2. Introduction
• There is a strong possibility you will be
called to respond to a flammable gas or
liquids emergency during your career as
an emergency responder. This course will
prepare and assist you to respond to and
act in a SAFE manner should an incident
of this type of occur.
2
3. Course Objectives
• Provide the student with information on the
characteristics and hazards of Flammable Liquids
and Gases
• Provide the student with methods and procedures
on handling Flammable Liquids and Gases
• Provide the student with an opportunity to use
control methods on Flammable Liquids and Gases
3
4. NFPA 1001 Standards Addressed
4
4-3.3(a) Prerequisite Knowledge
Characteristics of pressurized flammable gases, elements
of a gas cylinder, effects of heat and pressure on closed
cylinders, boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion
(BLEVE) signs and effects, methods for identifying
contents, how to identify safe havens before approaching
flammable gas cylinder fires, water stream, usage and
demands for pressurized cylinder fires, what to do if the
fire is prematurely extinguished, valve types and their
operation. Alternative actions related to various hazards
and when to retreat.
5. NFPA 1001 Standards Addressed
5
4-3.3(b) Prerequisite Skills
The ability to execute effective advances and retreats, apply
various techniques for water application, assess cylinder integrity
and changing cylinder conditions, operate control valves, choose
effective procedures when conditions change.
A4-3.3
Controlling flammable gas cylinder fires can be a very dangerous
operation. The Fire fighter II should act as a team member, under
the direct supervision of an officer, during these operations.
6. Oregon OSHA Requires Full PPE
for this training
• Boots
• Pants
• Coat
• Hood
• Helmet
• Gloves
• SCBA
6
7. Safety Notice
7
All students participating in the FLAG program are
required to meet the OROSHA Respiratory Standards,
Div. 2L 1910.134.
The standard requires all personnel who wear SCBA to
have been fit tested and meet the medical evaluation
requirements for respirator use.
If you have visible facial hair between your skin and the
seal area of the face piece we ask you to not participate
in the hands-on training. You are most welcome to
participate in the classroom session Only.
8. Unit Objectives
1. The student will identify the properties and
characteristics of flammable and combustible
liquids.
2. The student will understand the characteristics
of Flammable and Combustible Liquids when
released from their containers.
3. The student will understand the safety issues
associated to working with flammable and
combustible liquids during emergency
operations.
8
16. Ethanol Fuels
• Distillation of corn - 200 Proof Alcohol
– Denatured with Gasoline for shipment.
• Further blended at the distribution terminal site.
16
Ethanol-blended fuels may include blends of gasoline and ethanol in any
ratio, today there are three common ethanol-blended fuels.
E-98/E-95
• denatured with 2–5 % unleaded gasoline - fuel-grade ethanol or
denatured ethanol
• number one freight rail commodity in the U.S.
• Placard 1987
E-10
• 90 percent gasoline/10 percent ethanol blend
• May be labeled as RFG or oxygenated gasoline
• Placard 1203
E-85
• 85 percent fuel ethanol and 15 percent gasoline
• Flexible-Fuel Vehicles (FFV) only
• Placard 3475
17. Ethanol Fuel
17
Guide Page 127
Polar/Water-Miscible
Evacuation Distances
• Initial Large Spill
1000’ Downwind
(300 Meters)
• Fire Involving
Rail car or truck
½ Mile All Directions
(800 Meters)
Gasoline with 10% or more Ethanol
18. Ethanol Fuels
Key Points
• You are more likely to encounter a spill
• When ethanol Burns the flame is invisible
• Consider Tank Failure
• Polar Solvents require higher rates of foam
application - AR-AFFF Recommended
• Water application forces separation of product
18
22. Hazards of Flammable Liquids
22
• Potential for BLEVE
• PPE - Wicking effect on contact with product
• Vapors generally heavier than air
(ignition sources & low areas)
• Be aware of runoff into drains & storm sewers
• Atomization of fuel
• Flame impingement of tank support
assemblies
24. Flammable & Combustible Liquids
• Always contact pipeline company or
distribution plant manager prior to
shutting off any valves or pipe lines
on incidents involving flammable or
combustible liquids.
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25. Unit Objectives
1. The student will identify the characteristics of
flammable gases.
2. The student will understand the chemical
properties and how they relate to combustion.
3. The student will be able to identify safety
hazards through the use of the DOT Placards
and the NFPA 704 signage on arrival at and
emergency scene.
