Emergency Response Guide Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the minimum water supply flow rate recommended for a unit during an incident response?

750 GPM

1250 GPM

1000 GPM (correct)

500 GPM

Who should ideally be responsible for establishing a water supply group during an incident?

Any available firefighter

Incident Commander only

Third due engine officer or second due battalion chief (correct)

First due engine officer

In non-fixed facilities, who needs to understand the area water supplies?

The dispatch team

Only the firefighters on scene

Only the incident commander

The first engine officer and the IC (correct)

What should be included in the CAD system for effective emergency response?

Location of relevant water supplies Signup and view all the answers

Why is early activation of a tanker task force recommended?

To provide sufficient water faster for quick knockdown or life safety Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor when developing a water supply plan during an incident?

Potential exposures in the final calculations Signup and view all the answers

During what type of incidents should water supply take a higher priority?

Limited-access highways or rural areas Signup and view all the answers

What defines a small spill in emergency response classification?

A spill of approximately 55 gallons or less Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features is designed to protect against environmental contamination in large tanks?

Double Bottom Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Eye Brow Vent on a fixed roof tank?

To protect vent ports from weather Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a large spill incident?

A spill of more than 55 gallons Signup and view all the answers

Which tank construction feature includes a roof that floats on the liquid's surface?

Covered Floating Roof Signup and view all the answers

What type of tank is typically oriented horizontally and has a smaller capacity?

Horizontal Tank Signup and view all the answers

Which system uses electrical current to protect against corrosion in tank construction?

Cathodic Protection System Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of leak detection equipment in double-walled tanks?

To detect leaks between tank walls Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of hydrocarbons?

They can be derived from either crude oil or vegetable fibers. Signup and view all the answers

What role does a battalion chief have in the Foam Task Force response?

To coordinate the overall response efforts and decision making. Signup and view all the answers

How does an offensive attack mode differ from a defensive attack mode in emergency response?

Offensive attack mode is used for aggressive spill and fire control objectives. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario would most likely lead to an uncontrolled leak?

A crack develops in a pipeline due to external pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a loading rack in a fixed facility?

To load tank vehicles with product for delivery. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'hydrophilic' substances?

Substances that have a strong affinity for water. Signup and view all the answers

Which classification of spill would require a more cautious approach in response?

Uncontrolled leak. Signup and view all the answers

What indicator suggests a need to shift operating modes during an incident?

Change in environmental conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of vapor recovery systems in fixed facilities?

To convert vapors back to a liquid state Signup and view all the answers

What significant risk is associated with a weak roof to shell seam in a tank?

Potential for the roof to blow away during an explosion Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic defines substances with a vapor density greater than 1.0?

They are heavier than air Signup and view all the answers

What is the classification of a spill that requires a cautious approach in emergency response?

Large spill Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of tank construction helps to prevent environmental contamination?

Floating roof design Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of establishing an isolated holding area during an emergency response?

To separate contaminated personnel from safe individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which method is recommended for assessing the situation before sending a response team into a hazardous area?

Dispatching a reconnaissance team in appropriate PPE Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic typically defines a flammable liquid incident in terms of spill classification?

A spill that poses significant risk of ignition Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is characteristic of tank construction that minimizes environmental contamination events?

Double-walled tanks designed for leak detection Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical consideration for maintaining pipeline safety in relation to flammable liquid transport?

Leak detection systems to identify issues promptly Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of petroleum distillates?

They are flammable liquids that include kerosene. Signup and view all the answers

Which situation best describes a contained spill?

Spilled product is outside its primary containment but restricted to a defined area. Signup and view all the answers

What does the non-intervention mode allow responders to do?

Wait while gathering resources for a possible offensive strategy. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of a pipeline manifold?

It includes control valves for directing product flow. Signup and view all the answers

Which substance is classified as a polar solvent?

Alcohols and acetones that mix well with water. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes Reformulated Gasoline (RFG)?

It includes oxygenates such as ether or ethanol to reduce emissions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a fundamental purpose of effective tank construction features?

To contain spills and prevent environmental contamination. Signup and view all the answers

What types of incidents require a pump-and-roll unit in the NOVA region?

Flammable liquid incidents needing rapid response. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the defensive attack mode in emergency response?

To limit the spread of the problem. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is the non-intervention mode particularly considered?

Ethanol fires. Signup and view all the answers

What should the first engine company do during the initial size-up?

Perform the initial size-up and identify any obvious life hazards. Signup and view all the answers

Which operating mode involves taking no immediate action until risks are reduced?

Non-intervention mode Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the first actions of the first engine company upon arrival at an incident?

Initiate hazard protection for life safety. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the offensive attack mode in emergency response?

Involves significant risk due to quick execution. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should the first engine company confirm upon arrival?

The staging area and initial assignments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the intent of the defensive attack mode regarding the risk involved?

To balance risk with achievable outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the non-intervention mode in emergency response?

To isolate the area until risks are reduced Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a polar solvent?

