Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the first action the Incident Commander should take upon arrival at an LPG/NG leak scene?
What is the first action the Incident Commander should take upon arrival at an LPG/NG leak scene?
- Request the Fire Investigator immediately.
- Perform a Benchmarks communication.
- Complete a Primary Search.
- Assign an Incident Safety Officer. (correct)
Which cutting tool is deemed inappropriate for use on a polypropylene pipe due to safety concerns?
Which cutting tool is deemed inappropriate for use on a polypropylene pipe due to safety concerns?
- A hacksaw. (correct)
- An angle grinder.
- A rotary saw.
- A PVC pipe cutter.
What is the threshold for Drager X-am 2500 4-Gas monitor readings to determine if natural ventilation is still necessary?
What is the threshold for Drager X-am 2500 4-Gas monitor readings to determine if natural ventilation is still necessary?
- 5% LEL.
- 2% LEL. (correct)
- 10% LEL.
- 1% LEL.
Which of the following actions is NOT a defensive measure for the Special Operations team during an LPG/NG incident?
Which of the following actions is NOT a defensive measure for the Special Operations team during an LPG/NG incident?
What documentation is specifically required to be logged according to Incident Reporting protocol after an LPG/NG incident?
What documentation is specifically required to be logged according to Incident Reporting protocol after an LPG/NG incident?
What is the primary purpose of the established SOG regarding Liquefied Petroleum and Natural Gas?
What is the primary purpose of the established SOG regarding Liquefied Petroleum and Natural Gas?
How does Natural Gas behave in an enclosed space such as a room?
How does Natural Gas behave in an enclosed space such as a room?
What characteristic indicates that Natural Gas is being supplied in an area?
What characteristic indicates that Natural Gas is being supplied in an area?
What range does the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) of Natural Gas typically fall within?
What range does the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) of Natural Gas typically fall within?
Why is mercaptan added to Natural Gas?
Why is mercaptan added to Natural Gas?
What is a significant safety concern related to the characteristics of LPG/NG as outlined in the SOG?
What is a significant safety concern related to the characteristics of LPG/NG as outlined in the SOG?
What is the correct way to use a Drager X-am 2500 4-Gas monitor when assessing Natural Gas?
What is the correct way to use a Drager X-am 2500 4-Gas monitor when assessing Natural Gas?
What size range can underground piping for Natural Gas be?
What size range can underground piping for Natural Gas be?
Based on the provided content, in what scenario would Special Operations be necessary to respond to an underground LPG leak in a residential area?
Based on the provided content, in what scenario would Special Operations be necessary to respond to an underground LPG leak in a residential area?
If a leak is detected, what is the initial action that the first-arriving unit should take, according to the provided content?
If a leak is detected, what is the initial action that the first-arriving unit should take, according to the provided content?
Based on the content, what is the appropriate action for cooling an aboveground LPG tank with flame impingement?
Based on the content, what is the appropriate action for cooling an aboveground LPG tank with flame impingement?
Upon arrival at an incident, what specific information should be gathered from witnesses according to the content?
Upon arrival at an incident, what specific information should be gathered from witnesses according to the content?
What is the main purpose of the Drager X-am 2500 4-Gas monitor in a LPG/NG leak incident, according to the provided content?
What is the main purpose of the Drager X-am 2500 4-Gas monitor in a LPG/NG leak incident, according to the provided content?
What is the minimum hose line requirement when cooling an aboveground LPG tank with flame impingement?
What is the minimum hose line requirement when cooling an aboveground LPG tank with flame impingement?
What specific precautionary action should be taken when working in an environment with a potential LPG/NG leak?
What specific precautionary action should be taken when working in an environment with a potential LPG/NG leak?
If a ½” polypropylene pipe is leaking, what actions should be taken to mitigate the leak, per the given content?
If a ½” polypropylene pipe is leaking, what actions should be taken to mitigate the leak, per the given content?
What is the general approach for responding to a confirmed LPG/NG leak?
What is the general approach for responding to a confirmed LPG/NG leak?
What is the purpose of the "Lockout/Tagout" procedure in an LPG/NG leak incident?
What is the purpose of the "Lockout/Tagout" procedure in an LPG/NG leak incident?
What are the primary characteristics of LPG that make it a unique hazard?
What are the primary characteristics of LPG that make it a unique hazard?
What is the primary reason for wearing bunker gear and SCBA when responding to a known or suspected LPG/NG leak?