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28. 28
Characteristics of
Flammable Gases
Shipped as a liquid, under pressure at normal temperatures:
Propane Butane Propylene Butadiene Vinyl Chloride
Shipped in gaseous state under pressure:
Methane Ethane Acetylene CNG Hydrogen
35. Liquefied Petroleum Gas
NFPA 704 Classification
0 - None
1 - Low
2 - Medium
3 - High
4 - Extreme
35
1
4
0
Propane
36. Liquefied Petroleum Gas
• Physical and Chemical Properties:
– Boiling Point: - 43.3°F (vaporizes @)
– Specific Gravity: .504 (liquid)
– Vapor Density: 1.5 (gas)
– Vapor Pressure: 127 PSIG @ 70°F
205 PSIG @ 100° F
36
37. Liquefied Petroleum Gas
37
– Will not react with or pollute water
– 36.83 Cu Ft. Vapor per Gallon @ 65°F
– 8.66 Cu Ft. Vapor per lb @ 60°F
– Ignition Temperature in Air = 920°-1120°F
– Max Flame Temperature in Air = 3595°F
– BTU’s per Gallon = 91,502
38. Hazards of Flammable Gases
Flame:
• Burns YELLOW - ORANGE or BLUE
• Can be invisible behind water fog screen
• Extremely hot (may cause major burns)
• Radiant heat can be deceptive
• Usually located at source of leak
38
39. 39
Always
Reference
Guide Page 115
Evacuation Distances
• Initial Large Spill
½ Mile Downwind
(800 Meters)
• Fire Involving
Tank car or truck
1 Mile (5280 ft.)
(1600 Meters)
Propane
41. Liquefied Petroleum Gas
• Shipping
– Grade of Purity: 97%
– Storage Temperature: Ambient
• Outdoor Temperature
– Venting: Safety Relief Valve
• Set to relieve at 250 psig – 375 psig
• Note: Expansion Ratio of 270:1
41
“The amount of gas produced by the evaporation
of one volume of liquid at a given temperature”
42. Hazards of Flammable Gases
• When involved in fire:
– Containers may explode (BLEVE)
– Flashback along vapor trail may occur
– Vapor may explode if ignited in enclosed
area - (Flammable Range)
– Burns with a loud pressurized flame
42
43. Vehicle Fuels 2012 (Liquids & Gasses)
43
Property Gasoline Ethanol Propane Natural Gas Hydrogen
Flammable
Range
1.4 - 7.6% 3.3 - 19% 2.15 - 9.6% 5.0 - 15.0% 4.0 - 74.0%
Ignition Temp 536°-853°F 685°F 871°F 999°F 923°F
Flame Visible Visible Visible Visible Nearly
Physical State Liquid Liquid Gas Gas Gas
Vapor Density 3 - 4 ↓ 1.59 ↓ 1.52 ↓ 0.70 ↑ 0.07 ↑
Odor Yes
Yes
(Wine or Whiskey)
Added Added Odorless
Color Yellow Clear No No No
Toxicity Yes No No No No
Flame
Temperature
1,997° C 3200° C 1,980° C 1,957° C 2,045° C
Specific
Gravity
0.8 .08 0.5 0.56 ↑
44. Unit Objectives
• The student will identify the basic methods of Fire
control for Class “B” Fires
• The student will understand the three types of
water application for fire control of class “B” Fires
• The student will understand how to position and
how to use nozzle patterns for protection when
shutting valves off for class ”B” fires.
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45. Class B Fires; Control with Water
45
Safety Point
Hydrocarbons; Gasoline, kerosene, and diesel
are not water soluble .
Polar solvents; alcohols and lacquers are miscible
in water
Identify the product and know how to extinguish it
46. Water to Control Class “B” Fires
46
• As a Cooling Agent
• As a Mechanical Tool
• As a Protective Cover
47. 47
Application in droplet form
in sufficient quantities to
absorb the heat produced.
•Applied to a container or steel
supports to cool and prevent a
BLEVE or collapse from direct
flame impingement.
Note: Do not use foam during cooling operations – foam insulates the tank.