Flammable liquid that mixes readily with water Signup and view all the answers

Which substance typically reacts more like a polar solvent when it contains over 10% oxygenate additives?

Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) Signup and view all the answers

What should the reconnaissance team prioritize during their assessment of a hazardous area?

Determining potential ignition sources Signup and view all the answers

What defines a contained spill in emergency response?

Spill located within a defined area with minimal risk of further spread Signup and view all the answers

What equipment is NOT typically included for reconnaissance teams in hazardous areas?

Fire extinguishers Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a pump-and-roll unit used in the NOVA region?

It is designed specifically for flammable liquid incidents Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the first-arriving battalion chief after assuming command?

Perform a risk assessment for personnel Signup and view all the answers

Which piece of information is essential in the reconnaissance report regarding a spill or leak?

The flow rate of the leak Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following liquids is classified as a petroleum distillate?

Kerosene Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a pipeline manifold?

To deliver product from the pipeline to storage tanks using control valves Signup and view all the answers

What principle ensures that two team members are always present during reconnaissance?

Two-in/two-out rule Signup and view all the answers

What information should be determined about a spill when conducting reconnaissance?

How much has been spilled Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) from traditional gasoline?

RFG includes oxygenates to lower emissions Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor for the reconnaissance team to assess regarding the state of the incident area?

The security from unauthorized entry Signup and view all the answers

What resource should be referred to for understanding the product type in a hazardous situation?

Emergency Response Guidebook Signup and view all the answers

What should be prioritized during a flammable liquids emergency incident?

Water supply considerations Signup and view all the answers

What type of resources should be ensured to be enroute during an incident response?

Portable folding tanks for foam filling Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for ensuring effective operations during an emergency?

The establishment of an operating mode for the incident Signup and view all the answers

Which water supply system is primarily used for flammable liquids emergencies at fixed facilities?

Municipal and commercial water supplies Signup and view all the answers

Which component is important to identify for operational effectiveness during emergencies?

Specialty extinguishing devices and their instructions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Spill Classifications

Small Spill: Occurs from a container/package of 55 gallons or less, or a leak from a larger container with minimal flow. Includes passenger vehicles with leaking tanks.
Large Spill: Exceeds 55 gallons or involves multiple containers/spills. Includes incidents related to pipelines, tank farms, and tanker trucks/rail cars.

Tank Construction Features

Cathodic Protection: Corrosion protection system utilizing a small electrical current.
Cone Roof: Large tank with fixed steel roof and exposed product surface.
Covered Floating Roof: Tank with an external steel roof and an internal floating roof which manages structural integrity.
Double Bottom: Feature of large tanks designed to prevent environmental contamination; incorporates leak detection equipment.
Foam Dam: Fire protection feature limiting foam application to the rim area of floating roofs.
Eye Brow Vent: Hooded metal structure that provides weather protection for vent ports in fixed roof tanks.
Geodesic Dome Roof: Lightweight roof design aimed at structural efficiency.
Horizontal Tank: Aboveground tank typically under 30,000 gallons, oriented horizontally. Must provide secondary containment for single wall tanks.

Planning and Water Supply

Maintain a copy of emergency response preplan at a known location on-site for easy access during emergencies.
Emergency incidents in non-fixed facilities require first engine officers to know area water supplies, including municipal systems and large mains.
Water supply must flow at least 1,000 GPM for effective emergency response; needs to account for possible exposures.
Establish a water supply group or officer early in the incident response, typically assigned to the third due engine officer or second due battalion chief.

Resource Availability

Large-diameter hose (LDH) trailers can provide essential resources; examples include:
- Dulles International Airport: 3,000 feet of 7-inch LDH.
- City of Fairfax: 900 feet of 5-inch LDH on foam nozzle trailer, 1,000 feet on foam pump trailer.

Incident Management

Prioritize water supply during incidents on limited-access highways or rural areas, utilizing strategies from specialized firefighting manuals.
Early activation of a tanker task force recommended for effective initial response and resource management.

Emergency Response Modes

Foam Task Force: A coordinated response involving two AR foam units, one pump-and-roll unit, two engines, one battalion chief, and hazardous materials asset if not already dispatched.
Offensive Attack Mode: Aggressive response strategy committing resources for rapid leak/spill/fire control, justified when quick rescues or containment can be achieved.
Defensive Attack Mode: Less aggressive tactics aimed at limiting spread or mitigating hazards; used where risks of offensive action outweigh benefits.

Key Terminology

Hydrocarbon: Organic compounds found in petroleum products, primarily hydrogen and carbon; examples include gasoline and diesel.
Hydrophilic: A substance with a strong affinity for water.
Leak: Release of material from containment; can be classified as controlled (stopped) or uncontrolled (actively flowing).
Loading Rack: Designated area for loading tank vehicles with product for delivery outside a facility.
Operating Modes: Indicate current operational strategies; require understanding among personnel to adapt as conditions change.

Non-Intervention Mode

Involves taking no immediate action except isolating the area until risks are manageable.
Allows transition between offensive and defensive strategies during operations.
Can be employed while preparing resources for an offensive attack.

