CNG Field Service Guide for First Responders PDF

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority / CNG Fiel,.dService Gu-id-efor First Responders  Preface A message from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transporta...

Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority / CNG Fiel,.dService Gu-id-efor First Responders  Preface A message from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), It is a great privilege for me to introduce this training manual and awareness guide for Emergency Response personnel within Los Angeles County. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is designed as an alternate fuel and the MTA has committed its entire fleet to this type of fuel usage. CNG has its own unique properties and CNG buses come with advanced electronic operating systems. This booklet has been developed as part of the MTA System Safety program to ensure the safety and security of first responders, MTA customers and the public at large. Responding agencies will have at their fingertips, a vehicle identification guide and hazard mitigation instructions. The CNG Field Service Guide for First Responders was developed with the assistance of publications and articles from a variety of local, regional and national resources as well as technical specifications from bus manufacturers. Our special thanks goes to the following groups who worked tirelessly as a team on the document production: LosAngeles City Fire Department LosAngeles City Police Department Los Angeles County Fire Department  LosAngeles County Sheriff's Department MTATransit Operations -Transportationand Maintenance Departments - MTATransit Operations Operations Central Instructionand Maintenence Instruction  MTA Office of System Safety and Security Paul J. ~ennfch.Managing Director, Office of System Safety and Security  Scene Assessment Introduction Like other transit vehicles, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses are exposed to a variety of hazards and risks - equipment malfunc- tions, traffic collisions, road conditions or activities requiring law enforcement involvement. Any one of these hazards may create public safety or environmental concerns as well as cause a disruption in service to MTA patrons. First responders may face CNG bus incidents where the possibility of an unscheduled release of gas, or a gas leak with fire, or an explosion can occur. Though there are various types of CNG vehicles, there are standardized safety operating procedures for the evaluation of vehicle damage and control of the incident. General Guidelines 0 Approach scene with caution; Recon area as necessary; 0 Ensure that all sources of ignition are eliminated-NO TRAFFIC FLARES; 0 Establish a safe zone at 50 feet minimum, more expansive as incident dictates; 0 Conduct a preliminary evaluation by interviewing the bus operator or MTA field supervisor on-scene and/or perform a visual inspection. NOTE: Though CNG is considered to be nontoxic, large volumes of the gas in a confined space can displace oxygen and cause asphyxiation. Unschedule Release of Gas (Gas Leak) 0 Determine if gas leak present by odor detection, sharp hissing sound, icing on fuel components or use a hand-held gas detection device; 0 If a leak is present: 0 Identify type of CNG bus involved; 0 Follow Emergency Operating Procedures within this Guide for Bus Specific type (indexed by series number); 0 Protect against body or eye injury due to release of gas under high pressure; If no leak is present, initiate public safety duties and request MTA equipment maintenance personnel to determine if bus is to continue in-service operations or is in need of towing. Gas Leak With Fire or Explosion 0 Lead fire agency to activate Incident Command Structure, Rescue and Mass Casualty Incident protocols as needed; 0 Utilize MTA field supervisor/On-scene coordinator as a resource/liaison. Activities Requiring Law Enforcment Involvement Lead law enforcement agency to activate Incident Command Structure, Hostage, or other Incident specific protocols as needed; 0 Utilize MTA field supervisor/On-scene coordinator as a resource/liaison.  