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Questions and Answers
What is the minimum water supply flow rate recommended for a unit during an incident response?
What is the minimum water supply flow rate recommended for a unit during an incident response?
Who should ideally be responsible for establishing a water supply group during an incident?
Who should ideally be responsible for establishing a water supply group during an incident?
In non-fixed facilities, who needs to understand the area water supplies?
In non-fixed facilities, who needs to understand the area water supplies?
What should be included in the CAD system for effective emergency response?
What should be included in the CAD system for effective emergency response?
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Why is early activation of a tanker task force recommended?
Why is early activation of a tanker task force recommended?
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What is a critical factor when developing a water supply plan during an incident?
What is a critical factor when developing a water supply plan during an incident?
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During what type of incidents should water supply take a higher priority?
During what type of incidents should water supply take a higher priority?
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What defines a small spill in emergency response classification?
What defines a small spill in emergency response classification?
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Which of the following features is designed to protect against environmental contamination in large tanks?
Which of the following features is designed to protect against environmental contamination in large tanks?
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What is the function of the Eye Brow Vent on a fixed roof tank?
What is the function of the Eye Brow Vent on a fixed roof tank?
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What constitutes a large spill incident?
What constitutes a large spill incident?
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Which tank construction feature includes a roof that floats on the liquid's surface?
Which tank construction feature includes a roof that floats on the liquid's surface?
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What type of tank is typically oriented horizontally and has a smaller capacity?
What type of tank is typically oriented horizontally and has a smaller capacity?
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Which system uses electrical current to protect against corrosion in tank construction?
Which system uses electrical current to protect against corrosion in tank construction?
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What is the purpose of leak detection equipment in double-walled tanks?
What is the purpose of leak detection equipment in double-walled tanks?
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What is a characteristic of hydrocarbons?
What is a characteristic of hydrocarbons?
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What role does a battalion chief have in the Foam Task Force response?
What role does a battalion chief have in the Foam Task Force response?
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How does an offensive attack mode differ from a defensive attack mode in emergency response?
How does an offensive attack mode differ from a defensive attack mode in emergency response?
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Which scenario would most likely lead to an uncontrolled leak?
Which scenario would most likely lead to an uncontrolled leak?
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What is the primary function of a loading rack in a fixed facility?
What is the primary function of a loading rack in a fixed facility?
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Which of the following best describes 'hydrophilic' substances?
Which of the following best describes 'hydrophilic' substances?
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Which classification of spill would require a more cautious approach in response?
Which classification of spill would require a more cautious approach in response?
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What indicator suggests a need to shift operating modes during an incident?
What indicator suggests a need to shift operating modes during an incident?
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What is the primary purpose of vapor recovery systems in fixed facilities?
What is the primary purpose of vapor recovery systems in fixed facilities?
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What significant risk is associated with a weak roof to shell seam in a tank?
What significant risk is associated with a weak roof to shell seam in a tank?
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Which characteristic defines substances with a vapor density greater than 1.0?
Which characteristic defines substances with a vapor density greater than 1.0?
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What is the classification of a spill that requires a cautious approach in emergency response?
What is the classification of a spill that requires a cautious approach in emergency response?
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Which feature of tank construction helps to prevent environmental contamination?
Which feature of tank construction helps to prevent environmental contamination?
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What is the primary purpose of establishing an isolated holding area during an emergency response?
What is the primary purpose of establishing an isolated holding area during an emergency response?
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Which method is recommended for assessing the situation before sending a response team into a hazardous area?
Which method is recommended for assessing the situation before sending a response team into a hazardous area?
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What characteristic typically defines a flammable liquid incident in terms of spill classification?
What characteristic typically defines a flammable liquid incident in terms of spill classification?
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Which feature is characteristic of tank construction that minimizes environmental contamination events?
Which feature is characteristic of tank construction that minimizes environmental contamination events?
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What is a critical consideration for maintaining pipeline safety in relation to flammable liquid transport?
What is a critical consideration for maintaining pipeline safety in relation to flammable liquid transport?
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What is the primary characteristic of petroleum distillates?
What is the primary characteristic of petroleum distillates?
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Which situation best describes a contained spill?
