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HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: SPECIALIZED OPERATIONS – 020 January 1, 2022 NIMS COMPLIANT S...

HOFFMAN ESTATES FIRE DEPARTMENT STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES SOG Category & Identification Number: EFFECTIVE DATE: SPECIALIZED OPERATIONS – 020 January 1, 2022 NIMS COMPLIANT SOG Title: Natural Gas Emergencies Revision: 1 APPROVED BY: NUMBER OF PAGES: Re-evaluation Date: Alan Wax January 1, 2025 Fire Chief 4 PURPOSE The purpose of this guideline is to provide standardized and predetermined responses to all incidents classified as a Natural Gas Leak by Northwest Central Dispatch (NWCD). POLICY It shall be the policy of the Hoffman Estates Fire Department to follow this guideline. However, it may be altered to achieve a more appropriate response based on information received from NWCD or to achieve a faster response based on location and/or status of fire department apparatus and personnel. PROCEDURE Single Family/Townhomes: A. The first responding Engine will park 100 feet before or after the location, away from the front of the building, out of the potential collapse/blast zone. In the event of an explosion, taking a position in line with one of the corners of the building will provide the first in unit the most protection. Avoid parking over electrical or sewer manholes. Migrating natural gas may have accumulated in these locations and the apparatus could provide an ignition source. Secondary units, including the district ambulance, will park a minimum of 300 feet from the incident location. B. All atmospheric monitors are to be turned on in a clean environment prior to entering the building. C. Full PPE will be donned by personnel entering the building. Note: It is recommended that chin straps for helmets NOT be used when monitoring explosive gasses. D. If any natural gas is detected, evacuate the residents to a safe location. 1 E. If the source of the natural gas leak is identified and mitigated, the residents may re-enter the building once all of the natural gas has been ventilated. F. If the source of the natural gas leak cannot be identified, the gas will be shut off at the meter. Once the meter has been shut down, ventilate the building and monitor for natural gas. If natural gas continues to be present, even after the meter has been shut down, immediately request NICOR to the scene. Natural gas building up after the meter has been shut down indicates a possible underground leak that is migrating into the building. G. If it is suspected that natural gas is migrating into the residence from a remote location, the adjacent buildings must be monitored for natural gas. If natural gas is found in multiple buildings the initial evacuation distance must be increased to 300 feet from the additional buildings that have gas present. This will result in an increased evacuation area. H. The affected buildings are to have their gas meters shut off and ComEd is to be contacted to remotely shut power off to the building. Do NOT shut power off to a building using the circuit breakers. I. All persons within the evacuation area are to be evacuated. J. If measurements outside of the affected building or hazardous area return LEL readings greater than 0% but less than 25%: 1. Request a gas company response through NWCD to investigate the leak. 2. Shut off the gas supply at the meter, if the leak is found between the meter and a structure. 3. Continue monitoring the atmosphere of any potentially exposed structures or areas. K. If measurements outside of the affected building or hazardous area return LEL readings greater than or equal to 25%, or there is a large volume of leaking natural gas: 1. Secure the affected area and eliminate all sources of ignition in the area, including running vehicles, open flames and any other potential points of ignition. 2. Request a gas company response through NWCD to shut off the flow of gas to the affected area if the initial companies have not done so already. 3. Secure a positive source of water in a safe area (away from the elevated natural gas readings and outside of any potential collapse zones). 4. Lead out and charge a hose line with a fog nozzle, keeping firefighters in a safe position to protect exposures. 5. Use fog nozzles as necessary to disperse escaping natural gas and direct it away from exposed structures. 2  6. If natural gas is leaking from an excavated hole, divert the hose line flow and/or runoff away from the hole. Use salvage covers or dike around the hole if necessary. Under no circumstances shall members allow an excavation hole to fill with water. 7. Use a natural gas detector to monitor the atmosphere of nearby sewers for buildup of natural gas. 8. Stand by in a ready position until the gas company can control the leak and readings fall below 10% LEL. Structure with large number of occupants (i.e. Apartment building, occupied school, hospital, etc.): A. If the survey and measurements at the POINT OF ENTRY or INSIDE of an affected building or exposure return any of the following: 1. LEL readings greater than or equal to 10% LEL 2. Oxygen levels less than or equal to 19.5% 3. An obvious large volume of Natural Gas leaking The Officer in charge will: 1. Request a Code 3 response to provide adequate personnel for evacuation and additional monitoring of the atmosphere. 2. Request a gas company response through NWCD, identifying the situation and what actions, if any, have been taken. 3. Request ComEd to remotely shut down power to the affected building in order to disable any potential ignition sources. 4. Ensure that all occupants and bystanders exit the affected building immediately. Evacuated people are to maintain a minimum distance of 300 feet from the building. 5. Secure a positive source of water in a safe area (away from elevated natural gas readings and outside of any potential collapse zones). 6. Lead out and charge a hose line, keeping firefighters in a safe position to protect exposures. 7. Use fog nozzle as necessary to disperse escaping natural gas away from exposed structures. 8. Stand in a ready position until the leak can be controlled and readings fall below 10% LEL 3 Special Considerations: A. To aid traffic control, the Company Officer should consider requesting law enforcement for assistance. B. If a responding company conducts forcible entry, the Company Officer must request law enforcement and complete the required documentation. C. Once the natural gas supply has been shut off to any appliance or meter, it shall not be turned back on by any member of the Fire Department. D. Do not attempt to extinguish a natural gas fed fire until the gas supply can be controlled. DEFINITIONS EXCEPTIONS Where MABAS Illinois Policies and Procedures current online reference or MABAS 1 Operating Guidelines/Policy Statements are in conflict with HEFD Standard Operating Guidelines, HEFD Standard Operating Guidelines will take precedence. REFERENCES MABAS Illinois Policies and Procedures current online reference MABAS 1 Operating Guidelines/Policy Statements Hoffman Estates Fire Department Standard Operating Guideline, Specialized Operations - 002, Hazardous Materials Emergencies Hazardous Materials for First Responders, IFSTA Current Edition, Fire Protection Publications Oklahoma State University, Stillwater Oklahoma End of Document 4