G-NATU Natural Gas/Methane Part 2

Control of Natural Gas Fires

• TFS personnel should not extinguish a natural gas fire unless the natural gas flow or leak can be stopped by closing natural gas supply valves before or immediately after extinguishment of the fire to prevent the spread of natural gas to other areas, which can lead to explosion or rapid fire.

Stopping Natural Gas Flow

• The natural gas flow to an entire building can be stopped by closing the natural gas meter supply valve.
• Readily accessible natural gas supply valves can be closed by TFS personnel to stop the flow of natural gas when safe to do so.
• Consideration should be taken when turning off the natural gas flow to commercial or industrial buildings, as it may interrupt important production processes and create further hazards.
• Underground natural gas supply valves to buildings may only be accessible to Enbridge Gas Distribution representatives.

Isolated Fires and Precautions

• If the fire is isolated to a single appliance, personnel should shut off the natural gas flow at the appliance supply valve.
• Personnel should spray water fog on any surrounding combustibles and/or exposures if in danger of igniting before natural gas flow can be stopped.
• It is essential to check for natural gas accumulations in nearby buildings, sewers, etc., using natural gas monitoring instruments.

Natural Gas/Methane in Confined Spaces

• TFS personnel should not enter a confined space, maintenance hole, sewer, vault, or excavation if natural gas/methane is suspected to be present.
• The Incident Commander shall ensure personnel do not use water in an excavation hole, as it can fill the hole and weaken the site's integrity, making entry for repair more hazardous for utility personnel.

Damaged Natural Gas Pipelines, Meters, and Pressure Regulators

• TFS personnel should not attempt to stop the flow of broken natural gas pipes, meters, or pressure regulators; instead, they may assist trained and equipped Enbridge Gas Distribution personnel.
• The hazards associated with plugging/capping metal pipe and crimping/clamping of plastic pipe can only be eliminated by trained and equipped Enbridge Gas Distribution personnel.
• TFS personnel should only turn off the natural gas at supply valves and not operate any underground or aboveground regulator stations or commercial/industrial service line valves.