DCN: 4.08.00 TRAINING BULLETIN EMERGENCIES 3 … · Use as few members as practical on the roof. 6. HYDRANT SHUT DOWN 6.1. Hydrant shut down. ... DCN: 4.08.00 T.B. EMERGENCIES 3 March

DCN: 4.08.00 TRAINING BULLETINEMERGENCIES 3

March 15, 1997

BASIC EMERGENCIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Introduction 12 Opening Or Closing 13 Water Leaks 24 Flooded Basements 45 Flooded Roofs 46 Hydrant Shut Down 57 Steam Leak-Radiator 68 Electrical Emergencies 79 Overheated Ballast 910 Oil Burner Emergency 1011 Gas Leak-Kitchen Stove 1112 Gas Leak In Ceiling Around Light Fixture 1113 Gas Boiler-Residential 1214 Vehicular Accidents 1215 Gasoline Leak-Automotive 1316 Fish Hook Removal 1417 Ring Removal 1418 Burglar Alarm Ringing 1419 Oil Slick On Roadway 1520 Sulfur Candles 1521 Ice Rescue 1622 Wheelchair Lifts on NYC Transit Authority Buses 16

REFERENCES 1-7 17-22

DCN: 4.08.00 T.B. EMERGENCIES 3March 15, 1997 BASIC EMERGENCIES

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Every day firefighters respond to different emergency situations that occur in N.Y.C.. This bulletin will enable the firefighter to act on, control or eliminate the more common emergencies. The information contained in this bulletin is to be used as a guide for operations at basic emergencies.

2. OPENING OR CLOSING

2.1 In the Northern Hemisphere we are controlled by clockwise motion. Such phenomena as water draining out of a tub, smoke rising from a fire or chimney, vines growing up a pole all move in a clockwise direction. The Japanese Current, Gulf Stream, Jet Stream and prevailing winds also move in a clockwise direction. We mention clockwise in an attempt to save scraped knuckles, facilitate operations and to prevent serious injuries and damage to equipment. For this reason it is beneficial to understand that clockwise is used by us in many ways at emergency operations.

2.1.1 CLOCKWISE DIRECTION is used to close, makeup or tighten the following:

1) Water valves in faucets (usually).

2) Screws.

3) Nuts.

4) Pressure cylinders such as oxygen and propane.

5) Sprinkler systems, water mains.

2.1.2. Equally important to know is the other way - COUNTER-CLOCKWISE (CCW).

The Other Way (ccw) is used to close the following:

1. Hydrant operating nut.

2. Hydrant street shut off.

Refer: Reference 1, Figure 1

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3. WATER LEAKS

3.1 Toilet Bowl Leaking.

It is 3 a.m. and your unit is called to an apartment where water is leaking into a light fixture from the apartment above. We may have to disconnect the light fixture or pull the fuse as well as shutting off the water.

Possible action to stop leak.

1) Depends on type but generally if the ball in the water tank can be raised it will stop flow.

2) Sometimes under the tank a shut off handle is situated. Turn clockwise.

3.2. Leaking Sinks.

Possible actions.

1) Locate handle under sink.

2) Turn clockwise.

3.3. Broken Pipe or Leaking Pipe.

Possible actions.

1) If shut off handle is accessible turn clockwise.

2) If inaccessible and tubing used then simply crimp until flow stops.(Use pliers, tap with axe, etc.).

3) For non malleable metal use tapered piece of wood (shaved chock, pencil, chair leg, golf tee, etc.

4) An emergency patch on a pipe can be made with a piece of rubber inner tube and held with duct tape, rubber tape, clamp or coat hanger wire, etc..

5) A screw plug can be used with a rubber gasket on pipes or water tanks.

6) The packing nut may need tightening in a clockwise direction. Do not overturn.

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3.4. Flushometer.

Possible action.

1) Shake handle.

2) Tighten large fitting which is either serrated on edge or hexagonal in shape. Often they can be sufficiently tightened by hand to stop flow. This fitting is in supply elbow.

3) Tap with flat head of axe gently. This may reset valve in flushometer body.


3.5. Location of Shut Offs.

A. Sometimes shut off is located on the wall near the ceiling of the apartment directly below.

B. Shut offs are also located on riser line of apartments in basements.

C. Still no shut off; then locate where main enters building.

1) Usually near front building wall (often in a corner).

2) Pipe is coldest pipe in building and may also have condensation on outside.

