320-04 Liquefied Petroleum and Natural Gas Leaks

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for adding Mercaptan to Natural Gas?

To enhance the combustion efficiency

To give it a distinct odor (correct)

To prevent explosive concentrations

To increase its volatility

Which characteristic of Natural Gas affects its dispersion in the environment?

It is colorless and odorless (correct)

It can accumulate in low-lying areas

It has a specific gravity greater than 1

It is heavier than air

According to the Standard Operating Guideline, what should responders monitor for during a Liquefied Petroleum or Natural Gas incident?

Occupant behaviors

The ground temperature

The air pressure

Dispersion patterns of LPG/NG (correct)

What is the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) range of Natural Gas by volume?

5.3% to 14% Signup and view all the answers

In the case of a leak, how will Natural Gas behave in an attic space?

It will rise and fill from the roof down Signup and view all the answers

What immediate hazards are associated with every LPG/NG incident according to the guidelines?

Possible fire, explosion, collapse, or evacuation Signup and view all the answers

What does IDLH stand for in the context of LPG/NG incidents?

Immediate Danger to Life and Health Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical safety measure when using the Drager X-am 2500 4-Gas monitor in a natural gas environment?

Positioning it at the correct height Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum size of polypropylene piping that Special Operations can secure with specialized clamps?

2 inches Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) determines the manner in which it fills a room?

It is heavier than air. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) range of LPG by volume?

2.1% to 9.5% Signup and view all the answers

Which component is added to LPG and Natural Gas to provide an odor?

Mercaptan Signup and view all the answers

What type of LPG tank is typically used for barbeque grills?

20lb portable tank Signup and view all the answers

How should responders approach during an investigation of LPG/NG leaks?

Upwind, when possible. Signup and view all the answers

What is the capacity range for residential homes' underground LPG tanks?

500-1,000lb Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of specialized sleeves in relation to polypropylene piping?

To secure pipes above 2 inches. Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided to prevent ignition during a LPG/NG leak response?

Introducing any ignition source Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the first arriving unit?

Control the fire immediately Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical action for the Incident Commander during a confirmed LPG/NG leak?

Request additional personnel to respond Signup and view all the answers

Which atmospheric condition indicates normal levels during monitoring?

H2S at 0 ppm Signup and view all the answers

When using the Drager X-am 2500, which value indicates a safe environment for O2?

21% Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step the first arriving unit must take upon arrival at an incident?

Establish Incident Command Signup and view all the answers

What must be ensured by the Incident Commander regarding personnel during an incident?

Personnel must be accountable and follow protocols Signup and view all the answers

In case of a LPG/NG leak, what must be established by the first arriving unit?

Initial Isolation Zone Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the Drager X-am 2500 4-Gas monitor when the Hot Zone is established?

An LEL reading above zero Signup and view all the answers

Which action is NOT part of the established control measures for a Hot Zone?

Allowing open flames to extinguish Signup and view all the answers

What should be done immediately if an LPG tank is exposed to flame?

Cool the tank to prevent BLEVE Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following responsibilities is the Incident Commander NOT expected to perform?

Conduct all investigations personally Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum requirement for hose line placement in a Hot Zone?

A charged 1¾ hose line with a fog nozzle Signup and view all the answers

How should affected areas be treated after the incident is mitigated?

They must be assessed and monitored Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a part of communication procedures in a gas leak scenario?

Informing civilians to disperse Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for safely controlling access to the Hot Zone?

Using high visibility tape or traffic cones Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the responsibilities of the Incident Commander during an incident?

Assign an Incident Safety Officer. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions should be taken when the Drager X-am 2500 4-Gas monitor reads below 2% LEL?

Use other means of ventilation. Signup and view all the answers

What should the Special Operations Captain do upon arrival at the incident site?

Report to the Incident Commander for a briefing. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a defensive measure taken by Special Operations?

Squeeze the gas leak. Signup and view all the answers

During the incident documentation, which of the following must be recorded?

Drager X-am 2500 4-Gas monitor readings. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the offensive measures that Special Operations may take?

Utilizing flaring off as a technique. Signup and view all the answers

What information must be documented from the LPG/NG company technician?

Name, phone number, and ID or employee number. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Incident Commander ensure is performed and communicated?

Benchmarking. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose and Authority

Establishes procedures for response and mitigation of Liquefied Petroleum (LPG) and Natural Gas (NG) incidents.
Authority given to the Fire Rescue Administrator.

Scope and General Information

Applicable to all Emergency Operations personnel.
Incidents may escalate into major emergencies causing fire, explosion, or evacuation.
LPG/NG spreads rapidly, creates hazardous atmospheres, and can accumulate in confined spaces.

Characteristics of Natural Gas

Also known as Methane; lighter than air.
Fills spaces from the ceiling down; disperses quickly outdoors.
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) range: 5.3% to 14% by volume.
Colorless and odorless; treated with Mercaptan for a rotten egg odor.

Characteristics of Liquefied Petroleum Gas

Also known as Propane; heavier than air.
Fills spaces from the floor up; remains low outdoors.
LEL range: 2.1% to 9.5% by volume.
Colorless and odorless; Mercaptan added for odor detection.
Different tank sizes for various uses (20lb to 30,000lb storage).

Investigation Procedures

Approach gas leaks upwind; avoid ignition sources.
All personnel must wear bunker gear and SCBA for suspected leaks.
First arriving unit responsibilities include establishing command, evacuating occupants, and atmospheric monitoring.

Atmospheric Monitoring

Drager X-am 2500 4-Gas monitor used for detecting gas levels.
Normal atmospheric conditions:
- O2: 21%
- LEL: 0%
- CO: 0 ppm
- H2S: 0 ppm

Confirmed LPG/NG Leak Actions

Request additional resources (Battalion Chief, EMS).
Establish Control Zones based on LEL readings.
Ensure continued monitoring and adherence to safety protocols (two-in/two-out rule).
Secure gas meters/tanks and inform gas company.

Responsibilities for Exterior LPG/NG Leak

Consider requesting Special Operations assistance.
Open flames from uncontrollable sources should be allowed to burn.
Protect exposures and direct mitigation strategies.
Cool LPG tanks to prevent BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion).

Special Operations Team Roles

Special Operations Captain to brief Incident Commander.
Offensive measures may include grounding, clamping, and flaring off gas.
Defensive measures involve waiting for LPG/NG company assistance.

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation as per Incident Reporting protocols.
Record gas monitor readings throughout the incident.
Include information on any LPG/NG company technician present.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the Standard Operating Guideline for Liquefied Petroleum and Natural Gas leaks from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. It covers response procedures, notification processes, and atmospheric monitoring techniques relevant to gas leak emergencies.