Natural Gas

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary component of natural gas?

Oxygen

Methane (correct)

Carbon dioxide

Nitrogen

Why is it mentioned that natural gas should not normally be extinguished?

It may cause an explosion if extinguished (correct)

It is a controlled hazard

It is heavier than air

It is a non-toxic gas

What is the flammable range of natural gas?

6-16%

4-14% (correct)

8-18%

2-8%

Why does natural gas tend to pocket inside buildings?

It is heavier than air Signup and view all the answers

What is the flashpoint of natural gas?

$1200°F$ Signup and view all the answers

In what situations does natural gas typically dissipate rapidly?

In outdoor environments Signup and view all the answers

What potential hazard arises if natural gas is burned or extinguished?

Explosion Signup and view all the answers

What should be used to control fires involving natural gas?

$Stopping the flow of gas$ Signup and view all the answers

What should be done before attempting to locate the source of a gas leak?

Secure all known Gas shutoff valves Signup and view all the answers

In a building where a gas leak source is unknown, what action should be taken?

Shut off the gas supply at the meter Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel do if there is an indication of gas accumulation within a building?

Control ignition sources and ventilate from the exterior Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action regarding shutting off electrical power during a gas emergency?

Do not shut off electrical power from an outside breaker until cleared by the Gas Company Signup and view all the answers

What should be provided if gas company personnel need to excavate to shut off a gas leak?

Stand-by protection with a charged 1-3/4 inch line and two firefighters in full protective equipment and SCBA Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to redtag and lock off the meter after shutting off the gas supply?

To prevent unauthorized access to the meter Signup and view all the answers

How can personnel assist in mitigating natural gas emergencies?

By cooperating and communicating effectively with gas company personnel Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate action when a spinning dial on the meter indicates a possible gas leak?

Shut off the gas supply at the meter and redtag it for repairs Signup and view all the answers

What type of zone should be established and maintained around any suspected gas leak?

Hot Zone Signup and view all the answers

What should all non-essential personnel do in relation to the 'Hot Zone' of a gas leak?

Exit the 'Hot Zone' Signup and view all the answers

In incidents involving a reported gas leak but no fire or explosion, where should apparatus placement be in relation to a potential vapor cloud?

Upwind Signup and view all the answers

Who should Fire Companies call for early in the emergency of a reported gas leak?

Gas company representative Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of Gas company personnel in incidents involving gas leaks?

To determine if a leak exists Signup and view all the answers

According to the SOP, what should Fire Department personnel never attempt in the case of a broken or ruptured gas line?

Attempt to control the leak Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended general guideline for evacuating civilians in the area of escaping gas?

$330$ feet in all directions Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action that units arriving at the scene of a structural explosion should take?

Keep the area isolated Signup and view all the answers

When investigating a structural explosion, why should one not rely on gas odor?

Gas odors are unreliable in determining gas presence Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to check areas systematically using combustible gas indicators during a structural explosion incident?

To map the readings for the affected area Signup and view all the answers

What is a reason to take a pessimistic point of view when dealing with a structural explosion incident?

To ensure accurate threat assessment Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to evacuate all civilians upon arriving at a structural explosion scene?

To prevent further explosions Signup and view all the answers

What should units consider as a possible cause when arriving at a structural explosion scene?

Intentionally placed explosive devices Signup and view all the answers

Why should units be wary of secondary devices when responding to a structural explosion incident?

Secondary devices may cause more harm than the initial explosion Signup and view all the answers

What does LEL readings refer to during a structural explosion response?

Lower Explosive Limit Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action if a gas concentration is found near a building?

Secure all possible sources of ignition in the affected area. Signup and view all the answers

When should the LEL be eliminated in the context of shutting off electrical breakers?

Before shutting off any electrical breakers to the individual home. Signup and view all the answers

Who should ensure that blowers/fans are not placed in an explosive environment when ventilating a building?

Personnel entering the structure. Signup and view all the answers

When should the breaker to an individual home be shut off under fire conditions?

Prior to Gas Company arrival if personnel entering the structure could be endangered by not securing the power. Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of gas company personnel in natural gas emergencies?

Locate and eliminate leaks in the gas system. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a Company Officer with a portable radio be required during on-site operations?

To liaise and supervise during on-site operations. Signup and view all the answers

What must Command ensure regarding the safety of structures during gas emergencies?

The safety and stability of the structure. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when gas is found inside buildings, according to SOP# SNFO-07?

Ventilate from the exterior using PPV. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Natural Gas Emergencies

Composed primarily of methane (CH4)
Lighter than air (Vapor Density = 0.60 / Air = 1.0)
Molecular Weight = 18 / Air = 29
Colorless, highly flammable with a flashpoint of 1200°F
Flammable range: 4-14%

Properties of Natural Gas

Tends to pocket in attics and dead air spaces indoors
Non-toxic, but displaces oxygen and can cause asphyxiation in confined spaces

Response to Natural Gas Emergencies

Use good judgment and experience in dealing with incidents
Secure all known gas shutoff valves before attempting to locate the source of the gas
If the source of the leak is unknown or uncontrolled, shut off the gas supply at the meter
Ventilate from the exterior using PPV; ensure blowers/fans are not placed in an explosive environment

Personnel Safety

Full PPE required for all responses to potential gas leaks
Establish a 'Hot Zone' around suspected gas leaks and use fire line tape to identify the area
Non-essential personnel should be outside the 'Hot Zone'

Incidents Involving Reported Gas Leaks

Approach situations as potentially dangerous
Apparatus placement should be upwind of any potential vapor cloud
Company Officers should call for a Gas company representative early in the emergency
Gas company personnel are responsible for locating and eliminating leak sources

Incidents with Explosion

Consider natural gas as a possible cause of structural explosions
Isolate the area and determine the cause of the explosion
Evacuate civilians and keep emergency personnel to a minimum
Use combustible gas indicators to check suspected areas
Map readings for the affected area

Safety Procedures

Do not shut off electrical power from an outside breaker until cleared to do so by the Gas Company
Ensure blowers/fans are not placed in an explosive environment
Provide stand-by protection with a charged 1-3/4 inch line and two firefighters in full protective equipment and SCBA

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Description

Test your knowledge on the Standard Operating Procedures for Emergency Operations involving natural gas in the context of Southern Nevada Fire Department. This quiz covers procedures, response standards, and safety measures for dealing with natural gas incidents.