December 2014 Dave Casey Home Heating Fire RESPONSE Introduction Winter heating appliances can result in fires and Carbon Monoxide poisoning Fires can start in chimneys flues heating plants or spread from portable heaters or fireplaces ID: 830421
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Slide1
A basic overview
FETI Drill 14-12
December, 2014Dave Casey
Home Heating
Fire RESPONSE
Slide2Introduction Winter heating appliances can result in fires and Carbon Monoxide poisoning
Fires can start in chimneys, flues, heating plants, or spread from portable heaters or fireplacesCarbon monoxide poisoning can occur from heating or fuel powered devices Contents herein include material from the
Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department (CT) and the
Poudre Fire Authority (CO). 2
Slide3Chimney Fires
Slide4Chimney Fire Definition:
A chimney fire is the combustion of residue deposits referred to as creosote on the inner surfaces of chimney tiles, flue liners, stove pipes, etc.
4
Slide5Chimney Fires:
Chimney fires can burn explosively - noisy and dramatic enough to be detected by neighbors or passersby. Flames or dense smoke may shoot from the top of the chimney. Homeowners report being startled by a low rumbling sound that reminds them of a freight train or a low flying air plane.
5
Slide6Chimney Fire Hazards:
Failure of the chimney (cracks, collapse) & fire spread to adjoining partitions. Use Thermal Imager (TI) to check for any possible extension
Be prepared / check for carbon monoxide (CO)
within the structure due to restricted flues. Always Meter!!
6
Slide7Types of Stoves:
Standard Fireplace and InsertsMulti-level houses will have separate flues for every fireplace
7
Slide8Types of Stoves:
Fire BoxExposed Flue pipe into the chimney Creosote
will form heavily at bends in any pipe work or angles in a chimney
8
Slide9Chimney Cleanouts:
Cleanouts are located at the lower portion of the chimney
Maybe located outside, under snow and iceCleanouts can cause a fire hazard if not closed and next to combustible materials
9
Slide10Creosote is black or brownCan be crusty and flaky…tar-like, drippy and sticky…or shiny and
hardened Is highly combustible Can builds up in
chimney/flue and ignite Very hot, very stubborn fire
10
Chimneys and
Creosote
Chimney Damper:
Chimney Dampers are designed to close off the flue, preventing heat from escaping when the fire place is not in-use
11
Open Damper Damaged Damper
Slide1212
Chimney
Shelf
Burning
c
reosote
will
break away
from chimney and land on the chimney shelf and continue to
burn
The
up-draft
will carry small particles up chimney and re-ignite any un-burnt
creosote
Slide13Extinguishing a Chimney Fire
13
Access to Chimney:
Ground Ladders
Aerial
Trucks
Determine
where fire is burning
Fire contained
to chimney or
flue?
Wear
Proper PPE/SCBA when operating near the chimney.
Slide14Roof Operations:
Burning creosote needs to be removed from chimney and flueStay upwind from the top of the chimneyConstant updraft carries particles out,
Never look directly into chimney! Use mirrors to check progress
14
Slide15Roof Operations (Cont.)
Use of weights and chains will break apart creosote in the chimney.Drop the chimney weight until chimney sides are clear of debris.
Spraying water down the chimney is less effective than from the bottom up.
Remove Chimney cap if necessary
15
Slide16Indoor Operations
Set up canvas tarps from the fireplace to the exit
Extinguish fire in firebox and clear out fire shelfRemove ashes and logs
Work with the roof team to shovel out ashes as they are knocked downSpray the water can into the chimney and allow steam to extinguish fire if neededNever look up the chimney, watch for the falling weight and ashes with mirrors
16
Slide17Fire Extension:
17
Use the Thermal imager on all floors to check for possible extension
Slide18The Homeowner:
Advise the homeowner that even though the fire is extinguished, a thorough cleaning is needed by a professional cleaning companyThe fire place should not be used until inspected for any cracks in the chimney liner, missing or damaged bricks, or damage from excessive heat
18
Slide19Different Types of Chimneys:
19
Slide20Different Types of Chimneys:
20
Slide21Carbon Monoxide
The
Silent Killer!
Slide22**Disclaimer**
This is
basic response info:
Carbon monoxide (CO)CO accidental poisoning, ANDDetection, symptoms, tools and treatmentsThis presentation is
NOT
intended to be a comprehensive resource about CO and should not be the only training a firefighter receives.
More in depth information is available online and/or in books
Resources and references at end of presentation
Slide23Presentation Overview
CO Basics- the Hidden Danger
At Risk Populations
Accidental Poisoning PreventionWhat to do when you encounter COSymptoms of CO Poisoning
Treatments
Civilian
BLS
ALS
Slide24Presentation Overview
(Cont.)Understanding your CO Detector/Monitor
Residential/Commercial and portable equipment carried by FD
Exposure Limits
Slide25What Is Carbon Monoxide?
