A
Enters Phoenix from the W to the Maricopa Interchange where it becomes the Maricopa Freeway.
10
Q
Purpose of Vol 2 for Freeway Response.
A
Provide guidelines and protocols for responding to incidents on the freeway in the Phoenix region.
11
Q
How does Vol 2 for Freeway Response contribute to public safety and traffic management?
A
Establishing standardized procedures for responding to incidents, thereby improving coordination, efficiency, and safety on the freeway.
12
Q
Location of the I-10 Papago Freeway Tunnel.
A
Central Phoenix, extending from 3rd Ave to 3rd St, with the most direct access off of 7th Ave and 7th St.
13
Q
2 types of vehicular tunnels in the I-10 Papago Freeway Tunnel?
A
EB tunnel and WB tunnel.
14
Q
How is air flow controlled in the I-10 Papago Freeway Tunnel?
A
4 ventilation rooms, 2 for each vehicular tunnel, which draw in air near the middle and flow it to exit points at either end of the tunnel. The air flow volume is determined by carbon monoxide readings.
15
Q
Purpose of the Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) in the I-10 Papago Freeway Tunnel.
A
Provides ‘bare bones’ bridging power between the loss of APS power and the start-up of the generator, ensuring power, ventilation, and fire detection control to a quadrant of the tunnel in case of power loss.
16
Q
Access to the Bus Transit Tunnel in the I-10 Papago Freeway Tunnel.
A
The Bus Transit Tunnel has large fence gates at each end to restrict access, and it will not be in service for some time. The gates are large enough to allow fire apparatus to enter, and there are four access doors to the vehicular tunnels from the transit tunnel.
17
Q
Max volume of traffic in each direction in the vehicular tunnels of the I-10 Papago Freeway Tunnel?
A
8,000 cars per hr per tunnel in each direction.
18
Q
Functions controlled by each vent room in the I-10 Papago Freeway Tunnel?
A
Controls lighting, ventilation, fire detection, and CO monitoring for a quarter mile of its respective tunnel, ensuring safe conditions for traffic and emergency response.
19
Q
Describe the water supply system in the vehicle tunnels.
A
Hydrant cabinets located approximately every 300’, fed by 6 water mains with a wet standpipe system and a four-way standpipe connection.
20
Q
Purpose of the radio repeater system in the tunnel?
A
Provide communications, operating on Ch 1, 5, and 8 (A-Deck), but may cause loss of the first part of a radio message.
21
Q
Define the access to the vent rooms from the surface.
A
Accessed from the surface via the structures at the park level, with essentially one way in and one way out by means of a long stairwell.
22
Q
Limitation of using humat valves in the vehicle tunnels’ hydrant boxes?
A
Will not fit into the hydrant boxes in the vehicle tunnels, requiring a direct hose connection, as there is no water supply in the vent rooms.
23
Q
Location and indication of the emergency telephone cabinets in the tunnels.
A
Every 150’ on both sides of the EB and WB tunnels, indicated by large reddish brown vertical stripes on the walls, numbered 1 to 9 in the direction of traffic flow.
24
Q
Describe the emergency telephone system in the freeway tunnel.
A
Intercom system that serves as an alternative communication method and allows communication with the ADOT Traffic Ops Center.
25
Purpose of the security tamper switch in the freeway tunnel?
Designed to alert the operator when a cabinet is opened.
26
Define the emergency power setup in the tunnel.
1 emergency diesel generator and Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) systems in each vent room, providing 15 minutes of bridge power between the loss of APS power and the start-up of the generator.
27
How is the lighting controlled in the freeway tunnels?
On 24 hours and controlled by an automated system.
28
Role of the video monitoring system in the tunnel?
Installed throughout and monitored at the ADOT Traffic Ops Center.
29
Process for response to small-scale incidents in the tunnel."
Routed through the most direct route, with the flow of traffic, and the most direct access to the tunnel is off of 7th Ave and 7th St.