What is the primary reason for wearing bunker gear and SCBA when responding to a known or suspected LPG/NG leak?
What is the primary safety concern when working in an environment with a potential LPG/NG leak?
What is the primary safety concern when working in an environment with a potential LPG/NG leak?
What is the minimum flow rate required for a hose line used to cool an aboveground LPG tank with flame impingement, if the tank is 1,000lbs or greater?
What is the minimum flow rate required for a hose line used to cool an aboveground LPG tank with flame impingement, if the tank is 1,000lbs or greater?
During a LPG/NG leak incident, what is the appropriate action if a pressure relief valve is activating on an aboveground LPG tank?
During a LPG/NG leak incident, what is the appropriate action if a pressure relief valve is activating on an aboveground LPG tank?
What is the primary reason for the addition of mercaptan to Natural Gas?
What is the primary reason for the addition of mercaptan to Natural Gas?
What action should be taken if a pressure relief valve is activating on an aboveground LPG tank?
What action should be taken if a pressure relief valve is activating on an aboveground LPG tank?
What is the primary characteristic of LPG that presents a unique hazard during leaks?
What is the primary characteristic of LPG that presents a unique hazard during leaks?
Which safety equipment is essential for responding to a known or suspected LPG/NG leak?
Which safety equipment is essential for responding to a known or suspected LPG/NG leak?
What should be the first step in managing a confirmed LPG/NG leak?
What should be the first step in managing a confirmed LPG/NG leak?
How does natural gas disperse in an open environment?
How does natural gas disperse in an open environment?
If natural gas is filling a room, where will it accumulate first?
If natural gas is filling a room, where will it accumulate first?
What is the primary reason mercaptan is added to natural gas?
What is the primary reason mercaptan is added to natural gas?
What is the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) range for natural gas?
What is the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) range for natural gas?
Which of the following statements is true regarding the addition of mercaptan to natural gas piping?
Which of the following statements is true regarding the addition of mercaptan to natural gas piping?
Which of the following is a typical characteristic of a gas meter installation?
Which of the following is a typical characteristic of a gas meter installation?
What is a common visual distinction between gas meters and electrical meters?
What is a common visual distinction between gas meters and electrical meters?
What color are the labels or markings typically found on gas meters?
What color are the labels or markings typically found on gas meters?
Where are gas meters most commonly situated in relation to the ground?
Where are gas meters most commonly situated in relation to the ground?
Which of these statements correctly contrasts gas and electrical meter installations?
Which of these statements correctly contrasts gas and electrical meter installations?
What is the normal acceptable percentage of oxygen (O2) in the atmosphere during active monitoring?
What is the normal acceptable percentage of oxygen (O2) in the atmosphere during active monitoring?
What is the normal acceptable level of Carbon Monoxide (CO) in the atmosphere during active monitoring?
What is the normal acceptable level of Carbon Monoxide (CO) in the atmosphere during active monitoring?
According to the guidelines, what is the normal acceptable level for the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) in the atmosphere?
According to the guidelines, what is the normal acceptable level for the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) in the atmosphere?
What is the normal acceptable level of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) in the atmosphere during active monitoring?
What is the normal acceptable level of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) in the atmosphere during active monitoring?
Why is the monitoring of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) important during active atmospheric monitoring?
Why is the monitoring of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) important during active atmospheric monitoring?
What reading on the Drager X-am 2500 4-Gas monitor indicates the start of the Hot Zone?
What reading on the Drager X-am 2500 4-Gas monitor indicates the start of the Hot Zone?
How should the Hot Zone be marked once established?
How should the Hot Zone be marked once established?
What is the primary reason for establishing control zones at an incident involving an LPG/NG leak?
What is the primary reason for establishing control zones at an incident involving an LPG/NG leak?
After detecting a LEL reading above zero, what is the next step when establishing the Hot Zone?
After detecting a LEL reading above zero, what is the next step when establishing the Hot Zone?
What is the relevance of the LEL reading in the context of establishing the Hot zone?
What is the relevance of the LEL reading in the context of establishing the Hot zone?
What is the minimum hose line size that should be charged and in place at an incident involving a gas leak?
What is the minimum hose line size that should be charged and in place at an incident involving a gas leak?
What type of nozzle is specified for use with the charged hose line?
What type of nozzle is specified for use with the charged hose line?
Why is it critical to have a charged hose line with a fog nozzle in place?