CO is a compound of Carbon and Oxygen
One atom carbon to one atom oxygen
ColorlessOdorless
TastelessPOISONOUS Gas
Slide26CO is produced by the incomplete combustion of various fuels (hydrocarbons), including:
Coal
Wood
Charcoal
Oil
Kerosene
Propane
Natural Gas
Note production of CO from the fire on right
Slide27Common Causes of
Incomplete Combustion
Smoldering fires
Burning wet wood
Burning green woodLack of O
2
during combustion
Malfunctioning appliances
Malfunctioning exhaust systems
Slide28Complete Combustion
When a hydrocarbon burns completely
Usually in environment abundant in oxygen
Emitting carbon dioxide & waterZero emissions of COMakes indoor gas cook stoves safe (right)
Note the bright blue & uniform flames- indication of
complete combustion
Slide29Common Sources of
Carbon Monoxide Pollution
WATER HEATERS & FURNACES
FIREPLACES
Slide30Sources (Cont.)
VEHICLE EXHAUST
SMOKING INDOORS
Slide31More Sources-
Common in Power Outages
PORTABLE GENERATORS
PORTABLE PROPANE HEATERS
Slide32The Hidden Dangers of CO
CO poisoning is most common exposure poisoning in the USA
CO not easily recognized because the signs and symptoms are similar to other illnessOdorless, colorless gas can cause sudden illness and death
CO is very slightly lighter than air, and normally mixes with air rather than collects
Slide33At Risk Populations
Due to the changes in physiology and exposure, the following populations are at the greatest risk:
The very young
The very oldPregnant women & most important- their fetusFetal hemoglobin has an even higher affinity for CO than adult
People with existing respiratory compromiseFirefighters
Slide34Note on Portable Generators
Remember our equipment (PPV fans, generators, etc.) have emissions including CO.
During power outages place portable generators at least 50 feet from your home
If possible, place generator downwind and away from any openings in your home:WindowsDoorsVents/Air Intakes
Slide35What To Do-
Emergency Responders
Use portable gas detectors
Perform a fresh air calibration in fresh airReview your department SOP/SOG regarding carbon monoxide calls periodicallyAlways remember
safety first!
S.C.B.A
.
Slide36Understanding Your Home Detector
Read & understand detector instructions before use
Detectors should be battery operated or backed up
Check/change batteries each time you change your clocks (daylight savings)
If your CO detector sounds, call 911 for assistance
Remember detectors
with digital readers give you more accurate information than those without
Slide37Understanding Your Monitor
The user should review monitor’s instruction manual periodically
If you have further questions, refer to your department’s monitor technician(s)
Monitor should be properly calibrated per manufacturer, generally: Once per monthAnytime it’s exposed to 200 ppm or higher
Slide38Exposure Limits
A properly ventilated building with properly functioning appliances should have zero CO present
Generally speaking, levels between 0-5 parts per million (a measurement of substance in air, indicated by the letters- ppm) are commonly found indoors and is considered safe
Slide39Common Sources of CO
Unvented cooking appliancesWood burning fireplaceGas, oil, wood or coal furnaceChimney
Slide 39
Slide40Common Sources of CO
Gas water heater, clothes dryerGas/oil space heatersBarbeque grillAttached garageUnvented heaters
Slide
40
Slide41Entrance of home and living areasWarm air registerNear CO alarmNear all combustion appliances
class # and topic
Slide 41
Where to Sample
Slide42Around all unvented appliances
Heat exchanger exhaust ports on furnaceUnder draft diverter of hot water heater
Slide 42
Where to Sample
Slide43Action Levels- Lower Limits
0 to 9 ppm- Normal
No Action: Typically from multiple potential sources
10 to 35 ppm- MarginalThis level could become problematicActions: Occupants should leave the building and be advised of a potential health hazard to small children, elderly people and persons suffering from respiratory or heart problems
Find source and mitigate/fix problem
Slide44Action Levels- Medium Limits
Conditions must be mitigated
Actions: Ask occupants to step outside and query about health symptoms
Contact Gas Company and/or ContractorAdvise occupants to seek medical attentionIf occupants exhibit any
symptoms of CO poisoning, they should be immediately transported to a medical facilityPreferably by ambulance
Have EMS respond
36 to 99 ppm- Excessive: Medical Alert
Slide45Action Levels- Higher Limits
100 – 200 ppm- Dangerous: Medical Alert
Emergency conditions exist
Actions: Evacuate the building immediately and check occupants for health symptomsAll occupants Should Be Evaluated by EMS PersonnelIf occupants exhibit
any symptoms of CO poisoning, they should be immediately transported to a medical facility
Preferably by ambulance
Greater than 200 ppm- Very Dangerous: Medical Alert
Actions: Same as Above
Slide46Symptoms of CO Poisoning
ANY OR ALL OF:
Headache
DizzinessIrritabilityConfusion/Memory LossDisorientation
Nausea and VomitingAbnormal Reflexes
Difficulty in Coordinating
Difficulty in Breathing
Chest Pain
Cerebral Edema
Convulsions/Seizures
Coma
Death
Slide47Be highly suspicious of co poisoning if:
Any of the symptoms found on previous slide is present in
more than one
individual in the buildingAny of these symptoms are sudden (acute)Any of these symptoms accompanied by a sounding CO detector
If you suspect faulty appliances
Slide48Treatment of CO poisoning
for victims of acute and/or mild exposure
Move victims to fresh air immediately
This will only relieve immediate symptoms of acute poisoningAdminister high-flow oxygen
Monitor vital signsTransport
via ALS if Symptom(s) persist
Slide49Carboxyhemoglobin
& Smokers
Non-smokers
generally have less than 1.5% CO in their bloodSmokers tend to have between 3-15%
Slide50More Statistics
Carbon Monoxide is the #1 cause for poisoning deaths in the U.S.