Emergency Phone List MTA Emergency Response: (2417) Bus Manufacturers: (Business Hours) Bus Operations Control (213) 922-4634 NAB1 (256) 831-4296 LASD Transit Bureau (323) 563-5000 New Flyer (218) 281-2752 LAPD rans sit Group (213) 922-5100 Neoplan (719) 336-3256 Disclaimer This CNG Field Service Guide For First Responders is not intended to replace formal training and education related to compressed natural gas properties, equipment facilities, emergencies or the Incident Command System (ICS). This manual DOES NOT provide a comprehensive or exhaustive list of all responsibilities assigned to any emergency first responders, nor does it take the place of locally established guidelines for emergency management. NOTE: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is only one of multiple types of alternate fuels that are being utilized in the industry today. Other commercial vehicles may utilize Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Propane (LPG), Ethanol or mixed fuel compositions. Be aware that this guide is applicable ONLY to CNG transit vehicles of the types operated by the Los Angeles County MTA. CNG Field Service Guide for First Responders Bus Specifications Model AN440 Fuel Cylinders 12 Total Fuel Capacity 16,000 cu.ft. Fuel Max PSI 3,600 psi. Fuel Cylinders location 10 under the bus / 2 above the engine compartment ID Criteria 0 High Floor, identified by entrance and exit door steps 0 Roof mounted air conditioner Manufacturer Neoplan USA Fuel System This bus has composite cylinders mounted under the bus which are covered by aluminum shield panels. These cylinders meet all Natural Gas Vehicle requirements. Cylinder integrity may be compromised by armor piercing bullets, significant impact and/or fire. Exercise caution when working around or on CNG gas systems. This vehicle is equipped with Pressure Relief Devices (PRDs) throughout the fuel system that will automatically open. They will vent fuel into the atmosphere in the event system design pressure or temperature is exceeded, Battery Disconnect Switch Roof Vent Outlets 1 Fire Suppression Manual Actuator Valve Gas Detector System  EMERGENCY OPERATING PROCEDURES ("I) Engine Compartment Switch Box Action: Stops Engine Position the "Rear Engine Run" toggle switch to the center or "OFF" position to shut down the engine. The engine Switch Box assembly is located in the engine compartment and is visible immediately upon opening the engine door. 1 (2) Manual Fuel Shut-Off Valve Action: Stops Fuel Flow to Engine Turn the BLACK handle % turn to stop fuel flow to the engine. Caution-Although the shut-off valve is closed, the fuel tanks, distribution lines, the vent lines, and the main supply line above the shut off valve are still under high pressure. (3) Battery Disconnect Switch Action: Disables Main Electrical Power and Shuts Off All Fuel Solenoid Valves Slide both battery disconnect switches to the "OFF" position to disable 12 and 24 volt electrical power to all bus components. Disconnecting the battery power will also de-energize (close) the fuel system's solenoid valves. 1 (4"l Manual Fire Suppression Actuator Valve Action: Extinguishes Fire in Engine Compartment Pull the safety ring from manual actuator and press the red "FIRE" button down to initiate the discharge of the fire extinguishing agent in the engine compartment. 1 (5) Roof Vent Outlets Action: Depletes Gas from Fuel System These outlets, located on the right rear roof area, is where unscheduled release of gas occurs. Internal Pressure Relief Devices (PRD) allow for discharge of the gas into the atmosphere when either over-pressurization or excessive heat occurs. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO STOP THIS GAS FROM VENTING. CNG Field Service Guide for First Responders Bus Specifications Model ' AN440 Fuel Cylinders 10 Total (4696 - 4700) 11 Total (4723 - 4793) Fuel Capacity 13,400 cu.ft, Fuel Max PSI 3,600 psi. Fuel Cylinders location 8 under the bus I 2 above 9 under the bus I 2 above ID Criteria - -,.p 0 High Floor identified by entrance and exit door steps Roof mounted air conditioner Manufacturer Neo~lanUSA Fuel System This bus has composite fuel cylinders mounted underneaththe bus which are covered by aluminum shield panels. These cylinders meet all Natural Gas Vehicle requirements. Cylinder integrity may be compromised by armor piercing bullets, significant impact and/or fire. Exercise caution when working around or on CNG gas systems. This vehicle is equipped with Pressure Relief Devices (PRDs) throughout the fuel system that will automatically open. They will vent fuel into the atmosphere in the event system design pressure or temperature is exceeded. 