HAZMAT Call - Natural Gas (NG) Leak/Explosion

Conclusion

Explain how it will help

Describe the next steps

Refer back to the pros and cons

Specific Tactics and Control Measures

600-003 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESPONSE - GENERAL

Th SOG 600-003 guideline provides the general framework for handling a hazardous materials incident, but does not address specific tactics or control measures for each individual incident.

Every field incident presents the potential for exposure to hazardous materials and the products of combustion may present severe hazards to personnel safety. Natural Gas Leaks/Explosions certainly falls within this realm.

How problems can be resolved

Due the specific hazards associated with Natural Gas Leaks/Explosions, the benefit of an established and excepted protocol should significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of crews responding to these types of incidents.

Challenges and opportunities

Show how things would improve

Do not rely on gas odor. Use combustible gas indicators (MX6) to check all suspected areas.

R312 R372 and L342 have combustible gas indicators (MX6) for this purpose.

Identify the problem

NFPA 54 is the National Fuel Gas Code. It is a consensus standard that covers fuel gas delivery systems and utilization devices for

LP gas and natural gas.

NG Facts

Check areas systematically using combustible gas indicators.

Start outside of the area of the leak/explosion, and move into the area until readings indicate detectable concentration.

Map the readings for the affected area.

Explain what success will bring

Properties of Natural Gas:

• Composed primarily of methane: CH4

• Lighter than Air

(Vapor Density = .60 / Air = 1.0)

(Molecular Weight = 18 / Air = 29)

• Colorless

• Highly Flammable: Flashpoint = 1200°F

• Flammable Range (4 - 14%)

• Can travel great distances to an ignition source

By ensuring that Hot Zones are established early and managing the number of crews and civilians exposed as well as establishing RIT, handline protection and gas monitoring we can reduce the risks related to these incidents.

By adopting a standard response model we ensure that we can consistently and safely respond and resolve Natural Gas (NG) Leaks/explosions.

Describe the idea you think is best

Pro

Con

Idea 2

Pro

Con

Idea 1

Pro

Con

What if we do nothing?

Pro

Con

Define the objective

To provide emergency response personnel with operational guidelines and procedures to be applied when responding to hazardous materials incidents.

Strategies

Expected Outcome

Recommendation

• Evacuate any civilians in the area of escaping gas.
• Attempt to locate the source of the gas and any shutoff devices available.
• Evacuate civilians from the structure and control ignition sources.
• Provide stand-by protection with a charged 1-1/2-inch line and two firefighters in full protective equipment and SCBA.

To establish a safe Standard for response to Natural Gas Leaks/Explosions which provides a guideline that utilizes the basic principals of BFD HAZMAT IQ.

The Hazardous Materials Plan for a NG Incident should be used as a basic guide for these incidents. A minimum number of personnel should be allowed to enter the area to size-up the situation while any additional units stage in a location out of the potentially dangerous zone.

All personnel working in the vicinity of a known or suspected gas leak shall wear full protective clothing with SCBA's.

Personnel working in a suspected ignitable atmosphere (i.e., gas monitoring) shall be breathing air from SCBA and shall be covered by a manned protective hoseline.

The number of exposed personnel will be kept to an

absolute minimum at all times.

A Limited Access Zone (HOT ZONE) shall be established and maintained around any suspected gas leak and "fire line" tape should be used to identify the zone .

HAZMAT IQ 300' Feet for GAS LEAK

HAZMAT Call - Natural Gas (NG) Leak/Explosion

Based on Jim Harvey's speech structures