Bonita Springs Fire Natural Gas Emergencies PDF

Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District Standard Operating Guidelines 1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Subject: # 1029.07.00 Natural Gas Emergencies Adopted: Effective Date: October 23, 2009 Last Revised Date: September 30, 2021 Revision Number: 5 Due for Revision Date: September, 2025 Table of...

Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District Standard Operating Guidelines 1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. Subject: # 1029.07.00 Natural Gas Emergencies Adopted: Effective Date: October 23, 2009 Last Revised Date: September 30, 2021 Revision Number: 5 Due for Revision Date: September, 2025 Table of Contents 1029.07.01 Purpose 1029.07.02 Potential Hazards 1029.07.03 Primary Tactical Objective 1029.07.04 Vapor Discharge 1029.07.05 Smell of Gas in a Structure 1029.07.06 Compressed Natural Gas Incidents 1029.07.07 Primary Tactical Objectives C:\powerdms\convert\Temp\7c1ecab7-2997-48ea-98fc-a5cc22ad8c66.doc Page 1 of 7 1029.07.01 Purpose The primary purpose of this protocol is to provide for the safety of our personnel and to ensure a standardized response. Additionally, this protocol is to give guidelines to aid in mitigating incidences involving natural gas. These guidelines are specific to natural gas and are NOT intended for the mitigation of other hazardous materials. 1029.07.02 Potential Hazards Caution – under fire conditions, containers may explode. Caution – flashback along vapor trails may occur. Caution – vapors may explode if ignited in an enclosed area. Caution – vapors are lighter than air and may enter nearby structures or enclosed spaces through vents and openings. Gas will collect at the highest point and bank down until an ignition source is found. Caution – if vapors are inhaled, they may cause dizziness difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness and death may occur due to oxygen being displaced. Caution – a gas vapor may or may not be visible depending upon atmospheric conditions. Caution – DO NOT WEAR PAGERS, CELL PHONES OR RADIOS WHEN IN THE HOT ZONE. 1029.07.03 Primary Tactical Objective The primary objectives when dealing with flammable gases are to evacuate civilians, isolate the source of the leak and control the leak. Ventilation may be required if the release has occurred inside a structure, or if the gas has infiltrated nearby structures. Scene Arrival  The first member/unit on scene shall do a scene size-up and establish command based upon the department’s IMS Protocol.  Determine the level of the incident (per Hazardous Materials General Response Protocol).  Request additional resources if appropriate.  Establish accountability (per department Accountability Protocol).  Secure the area and secure entry.  Control sources of ignition.  Establish hot, warm, and cold zones (refer to North American Emergency Response Guide #115).  Notify Teco for all leaks or ruptures of natural gas distribution lines. Emergency Hotline Number 1-877-832-6911 C:\powerdms\convert\Temp\7c1ecab7-2997-48ea-98fc-a5cc22ad8c66.doc Page 2 of 7 1029.07.04 Vapor Discharge 1. Vapor Discharge (Pipeline) Open Air No Exposure A. Initiate evacuation of civilians if necessary (request L.C.S.O. for assistance) B. Re-route traffic (L.C.S.O.) C. If necessary, place emergency sleeve over the leak and secure D. Remember to place soap soaked towel over pipe prior to working 2. Vapor Discharge (Pipeline) in Confined Area or With Exposures i.e., Between Two Structures In addition to the above steps, include the following: A. Dispense vapors by unmanned devise if possible (fog steam) B. Contact Teco for technical assistance C. If necessary, place emergency sleeve over the leak and secure. D. Remember to place soap soaked towel over pipe prior to working 3. Vapor Fires (Pipeline) Follow vapor discharge protocol and in addition: A. Do not extinguish the fire unless or until the leak can be stopped B. Protect exposures if necessary 1029.04.00 Smell of Gas in a Structure Smell of Gas in a Structure Tactical Objectives 1. The primary tactical objectives are to confirm gas in the structure, shut off the gas, isolate sources of ignition inside the structure and ventilate the interior. 2. All personnel operating in the vicinity of the structure will be in full protective clothing and SCBA. Caution – flashback along vapor trail may occur. Caution – vapor may explode if ignited in an enclosed area. Caution – vapors are lighter than air and will collect at the highest point and bank down. 3. Ensure that all occupants of the building have been evacuated and are accounted for. At the discretion of the IC, evacuate the area surrounding the building, or neighboring structures. 4. Do not turn off or on any item that may be a source of ignition. 5. In teams of two, conduct a quick walk around of the building to determine if propane or natural gas supplies the structure and using the combustible gas indicator, check the area. 6. Shut down the gas supply at the tank or at the meter if it can be located. 