Petroleum Distillate

Includes combustible liquids like diesel fuel, heating oil, and jet fuel.

Pipeline Information

Categorized as a DOT-regulated carrier transporting petroleum products.
Northern Virginia is serviced by Colonial Pipeline and Plantation Pipeline, predominantly underground.

Pipeline Manifold (Fixed Facility)

Comprises piping with control valves to deliver product to storage tanks.

Polar Solvent

Recognized as flammable liquids that easily mix with water, examples include alcohols and ketones.

Product Definition

A generic term encompassing all petroleum fuels.

Product Pumps (Fixed Facility)

Positioned within secondary containment, these pumps are responsible for product delivery.

Pump-and-Roll Unit

A specialized unit designed for flammable liquid incidents, often equipped with AFFF or AR-AFFF foam.
Commonly located at airports.

Reformulated Gasoline (RFG)

Has modified composition to reduce automotive emissions.
Contains fewer volatile compounds and benzene, incorporating oxygenates like ether or ethanol.
RFG with over 10% oxygenates should be treated as a polar solvent.

Spill Management

Defined as product released outside primary containment due to a leak.
Two classifications: contained spills (limited spread within defined areas) and uncontained spills.

Patient Triage Protocol

Isolation of contaminated personnel or victims is crucial.
Must evaluate patients, vehicles, and potential other issues.
Assign units for triage; reconnaissance teams may need to assess incidents using PPE and appropriate equipment.

Rail Incident Resources

Rail car incidents require resources akin to those needed for large spills, particularly focusing on rail tank cars carrying flammable liquids.

Open Floating Roof

Describes a large tank design that features a roof floating on the liquid surface.

Weak Roof to Shell Seam

Refers to a less sturdy weld that increases the risk of roof failure in an explosion, exposing tank contents.

Vapor Recovery/Combustor Systems (Fixed Facility)

Systems aimed at recovering or combusting petroleum vapors for environmental protection.
Vapors collected at delivery points are returned to storage facilities.

Vapor Density

The measurement of vapor weight relative to dry air; lighter vapors have a density less than 1.0 and heavier vapors have a density greater than 1.0.

Specific Gravity

A comparison of a liquid's density to that of water, important in understanding liquid behavior.

General Considerations for Class B Fuels

Fires involving petroleum products and chemicals present significant challenges for firefighting.
Northern Virginia has a high potential for such events, necessitating adequate resources for response.
The chapter outlines considerations for petrochemical incidents, with common event types discussed in detail elsewhere.

Non-Intervention Mode

Involves isolating an area without immediate action until intervention risks are reduced.
Allows operations to shift between offensive and defensive strategies.
Used when gathering resources for an offensive attack.

Petroleum Distillate

Includes combustible liquids such as diesel fuel, heating oil, and jet fuel.

Pipeline Operations

Two main petroleum pipeline companies serve Northern Virginia: Colonial Pipeline and Plantation Pipeline.
Pipelines are primarily underground and regulated by the DOT.
A pipeline manifold is a fixed facility that manages the flow from pipelines to storage tanks.

Polar Solvent Characteristics

Flammable liquids that dissolve easily in water, including alcohols, ketones, and lacquers.

Spill Definitions

A spill occurs when product leaks outside primary containment.
Spills can be categorized as contained (within a defined area) or uncontained.

Defensive Attack Mode

Utilizes available resources to limit problem size or spread.
Employed when the risks of offensive action outweigh potential benefits.

Initial Engine Company Actions

Perform an initial size-up to identify life hazards and any visible indicators like smoke or leaks.
Implement hazard protection and initiate rescue measures if necessary.
Gather information from facility representatives about the situation on arrival.
Must comply with the “two-in/two-out” rule to ensure safety during reconnaissance.

Reconnaissance Report

Should address key questions about life hazards, product type, leak status, spill size, containment, and potential ignitions.

Battalion Chief Responsibilities

Obtain situational reports and assume command from the initial Incident Commander (IC).
Conduct a risk assessment focusing on life safety and potential civilian exposures.
Determine the need for additional alarms and develop an ongoing operation plan.

Water Supply Considerations

High priority for flammable liquid incidents; must determine water volume requirements early.
Preplanned water supply information should be readily available for on-site facilities.
The water supply plan should accommodate at least 1000 GPM for effective firefighting.

Specialty Resources

Fire pumps, foam systems, and remote distribution systems must be identified.
Large-diameter hose trailers available for enhanced water supply, notably at Dulles International Airport and City of Fairfax.

Tactical Adjustments in Specific Areas

In rural or limited-access highway incidents, prioritize water supply strategies.
Early tanker task force activation is recommended for quicker response to emergencies.

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Description

Test your understanding of the Emergency Response Guide concerning small and large spills. This quiz covers definitions, appropriate responses, and the distinctions between spill sizes. Enhance your knowledge of safety protocols for hazardous material spills!