Why is it critical to have a charged hose line with a fog nozzle in place?
What is the primary purpose of having line in place during a gas leak incident?
What is the primary purpose of having line in place during a gas leak incident?
Besides fire suppression, what is another potential effect achieved by a fog nozzle?
Besides fire suppression, what is another potential effect achieved by a fog nozzle?
Flashcards
Natural Gas Movement
Natural Gas Movement
Natural Gas is lighter than air and will rise. It fills enclosed spaces from the top down, such as attics and rooms.
Natural Gas Odor
Natural Gas Odor
Natural Gas normally has a rotten egg smell added but is colorless and odorless in its natural state.
Odorless Large Pipes
Odorless Large Pipes
Large diameter Natural Gas pipes do NOT have mercaptan added, making them odorless.
Gas Meter Significance
Gas Meter Significance
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Underground Pipe Color Codes
Underground Pipe Color Codes
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Palm Beach County Natural Gas Infrastructure
Palm Beach County Natural Gas Infrastructure
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Natural Gas Lower Explosive Limit
Natural Gas Lower Explosive Limit
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LPG/NG Emergency Potential
LPG/NG Emergency Potential
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Polypropylene Pipe Cutting Safety
Polypropylene Pipe Cutting Safety
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Interior LPG/NG Leak Responsibilities
Interior LPG/NG Leak Responsibilities
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Special Operations Team (LPG/NG)
Special Operations Team (LPG/NG)
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Offensive LPG/NG Leak Mitigation
Offensive LPG/NG Leak Mitigation
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Defensive LPG/NG Leak Mitigation
Defensive LPG/NG Leak Mitigation
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Common Natural Gas Pipe Sizes (Non-Residential)
Common Natural Gas Pipe Sizes (Non-Residential)
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Natural Gas Piping Direction
Natural Gas Piping Direction
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Common Natural Gas Pipe Sizes (Residential)
Common Natural Gas Pipe Sizes (Residential)
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LPG Piping in Residential Areas
LPG Piping in Residential Areas
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Special Operations for Polypropylene Pipe
Special Operations for Polypropylene Pipe
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Large Polypropylene Pipe Security
Large Polypropylene Pipe Security
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LPG Characteristics (Propane)
LPG Characteristics (Propane)
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LPG Filling Pattern
LPG Filling Pattern
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LPG Outdoor Leak Behavior
LPG Outdoor Leak Behavior
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Drager X-am 2500 Use
Drager X-am 2500 Use
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LPG Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)
LPG Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)
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LPG and Natural Gas Odor
LPG and Natural Gas Odor
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LPG Supply Methods
LPG Supply Methods
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First Arriving Unit Responsibilities
First Arriving Unit Responsibilities
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Hot Zone Definition (LPG/NG Leak)
Hot Zone Definition (LPG/NG Leak)
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Where does natural gas go?
Where does natural gas go?
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Natural gas explosion risk?
Natural gas explosion risk?
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How do you get natural gas?
How do you get natural gas?
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What tool detects natural gas?
What tool detects natural gas?
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Gas Meter Location
Gas Meter Location
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Gas Meter Function
Gas Meter Function
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Gas Pipeline Color Codes
Gas Pipeline Color Codes
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Normal Atmospheric Conditions
Normal Atmospheric Conditions
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Natural Gas Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)
Natural Gas Lower Explosive Limit (LEL)
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LPG (Propane) Characteristics
LPG (Propane) Characteristics
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Drager X-am 2500 4-Gas Monitor Use
Drager X-am 2500 4-Gas Monitor Use
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Hot Zone
Hot Zone
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Hot Zone Marking
Hot Zone Marking
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Drager X-am 2500 4-Gas Monitor
Drager X-am 2500 4-Gas Monitor
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LEL Reading Above Zero
LEL Reading Above Zero
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Safety Procedures
Safety Procedures
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Prepared Hose Line
Prepared Hose Line
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LPG Movement
LPG Movement
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Hot Zone Designation
Hot Zone Designation
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Study Notes
-
Referencing: Consult Emergency Response Guidebook (2016, pages 20-25) and Orange Guide (pages 115-116).
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Incident Escalation: LPG/NG incidents can escalate to major emergencies (fire, explosion, collapse, large-scale evacuation). LPG/NG spreads quickly and accumulates in confined spaces, creating hazardous atmospheres.
