Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of monitoring the atmosphere for hydrogen cyanide at structure fires?
What is a common symptom of hydrogen cyanide exposure?
Why is SCBA use vital for responder protection at structure fires?
What type of fires typically generate a high level of hydrogen cyanide, but have a lower risk to responders?
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When is it safe to discontinue SCBA use at a structure fire?
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What is a key factor in determining the presence of hydrogen cyanide at a structure fire?
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What is the significance of hydrogen cyanide in the context of structure fires?
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What is the primary goal of the Hoffman Estates Fire Department's policy on hydrogen cyanide monitoring?
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What is the condition for discontinuing SCBA use?
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When is atmospheric monitoring warranted in a structure fire?
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What should be communicated to the Incident Commander after finding personnel operating without SCBA?
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What is the action level for HCN in order to operate without SCBA?
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Why is the action level for HCN lower than CO?
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What type of fire does not warrant atmospheric monitoring?
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What is the consequence for personnel who were operating in an environment with HCN readings above 10 ppm for more than 15 minutes?
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What is the purpose of using an HCN meter?
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What is the STEL as defined by NIOSH for a workday?
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What is the IDLH for HCN?
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What is the action level for carbon monoxide?
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What should personnel do to their PPE after operating in a structure?
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What should be done if a meter registers 'out of range' on the LED display?
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What is the fatal concentration of hydrogen cyanide after 30 minutes?
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What are the acute exposure symptoms of hydrogen cyanide?
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How often should hydrogen cyanide meters be calibrated?
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What immediate action should be taken if personnel show severe health effects after exposure to an IDLH atmosphere?
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What does the presence of cyanosis in a patient indicate?
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How quickly does unconsciousness usually occur after significant cyanide exposure?
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What is the relevance of hydrogen cyanide's half-life in medical treatment?
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Why should hospitals be informed of a firefighter's exposure to hydrogen cyanide?
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What is a likely outcome after large amounts of cyanide are absorbed by a person?
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If test results for hydrogen cyanide levels in the blood are delayed, what should still be done?
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What should be prioritized when developing policies in conflict with existing guidelines regarding hydrogen cyanide?
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Study Notes
Hydrogen Cyanide Monitoring
- The Hoffman Estates Fire Department has established a guideline for monitoring the atmosphere for hydrogen cyanide at structure fires or other incidents where it may be present.
Purpose and Policy
- The purpose of the policy is to ensure the safety of responders by monitoring the atmosphere for hydrogen cyanide, a deadly gas present at nearly every structure fire.
- It is the policy of the Hoffman Estates Fire Department to monitor the atmosphere for hydrogen cyanide at structure fires or other incidents where it may be present.
Properties of Hydrogen Cyanide
- Hydrogen cyanide is a colorless gas or bluish-white liquid with a bitter almond odor.
- It is lighter than air and will rise in the heated atmosphere of a structure fire.
- The air odor threshold concentration for hydrogen cyanide is 0.58 ppm.
Safety and Personal Protective Equipment
- Safety of responders is the first priority; therefore, SCBA use is required until a safe atmosphere can be determined.
- Hydrogen cyanide exposure may be difficult to determine, and its symptoms are similar to that of carbon monoxide exposure.
- SCBA is the best preventive measure for HCN exposure, as inhalation is the primary route of entry for exposure.
- Structural turnout gear helps protect personnel from absorbing HCN through the skin, which is a secondary route of exposure.
Monitoring for Hydrogen Cyanide
- All structure fires shall be monitored utilizing one of the approved HCN meters.
- Meters will be stored on Tower 22.
- SCBA use shall not be discontinued until the atmosphere can be monitored and deemed safe.
- The following conditions warrant atmospheric monitoring: when SCBA has been used during a working structure fire, ventilation is complete, and the removal of SCBA is requested, and vehicle fires within a structure or in a parking garage.
Action Levels
- Hydrogen cyanide is thirty-five times more dangerous than carbon monoxide.
- The action level for HCN is 4.7 ppm, which is the NIOSH recommended airborne exposure limit (REL).
- STEL (Short-Term Exposure Limit) as defined by NIOSH is a 15-minute TWA (Time-Weighted Average) exposure that should not be exceeded at any time during a workday.
- IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) for HCN is 50 ppm.
Decontamination
- Personnel should practice good personal hygiene by washing hands prior to drinking and eating in rehab.
- A random selection of personnel known to have operated in the structure should have their PPE scanned with the hydrogen cyanide monitor.
- If turnout gear has a reading higher than 4.7 ppm, a hose line is to be used to rinse off the gear.
Reporting
- Anytime personnel are operating outside the safe range (above 4.7 ppm) without SCBA, annotation is to be made in the Firehouse (NFIRS) report.
Calibration
- Meters shall be calibrated every 90 days (per manufacturer recommendations).
- If meters are exposed to a high concentration and register “out of range” on the LED display, the meter will need calibration.
Exposure to Hydrogen Cyanide
- Hydrogen cyanide can cause rapid death due to metabolic asphyxiation.
- Acute exposure symptoms include weakness, headache, confusion, vertigo, fatigue, anxiety, dyspnea, and occasionally nausea and vomiting.
- If personnel are found to have been operating in IDLH atmospheres or experiencing severe health effects, it is strongly recommended they be transported for advanced medical evaluation.
- HCN has a half-life of one hour, and it is imperative that exposed personnel be given immediate medical attention to include blood work and testing for HCN levels in the blood.
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Description
This quiz covers the Hoffman Estates Fire Department's guidelines for monitoring hydrogen cyanide at structure fires to ensure responder safety. Learn about the policy and procedures for detecting this deadly gas.