30
Protocol for reporting emergencies detected by the ADOT Traffic Ops Center?"
Reported to the DPS, which will then notify Phoenix Dispatch of all emergencies requiring a response.
31
Guidelines for significant requiring the dispatch of a 2n1 or larger in the Papago Tunnel response."
The first due company should enter the freeway with the flow of traffic by the most direct route, advising Dispatch and redirecting other companies as necessary. The second due company should consider entering the Bus Transit Tunnel if traffic congestion is severe, entering from the opposite direction.
32
205.15A
Papago Tunnel Response
33
Staging procedure for other companies in the Papago Tunnel response?
Level II Stage on Culver Street, just W of Central, with the option to be redirected by the first due company or Command to a staging location on the freeway or directly to the tunnel as needed.
34
How is the IC structured for emergencies in the Papago Tunnel?"
SOPs & IMS will be utilized, with a Unified Command involving other affected agencies. IC must notify Dispatch of the Command Post location as soon as it is established.
35
Role of a Chief Officer in the Papago Tunnel response.
First Chief should respond to the incident site with the flow of traffic, or as directed by the first due company and traffic coordinators. Consideration should be given to sending a Chief to the ADOT Traffic Ops Center to provide liaison for the IC.
36
Describe SOPs for responding to a major fire in the Papago Tunnel."
Confirming the exact location of the incident, routing crews from the opposite direction into the tunnel, stopping traffic for emergency vehicle access, checking the tunnel for victims, positioning apparatus uphill from the drain system, ensuring adequate foam capacity, and addressing haz mat contamination.
37
Actions should be taken to address a haz mat problem in the Papago Tunnel?"
Watching for moving traffic, increasing tunnel lighting, adjusting exhaust fans' direction and volume, and considering air contamination.
38
How should emergency personnel access the incident site in the event of a major fire in the Papago Tunnel?
Route crews from the opposite direction into the tunnel, against traffic when safe to do so, and have DPS stop traffic for emergency vehicle access.
39
Role of SCBA's in responding to a major fire in the Papago Tunnel.
Donned prior to entry with evidence of a working fire in the tunnel to ensure the safety of emergency personnel.
40
Considerations made for addressing runoff in the event of a major fire in the Papago Tunnel?"
Addressing runoff as a haz mat contamination, controlling/sealing/diking freeway drains, and considering air contamination are important considerations.
41
Potential need for multiple Tx Sectors in the event of a major incident in the Papago Tunnel."
Because of possible restricted access around the sides of a major incident, 2 or more may be required.
42
Measures to take to protect victims and rescuers during a major fire in the Papago Tunnel?
First attack lines should protect victims and rescuers, and second attack lines should address fire control and extinguishment. Additionally, stang guns may prove effective for reach and knockdown due to extensive debris and limited access to the seat of the fire.
43
Role of the Bus Transit Tunnel in the response plan.
Serve as an alternate attack/access point, a Rehab location, and a Resource Sector operation.
44
Purpose of PPV in the response plan?"
May be needed at the transit access doors to prevent smoke passage.
45
Role of the Command Post in the response plan.
Established outside of the tunnel to ensure adequate Command-to-Dispatch communications.
46
How can crews obtain water supply in the Bus Transit Tunnel?
No water supply is available, but it can be obtained by hand-jacking a supply line through an access door to a wall hydrant in one of the vehicular tunnels.
47
Any specific sectors to consider for a major fire incident?
Lobby Sector(s), East and West Sectors, Haz Mat Sector, Decon Sector, etc.
48
Steps to be taken in response to a haz mat spill or release in the Papago Tunnel.
Access location, confirm with ADOT, don SCBA, initiate diking, consider wind direction, address victim rescues, consider air contamination, address area evacuation, establish Command Post, maintain lobby control.
49
Sectors to consider for a major haz mat incident in the Papago Tunnel?"
Lobby Sector, East and West Sectors, Haz Mat Sector, Decon Sector, Bus Transit Tunnel Sector, Resource Sector, Rehab Sector.
