Natural Gas Emergency Response Guidelines

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Questions and Answers

What is the maximum pressure in kPa for a transmission natural gas line?

122

3,448

9929 (correct)

1207

What is the typical pressure range in kPa for a residential natural gas service line?

1207 - 3448

6205 - 9929

1.7 - 140

1.7 (correct)

Which classification of natural gas line has the highest pressure?

Service (Commercial/Institutional)

Distribution

Service (Residential)

Transmission (correct)

What is the minimum pressure in kPa for a distribution natural gas line?

1207 (A) Signup and view all the answers

Who is authorized to reopen a closed natural gas supply valve?

Enbridge Gas Distribution personnel (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to Section 2.5, is natural gas within most transmission lines odourized?

No (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method to control a fire or natural gas escape at a natural gas refueling station?

Shutting off the power to the compressor at the emergency shutdown switch (A) Signup and view all the answers

Based on the content provided, what is the minimum level of explosive/combustible vapors considered unsafe for TFS personnel?

50% of the LEL (D) Signup and view all the answers

How is natural gas fuel typically stored in vehicles converted to run on natural gas?

As a compressed gas in steel or steel and aluminum cylinders (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to Section 4.3, what is the recommended minimum evacuation distance for civilians and unnecessary emergency response personnel in all directions for large natural gas/methane leaks or fires?

50 m (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which entity is typically notified about a natural gas leak, according to Section 5.1?

Enbridge Gas Distribution (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical storage pressure of natural gas fuel in a vehicle cylinder at 21°C?

20 700 kPa (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the Incident Commander during a natural gas incident?

Direct traffic away from the evacuation area (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of natural gas refueling stations, what does the term "cascade" refer to?

A series of interconnected storage cylinders (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Incident Commander at a natural gas/methane incident?

To make all necessary notifications and complete reports (A) Signup and view all the answers

What action must be taken before entering a suspected natural gas/methane atmosphere?

Don and activate full Personal Protective Equipment and SCBA (D) Signup and view all the answers

When should incoming apparatus other than the first arriving apparatus remain at a safe distance?

When they are not needed by the Incident Commander (A) Signup and view all the answers

How should the first arriving apparatus assess the scene upon arrival?

By confirming wind direction and speed (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum oxygen level at which full PPE and SCBA must be used before entering an atmosphere?

$20\%$ or less (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Communications Centre Officer play at a natural gas/methane incident?

To assist the Incident Commander with notifications (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential for the first arriving apparatus to approach the scene upwind?

To reduce exposure to hazardous gases (A) Signup and view all the answers

What action should the Incident Commander take immediately upon first indication that natural gas is involved in an incident?

Ensure the TFS Communication Centre notifies Enbridge Gas Distribution (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should Enbridge Gas Distribution representatives do upon their arrival at an incident scene?

Report to the Incident Commander (D) Signup and view all the answers

How should personnel respond to observations of damage related to natural gas incidents?

Inform the Enbridge Gas Distribution representative immediately upon arrival (A) Signup and view all the answers

Where should media inquiries regarding a natural gas emergency be directed?

To the Enbridge Gas Distribution officials (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one method to control potential ignition sources during a natural gas emergency?

Shut off open flame appliances by closing fuel supply valves (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is NOT recommended during a natural gas incident?

Operating electrical switch equipment (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action regarding vehicle engines during a natural gas emergency?

Shut them off if possible (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure should be avoided to prevent creating potential ignition sources?

Creating static electricity sparks (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Enbridge Gas Distribution aim to prevent through their communications with the media?

Exaggerations and misinterpretations of facts (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why might information exchange between TFS officials and Enbridge Gas Distribution representatives be important?

To collaboratively manage the incident with accurate data (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when extinguishing a natural gas fire?

The fire may spread to surrounding buildings or areas due to the release of natural gas. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel do to prevent the spread of natural gas vapors into neighboring buildings?

Close all windows and doors of the neighboring buildings. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended method for dispersing natural gas vapors?

Utilize natural ventilation, fog streams, or intrinsically safe mechanical ventilation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

When attempting to control a natural gas fire, what should be a priority?

Stopping the flow of natural gas to the fire. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What kind of instruments should be used to check for natural gas accumulations?

Explosive/combustible gas monitoring instruments. (D) Signup and view all the answers

If a natural gas fire is isolated to a single appliance, what should be the first step?

Shut off the natural gas flow at the appliance supply valve. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when shutting off the natural gas supply to commercial buildings?

It may interrupt important production processes and create further hazards. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What action should personnel take if they suspect natural gas accumulations in nearby buildings, sewers, etc.?

