1. F IRE C ONTROL BY T ODD I REMONGER Developed by Todd Iremonger, 2001 Adapted by CCTD, 2012

2. O BJECTIVES Identify characteristics of LPG vs. Natural Gas Identify standard extinguishing methods for them Identify hazards associated with electricity

3. C ONTROL OF G AS U TILITIES Natural Gas LPG - Liquefied Petroleum Gas

4. N ATURAL G AS Mostly methane Nontoxic Classified as asphyxiant Odor - Butyl Mercaptin is added Explosive concentrations 4-14% Pressure ranges from 1/4 to 1000 psi Pressure is usually below 50 psi

5. L IQUEFIED P ETROLEUM G AS Mainly propane Non-toxic Odor added 1.5 times heavier than air Explosive concentrations 1.5 to 10% Gas is shipped in cylinders and tanks

6. I NCIDENTS INVOLVING DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM Most often caused by excavation Approach and stage from upwind side Evacuation is first concern Eliminate ignition sources in area Do not attempt to operate main valves If burning, do not extinguish Exposures should be protected if necessary

7. S ERVICE METER Flow stopped by turning the cutoff valve Use hoseline for protection

8. S UPPRESSING C LASS C F IRES Primary danger of electrical fires is the failure of FFs to recognize the hazard. Commercial and high rise buildings, power is necessary to operate elevators and /or air handling equipment so the entire building should not be unilaterally deenergized. Once power has been shut down, fires may self- extinguish or become class A or B fires.

9. B ULK ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION LINES An area equal to a span between poles should be cleared on either side of the break. Transformers have coolant liquids that may contain PCBs. These liquids are flammable and may be carcinogenic. Transformers at ground level - Dry Chem. Transformers above ground - Let burn

10. W ARNING Stop the flow of electricity to the object involved before initiating fire suppression activities. Consider all wires live until confirmed to be otherwise by the power company.

11. U NDERGROUND L INES Most common hazard is explosions. Accumulation of gases ignited by spark Keep public clear and dont park apparatus over a manhole. Do not enter except to attempt a rescue. Firefighting can be done from outside. Discharge Dry chemical or Carbon Dioxide and replace cover.

12. C OMMERCIAL H IGH -V OLTAGE I NSTALLATIONS Water should not be used. Toxic chemicals, coolants smoke is a real hazard. If rescue is required, search with clenched fist or back of hand to prevent reflex actions of grabbing live equipment which may be contacted.

13. E LECTRICAL P OWER S HUTOFF During structural firefighting ops., power should be turned off as soon as practical. Firefighters do not pull electricity meter. Control power at panel box initially. Emergency Generators - pulling meter does not shut off all power.

14. E LECTRICAL E MERGENCIES Never look directly at arcing electrical lines All wires treated as energized Do not cut electrical wires Use approved insulated tools Use care in raising/lowering ladders Proceed carefully where wires are down Mark downed line with appropriate tape, inform command and on scene crews

15. E LECTRICAL E MERGENCIES Do not touch vehicles in contact with lines. Solid or straight streams must not be used. Special considerations for fences. If line is in contact the entire fence becomes charged.

16. REVIEW

17. W HICH OF THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS INVOLVING A PIPE BREAK IN A NATURAL GAS LINE IS NOT CORRECT ? 1) First concern, evacuate around break and downwind. 2) If gas is burning, extinguish the flame. 3) FFs should not operate main valves. 4) FFs may stop flow of gas into a building by turning cutoff valve.

18. 2. I F THE GAS IS BURNING, FF S SHOULD EXTINGUISH THE FLAME. F IREFIGHTERS SHOULDN T EXTINGUISH THE FLAME FROM LPG OR N ATURAL G AS UNTIL THE SUPPLY HAS BEEN SHUT OFF.

19. A T FIRES INVOLVING ELECTRICAL TRANSFORMERS AND BROKEN TRANSMISSION LINES, FF S SHOULD ________. 1) Allow transformers to burn themselves out. 2) Clear an area equal to the height of the pole. 3) Extinguish ground level transformers with dry chem if safe 4) Determine if the lines are energized or not

20. 4) D ETERMINE IF THE LINES ARE ENERGIZED. F IREFIGHTERS SHOULD NOT DETERMINE IF THE LINES ARE ENERGIZED OR NOT. L EAVE THIS TO C LARK P UBLIC U TILITIES. S OME LINES MAY BECOME ENERGIZED UPSTREAM FROM THE BREAK IF THEY ARE LAYING ACROSS POWER LINES.

21. D URING STRUCTURAL FIRE FIGHTING OPS, IT IS DESIRABLE FOR ELECTRICAL POWER _______. 1) To remain on until FFs are out of bldg. 2) Shut off as soon as fire personnel arrive. 3) Remain on until bldg. becomes damaged enough to interrupt electrical service 4) Shut off unless absolutely needed.

22. 4) S HUT OFF UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NEEDED E LECTROCUTION IS A LIFE THREATENING HAZARD THAT SHOULD BE MITIGATED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

23. I DENTIFY THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERISTICS AS THOSE OF LPG, NATURAL GAS, OR BOTH.

24. H AS NO NATURAL ODOR.

25. B OTH

26. I S LIGHTER THAN AIR.

27. N ATURAL GAS

28. I S NONTOXIC.

29. B OTH

30. H AS A DISTINCTIVE ODOR ADDED TO IT.

31. B OTH

32. I S EXPLOSIVE IN CONCENTRATIONS BETWEEN 4-14%.

33. N ATURAL GAS

34. I S CLASSIFIED AS AN ASPHYXIANTE

35. B OTH

36. I S DISTRIBUTED FROM GAS WELLS TO ITS POINTS OF USAGE BY A NATIONWIDE NETWORK OF SURFACE AND SUBSURFACE PIPES.

37. N ATURAL GAS

38. I S ABOUT 1 1/2 TIMES AS HEAVY AS AIR.

39. LPG

40. I S EXPLOSIVE IN CONCENTRATIONS BETWEEN 1.5-10%.

41. LPG

42. I S STORED IN TANKS AND CYLINDERS NEAR ITS POINT OF USAGE.

43. LPG

44. I S USED PRIMARILY AS A FUEL GAS IN CAMPERS, MOBILE HOMES, AND RURAL HOMES.

45. LPG