50
How should the apparatus be positioned in response to a haz mat spill or release in the Papago Tunnel?
Uphill of the drain to avoid runoff contamination.
51
Role of the Bus Transit Tunnel in response to a haz mat incident in the Papago Tunnel.
Safe refuge, rehab, resource, and main attack point, and positive pressure of the access door may be required to protect the transit tunnel refuge area from contamination.
52
Considerations should be made regarding air contamination in response to a haz mat incident in the Papago Tunnel?"
Air contamination of the tunnel, Deck Park, and neighborhood, and upwind Level II Staging on the freeway may be appropriate.
53
Do the haz mat response procedures in the Papago Tunnel involve coordination with ADOT?"
Required for various aspects such as location, exhaust fans, sump pumps, and lighting.
54
Describe the personnel accountability and control measures to be maintained in response to a haz mat incident in the Papago Tunnel.
Strict lobby control and personnel accountability must be maintained, and sectors such as Haz Mat Sector and Decon Sector should be considered.
55
Different sectors involved in Vol 2 for the Papago Tunnel response."
ADOT Traffic Ops Center, Staging, Police/DPS Liaison, Safety, Accountability, and Public Information Sectors, etc.
56
Potential risks and challenges associated with a below-ground fire in the tunnel facilities?
Smoke, lack of lighting, multiple levels, and staircases, posing extreme risk to rescuers or FFs. Such events should be considered as con space ops.
57
How should rescuers approach a below-ground fire if persons are reported trapped?
Consider the survival profile of the trapped individuals before committing to rescue operations, apply all safety systems as required, and proceed cautiously.
58
Approach recommended if no persons are believed trapped in a below-ground fire in the tunnel facilities.
Seal the facility, secure all power, and let the fire burn itself out. Use of inert gas may be considered to extinguish the fire.
59
What should be done in the event of a comms failure in the tunnel?
On-site radio comms should be switched to the other tac channel. If all systems fail, Command must establish a comms relay Company (or Sector) to provide a communications link to Dispatch located outside the tunnel.
60
205.16
District Van Response
61
Purpose of the District Van Volunteer Program.
Provide assistance for non-emergency activities, TRx family members not requiring standard ambulance TRx, and assist fire companies in retrieving medical equipment and paramedics from hospitals.
62
Operating hours of the District Van?
Staffed by fire cadets or trained volunteers, and the hours of service may vary according to the availability of volunteer personnel and their work hours.
63
How is the District Van dispatched?
Request of a member on the scene, and it will respond Code 2 as a non-emergency vehicle.
64
TRx eligibility for the District Van.
People with no apparent inj not requiring medical Tx, and family members of PTs desiring TRx to hospitals to be with injured or ill family members.
65
Policy regarding the District Van?"
Provide assistance to people involved in emergency incidents who may not need emergency medical care but still need support to recover from the situation.
66
Do the District Van volunteers notify the Dispatch Center?
They notify the Dispatch Center as they go in service for the day, and as they go out of service at the end of each shift.
67
Limitations on TRx by the District Van.
Not available to transport LARC customers, drunk or disorderly customers.
68
Types of services provided by the District Van for FD personnel.
Provides services such as picking up paramedics from hospitals, retrieving medical equipment, assisting with equipment delivery, and providing battery jumper service for FD vehicles.
69
Public services provided by the District Van?
Cellular phone for contacting family members or assistance, and offering battery jumper service for private vehicles when stranded.
70
How is the supervision of District Van volunteers organized?
Captain at the station where the van is housed, the Company Officer on the incident scene, and the EMT coordinator of the Community Assistance Program, with monitoring by the Program Manager.
71
Safety procedures and practices that apply to the District Van ops.
Wearing seat belts, providing infant car seats for passengers, ensuring safe parking and use of emergency lighting, wearing safety vests, and prohibiting smoking in the van.
72
Primary objective of the District Van.
