SFD.012 - Carbon Monoxide Monitoring - Harris County ESD No. 7 PDF
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Harris County ESD No. 7
Scott C. Seifert
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Summary
This document is a standard operating procedure (SOP) for carbon monoxide monitoring by the Harris County ESD No. 7 Fire Department. It outlines the procedures, responsibilities, and guidelines for detecting and responding to carbon monoxide (CO) incidents, including steps to prepare equipment, check for CO in various locations, and provide emergency medical assistance. Recommendations for resident CO detector checks, and crucial information about the dangers of CO are also included.
Full Transcript
# Fire Department / Harris County ESD No. 7 - Carbon Monoxide Monitoring ### Standard Operating Line SFD.012 #### Revision No. 2 #### Issue Date: 17 July 2024 #### Review Date: 1 July 2025 #### Operation: S #### Effective Date: 17 July 2024 #### Approved by: Scott C. Seifert ## 1. Executive Summar...
# Fire Department / Harris County ESD No. 7 - Carbon Monoxide Monitoring ### Standard Operating Line SFD.012 #### Revision No. 2 #### Issue Date: 17 July 2024 #### Review Date: 1 July 2025 #### Operation: S #### Effective Date: 17 July 2024 #### Approved by: Scott C. Seifert ## 1. Executive Summary - The Fire Department should determine if a CO problem exists and provide emergency medical care if needed. - **Preparation of Instrument:** It is crucial to ensure the CO monitor is working correctly and to select an appropriate multi-gas instrument. - **Initial Occupant Contact:** Immediate evacuation of the structure is required, and if symptoms of CO poisoning are present, a medic unit must be called. - **Testing for CO:** Areas related to the suspected source, such as gas-fired appliances, furnaces, boilers, and space heaters, must be checked for CO levels. - **CO Detectors in Residence:** Occupants are advised to check their CO detectors as per the manufacturer's recommendations, and Fire Department personnel must not disconnect or deactivate any CO detector. - **Carbon Monoxide Information:** CO is an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas that can be deadly, and many home appliances can produce CO under faulty conditions. ## 2. Purpose - To provide guidelines for the use of Carbon Monoxide (CO) monitoring equipment. ## 3. Scope - This policy is applicable to all members who work with or have the potential to work with, CO monitoring equipment. ## 4. Definitions - See Glossary ## 5. Procedures and Responsibilities - The Fire Department is primarily responsible for determining if a CO problem exists and ensuring emergency medical care is provided if needed. - **To properly determine the presence of Carbon Monoxide (CO):** - **Prepare Instrument:** - Make sure the CO monitor is working. - Select appropriate multi-gas instrument that can measure at a minimum both O2 and CO. - In a fresh-air environment, turn the instrument on and allow it to fully pass all its self-testing. This is to ensure the proper functioning of the instrument. - **Sample Outside Air:** - Sample outside air away from the structure and vehicles. - Record the instrument reading, this will be your background reading. - **Initial Occupant Contact:** - Immediately evacuate the structure of all occupants. - If any occupant displays symptoms of CO poisoning, i.e., severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, unable to communicate thoughts, or appears disoriented, call for a medic unit. - **Triage patients as necessary.** - **Test Oxygen (O2) content inside the structure. If below 19.5%, an SCBA must be utilized by all personnel entering the structure.** - **Check those areas related to the suspected source.** - **Check all gas-fired appliances:** - Check all furnaces, boilers, and space heaters (installed or portable). - Inspect to ensure the flue is connected. - Hold the meter near the furnace and flue and take readings. - Obtain readings while the furnace is fired, and the furnace blower is operating. - Ensure the flue is unobstructed from the exterior-check flue cap. - **Check the gas water heater:** - Inspect to ensure the flue is connected. - Hold the meter near the flue and take readings. - Obtain readings while the water heater is fired. - To fire the water heater advance thermostat control or run hot water. - **Check gas clothes dryer:** - Inspect to ensure the flue is connected. - Hold the meter near the flue and take readings. - Obtain readings while the dryer is operating. - **Check fireplace:** - Hold the meter in front of the hearth and take a reading. - Ensure the flue is drafting - If gas-log, shut off gas. - Inspect the chimney to ensure it is unobstructed - **Ensure improper conditions are not present:** - Barbecuing indoors, including in a garage, on a porch, or adjacent to a window/door. - Gasoline or diesel engine operating in a garage or adjacent to a window/door (generator, small motors, etc.). - If CO Readings Indicate CO Present: - Ask about possible sources of CO, such as smoking, auto engine exhaust, fireplaces, grills, etc. - Notify the gas company if readings are above 10 ppm in residential structures, and above 35 ppm in commercial or industrial structures. - **Document all readings taken and the location in the structure. This information should also be included in all applicable reports.** - **When high CO readings are obtained it is possible that a LEL reading may also be obtained.** - **If the source of the CO can be easily identified:** - Shut off the fuel supply - Ventilate the building as necessary - **CO Detectors in Residence:** - Recommend that the occupants and the responsible party check their CO detector per the manufacturer's recommendations - No Spring Fire Department personnel will disconnect or deactivate any CO detector owned by the homeowner. ## 6. Carbon Monoxide Information - Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas that is DEADLY. It is a byproduct of combustion or fuel-burning process. It can cause symptoms that can mimic the flu and proceed to unconsciousness and even death. Many appliances around the home can produce Carbon Monoxide when a fault or unusual condition exists. Since the source may be transient in nature, the source may not always be detectable. ## 7. Figure 1 Carbon Monoxide Levels Graphic - A chart titled "Carbon Monoxide Levels Chart" showing levels of carbon monoxide and corresponding health effects. ## 8. References & Related Policies - This section provides references to applicable laws, standards, or other related internal policies or guidelines. - **NFPA:** Applicable State or Federal Statutes - **OSHA** - **Spring FD** - **TCFP:** CPSE PI - **Kidde CO Levels** - **Other:** OSHA CO Levels, OSHA CO Poisoning - **ISO** - **TFCA** ## 9. Contact Office - The appropriate contact office for questions or comments on this SOG is: - Company Officer - District Chief - Deputy Chief of Operations - Assistant Chief - Fire Chief ## 10. List of Changes | Revision No. | Description of Changes | Approve d by | Effective Date | |---|---|---|---| | | | | | ## 11. Errors - See something wrong? Click here or use this QR code to submit an error or inconsistency. ## Disclaimer - This policy is for internal use only and does not enlarge a member's legal duty or civil liability in any way. This policy should not be construed as creating a duty to act or a higher duty of care, with respect to third-party civil claims against members or the department. A violation of this policy, if proven, can only form the basis of a complaint by this department for non-judicial administrative action in accordance with the laws governing member discipline.
