9.2 Natural Gas

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary component of natural gas?

Butane

Propane

Ethane

Methane (correct)

Which of the following aspects of natural gas indicates its flammability?

Instability rating of 2

Special hazard rating of 1

Flammability rating of 4 (correct)

Health rating of 0

What should first responders do when arriving at a gas leak incident with no fire?

Call for additional units while approaching

Enter the building immediately to investigate

Stop at least two houses away or 333 ft (correct)

Turn off all gas appliances in the vicinity

What is the ignition temperature of natural gas?

1163º F Signup and view all the answers

What is the flash point of natural gas in Celsius?

Minus 180 Celsius Signup and view all the answers

In confined spaces, where does natural gas typically accumulate?

In attics, under stairs, and dead air spaces Signup and view all the answers

At what percentage does natural gas become flammable in air?

5 percent to 15 percent Signup and view all the answers

What should responders refer to when handling a natural gas leak?

Emergency Response Guidebook 2020 Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum distance that all later arriving units must maintain from the area of the leak?

100 meters Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT required for personnel in the Warm Zone?

Standard uniforms only Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel do upon detecting a positive LEL reading?

Switch to a Defensive strategy Signup and view all the answers

In a multi-family building scenario, what is the initial evacuation guideline?

Evacuate the entire building Signup and view all the answers

How far away from the structure should civilians and firefighting personnel be evacuated?

333 feet or 100 meters Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the local NG provider during a natural gas incident?

Perform control and mitigation Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to vehicles in the Warm Zone?

Shut off all ignition sources Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by any positive LEL readings during monitoring?

Natural gas is present Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason FD personnel should not attempt to control a natural gas leak?

To avoid further exposure to the threat of explosion Signup and view all the answers

Where are potential locations for underground natural gas leaks?

In foundation walls and around pipes Signup and view all the answers

When evacuating during a natural gas leak, what should the evacuation distance typically be?

Approximately 333 ft (100 meters) or more in certain cases Signup and view all the answers

What should be done once a gas meter is secured?

Immediately notify the local NG provider Signup and view all the answers

How should FD personnel position their apparatus in the event of an explosion?

At least two houses away, in the Cold Zone Signup and view all the answers

What should be continuously monitored during a natural gas incident?

Natural gas readings/concentrations Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action if an NG explosion has occurred?

Notify the gas and electric companies immediately Signup and view all the answers

What is a safety consideration when dealing with natural gas leaks?

A safety perimeter must be established around suspected leaks Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Natural Gas Emergency Response

Natural gas is a Class 2 Flammable gas, colorless, tasteless, and odorless unless an odorant is added.
Natural gas is primarily methane, lighter than air and will dissipate rapidly outdoors. However, it can form pockets indoors, especially in attics, under stairs, and dead air spaces.
Flammable limits for natural gas are 5% to 15% in air. LEL meters read the percentage of the lower explosive limit, not the actual percentage of gas in the air.
Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) 2020 lists "natural gas, compressed" in the blue pages.
The chemical ID number for natural gas is 1971.
Reported gas leaks require immediate careful response due to potential hazards. The first arriving unit should stop at least 333 ft (100 m ) away from the leak, upwind.
All personnel must be in full PPE and equipped with a 4-gas monitor capable of detecting NG LEL.
When metering for natural gas, any positive LEL reading indicates that NG is present.
In case of a positive LEL reading, immediately transition from an Offensive strategy (investigating) to a Defensive strategy.
Ensure the local gas provider is responding and evacuate any civilians and fire personnel at least 2 houses away (333 ft - 100 m) from the last LEL reading.
Isolate and shut off the gas meter to the occupancy if easily accessible.
For multi-family, mixed-use, and commercial occupancies, evacuate the entire building initially and consider further evacuating exposures around the source (using the 100-meter guideline).
The larger the occupancy, the larger the potential energy release.
Ruptured gas lines exposed to open air require a Defensive strategy, ensuring the local gas provider is responding and evacuating personnel at least 333 ft (100 m) away.
Gas providers are the Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for such incidents. Fire department personnel should not attempt to mitigate or control the leak.
Underground migrating gas leaks can occur in foundations, around pipes, storm drains and sumps, and other void spaces.
Evacuation distances for these leaks may be greater than the standard 333 ft (100 m) and continuous metering outside structures is crucial.
Do not rely on gas odor as it may be scrubbed out by passage through the ground.
When a gas meter is secured (turned off), notify the local gas provider, dispatch them to the scene, and transfer command.
For Natural Gas Leaks with ignition, evacuate occupants to safe distances, protect exposures, and continue to monitor for natural gas readings to define the Hot Zone.
After a natural gas explosion, immediately notify the gas and electric companies, establishing a Safety Perimeter around the suspected gas leak, fire, or explosion.
Keep the number of exposed personnel to a minimum, spot apparatus at least 333 ft (100 m) away from the explosion area, and conduct a recon and search for victims outside the explosion zone.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the emergency response procedures for natural gas incidents. This quiz covers the properties of natural gas, safety measures, and appropriate response actions to gas leaks. Ensure you understand the risks and necessary precautions while handling natural gas emergencies.