48. 48
To move class B fuels to safe areas; to be
burned or to limit ignition sources
Use water fog patterns for radiant heat
protection and to prevent “Plunging” the
stream into the liquid,
52. Unit Objectives
• The student will identify the tactics to use on a
flammable gas leak and on flammable gas fires
• The student will understand the requirement for
a Safety Officer
52
53. Tactical Considerations
for Flammable Gases
• Always wear full personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Form a plan of operation have an IAP prior to acting
• Have all needed equipment readily available
53
54. • Check surrounding areas and remove all
ignition sources
• Establish Attack Lines
• (2) 1 ½” hose lines @ 95gpm
• Five personnel
– 1 Officer (Team Leader)
– 4 Firefighters
Tactics
54
55. Tactics
• (1) 1 ½” hose line @ 95gpm
• Three personnel
– 1 Officer
– 2 Firefighters
55
A Safety Line Is Mandatory
56. Tactics
• Assign a Safety Officer (CFR 1910.120)
• Always Approach with Caution
• Monitor Changing Tank Conditions
• Listen for Safety Warnings
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57. Tactics
57
Isolate area after shut-off - until gas
disperses
– Continue to use fog streams!
If gas cannot be shut-off
– isolate area and continue to disperse vapor
(with fog stream) until container is empty
– One line positioned at the point of release
– Two lines 50ft to 75ft downwind
– Approach vapor cloud with wind at your back
59. Tactics
59
– DO NOT SHUT OFF VALVES
– Contact pipeline company
– Contact plant manager or facility engineer
– Never extinguish an LPG fire unless the fuel supply
can be shut off
– If leak cannot be controlled, use water to cool area
until gas can be remotely shut off and/or dissipates
60. Safety Points for Fire Attack
– If fire is impinging on vessel for 5+ minutes and relief
valve is venting - evacuate (abandon) the area
– If not venting, apply large amounts of water on
vessel
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Apply water at the top 10%
(vapor space ) of the tank this
allows the water to cascade
down the sides of the tank and
cool the tank shell
» Large tank 1000 GPM with
500 GPM directed at the
point of flame contact
» Small tank 500 GPM at the
point flame contact
Vapor Space
61. Safety Points for Fire Attack
• Limit exposure of personnel
(use unmanned master streams)
• Always approach the tank from the sides
— never from the ends
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63. Procedures For Leak On Pipeline
• In addition to previous instructions, add the
following dynamics:
– If valve is leaking, do not shut off until approved
by pipeline company
– If this is a leak in a pipe, shutting down the
system may occur miles away—and may take
hours to completely disperse product
– Continue to disperse vapor cloud with fog stream
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64. Leak Involving Pipe Or Vessel
• Do not walk in liquid!
• If crew is exposed to liquid, flush with copious
amounts of water. Do not rub affected areas!!!
• If liquid is on the ground, flush with water
• Note: Vapor clouds will form and are a common
occurrence.
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65. Unit Objectives
1. The student will describe a BLEVE and how it
occurs.
2. The student shall describe the indicators
leading to a BLEVE.
3. The student will identify those safety
precautions required in dealing with a BLEVE
situation
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66. BLEVE
66
.
Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor
Explosion
The explosive release of internal vessel pressure,
pieces of the tank, liquid product, expanding
vapor, and a characteristic fireball with radiant
heat and shockwave.
Generally involves flammable gases
67. Indicators for Potential BLEVE
67
• Increased noise from a discharging relief valve
• Increased in size of fire plume at relief valve
• Observed color changes on vessel
• Changes in tank shape; depression or bulges
• Flame impingement for longer than 5 minutes
A Sealed pressure vessel with direct flame
impingement above the liquid level .
68. BLEVE SITUATIONS
• Methods of coping with potential BLEVE
• Large amounts of water at point of flame
impingement
• Tank size 1000 gallons or more:
–500 gpm for 5 minutes
• If still venting, evacuate immediately
– (5,280 ft radius)
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69. BLEVE SITUATIONS
• Methods of coping with potential BLEVE:
– Tank size less than 1,000 gallons:
(500 gpm for 3 minutes)
– If still venting, evacuate immediately
(5,280 ft. – 1 Mile radius )
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72. 72
• Flammable Liquids have a Flash Point ?
Below 100° F (38° C)
• What is the most common flammable liquid ?
Gasoline
• Methanol is classified as a?
Flammable Liquid; Polar Solvent
• When Methanol burns the flame may be?
The flame from Methanol may be invisible
• What is the most common flammable gas ?
Propane (LPG)
73. 73
• What is the expansion ration for LPG ?
270:1
• Name the 3 methods of water application for Class “B”
fires ?
Protection Cover Cooling Agent Mechanical Tool
• What is the function of a relief valve on a LPG tank ?
A safety device to relieve internal tank pressure
• What does the term BLEVE stand for ?
Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion
74. 74
• What is the minimum evacuations distance when
you suspect a potential BLEVE ?
1 Mile in all directions
• What is ERG used for ?
A reference for emergency responders
• What is the minimum GPM required for direct flame
impingement ?
500 Gallons per minute
