Gas Leaks PDF - Riverside Fire Authority

RIVERSIDE FIRE AUTHORITY FIELD OPERATING GUIDELINES GAS LEAKS SAFETY CONCERNS  Whenever possible shut off gas at the valve closest to the ground.  Keep the gas mete...

RIVERSIDE FIRE AUTHORITY FIELD OPERATING GUIDELINES GAS LEAKS SAFETY CONCERNS  Whenever possible shut off gas at the valve closest to the ground.  Keep the gas meter cool during structure fires to prevent it from melting.  Do not use building HVAC systems to ventilate gas from the structure. This may cause an ignition from a possible spark in the HVAC system.  Approach any structures with explosive flammable concentrations of gas from the corners of the building.  A 1% gas concentration reading inside a residence warrants calling the gas company. PRIORITY ACTIONS  Evacuate the area and any structures involved and any structures that are deemed exposures, establish a safety zone in accordance with DOT guidebook recommendations, and deny entry to the public.  Request the gas and power company to respond to the scene. (Advise dispatch that the technicians should report to the command post)  Electrical power should be cut from a transformer or power line, not the junction box inside the residence. Power needs to be cut to every structure that could be exposed to a flammable concentration of gas.  When requesting the gas company to respond advise dispatch of the following: Type of occupancies affected Any aerial power line above the affected area If the leak occurred as a result of directional boring, include the type of Surface covering the board tunnel (i.e., asphalt, concrete, ect).  When providing safety back for a gas company technician who is securing a leak, do so with two firefighters in full PPE. One firefighter should have a dry chemical extinguisher and another with a 1 ¾ inch hand line on a 30 to 35 degree fog SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS  Use the gas company technician as your “technical expert”  Consider calling law enforcement for evacuation.  Monitor weather behavior for ignition source exposure and gas spread.