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Dispersion Patterns: Responders must understand LPG/NG characteristics and dispersion patterns.
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Natural Gas (NG):
- Characteristics: Lighter than air, rises (rooms: ceiling-down, attics: roof-down, exterior leaks: upward).
- Monitoring: Use Drager X-am 2500 4-Gas monitor at the correct height.
- Flammability: LEL (Lower Explosive Limit) range: 5.3% to 14% by volume.
- Odor: Colorless and odorless; mercaptan added for odor (rotten eggs), except for larger piping (18" and above).
- Supply: Often supplied via underground piping through gas meters.
- Gas Meters: Indicate supplied fuel is NG. Usually yellow-marked, low to the ground. Electrical meters are often attached to walls and at eye sight level.
- Underground Piping: Sizes vary (½" to 30" +). Palm Beach County has locations with large non-odorized piping. Common residential sizes are ½" to ¾". Polypropylene pipe can be secured up to 5" by Special Operations.
- Alternative Name: Also known as methane.
- Atmospheric Monitoring: Normal atmospheric conditions are:
- Oxygen (O2): 21%
- Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): 0%
- Carbon Monoxide (CO): 0 ppm
- Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S): 0 ppm
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Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG):
- Characteristics: Heavier than air, fills from the floor up. Exterior leaks stay low.
- Monitoring: Use Drager X-am 2500 4-Gas monitor at the correct height.
- Flammability: LEL range: 2.1% to 9.5% by volume.
- Odor: Colorless and odorless; mercaptan added.
- Supply: From underground piping or storage tanks.
- Storage Tanks: Various sizes exist (portable, stand-up, underground, aboveground), differing by application (barbecue grills, forklifts, commercial and residential properties).
Investigation and Response (LPG/NG Leaks)
- Initial Response: Approach upwind, avoid ignition sources, wear bunker gear and SCBA.
- First Arriving Unit: Establish Incident Command, provide Arrival Report, interview witnesses, evacuate occupants, establish Initial Isolation Zone, and monitor atmosphere with Drager X-am 2500.
- Confirmed Leak:
- Additional Actions: Request Battalion Chief and EMS Captain. Ensure personnel accountability. Establish Control Zones (Hot Zone marked when LEL > 0). Continue monitoring & implement 2-in/2-out rule. Establish water supply. Ensure charged hose line is available. Secure gas meter/tank & utilize Lockout/Tagout device. Contact LPG/NG company.
- Additional Hose Line: Ensure a charged 1¾" hose line (at a minimum), with fog nozzle, is in place.
- Exterior Leaks:
- Additional Actions: Request Special Operations (as needed). Assign Incident Safety Officer. Do not put out an uncontrolled fire (unless it’s safe). Cool tanks with flame impingement to avoid BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion). Do not drench areas, unless needed to ground static electricity. If pressure relief valve is activating, cool the tank and evacuate the area.
- Additional Actions: Minimizing static electricity is critical; spraying the area with water reduces build-up.
- Use PVC cutters for cutting polypropylene pipe. Pipes ½"-¾" can be bent and taped.
- Interior Leaks:
- Additional Actions: Request Fire Investigator (per PPM FR-B-101). Assign Incident Safety Officer. Ensure Benchmarks are performed, Primary and Secondary Searches are performed, and ventilation is performed. Transition to primary and secondary ventilation strategies as readings drop.
- Special Operations:
- Roles: Offensive or Defensive strategies: Grounding, Plugging, Cutting, Clamping, Squeezing, Flaring, or waiting for the NG company and determining mitigation strategies. Refer to specific procedures for handling large pipes (e.g., over 5").
- Documentation: Comprehensive incident documentation includes readings from Drager X-am 2500, LPG/NG company technician's information (name, phone, ID), and personnel who took over the situation. A detailed narrative for each unit responding should be entered in the NFIRS program. Include specifics on the type of mitigation implemented (e.g., plugging, flaring).
- Control Zone Establishment:
- Hot Zone: The Hot Zone starts when the Drager X-am 2500 4-Gas monitor registers a Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) reading above zero.
- Marking: Mark the Hot Zone with highly visible tape or traffic cones.
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Description
This quiz covers the Standard Operating Guidelines for responding to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Natural Gas (NG) leaks. It outlines the necessary procedures for notification, atmospheric monitoring, and mitigation to ensure safety during emergencies. Participants will learn about the characteristics of these gases and their potential hazards in confined spaces.
