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Questions and Answers
What should be done if the source of the natural gas leak cannot be identified?
What should be done if the source of the natural gas leak cannot be identified?
What is the recommended action if natural gas is detected while monitoring explosive gases?
What is the recommended action if natural gas is detected while monitoring explosive gases?
What should be done if measurements outside of the affected building or hazardous area return LEL readings greater than or equal to 25%?
What should be done if measurements outside of the affected building or hazardous area return LEL readings greater than or equal to 25%?
What is the purpose of shutting off the gas supply at the meter?
What is the purpose of shutting off the gas supply at the meter?
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What should be done if natural gas is found in multiple buildings?
What should be done if natural gas is found in multiple buildings?
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What is the recommended action if it is suspected that natural gas is migrating into the residence from a remote location?
What is the recommended action if it is suspected that natural gas is migrating into the residence from a remote location?
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What should be done if natural gas building up after the meter has been shut down?
What should be done if natural gas building up after the meter has been shut down?
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What should be done after the gas meters have been shut off?
What should be done after the gas meters have been shut off?
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According to the guideline, what is the minimum distance a secondary unit, including the district ambulance, should park from the incident location?
According to the guideline, what is the minimum distance a secondary unit, including the district ambulance, should park from the incident location?
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What is the main purpose of the Hoffman Estates Fire Department's Standard Operating Guideline for Natural Gas Emergencies?
What is the main purpose of the Hoffman Estates Fire Department's Standard Operating Guideline for Natural Gas Emergencies?
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The guideline mentions avoiding parking over electrical or sewer manholes. What is the main reason for this precaution?
The guideline mentions avoiding parking over electrical or sewer manholes. What is the main reason for this precaution?
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What does the guideline recommend for the first responding Engine in a single-family/townhome natural gas emergency?
What does the guideline recommend for the first responding Engine in a single-family/townhome natural gas emergency?
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Why does the guideline suggest parking in line with one of the corners of the building in the event of an explosion?
Why does the guideline suggest parking in line with one of the corners of the building in the event of an explosion?
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What is the recommended action for atmospheric monitors before entering a building during a natural gas emergency?
What is the recommended action for atmospheric monitors before entering a building during a natural gas emergency?
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When entering a building during a natural gas emergency, what level of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is recommended for personnel?
When entering a building during a natural gas emergency, what level of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is recommended for personnel?
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What is the guideline's stance on the possibility of altering its procedures?
What is the guideline's stance on the possibility of altering its procedures?
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What should be done first when responding to a natural gas leak?
What should be done first when responding to a natural gas leak?
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What should firefighters do if a responding company conducts forcible entry?
What should firefighters do if a responding company conducts forcible entry?
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At what concentration of LEL readings should immediate action be taken inside a building?
At what concentration of LEL readings should immediate action be taken inside a building?
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Which of these situations requires law enforcement assistance? (Select all that apply)
Which of these situations requires law enforcement assistance? (Select all that apply)
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What is the safe action to take if natural gas is leaking from an excavated hole?
What is the safe action to take if natural gas is leaking from an excavated hole?
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Which condition requires requesting a Code 3 response?
Which condition requires requesting a Code 3 response?
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What is the minimum distance that evacuated people should maintain from the affected building?
What is the minimum distance that evacuated people should maintain from the affected building?
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What should firefighters do with a fog nozzle when dealing with escaping natural gas?
What should firefighters do with a fog nozzle when dealing with escaping natural gas?
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What is the primary purpose of using fog nozzles during a gas leak?
What is the primary purpose of using fog nozzles during a gas leak?
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What is the primary concern regarding the use of a fog nozzle to disperse escaping natural gas?
What is the primary concern regarding the use of a fog nozzle to disperse escaping natural gas?
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What action should be taken if a large volume of natural gas is leaking inside a building?
What action should be taken if a large volume of natural gas is leaking inside a building?
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When is it appropriate to attempt extinguishing a natural gas fed fire?
When is it appropriate to attempt extinguishing a natural gas fed fire?
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Where should a positive source of water be secured during a gas leak situation?
Where should a positive source of water be secured during a gas leak situation?
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What should be done if no immediate danger is detected after the initial response to a gas leak?
What should be done if no immediate danger is detected after the initial response to a gas leak?
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What is the purpose of securing a positive source of water in a safe area?
What is the purpose of securing a positive source of water in a safe area?
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What should firefighters do when natural gas readings fall below 10% LEL?
What should firefighters do when natural gas readings fall below 10% LEL?
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Study Notes
Natural Gas Emergencies
Purpose and Policy
- The purpose of this guideline is to provide standardized responses to natural gas leak incidents.
- The policy is to follow this guideline, but it may be altered for a more appropriate response based on information from Northwest Central Dispatch (NWCD) or to achieve a faster response.
Procedure for Single Family/Townhomes
- The first responding Engine parks 100 feet before or after the location, away from the front of the building, to avoid the potential collapse/blast zone.
- Secondary units, including the district ambulance, park a minimum of 300 feet from the incident location.
- Atmospheric monitors are turned on in a clean environment prior to entering the building.
- Full PPE is worn by personnel entering the building.
- If natural gas is detected, residents are evacuated to a safe location.
- If the source of the natural gas leak is identified and mitigated, residents may re-enter the building once all natural gas has been ventilated.
Procedure for Multiple Buildings
- If natural gas is found in multiple buildings, the initial evacuation distance is increased to 300 feet from the additional buildings that have gas present.
- The affected buildings have their gas meters shut off and ComEd is contacted to remotely shut power off to the building.
Measurements and Responses
- If LEL readings are greater than 0% but less than 25%, request a gas company response to investigate the leak.
- If LEL readings are greater than or equal to 25%, or there is a large volume of leaking natural gas:
- Secure the affected area and eliminate all sources of ignition.
- Request a gas company response to shut off the flow of gas to the affected area.
- Secure a positive source of water in a safe area.
- Lead out and charge a hose line with a fog nozzle to disperse escaping natural gas.
- Use fog nozzles to direct natural gas away from exposed structures.
Structure with Large Number of Occupants
- If LEL readings are greater than or equal to 10% LEL, or oxygen levels are less than or equal to 19.5%, or there is an obvious large volume of natural gas leaking:
- Request a Code 3 response to provide adequate personnel for evacuation and additional monitoring.
- Request a gas company response to shut off the flow of gas to the affected area.
- Request ComEd to remotely shut down power to the affected building.
- Ensure that all occupants and bystanders exit the affected building immediately.
Special Considerations
- The Company Officer should consider requesting law enforcement for assistance with traffic control.
- Do not attempt to extinguish a natural gas fed fire until the gas supply can be controlled.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the Standard Operating Guidelines for Natural Gas Emergencies by the Hoffman Estates Fire Department. This quiz is NIMS compliant and effective as of January 1, 2022.