3) Listen for sound of running water.

4) Feel vibration.

5) Look for armored ground cable which may be attached to main from electric meter.

6) Once valve is located shut off clockwise.

3.6. House Main.

A. Frequently broken by scavengers collecting mungo for resale.

B. Action to stop water flow.

C. Malleable pipe (copper, lead).

1) Strike with maul or flat head of axe until sufficiently closed to stop water flow.

Refer: Reference 1, Figures 3 and 4

2) Insert rounded end of stick, chock, pencil, chair leg, etc. to be used as a plug.


NOTE: It is sometimes helpful to use cloth on end of wood to aid in sealing.

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4. FLOODED BASEMENTS

4.1. Occupied building.

A. May cause problems with oil burner in building or in an adjoining building. Children may be playing in area and could possibly be drowned.

B. Actions to be taken:

1) If location of drain is known then clear surrounding area of debris and if possible channel flow towards drain. Look near shower or basement sink for drain if location of drain is unknown.

2) Remove the toilet bowl. This action will provide drainage. A screen or wire basket will keep out debris.

4.2. Vacant building.

A. Same actions as occupied building

B. Break into cast iron waste pipe at most convenient location with Halligan and axe to permit water to escape. This location can be at ceiling level depending on water depth.

C. Remove clean - out plug of waste pipe.

D. Open the street trap on the sewer side.


CAUTION

Avoid areas of basements where electrical power may be on.

5. FLOODED ROOFS

5.1. Actions to be taken.

A. DO NOT CLEAR ANY BLOCKAGE WITH HANDS!!! Member's arm can be drawn into drain. Deaths have resulted. Actual suction pressure can be quite high.

B. Clear blockage with 6' hook or applicable tool from drain or scupper.

C. Using hose.

1) Stretch entire length under water and allow to fill.

2) Kink one end.

3) Drape edge over parapet extending below roof level.

4) Release kink.

Refer: Reference 2 Figures 2 and 3

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D. Bring booster line to roof.

1) Charge line and open nozzle.

2) Place under water.

3) Shut down pumps and disconnect line at street.

4) Allow to drain.

Refer: Reference 2 Figure 4

CAUTION

NEVER CLEAR BLOCKAGE WITH HANDS!!Each sq. ft. over 12" deep weighs 62 pounds. Use as few members as practical on the roof.

6. HYDRANT SHUT DOWN

6.1. Hydrant shut down.

Action operating nut.

1) Turn counter clockwise.

2). Avoid contact with other metal objects when operating hydrants that are close to trouble in underground electrical services, or, when possible, avoid using hydrants close to trouble in underground electric services.

6.2. Street shut down.

Action.

1) Remove plate (sometimes difficult).

2) After cover removed, you may have to direct some water to clear chamber of mud and debris.

3) Place wrench on fitting (this is not always easily done) and turn counter clockwise 17 times.

NOTES:1. To facilitate operation water may have to be diverted by board, garbage

can cover, etc.

2. Not until about 12 full turns is there a noticeable decrease in water flow.

3. Nut is usually found off center on the street side of the chamber.


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7. STEAM LEAK-RADIATOR

7.1. Radiator.

A. Safety valve blown off.

B. Action.

1) Shut down radiator flow at valve handle turning clockwise.

2) Replace safety valve or use tapered wooden plug wrapped in cloth. Tap in until secure.

7.2. Flow valve blown off.

A. This is due to numerous operations of on and off flow. Generally it will be nearby and undamaged.

B. Action.

1) Make certain flow handle is in open position (this is important).


2) Replace fitting to open piping by turning nut on in clockwise direction.

NOTE: Wear gloves. Place towel over main valve to divert steam flow while resetting valve.

3) After restoration of flow valve it may be turned off or on as necessary.

The use of a compound or sealant on threads may be beneficial in obtaining a seal. Crayon, string, cotton thread or wax may be used.

NOTE: It may be necessary to shut steam off at boiler.

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8. ELECTRICAL EMERGENCIES

8.1 OVERHEAD ELECTRICAL SERVICE EMERGENCIES

When live electrical wires fall, they constitute a hazard to the public as well as responding firefighters. It is essential for the Officer of the responding unit to make a careful assessment of the risk to both civilians and members.

All Fire Department units are to treat downed wires as live wires until an on scene utility company representative confirms that the wires have been de-energized. There is currently no safe way for FDNY personnel to move energized power lines, even if it presents a condition imminently dangerous to life.