Effects of CO poisoning can generally be experienced with as little as 10%
Slide51General Symptoms by Exposure
-from NFPA
50 ppm: No adverse effects with 8 hours of exposure
200 ppm: mild headache after 2-3 hours of exposure400 ppm: headache and nausea after 1-2 hours of exposure1,600 ppm: headache, nausea, and dizziness after 20 minutes of exposure
Slide52IDLH
3,200 ppm: headache, nausea, and dizziness after 5-10 minutes; collapse and unconsciousness after 30 minutes of exposure
6,400 ppm: headache and dizziness after 1-2 minutes; unconsciousness and danger of death after 10-15 minutes of exposure
12,800 ppm: immediate physiological effects, unconsciousness and danger of death after 1-3 minutes of exposure
Slide53Tragedy In Colorado
The Lofgren Family Photo; Parker, Caroline, Owen and Sophie
Slide54Faulty Heating Connection Leads to Carbon Monoxide Death of Family
A prominent Denver family perished in a $9 million dollar home in Aspen
The family of four all died in their sleep
This tragedy could have been avoided with the proper use and installation of CO detectors
Slide55A National Problem
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention h
as concluded that between 1999-2004 an average of 439 persons died annually from unintentional, non--fire-related CO poisoning
Rates were highest amongst persons 65 years old and olderThe average number of deaths was highest during January
Slide56Chemical & Physical Properties
Flammability
The
NFPA has assigned a Flammability Rating of 4 (severe fire hazard)
to Carbon MonoxideAutoignition
Temperature: 1128 Degrees F
Flammable Limits in Air (Percent By Volume):
lower, 12.5; upper, 74
Slide57Fire Response to Furnace Fires
Shut off fuel source (CNG
, propane, fuel oil, etc.)Shut of associated electric serviceExtension through the ductwork can be remote due to dust build up. Check with thermal imagers and where ever possible actually open ductwork if heat readings are present
Extension into wall and ceiling closest to the fire is a very strong possibility. Again check with TI and open areas of concern Slide 57
Slide58Resources:Response Guide
http://www.afcintl.com/Portals/0/pdfs/applications/cofirstresp.pdf CDC “Responding to Residential CO Incidents”
http://www.cpsc.gov
//PageFiles/121994/coguide.pdf Sample response SOPs for CO: http://www.sierravistaaz.gov/egov
/documents/12829278278360.pdf
DG12 Home Heater & CO
Slide
58
Slide59References
http://
www.afcintl.com
/Portals/0/pdfs/applications/cofirstresp.pdfhttp://
www.osha.gov
/
SLTC
/
healthguidelines
/
carbonmonoxide
/
recognition.html
http://
www.carolinafirejournal.com
/Articles/
ArticleDetail
/
tabid
/191/
ArticleId
/107/Carbon-monoxide-
poisoning.aspx
http://
www.carbonmonoxidekills.com
/32/
carbon_monoxide_facts
http://
www.osha.gov
/Publications/3282-10N-05-English-07-18-2007.html
Slide60http://
www.cdc.gov/co/http://
emergency.cdc.gov
/disasters/co_guidance.asphttp://www.cdc.gov
/mmwr
/preview/
mmwrhtml
/mm5650a1.htm
http://
www.homedepot.com
/Buying-Guide-Smoke-Carbon-Monoxide-Detectors/h_d1/NCC-1701/h_d2/
ContentView?pn
=
Smoke_Carbon_Monoxide_Detectors&storeId
=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053
http://
www.osha.gov
/
SLTC
/
healthguidelines
/
carbonmonoxide
/
recognition.html