1 Battery Disconnect Switch / Roof Vent Outlets 1 Fire Suppression Manual Actuator Valve 1 s Gas Detector System 1 Engine Compartment Switch Box 1 Manual Fuel Shut-Off Valve  EMERGENCY OPERATING PROCEDURES 1 (1) Engine Compartment Switch Box Action: Stops Engine Position the "Rear Engine Run" toggle switch to the center or "OFF" position to shut down the engine. The engine Switch Box assembly is located in the engine compartment and is visible immediately upon opening the engine door. 1 (2) Manual Fuel Shut-Off Valve Action: Stops Fuel Flow to Engine Turn the BLACK handle V^ turn to stop fuel flow to the engine. Caution-Although the shut-off valve is closed, the fuel tanks, distribution lines, the vent lines, and the main supply line above the shut off valve are still under high pressure. (3) Battery Disconnect Switch Action: Disables Main Electrical Power and Shuts Off All Fuel Solenoid Valves Move both battery disconnect switches to the "OFF" position to disable 12 and 24 volt electrical power to all bus components. Disconnecting the battery power will also de-energize (close) the fuel system's solenoid valves. 1 ('41 Manual Fire Suppression Actuator Valve Action: Extinguishes Fire in Engine Compartment Pull the safety ring from manual actuator and press the red "FIRE" button down to initiate the discharge of the fire extinguishing agent in the engine compartment. 1 (S) Roof Vent Outlets Action: Depletes Gas from Fuel System These outlets, located on the right rear roof area, are where unscheduled release of gas occurs. Internal Pressure Relief Devices (PRD) allow for discharge of the gas into the atmosphere when either over-pressurization or excessive heat occurs. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO STOP THIS GAS FROM VENTING. CNG Field Service Guide for First Responders Bus Specifications Model C40 HF Fuel Cylinders 4 Fuel Capacity 16,384 cu.ft. Fuel Max PSI 3,600 psi. Fuel Cylinders location Under the bus ID Criteria High Floor, indentified by entrance and exit door steps Flat roof Manufacturer New Flyer of North America Fuel System This bus has composite fuel cylinders mounted under the bus which are covered by aluminum shield panels. These cylinders meet all Natural Gas Vehicle requirements. Cylinder integrity may be compromised by armor piercing bullets, significant impact and/or fire. Exercise caution when working around or on CNG gas systems. This vehicle is equipped with Pressure Relief Devices (PRDs) throughout the fuel system that will automatically open. They will vent fuel into the atmosphere in the event system design pressure or temperature is exceeded.  - - Battery Disconnect Switches Roof Vent Outlet 1EMERGENCY SHUTDOWNI 1 Fire Suppression 1 1 Manual Fuel Shut-Off Valve 1  EMERGENCY OPERATING PROCEDURES 1 (l) Engine Compartment Switch Box Action: Stops Engine Position the "Rear Engine Run" toggle switch to the center or "OFF" position to shut down the engine. The engine Switch Box assembly is located in the engine compartment and is visible immediately upon opening the engine door, 1 (2) Manual Fuel Shut-Off Valve Action: Stops Fuel Flow to Engine Turn the RED handle Va, turn to stop fuel flow to the engine. Caution-Although the shut-off valve is closed, the fuel tanks, distribution lines, the vent lines, and the main supply line above the shut off valve are still under high pressure. 1 (3) Battery Disconnect Switch Action: Disables Main Electrical Power and Shuts Off All Fuel Solenoid Valves Move both battery disconnect switches to the "OFF" position to disable 12 and 24 volt electrical power to all bus components. Disconnecting the battery power will also de-energize (close) the fuel system's solenoid valves. (4) Manual Fire Suppression Actuator Valve Action: Extinguishes Fire in Engine Compartment Pull the safety ring from manual actuator and press the red "FIRE button down to initiate the discharge of the fire extinguishing agent in the engine compartment. (5) Roof Vent Outlet Action: Depletes Gas from Fuel System This outlet shown,located on the right rear roof area, is where unscheduled release of gas occurs. Internal Pressure Relief Devices (PRD) allow for discharge of the gas into the atmosphere when either over-pressurization or excessive heat occurs. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO STOP THIS GAS FROM VENTING. CNG Field Service Guide for First Responders Battery Disconnect Switch /r Roof Vent Outlet Fire Suppression Manual Actuator Valve  Engine Compartment Switch Box 1 1 Manual Fuel Shut-Off Valve 1  EMERGENCY OPERATING PROCEDURES (D Engine Compartment Switch Box Action: Stops Engine -- -- Position the "Rear Engine Run" toggle switch to the center or "OFF" position to shut down the engine. The engine Switch Box assembly is located in the engine compartment and is visible immediately upon opening the engine door. (2) Manual Fuel Shut-Off Valve Action: Stops Fuel Flow to Engine Turn the RED handle V4 turn to stop fuel flow to the engine. Caution-Although the shut-off valve is closed, the fuel tanks, distribution lines, the vent lines, and the main supply line above the shut off valve are still under high pressure. (3) Battery Disconnect Switch Action: Disables Main Electrical Power and Shuts Off All Fuel Solenoid Valves Move the battery disconnect switch to the "OFF" position to disable 12 and 24 volt electrical power to all bus components. Disconnecting the battery power will also de-energize (close) the fuel system's solenoid valves. ('4) Manual Fire Suppression Actuator Valve Action: Extinguishes Fire in Engine Compartment - ~ Pull the safety ring from manual actuator and press the red "FIRE" button down to initiate the discharge of the fire extinguishing agent in the engine compartment. 1 (5) Roof Vent Outlet Action: Depletes Gas from Fuel System This outlet shown is only one of multiple portals located on the vehicle roof where unscheduled release of gas occurs. Internal Pressure Relief Devices (PRD) allow for discharge of the gas into the atmosphere when either over-pressurization or excessive heat occurs. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO STOP THIS GAS FROM VENTING. CNG Field Service Guide for First Responders Bus Specifications Model AN440 Fuel Cylinders 11 Total Fuel Capacity 13,400 cu.ft. Fuel Max PSI 3,600 psi. Fuel Cylinders location 9 under the bus / 2 above the engine compartment D Criteria 0 High Floor, identified by entrance and exit door steps 0 Roof mounted air conditioner Manufacturer Neoplan USA Fuel System This bus has composite fuel cylinders mounted under the bus which are covered by aluminum shield panels. These cylinders meet all Natural Gas Vehicle requirements. Cylinder integrity may be compromised by armor piercing bullets, significant impact and/or fire. Exercise caution when working around or on CNG gas systems. This vehicle is equipped with Pressure Relief Devices (PRDs) throughout the fuel system that will automatically open. They will vent fuel into the atmosphere in the event system design pressure or temperature is exceeded. Battery Disconnect Switch Roof Vent Outlets 1 1 Fire Suppression Manual Actuator Valve Gas Detector System   Engine Compartment Switch Box 1 1 Manual Fuel Shut-Off Valve 1  EMERGENCY OPERATING PROCEDURES 1 (D Engine Compartment Switch Box Action: Stops Engine Position the "Rear Engine Run" toggle switch to the center or "OFF" position to shut down the engine. The engine Switch Box assembly is located in the engine compartment and is visible immediately upon opening the engine door. (2) Manual Fuel Shut-Off Valve Action: Stops Fuel Flow to Engine Turn the BLACK handle V4 turn to stop fuel flow to the engine. Caution-Although the shut-off valve is closed, the fuel tanks, distribution lines, the vent lines, and the main supply line above the shut off valve are still under high pressure. (3) Battery Disconnect Switch Action: Disables Main Electrical Power and Shuts Off All Fuel Solenoid Valves Slide battery disconnect switch to the "OFF" position to disable 12 and 24 volt electrical power to most bus components. Disconnecting the battery power will also de-energize (close) the fuel system's solenoid valves. (4') Manual Fire Suppression Actuator Valve Action: Extinguishes Fire in Engine Compartment Pull the safety ring from manual actuator and press the red "FIRE" button down to initiate the discharge of the fire extinguishing agent in the engine compartment. 1@ Roof Vent Outlets Action: Depletes Gas from Fuel System These outlets, located on the right rear roof area, are where unscheduled release of gas occurs. Internal Pressure Relief Devices (PRD) allow for discharge of the gas into the atmosphere when either over-pressurization or excessive heat occurs. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO STOP THIS GAS FROM VENTING. CNG Field Service Guide for First Responders Bus Specifications Model AN440 Fuel Cylinders 13 Total Fuel Capacity 15,700 cu. ft. Fuel Max PSI 3,600 psi. Fuel Cylinders location 10 under13 above engine compartment ID Criteria High Floor, identified by front and rear exit door steps Roof mounted air conditioner Manufacturer Neoplan USA Fuel System This bus has composite cylinders mounted under the bus which are covered by aluminum shield panels. These cylinders meet all Natural Gas Vehicle requirements. Cylinder integrity may be compromised by armor piercing bullets, significant impact and/or fire. Exercise caution when working around or on CNG gas systems. This vehicle is equipped with Pressure Relief Devices (PRDs) throughout the fuel system that will automatically open. They will vent fuel into the atmosphere in the event system design pressure or temperature is exceeded.  Battery Disconnect Switch Roof Vent Outlet Fire Suppression 1 Manual ~ctuatorValve I  EMERGENCY OPERATING PROCEDURES (1) Engine Compartment Switch Box Action: Stops Engine Position the "Rear Engine Run" toggle switch to the center or "OFF" position to shut down the engine. The engine Switch Box assembly is located in the engine compartment and is visible immediately upon opening the engine door. (2) Manual Fuel Shut-Off Valve Action: Stops Fuel Flow to Engine Turn the BLACK handle V4 turn to stop fuel flow to the engine. Caution-Although the shut-off valve is closed, the fuel tanks, distribution lines, the vent lines, and the main supply line above the shut off valve are still under high pressure. (3) Battery Disconnect Switch Action: Disables Main Electrical Power and Shuts Off All Fuel Solenoid Valves Slide battery disconnect switch to the "OFF" position to disable 12 and 24 volt electrical power to most bus components. Disconnecting the battery power will also de-energize (close) the fuel system's solenoid valves. (a) Manual Fire Suppression Actuator Valve Action: Extinguishes Fire in Engine Compartment Pull the safety ring from manual actuator and press the red "FIRE" button down to initiate the discharge of the fire extinguishing agent in the engine compartment. (5) Roof Vent Outlet Action: Depletes Gas from Fuel System This outlet, located on the right rear roof area, is where unscheduled release of gas occurs. Internal Pressure Relief Devices (PRD) allow for discharge of the gas into the atmosphere when either over-pressurization or excessive heat occurs. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO STOP THIS GAS FROM VENTING. CNG Field Service Guide for First Responders 1 Battery Disconnect Switch Roof Vent Outlets Fire Suppression Gas Detector System  EMERGENCY OPERATING PROCEDURES (1) Engine Compartment Switch Box Action: Stops Engine ' Push the spring-loaded "STOP ENG RUN" toggle switch to the "STOP" position and HOLD until the engine shuts down. The engine switch box assembly is located in the engine compartment and is visible immediately upon opening the engine door. 1 (2) Manual Fuel Shut-Off Valve Action: Stops Fuel Flow to Engine Turn the RED handle % turn to stop fuel flow to the engine. Caution-Although the shut-off valve is closed, the fuel tanks, distribution lines, the vent lines, and the main supply line above the shut off valve are still under high pressure. (3) Battery Disconnect Switch Action: Disables Main Electrical Power and Shuts Off All Fuel Solenoid Valves Move the battery disconnect switch to the "OFF" position to disable 12 and 24 volt electrical power to all bus components. Disconnecting the battery power will also de-energize (close) the fuel system's solenoid valves. (4) Manual Fire Suppression Actuator Valve Action: Extinguishes Fire in Engine Compartment Pull the safety ring from manual actuator and press the red "FIRE" button down to initiate the discharge of the fire extinguishing agent in the engine compartment. 1 W ~ o o Vent f Outlets Action: Depletes Gas from Fuel System The outlets shown, located throughout the vehicle roof, are where unscheduled release of gas occurs. Internal Relief Pressure Devices (PRD) allow for discharge of the gas into the atmosphere when wither over-pressurizationor excessive heat occurs. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO STOP THIS GAS FROM VENTING.