Members shall not take any actions relating to removing electrical wires from people and/or vehicles until wires are de-energized by the utility company.

Do not attempt to remove occupants from vehicles in contact with wires until wires are de-energized by the utility company.

Do not attempt to move wires with any hook or rope.

8.2 WIRES DOWN IN THE STREET

A. Immediately upon confirming that live electrical wires are down and are creating a situation that places human life in danger:

• The first arriving unit must contact the Fire Department Dispatcher via Department radio indicating that life is in danger. Specify the location (address, pole number) of the downed wires, and request forthwith power removal and priority response by utility company.

• Request response of Battalion Chief if not already assigned.

• Responding Battalion Chief shall also contact the Utility Company Electrical Operations Center directly by cell phone indicating that life is in danger and request priority response. These telephone numbers are found on the Con Edison notification cards distributed to all Chiefs Officers.

B. In situations involving live electrical wires which are down but do not present an imminent life hazard, the Department can only guard against the hazards of fallen wires by isolating the area, notifying the utility company and standing by until a utility company crew responds. It is the utility company that will correct the problem.

Rev. 11/29/07

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In either situation listed above, the following action shall be taken:

• Immediate notification to the dispatcher/utility for priority utility company response.

• Isolate the area.

• Keep apparatus away. Overhead wires are supported by poles, which could possibly topple in a domino effect, thereby endangering members if they are within the area of possible pole collapse.

• Check nearby buildings for heat at fuse box/electrical service entrance box. Utilize thermal imaging cameras as hand contact may result in electrocution if the box is energized.

• Caution civilians trapped in vehicles with an electrical line over it to remain in their vehicle until the wires are de-energized by the utility company.

• Stretch line with fog nozzle. Use distance as a safety factor. Keep at least 25 feet away from any downed wire while operating this handline.

The following are additional guidelines for the safety of all members:

• Fallen or hanging wires are not to be moved by members.

• Avoid metal gratings, manholes, fences, puddles, wet grass, etc.

• Highly energized wires often whip and snap while producing sparks.

• The ground immediately near a fallen wire may be energized (voltage gradient) causing injury or death to anyone approaching the downed wire.

• Do not place weighted objects on downed wires. This may cause the wire to make substantial contact with the ground and produce arcing and whipping as well as produce a voltage gradient in the immediate area.

• Do not open the house service. Heated wires may generate carbon monoxide gas in the service box, which can explode when the opening of a breaker creates a spark.

Rev. 11/29/07

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8.3 POWER STATION EMERGENCY/SUBSTATION EMERGENCY

Actions to be taken.

1) Place a priority call to the Fire Department dispatcher for power removal. Be sure to request that ALL electrical equipment at the station be deactivated and request the immediate on site response of a utility company representative. All electrical equipment at the station/substation is to be considered energized until verification of power removal is made by the on site utility company personnel.

2) Unless human life is in jeopardy, do not enter substation until arrival of power company representative.

3) Do not under any circumstances bring metal ladders or metal tools inside of gate of generating station.

4) Do not enter fenced off areas without power company representative.5) No ladders, metal or wood, should be supported by metal superstructures.

NOTE: The metal overhead piping in a substation or rectified station are "bus bars" andcarry high voltage and/or amperage.

9. OVERHEATED BALLAST

9.1. Flourescents.

A. How to identify.

1) Smoke emanating from fixture.

2) Smell

3) Flickering light.

4) Partial or complete darkening of bulb.

5) Presence of heat.

B. Actions to be taken.

1) Shut off power.

2) Remove bulb.

3) Remove cover panel.

4) Disconnect wires to ballast (black box) and remove same.

5) Isolate black and white power wires and cover exposed ends with caps or tape. Keep apart.

6) Check for any fire or smoldering in ceiling.

7) Overheated fluorescent ballasts may leak PCB-contaminated oil. SCBA must be used while performing the above operations.

Refer: Reference 7, Figure 1 & Reference 8Rev. 9/16/99

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10. OIL BURNER EMERGENCYHeavy odor or visible smoke on scene that is usually caused by delayed ignition.