Provide good customer to the public and members, offering unique services such as TRx and use of the cellular phone for assistance.
73
Info required for District Van TRx?
Incident number, date, capt name, company ID, customer's name, destination, reason for TRx, and whether the customer is injured or ill.
74
How is the District Van transportation different from ambulance transport?
District Van is a volunteer activity conducted by members of the Cadet Program. Not an alternative to ambulance TRx.
75
Purpose of the Mutual Aid Response and Ops procedure.
Provide Aid assistance to fires, medical emergencies, haz mat incidents, technical rescues, and other emergency incidents within the scope of services provided by FD.
76
Define Mutual Aid.
Any FD emergency response and/or incident mitigation assistance provided by one jurisdiction to another when no formal Auto-Aid agreement has been instituted.
77
Define the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in the context of Mutual Aid assistance?
Remains ultimately responsible for the incident and must provide incident support when Mutual Aid assistance is provided.
78
Process when a jurisdiction requests assistance under the Mutual Aid Response and Ops procedure?
Requesting jurisdiction must contact Dispatch to request assistance, including the type of incident, the type and number of resources being requested, current number of resources assigned to the emergency incident, and the current IAP.
79
Process for determining the appropriateness of requested support.
Shift Commander/BC assesses if the requested support ensures scene safety and aligns with Vol 2 procedures.
80
Mutual Aid Response and Ops related to Statewide Mutual Aid requests/deployment of the Rapid Response Task Force?
These procedures do not govern either situation.
81
Exceptions outlined Mutual Aid Response and Operations.
Enhanced mutual aid with RMFD, mutual aid for incidents on I-10, and one-way Auto-Aid onto Luke Air Force Base.
82
How does the Shift Commander/BC determine the level of response to be provided for Mutual Aid Response and Operations?
Make a determination to fully support, partially support, or deny the Mutual Aid request based on thorough assessment of specific criteria.
83
Parameters for on-site ops by assisting jurisdictions.
Supporting the on-site IC, operating under an ICS, ensuring interoperable comms, following Vol 2, establishing comms w/ the IC, utilizing a Unified Command if necessary, using the Strategic Decision Making Model for safety assessment, maintaining intact crews, considering the justification for a Ladder Company response, maintaining comms w/ Dispatch and Deployment, refilling SCBA by Utility Trucks from Auto-Aid cities, and TRx injured or ill FFs by Ambulances.
84
Role of Mutual Aid units in supporting on-site ops?
Use every effort to support the on-site IC in a positive manner.
85
How should assisting resources operate?
Under an ICS and follow Vol 2 procedures.
86
Define the Strategic Decision Making Model.
Used by Company/Command Officers to determine the safety of the situation and the Mutual Aid ICs IAP before proceeding with ops.
87
Requirement for maintaining comms w/ Dispatch?
Command shall maintain comms, and the emergency traffic notification will be made available for use by Auto-Aid Companies as well as elapsed time notifications when appropriate.
88
205.18
Assisting Other Agencies
89
Purpose of the management procedure for assisting other agencies.
Document response when agencies request assistance where haz mat, wastes, or substances may be present, such as during search warrants.
90
What does PFD Special Ops Section have available to assist other agencies in locating missing non-violent adults and children?
Multiple specially trained scent dogs.
91
Define the term "agencies."
It includes, but is not limited to: Phx PD, MCSO, AZ DEQ, AZ AG, and any other LE agency.
92
How does the FD provide support to other agencies at sites of search warrants and searches for missing/lost non-violent persons?
Support may consist of: code enforcement, providing research and information on specific haz mat, and decon of entry personnel.
93
Do the PFD canine search specialist teams search ops involving criminal/violent subjects?
No, at no time will they be used.
94
Procedure for an agency to request assistance from on-duty Special Ops/TRT units?
Contact the Dispatch Supervisor by phone and schedule a pre-incident meeting with the Special Ops Duty Officer, providing info on location(s), time(s), staging area(s), type(s) of products that may be involved, and the type of assistance needed.
