FIREGROUND SUPPORT OPERATIONS

1. FIREGROUND SUPPORT OPERATIONS IFSTA � 1ST ED.

2. Controlling utilities CHAPTER 7

3. Controlling Utilities Historically, many firefighters and civilians have been: injured or killed by fires and explosions either caused by or fueled by flammable substances; injured or killed by electrical arcing or electrocution; scalded by fire-heated water; drowned because the water supply was not shut off.

4. Controlling Utilities The factors reviewed in this chapter relating to controlling utilities are: Fuel Control Either with or without fire Electricity Control Both structure fires and downed lines Water Control Sprinkled and un-sprinkled buildings

5. Fuel Control Controlling Natural Gas in Structure Fires Controlling LPG in Structure Fires Controlling Gas Leaks with no fire Natural Gas Leaks LPG Gas Leaks

6. Controlling Natural Gas(fire) One of the most common gas control operations that firefighters perform. Valves are generally � turn valves with either a crossbar or square nut for operation. Can be in one of a multitude of locations, depending on occupancy type and layout In residential and light commercial, meters usually located near the road, near the building, in alleyways, etc Multiple occupancy buildings usually have multiple meters In heavier commercial and especially industrial, shutoffs may be located inside the building

7. Controlling LPG(fire) If tank is involved, risk/benefit analysis should dictate whether to approach or to set up master streams and withdraw. Adequate water supply and pumping capacity BLEVE potential If fueling a fire but not involved, supply can usually simply be shut off. On smaller tanks, the valve is usually located on top of the tank, sometimes under a protective cover. On larger tanks, valve may be located on the side or in a manifold box at the end.

8. Gas Leaks with no fire Approach Approach from upwind, stage at least a block away and continue on foot Perimeter Control Establish perimeter safe distance away and limit access Civilians inside the perimeter should either be evacuated or shelter-in-place Hazard Assessment Use gas detector to determine presence and concentration Hazard Mitigation Establish safe perimeter, deny unauthorized entry, prevent gas leak from becoming a gas explosion

9. Natural Gas Leak Control ignition sources Assist in evacuation or shelter-in-place FD personnel generally don�t restore gas service to buildings LPG Leak In higher humidity, LPG may form white cloud Cloud is surrounded by invisible envelope of gas that is within its explosive range If in a remote location, hose lines may be used to disperse the cloud. To shut off a valve, IC may order two teams with hose lines to approach the tank

10. Electricity Control Controlling Electricity in a Structure Fire Orders to shut down electrical service should come from IC. Personnel not trained in process should not attempt. Different occupancies will have a variety of panel types, numbers and locations. Pulling meters and/or flipping breakers does not guarantee electrical service has been disrupted Personnel should not reinstate electrical service once it has been disrupted unless ordered by IC

11. Electricity Control Controlling Electricity for Downed Lines Perimeter Control Deny unauthorized entry and control the scene until utility company personnel can mitigate During situations such as storms, multiple incidents may occur May be necessary to cordon off areas with barrier tape or cones and move on to next incident. In situations where line comes in contact with another object, such as a metal fence, it should be treated as energized

12. Electricity Control Hazard Assessment Other methods of detection may be necessary in areas where downed lines may be obscured by debris, smoke, darkness, etc. Alternating current detectors can detect unshielded current through snow, ice and many solid objects. Limitations should be noted: for instance, range can be anywhere from 500 ft to 1 ft. Firefighters should never attempt to move a downed line unless directed by IC

13. Water Control Water can add unnecessary weight to a structure. 6 inches of water on a 50x100 ft floor adds an excess of 75 tons of weight In sprinkled buildings, it is imperative that water shutoff operations are closely coordinated with IC. Shutting off too soon could result in rapid fire progression. Leaving on too long could result in unnecessary water damage, danger of collapse, and can inhibit egress for victims and firefighters Buildings with basements/cellars can experience flooding in the lower levels This can trap occupants, extinguish pilot lights and disrupt electrical service