A. Methods of disconnecting electric power.

1) Shut off electric power by use of oil burner remote control. Oil burner remote control is generally painted red and generally located at the following locations:

a. In a private dwelling at the top of interior cellar stairs.b. In an old law tenement, brownstone or frame building at the top of

the interior cellar stairs.NOTE: At above locations listen for sound of burner going off as switch

may be for lights.c. In a new law tenement or apartment house outside of the oil burner

room.NOTES:

1. Be alert to other locations for switch especially if there is a commercial occupancy on street floor.

2. It is helpful to turn on lights if possible.

2) Fuse box.

a. Remove fuse.b. Pull knife switch.c. Switch off circuit breaker.

NOTE: Box is usually marked "oil burner." Power line can also be traced from oil burner or switch.

3) Ignition component at boiler.Remove cover from component and place non-conductor between contact points. (Small piece of wood, plastic, rubber, cardboard, etc.

B. Fuel shut off.

1) At tank (all tanks have shut off).

2) At oil burner (with 275 gallon tanks).

3) On preheat or #6 oil, turn gas to preheater off (¼ turn) and also electric. (See "A" above) (See Caution).

CAUTIONThere is a very real danger of the flexible, thin wall gas line tubing to the preheater melting or being disconnected. The gas/air mixture ignited by the heat of the oil burner results in an explosion Members have been injured.

4) On boilers with larger than 275 gallon tanks there may be a shut off on the feed line near the filter.

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11. GAS LEAK KITCHEN STOVE

11.1. Check that stove is not on.

11.2. If stove off then locate butterfly on piping or tubing at rear. Turn until butterfly is perpendicular to flow of gas pipe (¼ turn.)

Occupant needs Brooklyn Union Gas or Con Ed to check stove and restore gas.

NOTE: A liquid detergent brushed on area of suspected leak will bubble if gas is leaking.

12. GAS LEAK IN CEILING AROUND LIGHT FIXTURE

12.1. Causes.

A. Usually occurs as the result of the occupant removing the plug in the old gas supply line when installing a new fixture.

B. It can also occur because repairmen only used wax as a plug when gas line use was discontinued, and this wax either melts or deteriorates over a long period of time causing a leak.

12.2. Possible actions.

A. Make certain area is ventilated.

B. If he has removed cap then replace same. If he has sawed into pipe then shut off at service to apartment which may be in the apartment or in basement.

NOTE: Service entrance is where gas, electric and water enter building.

C. Occupant requires Brooklyn Union Gas or Con Ed to restore gas. Under no circumstances should units restore service as there may be open pilots or burners on elsewhere.

WARNING:

Gas piping is of small diameter and there is a possibility of it being energized through faulty electrical connections. i.e., Someone may be inadvertently using pipe as a ground.

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13. GAS BOILER RESIDENTIAL

13.1. Identification metallic odor caused by overheating when aquastat or low water cut-off is not functioning. Sides of boiler can be cherry red. Boiler needs water. DO NOT ADD. The boiler must cool down first.

A. Locate gas shut off at either boiler or at service entrance. Turn perpendicular to pipe (¼ turn).

B. Occupant needs Brooklyn Union Gas or Con Ed to restore gas.

14. VEHICULAR ACCIDENTS


A. Rope off and clear area.

B. Chock vehicle.

C. Keep apparatus out of immediate area.

D. Stretch and charge a line into position to protect a trapped victim.

E. If gasoline is leaking then battery should be disconnected, ground cable first. At times, hoods, batteries and trunks are destroyed for no viable reason. Try to locate key.

Hydrogen is evolved when electric storage batteries are being charged. When a firefighter attempts to disconnect a battery with a large metal tool he can accidentally short the two terminals. The resulting sparks can ignite the hydrogen in the battery causing it to blow apart.

Shorting terminals is not the only way to produce a spark. Connecting or disconnecting terminals can also create sparks. Turning off all current drawing devices in the vehicle before disconnecting the battery will eliminate sparking. It would also be safer to disconnect the grounded terminal first and to use a tool small enough to avoid accidental contact across the battery terminals.

NOTE: Some cars have two batteries (Diesels) and some have battery in trunk.

F. Prevent movement of vehicle if victim is trapped.

G. Do not forcefully pull victim free as it may aggravate the injury. An examination for bleeding and fractures should be made.

H. Prevent smoking at scene if gasoline is leaking or oxygen being used.

I. Request police for traffic and crowd control and EMS if services are required.

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J. Special units can be called for their use of emergency equipment (Saws, Hurst Type Tool, etc.).

Catalytic converters can reach 2000° F, well above the ignition temperature of leaves, grass, etc.. This must be considered when working near overturned vehicles or using air bags. These high temperatures can cause severe burns and/or damage air bags.

