Questions and Answers
What does the term Time Weighted Average (TWA) refer to?
When managing a utility emergency, what should be requested as an early resource?
What is the primary purpose of the manual in terms of utility emergencies?
A worker may exceed TWA levels during the day as long as what condition is met?
Signup and view all the answers
What typically refers to securing utilities at an incident scene?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be done if there is uncertainty regarding managing an incident with toxic gases?
Signup and view all the answers
What should an incident commander do if they require a utility to be locked out or secured?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is included in the new definitions section of the manual?
Signup and view all the answers
What is one hazard associated with flexible gas lines mentioned in the manual?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of using color-coded surface marks for underground utilities?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be included with surface marks to increase visibility?
Signup and view all the answers
What guideline is provided for markings if the surface over a buried line is to be removed?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary function of a recloser?
Signup and view all the answers
In electrical distribution, what does the term 'primary' refer to?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following describes a sustained outage?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the term 'momentary outage' refer to?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of a pothead in electrical distribution?
Signup and view all the answers
How does sectionalizing help during a power outage?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a stopcock valve primarily used for?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the Time Weighted Average (TWA) indicate?
Signup and view all the answers
What should fire departments ensure to minimize the risk of explosion occurrences?
Signup and view all the answers
What pressure does the regulator typically step down gas street pressure to?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice for dealing with natural gas leaks?
Signup and view all the answers
What factor is critical for firefighters in understanding residential gas meters?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is it important to have rapid intervention teams staged at the onset of an incident?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the role of the regulator in a gas supply system?
Signup and view all the answers
What can happen if ignition sources are not mitigated before performing ventilation techniques?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the typical pressure of gas lines found in older occupied areas after the regulator?
Signup and view all the answers
What should be done if a residential gas shut-off cannot be operated due to fire or accessibility issues?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is authorized to operate valves located in street boxes and manholes?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best describes the difference between a curb box and a street box?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common risk of operating street box valves during an emergency?
Signup and view all the answers
Where is a curb box typically located in a single-family residence?
Signup and view all the answers
What markings can be used to locate the curb box on the street?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the typical gas pressure at which appliances are designed to operate?
Signup and view all the answers
What step should be taken to start searching for the curb box?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Definitions and Key Terms
- Isolate: Rerouting power to leave a specific area without energy while repairs are conducted.
- K (kilovolt): Abbreviation for 1,000 volts (e.g., 12 kV = 12,000 volts).
- Momentary Outage: Electrical interruption lasting two minutes or less.
- Pothead: Device transitioning from underground cables to overhead lines.
- Primary Voltage: Electric service between 2,000 and 50,000 volts delivered to a distribution transformer.
- Recloser: Automatic device that interrupts faults in the distribution system.
- Riser: Conductor leading from underground to overhead lines, sometimes including a pothead.
- Secondary Voltage: Electric service under 2,000 volts, primarily for residential and commercial customers.
- Sectionalize: Opening switches or fuses to isolate the cause of a power outage, minimizing impact on other customers.
- Stopcock Valve: Quarter-turn valve to restrict or isolate liquid or gas flow in a pipe.
- Substation: Facility with transformers and circuit breakers to reduce voltage and protect circuits.
- Sustained Outage: Electrical outage exceeding two minutes.
- Switch: Device for making, breaking, or altering connections within an electric circuit.
- Switching: Opening and closing switches to detach an area from electricity flow.
- Time Weighted Average (TWA): Average exposure to a condition over time (e.g., 8-hour workday) without harmful effects.
Overview of Utility Emergencies
- Utility emergencies encompass a wide spectrum from minor gas leaks to large-scale incidents needing extensive management.
- Requires either single or multiple agency responses for effective resolution.
- Emphasizes the need for utility company coordination for expert mitigation.
- Manual aids decision-making for company officers until further resources arrive.
Safety Guidelines
- Immediate contact with utility companies is crucial for managing gas leaks or electrical issues.
- Ensure standard operating guidelines are understood and adhered to by fire departments during gas leaks.
- Gas monitoring equipment must be properly maintained, with personnel trained in its usage.
- Establish ventilation techniques post-ignition source mitigation.
- Create rapid intervention teams and control zones when facing explosion risks.
Virginia Utility Marking Standards
- Approved APWA color codes are used to mark underground utilities to prevent damage and accidents.
- Surface marks, vertical markers, and offset markings indicate utility locations and routes.
- Utility markers must be clearly labeled with the operating company’s identification and width of the facility.
- Fire departments should avoid operating street box or manhole valves; only utility personnel can perform this task.
- Familiarization with residential gas meters and curb boxes is essential for firefighters.
Gas Service Management
- The regulator steps down street pressure for gas, typically to ½ to ¼ psi for appliances.
- Inaccessible gas shut-offs should be handled at the curb box by trained personnel.
- Identifying curb boxes involves searching for yellow lines and utility discs embedded in asphalt.
- Safe gas service operation protocols are vital to preventing accidental increases in gas pressure leading to potential hazards.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on key electrical engineering terms and concepts. This quiz covers definitions related to power distribution, outages, and equipment. Ideal for students and professionals in the electrical field.
