9.3 Carbon Monoxide

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary cause of unintentional CO poisoning?

Chemical spills

Open flames in the household

Intentional use of gas

Incomplete combustion of fuel (correct)

What percentage of non-intentional CO poisoning deaths occur in residential settings?

12.0%

50%

25%

77.6% (correct)

Which months are most commonly associated with non-intentional CO poisoning incidents?

November to February (correct)

January to March

July to September

April to June

How does carbon monoxide affect blood oxygen levels in the body?

It competes with hemoglobin to bind oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Upper Explosive Limit (UEL) of carbon monoxide?

74% Signup and view all the answers

Which property reflects that carbon monoxide has no warning properties for human detection?

Colorless and odorless Signup and view all the answers

During which trimester is fetus exposure to carbon monoxide especially harmful?

First trimester Signup and view all the answers

What is the molecular weight of carbon monoxide?

28.01 Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT commonly associated with acute exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning?

Anorexia Signup and view all the answers

What equipment is essential for personnel working in the Hazard Zone during a carbon monoxide incident?

Full structural firefighting PPE and SCBA Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to the gas meter before using it in the Hazard Zone?

Zero it out in fresh air Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about carbon monoxide responses?

A majority of carbon monoxide responses result in a false alarm. Signup and view all the answers

Which item is NOT considered when sizing up a carbon monoxide incident?

Noise level of the area Signup and view all the answers

What may chronic exposure to carbon monoxide result in?

Persistent dizziness Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a required sensor in a 4 gas meter for a carbon monoxide incident?

LEL sensor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a sign of chronic exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning?

Lassitude Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the most common reasons for Carbon Monoxide alarm malfunctions?

Old and non-functioning alarms Signup and view all the answers

What ppm level of CO indicates unusual conditions that require further action?

15 ppm Signup and view all the answers

What must be done when a reading over 35 ppm CO is detected?

Go on air with SCBA Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for red tagging an appliance that has had its fuel shut off?

The utility company Signup and view all the answers

What should be ensured whenever SCBA is used during a CO incident?

Two in two out policy Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk when ventilating an area with high CO concentrations?

Spreading CO to adjacent rooms Signup and view all the answers

How should incidents involving natural gas-powered equipment be handled?

By the utility company Signup and view all the answers

After ventilation of a structure, what must be done regarding CO levels?

Re-monitor all areas for CO concentration Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Carbon Monoxide Incidents

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas produced by incomplete combustion.
CO poisoning is the leading cause of non-intentional poisoning deaths in the United States, with the majority of incidents occurring between November and February.
CO has a higher affinity for binding to hemoglobin than oxygen, leading to tissue hypoxia and preventing the blood from carrying sufficient oxygen.
CO levels can be measured using a 4-gas meter equipped with sensors for O2, LEL, H2S, and CO.
Meter readings above 15ppm CO are considered unusual, with readings over 35ppm requiring the use of SCBA
Most CO incidents result in false alarms due to malfunctioning alarm systems, maintenance issues, or needing replacement batteries.
Appliances or equipment that have been disabled or shut off must be red-tagged and attended to by a qualified technician before being placed back into service.
When responding to CO incidents, it is important to prioritize ventilation to reduce high CO concentrations.
Over-ventilation is recommended as CO can move to areas like exit stairways, potentially causing CO exposure to responders in those areas.
After ventilation, all areas of the structure must be re-monitored to confirm that CO has been removed.
Most CO incidents are handled by the first responding unit and the local utility company, typically requiring minimal personnel for command.

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Description

Test your knowledge on carbon monoxide incidents, including definitions, detection methods, and safety protocols. Learn about the impact of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to respond effectively to incidents. This quiz will enhance your understanding of CO hazards and prevention measures.