Natural Gas Emergency Response SOP

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary component of natural gas, according to the provided information?

Ethane

Methane (correct)

Propane

Butane

What is the approximate vapor density of natural gas compared to air?

1.60 times lighter than air

1.60 times denser than air

0.60 times lighter than air (correct)

0.60 times denser than air

What is the typical behavior of natural gas when released inside a building?

It rapidly diffuses through any available openings to the outside

It tends to pocket, especially in attics and dead air spaces. (correct)

It will collect in the lower level due to its density.

It dissipates evenly throughout the structure.

According to the guidelines, what is the recommended action regarding burning natural gas?

It should not normally be extinguished if burning, and flow should be stopped instead. Signup and view all the answers

What is the flashpoint of natural gas, according to this information?

1200°F Signup and view all the answers

What should be the primary focus of operations at the scene of a natural gas emergency?

Securing a safe area by forming a hot zone and contacting the gas company. Signup and view all the answers

According to the guidelines, which direction of apparatus placement is considered the safest when arriving at a scene of a reported gas leak?

Upwind of any potential vapor cloud. Signup and view all the answers

What is the flammable range of natural gas as a percentage in the air?

4-14% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Fire Department at a natural gas leak before the gas company arrives?

To ensure the safety of life, including their own, and evacuate civilians. Signup and view all the answers

When is it acceptable for fire personnel to control an above ground natural gas leak with a Climax plug or red wood plug?

If the officer in charge feels the leak can be controlled using these methods safely and the area is evacuated. Signup and view all the answers

In the event of a gas leak inside a building with an unknown source, what action should be taken with the gas meter once the gas supply is shut off?

The meter should be red-tagged and locked off until repairs are complete. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended minimum distance for evacuation around a natural gas leak according to the NAERG guidelines?

330 feet in all directions Signup and view all the answers

During a gas leak, when is it acceptable to shut off electrical power from an outside breaker?

Only when the FD has gas monitoring equipment for the electrical panel or the gas company allows Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to leave spark-generating equipment running in the immediate area of a gas leak?

Because turning it off could create a static spark Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical consideration upon arrival at the scene of a structural explosion?

Consider natural gas as a possible cause, and assess for secondary devices. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary danger associated with underground gas leaks?

Underground leaks can travel and accumulate in structures or void spaces. Signup and view all the answers

How should the search for gas be conducted after a structural explosion?

Start outside the area, moving inward until detectable concentrations are found. Signup and view all the answers

When encountering a gas concentration inside or adjacent to a building, what is the immediate action to secure?

Initiate ventilation, then secure ignition source and the electrical from outside if possible. Signup and view all the answers

When is it acceptable to shut off the breaker to a home under fire conditions, prior to the gas company's arrival?

Only if personnel entering the structure would be endangered by not securing the power. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the gas company personnel at the scene of a gas leak?

They are responsible for locating and eliminating leaks in the gas system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended level of interaction between the Fire Department and gas company personnel?

Effective, frequent interaction is critical, and is key to mitigating the situation. Signup and view all the answers

When would a Technical Rescue Team be called to a scene with an explosion?

If entry is required and further collapse is possible, to provide shoring or cribbing. Signup and view all the answers

Regarding gas detection resources, which of these crews carry gas monitors to check suspected areas for LEL readings?

Gas company, engines, trucks and specialty teams. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Natural Gas Emergencies - SOP

Purpose: Establish standard response to natural gas emergencies, enhancing public and fire personnel safety.
Natural Gas Properties:
- Primarily methane (CH4).
- Lighter than air (vapor density = 0.60 / air = 1.0; molecular weight = 18 / air = 29).
- Colorless.
- Highly flammable (flashpoint = 1200°F; flammable range = 4-14%).
- Can travel far to ignition source.
- Dissipates rapidly outdoors, pockets inside buildings (especially attics).
- Non-toxic but displaces oxygen, causing asphyxiation in confined spaces.
- Burning gas shouldn't be extinguished; instead, stop gas flow.

Personnel Safety

Full PPE required: All personnel respond with full protective equipment, including SCBA.
Hot Zone: Establish a hot zone around suspected leaks using fire-line tape.
Personnel outside hot zone: Keep non-essential personnel outside.
Officer in Charge: Assess situation; control above-ground leaks with plugs (Climax or redwood) if safe, using full PPE and SCBA. Maintain at least one unit at the scene until gas company arrives.

Incidents Involving a Reported Gas Leak (no fire/explosion)

Potential danger: All gas leak calls, from minor to major, are potentially dangerous.
Apparatus placement: Position apparatus upwind of potential vapor clouds.
Gas company representative: Call gas company representative early.
Leak confirmation: Fire companies determine if a leak exists safely. Gas company locates and eliminates leaks.
Above-ground leak control: If above-ground, safely controlled using plugs, only if considered safe by officer. Full PPE, SCBA and at least 1 exposure line deployment required.
Evacuation: Evacuate civilians within 330 feet in all directions, considering leak size and weather conditions.
Shutoff valves: Secure known gas shutoff valves. Use shutoff valve if safe access.
Building gas leaks: Shut off gas at meter if inside a building and source unknown/uncontrolled. Red-tag and lock meter until repairs.
Ignition sources: Control ignition sources inside buildings suspected of having a gas leak.
Electrical power shut-off: Do not shut off electrical power from an outside breaker unless a gas monitor can detect gas inside the panel.
Ventilation: Ventilate buildings from the exterior with positive pressure ventilation (PPV). Ensure blowers/fans aren't placed in explosive environments.
Excavation: If necessary, prepare for gas company excavation to stop a leak with stand-by protection (charged 1 ¾-inch line and 2 firefighters).
Static sparks: Gas Company may request wetting-down for static control.
Operating equipment: Leave operating equipment running nearby, unless pose danger, such a spark.

Incidents with Explosion

Potential cause: Consider natural gas as possible cause.
Isolation: Isolate the area, determine explosion cause (consider intentional explosive devices).
Evacuation: Evacuate all civilians. Minimize personnel due to instability.
Gas monitoring: Use gas monitors to check for LEL in all suspected areas.
Systematic checks: Check areas systematically starting outside, moving into the area as readings allow.
Mapping readings: Create a map of recorded readings.
Ignition source control: Secure all potential ignition sources in affected area.
Power shut-off: Request power shut-off (power company) away from the affected zone, prior to checking for flammable gas readings (LEL) to shut off electrical breaker to the structure.
Building gas: Ventilate buildings with PPV if gas found indoors.
Electrical in buildings: Power shut-off only under fire condition when potential danger to personnel is present if power is not secure. Ensure gas company is involved and their expertise.
Cooperation: Ensure Command supervises effective communication with gas company personnel to find and eliminate leaks.
Structural stability: Ensure structural safety. Use technical rescue if collapse is probable.

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Description

This quiz covers the standard operating procedures for responding to natural gas emergencies. It emphasizes safety measures for personnel and the properties of natural gas to enhance public safety. Learn the critical steps for effective emergency response and the importance of personal protective equipment.