NOTE:

If vehicle is to be towed use a chain. A cable will store kinetic energy and if cable snaps serious injuries can occur. If a link snaps there is no violent whipping action.

K. If necessary to open car door consider the following:

1) Try to obtain key.

2) Use coat hanger to raise lock button or door handle.

3) Use a "slim jim" (slim jim to be used only in emergency and is used as follows:)

a. Insert tool between glass and door panel.

b. Depending on make of car we either pull up with hook end or push down with slot end on activating arm or rod to release lock.

NOTES:

1. Aim for lock area2. This tool requires practice and knowledge of the location of locks

on different cars. When used properly it saves much unnecessary damage. Some cars can be opened quicker than with a key.


15. GASOLINE LEAK AUTOMOTIVE

15.1. Caution - No open lights or smoking, sparks, etc. Keep area clear of people.

15.2. Leaking fuel line.


1) Wash down if necessary.

2) To stop leak .

a. Crimp fuel line.

b. Plug with pencil, golf tee, shaved stick or chock, etc.

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15.3. Leaking gas tank.


1) Plug hole with small piece of tapered wood.

2) Rub piece of chalk over pinhole leaks.

3) Use commercial product such as "Loctite".

4) Use half of rubber ball (tennis, spalding) propped with stick forming airtight seal with suction side towards leak.

5) Cut straps of gas tank, lower to ground and prop so that leak is above fuel level.

NOTE: Often reason for hole is that someone found it easier to steal gas by punching hole with ice pick in preference to using siphon.

16. FISH HOOK REMOVAL

Fish hook embedded in finger.

Action to be taken.

1) If barb is not embedded, then back the hook out.

2) If barb is embedded then have physician remove it.

NOTE: If medical aid is not available then push hook through until barb protrudes. Cut the hook either at the barb or shank and remove it.


17. RING REMOVAL


A. Use a soapy water as lubricant for ring removal.

B. Finger may be cooled which will decrease swelling and allow removal.

C. Use or call for ring cutter which will safely cut ring off finger in short period of time - less than a minute.

NOTE: Sometimes it is preferable to use regular cutting pliers because ring cutter will not cut stainless steel.

18. BURGLAR ALARM RINGING

18.1. Many times due to a fire, a burglar alarm may be constantly ringing.

This constant noise during overhaul could possibly make members tense and set up a situation where injuries occur.

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18.2. Burglar alarms may be silenced by either of the below methods.

A. Locate alarm and insert wad of paper, chock, match book cover, etc. between clapper and bell.

B. Disconnect power.

1) Locate alarm.2) Follow wire into occupancy.3) Locate alarm box with batteries.4) Use screw driver or dime to remove cover.5) Disconnect wires from battery terminals.6) Replace cover.

NOTE: If wires are connected to house electric pull plug, pull fuse, or turn off power

19. OIL SLICK ON ROADWAY

19.1. Oil slick.

Can cause accident and may be most common after an accident.

19.2. Operation.

A. Check immediate area for sand or dirt. Use shovels to spread same onto slick. This will absorb oil or at least provide a friction cover to prevent slipping. The use of water on slick will only exacerbate the problem.

B. If no sand available call for sanitation sand truck.

20. SULFUR CANDLES

20.1. Sulfur candle.

Used to discourage vermin and the fumes produced are highly irritating.

20.2. Operations.

A. Use mask.

B. Use as few members as possible preferably (officer and one firefighter).

C. Vent as you search.

D. When candle is found, either extinguish or remove to outer air.

E. Wait outside apartment for sufficient time to establish fact that no other candles remain.

NOTE: Candles are usually found on the floor in a saucer of water.

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21. ICE RESCUE

21.1 Cautions.

A ladder will spread out and diminish the weight on a specific area of ice to allow greater safety and enhance the possibility of removing someone from ice or icy water.

21.2 Action.

A. Ladder extended with rope tied on shoreward rung. Rope will serve as an extension.

B. Rescuer crawls out on ladder to assist victim if necessary.

1) If ice breaks ladder will angle upwards and can be drawn back to safety.

2) Hook can be extended to victim. (Hook of necessary length.)

3) Other devices to use are buoys, ropes, sticks, poles or even a human chain lying prone on the ice.

4) Be prepared to give Rescue Breathing and treat for shock.

