Propane Emergencies (6 hrs)
This course is designed to increase fire fighter awareness of hazards and operations when dealing with propane. Class is broken into to two 3-hour sessions that allow students the opportunity to gain knowledge of what propane is and how to manage an incident. This course can be offered as a standalone training session or is part of the curriculum for a Firefighter 2 course.
Session 1 (3 hrs): The first session is all classroom and covers the following topics: possible locations in dealing with propane, physical and chemical properties of propane, what is a “BLEVE”, evacuation distances, flow requirements for cooling tanks/cylinders, a brief overview of Incident Management Systems for dealing with propane emergencies, fixture and safety devices found on various propane containers, scene size-up and safety issues, and tactical considerations.
(Logistics needs for the first session: classroom only, the instructor will supply all of the equipment needed).
Session 2 (3 hrs): The second session involves all hands-on training using the SFMTD 500 gallon propane tank simulator. The students will work on establishing and maintaining an adequate water supply, managing the available resources, operating proper cooling and backup lines, establishing an entry team which will advance to the tank and shut off a control valve.
(Logistic needs for the second session include: 1 – pumper capable of supplying 5 – 1 ½” or 1 ¾” quarter hand-lines, approximately 500 feet of 1 ½ or 1 ¾ hose, 4 nozzles with at least two of them being capable of flowing 125 gpm and having a very good fog pattern, total water flow requirements of about 500 gpm, training site with a minimum of 200 feet of clearance in all directions and preferably not on concrete or asphalt, and a local propane dealer with bobtail delivery truck w/pump. All students participating on the entry team must wear full protective clothing and SCBA).
