9.4 Inert Gases

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary effect of high concentrations of carbon dioxide on humans?

Enhanced oxygenation

Improved cognitive function

Increased heart rate

Dizziness and asphyxiation (correct)

Which property of nitrogen makes it behave differently from carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

Nitrogen is heavier than air.

Nitrogen has a higher molecular weight than carbon dioxide.

Nitrogen is slightly lighter than air. (correct)

Nitrogen is non-flammable.

Which of the following is a potential hazard when dealing with dry ice?

Chemical burns from exposure

Inhalation of toxic fumes

Explosive reactions when heated

Frostbite type burns (correct)

What does the term 'physiologically inert' mean in relation to certain gases?

They do not have significant effects on the heart or hemoglobin. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main danger posed by nitrogen in emergency situations?

Asphyxiation from lack of oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What is the IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) level for carbon dioxide?

40,000 ppm Signup and view all the answers

In what state is carbon dioxide found naturally on Earth?

Gas form only Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of both carbon dioxide and nitrogen regarding their sensory qualities?

They are colorless and odorless. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended evacuation distance for a spill or leak area?

100 meters Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored to identify the presence of inert gases when low O2 levels are encountered?

Oxygen levels Signup and view all the answers

When should ventilation occur in the event of a leak?

After the source of the leak is identified and controlled Signup and view all the answers

What is the risk associated with CO2 gases during a spill?

They collect in low or confined areas Signup and view all the answers

What equipment must be used when O2 levels drop below 19.5% while metering?

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that equipment may be leaking in inert gas systems?

Formation of ice or frost on valves and piping Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the source of a leak cannot be quickly secured?

Monitor from cold to hot areas to help isolate the source Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended for ventilation once the source of a leak has been controlled?

Over ventilation Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum percentage of oxygen required to avoid SCBA use in a given atmosphere?

19.5% Signup and view all the answers

What must be done after ventilation is completed in an oxygen deficient area?

Re-monitor all areas of the structure Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario is there a need for large HAZMAT organizations during inert gas incidents?

When hazardous effects spread to multiple individuals Signup and view all the answers

What is the common method used in helium suicides referred to?

Exit Bag Suicide Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of inhaling inert gases like helium or nitrogen during suicide attempts?

Progressive drowsiness without panic Signup and view all the answers

Which personnel groups are primarily required to conduct IDLH operations involving inert gases?

Standard OSHA groups Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action when personnel suspect suicidal behaviors regarding an inert gas?

Use extreme caution and assess the situation Signup and view all the answers

What is not required for inert gas-only incidents?

Decontamination procedures Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary danger of high concentrations of inert gases?

Dizziness or asphyxiation without warning Signup and view all the answers

Which inert gas is identified as the most threatening due to its behavior in non-ventilated areas?

Carbon Dioxide Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of helium makes it pose little threat to the public?

It is much lighter than air Signup and view all the answers

What is commonly true about the monitoring of CO2 and nitrogen in residential areas?

Residential alarm systems typically do not monitor these gases Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible consequence of contact with escaping gas or liquefied gas?

Frostbite or severe injury Signup and view all the answers

What is the ID number for Carbon Dioxide as per the 2020 ERG Guide?

1013/2187 Signup and view all the answers

Which inert gas is most commonly associated with intentional injuries or deaths?

Helium Signup and view all the answers

In the context of inert gases, why is size-up crucial for first responders?

To determine the presence of inert gas systems Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Inert Gases Emergencies

This SOP covers emergencies involving compressed, non-flammable, physiologically inert gases posing asphyxiation risk.
Physiologically inert gases lack toxic or anesthetic properties, acting as simple diluents displacing oxygen.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2):
- Non-flammable, colorless, odorless, heavier than air.
- IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health): 40,000 ppm.
- High concentrations cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning.
- Dry ice (frozen CO2) causes frostbite with direct skin contact.
- Greatest threat: death due to asphyxiation.
Nitrogen (NFPA 704):
- Health: 3, Flammability: 0, Instability: 0.
- Non-flammable, colorless, odorless, slightly lighter than air.
- Used in food processing, refrigeration, purging air conditioning, and tire pressurization.
- IDLH: displacing oxygen (air contains 78% Nitrogen).
- High concentrations cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning.
- Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along the ground.
- Contact with escaping gas or liquefied gas causes burns, severe injury, and frostbite.
- Greatest threat: death due to asphyxiation.
Helium (NFPA 704):
- Health: 1, Flammability: 0, Instability: 0, Special: None.
- Much lighter than air, dissipates rapidly, posing little threat to public or responders.
- Most injuries/deaths caused by intentional misuse (suicide) or accidental misuse.
Responding to Inert Gas Incidents:
- Most incidents reported as EMS calls for ill/unconscious patients unaware of inert gas exposure.
- Residential alarms typically don't monitor for CO2 or Nitrogen.
- Commercial facilities using these gases often have CO2/Nitrogen monitors or O2 alarms.
- Size-up:
  - Identify occupancy types containing inert gas systems (e.g., food processing, refrigeration).
  - Conduct general ill-person EMS size-up and check for low oxygen/CO2/Nitrogen alarms.
- ERG Guides:
  - Carbon Dioxide (Guide 120, ID 1013/2187): Heavier than air, pools in low areas, posing the most threat.
  - Nitrogen & Helium (Guide 120, ID 1046/1066): Similar evacuation distances and control measures, but CO2 has higher freezing risk.
- Control Methods:
  - Prioritize locating and shutting off the source.
  - Beware of cryogenic issues (icing/frost on valves).
  - If source is not obvious, monitor from cold to hot areas to isolate it.
  - Ventilation should be delayed until source is controlled, unless life safety is in immediate danger.
  - Over-ventilation is recommended once source is controlled, as CO2 can spread and displace oxygen in low areas.
  - SCBA should be worn in any atmosphere below 19.5% oxygen or potentially oxygen deficient.
- Organization:
  - Small incidents don't require large HAZMAT organizations.
  - Low oxygen levels necessitate standard OSHA groups for IDLH operations (Research/Recon, Entry, Back-up).
  - Large incidents may require expanded command structure with EMS and/or HAZMAT branches.
- Suicide using Inert Gases:
  - "Exit bag suicide" uses a plastic bag, tube connected to a compressed gas cylinder, and inert gas (Helium or Nitrogen).
  - Unconsciousness occurs in 2-3 breaths, death in 6-10 minutes.
  - Poses little threat to response personnel.
  - Extreme caution advised for confined areas with potential for low oxygen.
- Decontamination: Not required for inert gas only issues. ###

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Description

This quiz covers emergency protocols related to non-flammable, physiologically inert gases like Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen. It discusses the asphyxiation risks and safety measures required to handle these gases effectively. Prepare for questions regarding their properties, IDLH levels, and potential hazards.