Which situation best describes a contained spill?
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What does the non-intervention mode allow responders to do?
What does the non-intervention mode allow responders to do?
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What is a key feature of a pipeline manifold?
What is a key feature of a pipeline manifold?
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Which substance is classified as a polar solvent?
Which substance is classified as a polar solvent?
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What best describes Reformulated Gasoline (RFG)?
What best describes Reformulated Gasoline (RFG)?
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What is a fundamental purpose of effective tank construction features?
What is a fundamental purpose of effective tank construction features?
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What types of incidents require a pump-and-roll unit in the NOVA region?
What types of incidents require a pump-and-roll unit in the NOVA region?
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What is the primary goal of the defensive attack mode in emergency response?
What is the primary goal of the defensive attack mode in emergency response?
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In which scenario is the non-intervention mode particularly considered?
In which scenario is the non-intervention mode particularly considered?
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What should the first engine company do during the initial size-up?
What should the first engine company do during the initial size-up?
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Which operating mode involves taking no immediate action until risks are reduced?
Which operating mode involves taking no immediate action until risks are reduced?
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What is one of the first actions of the first engine company upon arrival at an incident?
What is one of the first actions of the first engine company upon arrival at an incident?
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What is a characteristic of the offensive attack mode in emergency response?
What is a characteristic of the offensive attack mode in emergency response?
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Which of the following should the first engine company confirm upon arrival?
Which of the following should the first engine company confirm upon arrival?
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What is the intent of the defensive attack mode regarding the risk involved?
What is the intent of the defensive attack mode regarding the risk involved?
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What is the primary purpose of the non-intervention mode in emergency response?
What is the primary purpose of the non-intervention mode in emergency response?
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Which of the following best describes a polar solvent?
Which of the following best describes a polar solvent?
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Which substance typically reacts more like a polar solvent when it contains over 10% oxygenate additives?
Which substance typically reacts more like a polar solvent when it contains over 10% oxygenate additives?
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What should the reconnaissance team prioritize during their assessment of a hazardous area?
What should the reconnaissance team prioritize during their assessment of a hazardous area?
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What defines a contained spill in emergency response?
What defines a contained spill in emergency response?
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What equipment is NOT typically included for reconnaissance teams in hazardous areas?
What equipment is NOT typically included for reconnaissance teams in hazardous areas?
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What is a characteristic of a pump-and-roll unit used in the NOVA region?
What is a characteristic of a pump-and-roll unit used in the NOVA region?
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What is the primary responsibility of the first-arriving battalion chief after assuming command?
What is the primary responsibility of the first-arriving battalion chief after assuming command?
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Which piece of information is essential in the reconnaissance report regarding a spill or leak?
Which piece of information is essential in the reconnaissance report regarding a spill or leak?
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Which of the following liquids is classified as a petroleum distillate?
Which of the following liquids is classified as a petroleum distillate?
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What is the primary role of a pipeline manifold?
What is the primary role of a pipeline manifold?
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What principle ensures that two team members are always present during reconnaissance?
What principle ensures that two team members are always present during reconnaissance?
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What information should be determined about a spill when conducting reconnaissance?
What information should be determined about a spill when conducting reconnaissance?
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What distinguishes Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) from traditional gasoline?
What distinguishes Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) from traditional gasoline?
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What is a critical factor for the reconnaissance team to assess regarding the state of the incident area?
What is a critical factor for the reconnaissance team to assess regarding the state of the incident area?
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What resource should be referred to for understanding the product type in a hazardous situation?
What resource should be referred to for understanding the product type in a hazardous situation?
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What should be prioritized during a flammable liquids emergency incident?
What should be prioritized during a flammable liquids emergency incident?
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What type of resources should be ensured to be enroute during an incident response?
What type of resources should be ensured to be enroute during an incident response?
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What is essential for ensuring effective operations during an emergency?
What is essential for ensuring effective operations during an emergency?
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Which water supply system is primarily used for flammable liquids emergencies at fixed facilities?
Which water supply system is primarily used for flammable liquids emergencies at fixed facilities?
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Which component is important to identify for operational effectiveness during emergencies?
Which component is important to identify for operational effectiveness during emergencies?
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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!