7. After a reasonable period of time, a two person team in full PPE should gain access to the building and use a combustible gas indicator (CGI) to determine the level of the flammable vapor inside the structure. 8. Start checking the high areas and working your way down to ground level. C:\powerdms\convert\Temp\7c1ecab7-2997-48ea-98fc-a5cc22ad8c66.doc Page 3 of 7 9. If gas is present in the structure, open all exterior doors and windows of the structure to allow for natural ventilation. 10. Ventilation with fans (preferably with electric fans), should be a done as a last resort only. 11. Be sure to check openings in walls, outlets and switch areas. 12. If the CGI reading exceeds 10% of the lower explosive limit, the team should withdraw from the structure and the structure should continue to be ventilated. 13. When the CGI indicates levels lower than 10% of the lower explosive limit, the entry team can search the premises for victims and source of the leak. 1029.07.06 Compressed Natural Gas Incidents This will most likely be a temporary portable bulk container supplying a subdivision, business, or vehicle that may have a pressure relief valve. NOTE: Not all compressed natural gas containers have pressure relief valves – most don’t. 1. Pressure Relief Valve Discharge A. Evacuate civilians from the surrounding area. B. Secure ignition sources from the surrounding areas. C. Stay upwind and use water spray to disperse vapors, if structures are near. 2. Relief Valve Discharge with Fire A. Caution – containers may explode in a fire condition. B. Caution – flashback along vapor trail may occur. C. Caution – vapors may explode if ignited in an enclosed area. 3. Evacuate Civilians from Surrounding Area A. Shut off tank valve if possible. B. Cool all exposed containers with adequate volume of water. 1029.07.07 Primary Tactical Objectives The primary objectives are to isolate sources of ignition and turning the valve off on the tank.  SCENE ARRIVAL A. The first member/unit on scene shall do a scene size-up and establish command based upon the department’s IMS Protocol. B. Determine the level of the incident (per Hazardous Materials General Response Protocol) C. Request additional resources if appropriate D. Establish accountability (per department Accountability Protocol) E. Secure the area and secure entry F. Control sources of ignition G. Establish hot, warm, and cold zones (refer to North American Emergency Response Guide #115) H. Shut the valve off on the tank I. Notify Teco for all leaks or ruptures of natural gas distribution lines C:\powerdms\convert\Temp\7c1ecab7-2997-48ea-98fc-a5cc22ad8c66.doc Page 4 of 7 Emergency Hotline Number: 1-877-832-6911 NOTE: Not all compressed natural gas containers have pressure relief valves – most don’t. 1. Pressure Relief Valve Discharge A. Evacuate civilians from the surrounding area. B. Secure ignition sources from the surrounding area. C. Stay upwind and use water spray to disperse vapors, if structural area is near. 2. Relief Valve Discharge with Fire A. Caution – containers may explode in a fire condition. B. Caution – flashback along vapor trail may occur. C. Caution – vapors may explode if ignited in an enclosed area. 3. Evacuate Civilians From Surrounding Area A. Shut off tank valve if possible. B. Cool all exposed containers with adequate volume of water. C:\powerdms\convert\Temp\7c1ecab7-2997-48ea-98fc-a5cc22ad8c66.doc Page 5 of 7 GAS: Colorless FLAMMABLE: Flashback along vapor trail may occur Vapor may explode if ignited in an enclosed area VAPOR: If inhaled, will cause dizziness or difficult breathing Not irritating to eyes, nose or throat CHEMICAL DESIGNATIONS: Synonyms: Methyl Chemical Formula: Hybrid OBSERVE CHARACTERISTICS: Physical Stare (as shipped): Compressed gas Color: Colorless Odor: Like LPG FIRE HAZARDS: Flash Point: -306°F Flammable Limits in Air: 5%-15% FIRE EXTINGUISHING AGENTS: Stop flow of gas BEHAVIOR IN FIRE: Containers may explode Vapor lighter than air Vapor may enter structure through vents in exterior Ignition temperature: 1004°F CHEMICAL REACTIVITY: Reactivity with Water: No reaction Reactivity with Common Materials: No reaction Stability during Transport: Stable Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Not pertinent Polymerization: Not pertinent Inhibitor of Polymerization: Not pertinent SHIPPING INFORMATION: Grades or Purity: Research 99.95% Pure, technical 97.6% Storage Temperature: Ambient C:\powerdms\convert\Temp\7c1ecab7-2997-48ea-98fc-a5cc22ad8c66.doc Page 6 of 7 Venting: Safety relief NFPA HAZARD CLASSIFICATIONS: Code of Federal Regulations: Flammable compressed gas Category Rating Fire 4 Health Vapor Irritant 0 Reactivity Other Chemicals 0 PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL PROPERTIES: Physical state at 15°C and 1 atm: Gas Boiling point at 1 atm: -258.7°F Specific Gravity: .425 Vapor (gas) specific gravity: 20 at 20°C .55 C:\powerdms\convert\Temp\7c1ecab7-2997-48ea-98fc-a5cc22ad8c66.doc Page 7 of 7