Purpose: To
establish a guideline for responding to a natural gas emergency.
General: Natural gas is colorless and odorless.
The gas company adds an odorant so personnel can smell the gas in the
event of a leak. Natural gas is
lighter than air and will rise if escaping pressure.
The flammable limits of natural gas are 4% to 14%.
DISPATCH:
Upon receiving an alarm, a full first
alarm assignment (5211, 5231, and 5255) will respond to the scene for
investigation.
All firefighters must be in full
personnel protective equipment including SCBA’s.
ON SCENE:
All responding apparatus will approach the area with caution. The Incident Command System will be initiated. The Incident Commander will determine the nature of the leak, set up perimeters (hot, warm, and cold) and request the required services if not already enroute (Central Hudson, Haz-Mat, EMS).
Escaping Gas Outside of a Structure
A. Eliminate ignition sources.
B. Restrict access to the area.
C. Determine if the leak can be isolated and, if possible, isolate.
D. Call Central Hudson
Escaping Gas Inside of a Structure
A. Eliminate ignition sources.
B. Restrict access to the area.
C. Shut off the gas flow at the main gas valve outside the structure or to the affected area of the structure (ie: stove, boiler, water heater, etc.)
D. Natural ventilation is to be setup.
E. A 1 ¾ safety line shall be in place.
F. Check structure for gas levels by using a meter after the main valve has been shut down.