22. WHEELCHAIR LIFTS ON NYC TRANSIT AUTHORITY BUSES

All NYC Transit Authority (NYCTA) buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts to provide access for disabled passengers. There are occasions when the lift malfunctions and traps a disabled passenger either on the lift or inside the bus. In such instances a NYCTA bus maintainer will be dispatched to repair the lift.

22.1 Procedure

The NYCTA will now notify 911 in addition to notifying the bus maintainer. Dispatchers at 911 will relay information to the Fire Department Dispatchers who will special call a unit to respond to provide assistance with the removal of the disabled passenger.

22.2 Safety Precautions

When a Fire Department unit is called to provide assistance with the removal of a disabled passenger from a wheelchair lift, the following precautions must be taken before any members are permitted to start removal operations:

♦ The keyed switch at the bus driver’s seat that supplies power to the wheelchair lift must be in the off position and the key removed before operations commence.

♦ The officer shall insure that the wheelchair lift is secured, chocked, and stabilized to insure that the wheelchair lift will not move in the event of hydraulic or mechanical failure.

BY ORDER OF THE FIRE COMMISSIONER AND THE CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT

Rev. 7/26/00

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REFERENCE 1

17


♦ An alternate possibility is to remove a brick at a low point on a parapet wall which will serve as a scupper

18


FIGURE 1HYDRANT STREET SHUT OFF

19


REFERENCE 7

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REFERENCE # 8(FORMERLY SAFETY MESSAGE # 42)

Fluorescent Light Ballast’s and PCB.

PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl’s) is a topic of growing concern to both firefighters and the general population. Some times this concern manifests itself in inaccurate evaluations of suspected hazards. A case in point is the ballast in fluorescent light fixtures.

Fluorescent light tubes require a high voltage to function. This is provided by an electrical device called a ballast. It is the rectangular metal box, with wires coming from each end, found inside the fixture. The size of the ballast will vary depending on the size of the light tubes. Simply stated the ballast is a sheet metal box containing a transformer and a capacitor. They are embedded in an asphalt and sand mixture which after being heated to 425° F, is poured into the container. This material, which is solid at ambient temperatures, serves as a heat transfer agent and a sound absorber. The asphalt mixture will soften at about the boiling point of water. This mixture DOES NOT CONTAIN PCB. If the ballast suffers burnout (overheats) this material can leak from it's container. Firefighters searching for the source of the odor given off by a ballast in burnout use this leaking to identify the defective ballast. If the ballast does not leak we must resort to our sense of smell and touch to find the overheated unit.

Fluorescent fixtures manufactured after 1968 contain ballast with thermal protection (designated TYPE P) which is designed to prevent burnout. Just how many non-thermal protected fluorescent ballast’s are in existence is unknown. Their number is reduced each year as replacements are required to be Type P.

The capacitor which is in the ballast is a small sealed metal can that contains less than a fluid ounce of a dielectric fluid. 25 % of this quantity is in liquid form. The remaining 75 % is absorbed in paper used in the capacitor. In ballast’s manufactured before 1979 this dielectric was a PCB liquid. Just how many ballast’s with PCB capacitors are in use is unknown. One study estimates ballast life to be in the 12 to 18 year range. This would indicate that many such ballast’s are in use.

According to a recent Health Department health assessment report, there are no adverse health effects from an overheated ballast in a work area with normal ventilation. In addition, the federal government allows disposal of these ballast’s in ordinary municipal waste disposal sites.

However, if fixtures are involved in a fire that results in the break down of the ballast and the rupture of the capacitor, PCB could be burned. The burning of PCB can produce chlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurans. This possibility is rare and the amount of PCB in a capacitor is less than a fluid ounce.

Presence of leaking asphalt material from a ballast is not necessarily an indication of a PCB leak. But if the liquid does not solidify after cooling it could be an indication that the capacitor fluid has leaked. This fluid could be the dielectric used in ballast’s manufactured prior to 1979 and could be a PCB liquid.

Because of the high toxicity of these compounds the use of protective equipment that will minimize the inhalation of smoke from fires involving even small quantities of PCB should be a high priority. This advice is from the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.

Rev. 9/16/9921

Documents

DCN: 4.08.00 TRAINING BULLETIN EMERGENCIES 3 … · Use as few members as practical on the roof. 6. HYDRANT SHUT DOWN 6.1. Hydrant shut down. ... DCN: 4.08.00 T.B. EMERGENCIES 3 March