95
Composition of a canine search specialist team for non USAR call outs.
2 handlers, 2 canines, 2 PFD members as support personnel familiar with safety procedures, mapping, GPS, compass, canine search procedures, and sector ops, and a Phx PD or other sponsoring agency Liaison Officer.
96
Procedure for requesting assistance from Special Ops canine search specialist teams.
Contact the Dispatch Supervisor by phone, and the call out will be made through the on duty Special Ops Chief.
97
Protocol for notifying Dispatch about an agency's request for assistance?
When deemed appropriate, the on-duty Fire Prevention Specialist or the Special Ops Duty Officer may notify Dispatch via phone of the Agency request for assistance, and an active incident number will be requested when Ops personnel or equipment are required at the site. The dispatch shall be labeled as Assist Agency.
98
How should personnel handle entry into haz mat, waste, or substance areas?
No personnel should enter an area without appropriate PPE. Personnel showing any S/S of a chemical exposure during or after the administration of a search warrant should be TRx to the appropriate medical facility, and all potentially exposed personnel and equipment should be decon.
99
Conditions under which personnel can participate in an entry operation.
If an emergency situation develops involving haz mat, wastes, or substances, the safety of the personnel is not jeopardized, and a representative from the AZ DEQ Emergency Response Unit is present.
100
Responsibility of the on-duty Fire Prevention Specialist regarding reports generated as a result of the search warrant?
Submit all reports generated as the result of the search warrant to the appropriate LE agency.
101
205.19
Water Dept Communications Hazardous Materials Incidents
102
Purpose of Water Dept Comms Haz Mat Incidents procedure.
Document Water Department notification for incidents involving haz mat, ensuring backflow devices are installed to prevent water main contamination.
103
Responsibilities of AZ DEQ in haz mat incidents?
Will require appropriate clean-up procedures by the incident business personnel or a haz waste contractor.
104
Scope of Water Dept Comms Haz Mat Incidents procedure.
Decon ops, clean-up ops, and rinsing of containers, but excludes FD activities for emergency mitigation, overhaul ops, or decon activities.
105
How should a Fire Prevention Specialist notify the Water Department in the event of a clean-up operation involving a public or private fire hydrant?
Call the Water Department's 24-hour number and submit specific information to the dispatcher, including the representative's name, incident business name, address, reason for notification, responsible party details, hazardous waste contractor information, and action requested by the Water Department.
106
What info should be submitted to the dispatcher by the Fire Prevention Specialist if unsure of how clean-up ops will be conducted?
Representative's name, incident business name, address, reason for notification, RP details, haz waste contractor information) should be submitted to the dispatcher, with the Water Dept being notified as an advisory only.
107
Procedure for notifying the Water Dept about a haz mat incident involving a clean-up operation.
Required to notify the Water Dept Dispatcher, providing details about the incident and the potential need for clean-up involving a fire hydrant, hose bib, or both.
108
Info required to be submitted to the Water Dept Dispatcher in the event of a haz mat incident?
Name of the person making the notification, the method of notification (telephone, fax, or both), incident address (commercial or residence), on-site responsible party and their telephone number, haz waste contractor and their telephone number, on-scene contact person from the FD, recommended routing to the site, action requested, and any additional info.
109
How should the FD notify the Water Dept about a haz mat incident?
Notify the Water Dept Dispatcher by phone, providing details about the incident and indicating whether clean-up involving a fire hydrant, hose bib, or both may be required.
110
Role of the Water Dept in a haz mat incident involving clean-up.
Notified by the FD and to be provided with specific details about the incident, including the potential need for clean-up involving a fire hydrant, hose bib, or both.
111
Key pieces of info required to be submitted to the Water Dept Dispatcher in the event of a haz mat incident?
Name of the person making the notification, method of notification, incident address, on-site responsible party and their phone number, haz waste contractor and their phone number, on-scene contact person from the FD, recommended routing to the site, action requested, and any additional info.