Utilize natural gas monitoring instruments to check for accumulations. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Where should personnel focus their efforts to disperse natural gas vapors?

Areas where the concentration of natural gas is highest. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct procedure for handling a natural gas fire if the natural gas flow cannot be stopped?

Spray water fog on any surrounding combustibles and exposures. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Natural Gas/Methane Incidents - Standard Operating Guideline

Purpose: To provide Toronto Fire Services personnel with guidelines for responding to and safely mitigating natural gas/methane emergencies.
Responsibility: All TFS personnel are responsible for following guidelines to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of themselves and others at a natural gas/methane incident. The Incident Commander is responsible for ensuring guidelines are followed, making necessary notifications, and completing all documentation and reports. The Communications Centre Officer ensures assistance is provided to the Incident Commander.

Guidelines

Mandatory PPE and SCBA: Full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) must be donned and activated before entering or operating in any confirmed or suspected natural gas/methane atmosphere where air monitoring equipment shows oxygen (O2) readings of 20% or less, or when observations indicate high levels of natural gas/methane.
First Arrive Apparatus: First arriving apparatus should confirm wind direction and speed before arriving at an incident and approach the scene upwind. Secondary apparatus are to remain at a safe distance unless directed by the Incident Commander and are to wait for instructions prior to arriving on scene. A 65 mm hose line should be deployed and charged once personnel are brought to the scene.
Natural Gas Line Categories: Natural gas lines are categorized based on type.

Rescue and Evacuation

Immediate Rescue: The Incident Commander directs immediate rescue, decontamination (for liquid), and treatment of affected or injured persons while contacting Toronto EMS.
Confined Space Rescue: Complicated rescues (sewers, vaults, excavations) are to be conducted by qualified TFS Confined Space Rescue Technicians using approved equipment and procedures.
Evacuation: Personnel should immediately evacuate the building and surrounding area (50-100m) to civilians and unnecessary emergency personnel for natural gas/methane leaks or fires. Larger incidents may require evacuation up to 800m downwind. Evacuation areas need to be secured with barrier tape to restrict unauthorized entry.

Notification of Enbridge Gas Distribution

Immediate Notification: The Incident Commander ensures Enbridge Gas Distribution is notified immediately when natural gas incidents occur, except in cases involving natural gas vehicles.
Representative Arrival: Enbridge Gas Distribution representatives should report to the Incident Commander upon arrival to exchange information and assist.
Reporting Damage: Personnel are to inform Enbridge Gas Distribution representatives of any noticed damage or temporary repairs by workers or civilians upon their arrival.

Prevention of Natural Gas Fires/Explosions

Ignition Control: Personnel are to shut off all open flame appliances, avoid operating electrical equipment, extinguish all open flames/pilot lights, prohibit smoking, and ensure static electricity sparks are not created. Vehicles should be shut off wherever possible.
Natural Ventilation and Safe Dispersion: Safe dispersion of natural gas vapours is ensured via natural ventilation or intrinsically safe mechanical ventilation, starting where concentration is highest. Windows and doors of neighbouring buildings may be closed to prevent gas from entering.

Control of Natural Gas Fires

Valve Closure: TFS personnel shall not extinguish a natural gas fire unless the flow or leak is stopped by closing natural gas supply valves before or after, as this may spread the natural gas to other areas with a hazardous explosion risk.
Closure of Supply Valves: Closing natural gas supply valves to entire buildings may be an option.
Professional Control: Personnel should follow established guidelines and allow professional (trained) personnel to control and turn off the natural gas supply. Do not attempt to control natural gas flow from damaged pipes.

Damaged Natural Gas Pipelines, Meters, and Pressure Regulators

Trained Personnel: Personnel should not attempt to control escaping natural gas from damaged pipes, shut off valves or stop the flow of broken natural gas pipes, meters or pressure regulators. Trained personnel are required and should be contacted.

Natural Gas Refueling Stations

Emergency Shutdown: Fire or natural gas escapes at a station can be controlled by shutting off power to the compressor at designated emergency shutdown switches. The incident commander should shut off the valve in the meter or at the valves indicated in emergency instructions.

Natural Gas Vehicles

Dual Fueled Vehicles: Natural gas vehicles are typically dual-fueled vehicles, capable of running on either natural gas or gasoline. Natural gas fuel is stored as compressed gas in cylinders.

Special Operations

Incident-Specific Information: Contact the Special Operations Section for questions related to specific incidents.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the Standard Operating Guidelines for Toronto Fire Services personnel in responding to natural gas/methane emergencies. It covers the responsibility of the Incident Commander and the importance of following safety protocols, including the use of PPE and SCBA. Ensure you understand the procedures for safe operations in hazardous materials situations.