A basic overview FETI Drill 14-12 - PowerPoint Presentation

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A basic overview

FETI Drill 14-12

December, 2014Dave Casey

Home Heating

Fire RESPONSE

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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 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

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Chimney Fires

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Chimney 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.

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Chimney 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.

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Chimney 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!!

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Types of Stoves:

Standard Fireplace and InsertsMulti-level houses will have separate flues for every fireplace

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Types of Stoves:

Fire BoxExposed Flue pipe into the chimney Creosote

will form heavily at bends in any pipe work or angles in a chimney

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Chimney 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

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Creosote 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

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Chimneys and

Creosote

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Chimney Damper:

Chimney Dampers are designed to close off the flue, preventing heat from escaping when the fire place is not in-use

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Open Damper Damaged Damper

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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

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Extinguishing a Chimney Fire

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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.

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Roof 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

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Roof 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

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Indoor 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

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Fire Extension:

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Use the Thermal imager on all floors to check for possible extension

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The 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

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Different Types of Chimneys:

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Different Types of Chimneys:

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Carbon Monoxide

The

Silent Killer!

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**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

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Presentation 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

Slide24

Presentation Overview

(Cont.)Understanding your CO Detector/Monitor

Residential/Commercial and portable equipment carried by FD

Exposure Limits

Slide25

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

CO is a compound of Carbon and Oxygen

One atom carbon to one atom oxygen

ColorlessOdorless

TastelessPOISONOUS Gas

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CO 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

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Common Causes of

Incomplete Combustion

Smoldering fires

Burning wet wood

Burning green woodLack of O

2

during combustion

Malfunctioning appliances

Malfunctioning exhaust systems

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Complete 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

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Common Sources of

Carbon Monoxide Pollution

WATER HEATERS & FURNACES

FIREPLACES

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Sources (Cont.)

VEHICLE EXHAUST

SMOKING INDOORS

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More Sources-

Common in Power Outages

PORTABLE GENERATORS

PORTABLE PROPANE HEATERS

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The 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

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At 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

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Note 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

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What 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

.

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Understanding 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

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Understanding 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

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Exposure 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

Slide39

Common Sources of CO

Unvented cooking appliancesWood burning fireplaceGas, oil, wood or coal furnaceChimney

Slide 39

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Common Sources of CO

Gas water heater, clothes dryerGas/oil space heatersBarbeque grillAttached garageUnvented heaters

Slide

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Entrance of home and living areasWarm air registerNear CO alarmNear all combustion appliances

class # and topic

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Where to Sample

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Around all unvented appliances

Heat exchanger exhaust ports on furnaceUnder draft diverter of hot water heater

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Where to Sample

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Action 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

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Action 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

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Action 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

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Symptoms 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

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Be 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

Slide48

Treatment 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

Slide49

Carboxyhemoglobin

& Smokers

Non-smokers

generally have less than 1.5% CO in their bloodSmokers tend to have between 3-15%

Slide50

More 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%

Slide51

General 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

Slide52

IDLH

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

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Tragedy In Colorado

The Lofgren Family Photo; Parker, Caroline, Owen and Sophie

Slide54

Faulty 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

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A 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

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Chemical & 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

Slide57

Fire 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

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Resources: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

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References

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

Slide60

http://

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