112
Purpose of SOPs for responding to power lines and energized electrical equipment.
Establish a standard approach and response to reports of power lines down and other haz involving energized electrical equipment for fire control and public safety.
113
205.20
Response to Power Lines/Energized Electrical Equipment
114
Responsibility of the company officer in responding to power lines and energized electrical equipment?
Maintain safety until relieved by another fire company, police agency, or utility company.
115
How does electricity seek a ground in the context of electric safety awareness?
Will travel any conductive path it can as it seeks a ground, creating a direct path to ground when contact is made between something energized and a portion of the body, and an indirect path to ground when holding something in contact with something energized.
116
Step potential and its danger in the context of downed power lines.
When power lines are down and energize the ground, creating a voltage difference that could lead to a person becoming the source to ground. It is more severe when the ground is wet and could be indicated by a tingling sensation in the feet.
117
Key points to consider when dealing with downed power lines and energized electrical equipment?
Must always be considered energized, lines can reset and become 'hot' again, and power lines tend to have 'Reel Memory.'
118
Reel Memory
Tendency of energized power lines to curl back on themselves/whip around.
119
Potential dangers associated with power lines and energized electrical equipment.
Voltage can travel through both dry and wet ground, pad-mounted and overhead transformers can explode, and equipment can contain electric potential until grounded, causing severe injury or death.
120
What should be done in response to power lines being down?
Request utility company to respond, consider all down wires as 'energized,' place apparatus away from down lines and power poles, secure the area, and call additional resources in the event of multiple lines/poles down over a large area.
121
Actions that should be taken in the event of down power lines and vehicles?
Request utility company to respond, do not touch the vehicle, have occupants remain inside, place apparatus a safe distance away, and instruct occupants to jump free of the vehicle without touching the vehicle and ground at the same time.
122
Response to sub-station, transformer, electrical vault, and manhole fires?
Request utility company to respond, clear the area, be aware of explosion potential, place apparatus in a safe location away from overhead power lines, protect exposures, and wait for the utility representative to verify de-energization before making entry.
123
Steps to be taken in response to power pole fires?
Request utility company to respond, consider all wires and poles as 'energized,' place apparatus away from down lines and power poles, secure the area, and wait for the utility representative to verify de-energization before making any fire attack.
124
Hazards that lithium-ion battery energy storage systems (BESS) pose to firefighters.
Unique hazards due to potential catastrophic failures, thermal runaway, liberation of toxic and flammable gases, and the presence of stranded energy.
125
Some reasons for catastrophic failures in battery energy storage systems (BESS)?
Due to thermal abuse, physical/mechanical damage, electrical abuse, environmental impacts, internal faults within the battery cell, and other electrical faults or system failures.
126
How should FFs respond to a lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS) incident?
Always consider BESS as energized, exercise extreme caution, request utility company and haz mat response, avoid making entry or approaching the BESS building or compartment, except in the case of a savable life/known rescue, and clear the area with a recommended initial evacuation distance of 150'.
127
205.20A
Battery Energy Storage Systems
128
Stranded energy in the context of a damaged lithium-ion battery or BESS.
Residual energy within a damaged lithium-ion battery or BESS, which presents a significant fire, shock, and/or explosion hazard.
129
Potential locations where a building or facility containing a lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS) may be found?
May not have specific markings and may resemble a steel building like a conex box. These facilities may be found anywhere or incorporated in another structure, including residential settings.
130
Role of the IC in hazard mitigation for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Ultimate determination regarding hazard mitigation and develops the hazard mitigation plan in partnership with the utility representative and/or responsible party.
131
Potential mitigation steps for hazards related to BESS?
Identification of the hazard, separating from electrical supply, ventilation, and cooling, depending on the type and size of the BESS.
132
How should haz mat crews approach emergencies involving BESS?
Meter the environment, use full PPE, and be aware that a toxic environment may be created that is not visible.
133
Established means of preventing continuous thermal runaway in a lithium-ion battery.
Massive quantities of water over an extended period is the only established means of preventing continuous thermal runaway in a lithium-ion battery.
134
205.20B
Photovoltaic Installations
135
Purpose of SOPs for Photovoltaic (PV) installations.
Establish a standard approach and response to PV installations, aiming to provide for life safety and reduce property damage.
136
Policy of the CALSSRC regarding emergencies in facilities with PV systems?
Respond to reports of emergencies in facilities with PV systems, with the objective of providing for life safety and reducing property damage when safe to do so.
137
How are Photovoltaic (PV) systems described as electrical generators?
Generate electricity by converting light energy into electrical energy, always generating electricity within the modules when exposed to light.
138
Dangers associated with Photovoltaic (PV) systems in terms of voltage production and conversion.
Produce DC that must be converted to AC for use in the electrical grid, with expected voltages ranging from up to 600 Volts DC for residential installations to up to 1500 Volts DC for utility installations, which can become 35,000 volts of AC current once converted through an inverter.
139
Potential hazards associated with Photovoltaic (PV) systems during emergencies?
Electrical shock hazards, damage from monsoon storms, hail, fire, or vandalism, as well as electrical faults that may override safety systems.
140
How should FFs approach PV systems and the structures they are found on during emergencies?
Extreme caution recognizing the existence of the installations early in an incident and being aware of the associated hazards.
141
Expected voltages produced by PV installations for residential, commercial, and utility installations?
Up to 600 Volts DC for residential installations, up to 1000 Volts DC for commercial installations, and up to 1500 Volts DC for utility installations.
142
Potential hazards associated with PV panels in a fire situation.
Hazardous compounds used in manufacturing, potential for stranded energy, and the need for PPE including SCBA.
143
What precautions should be taken when working with building integrated PV roofing tiles or shingles?
Avoid conducting roof operations due to electrical and fall hazards.
144
How to identify the presence of a PV installation during an emergency response?
Looking for visible array of PV panels, conduit coming from the roof, inverters mounted on a wall or ground, and signage around the electrical system.
145
"Stranded energy" in the context of PV installations.
Some components of the system may continue to hold energy even when disconnected, posing a potential source of injury.
146
What should be done to electrically isolate a PV system during an emergency response?
All disconnects should be operated, if safe to do so, to isolate the system from the electrical grid and BESS if present.
147
Procedure for evaluating the presence of a BESS in a PV installation and the action to be taken if a Responsible Party is available.
Evaluating the structure for the presence of a BESS and operating the disconnect if possible. If a Responsible Party is available, attempt to obtain information about the system and inquire if the PV installation includes a BESS. Direct the RP to contact their installer to assess and mitigate hazards associated with the system.
148
Recommended tactic for extinguishing a fire in a PV array, and under what conditions can water be used?
Fog pattern delivered at a minimum of a 10° pattern from a minimum distance of 20' away. Water may only be applied on PV installations up to 1000v, as most residential and commercial PV systems generate less than 1000v. This tactic may not be employed on high voltage utility PV installations.
149
How should the electrical disconnects be handled in the event of a car fire in a PV installation in a parking lot?
Critical to operate those that feed the system. The decision to apply water to the panels may need to be made, but it is mandatory to operate the disconnects prior to the application of water, especially as these installations represent a unique hazard with overhead modules.
150
Approach to be taken in large utility substation events involving PV generating stations.
Not engage in any activities related to suppression inside the facility. Isolate the area and remain outside the fence line to protect exposures as needed. Careful coordination with the proper utility company representatives is required before any action may be considered.
151
Role of water in extinguishing a fire in a PV array, and what are the voltage limitations for employing this tactic?
Water may be used, but only with a fog pattern delivered at a minimum of a 10° pattern from a minimum distance of 20' away. This tactic may only be employed on PV installations up to 1000v, as most residential and commercial PV systems generate less than 1000v. It may not be used on high voltage utility PV installations.
