PSE&G Emergency Responder Program Review

Transcription

1 PSE&G Emergency Responder Program Review Paul Pirro Manager Technical Services PSE&G Gas Delivery October 2012

2 PSE&G Background 1.8 Million Customers Gas Delivery maintains Employees Service Territory: 2,400 square miles in 17 Counties 40% Urban/60% Rural 61 miles of transmission pipeline 17,600 miles of distribution main 17,000 miles of services

3 PSE&G Background 750+ Service Technicians serve 12 District areas Responsibilities: Utility Service Work (Tariff) Appliance Repair HVAC Installations Approx. 100,000 Leak & Emergency calls per year Fully Automated Dispatching System

4 Federal Regulations for Emergency Response PHMSA (DOT) 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) Sections: & Operator emergency plans must include provisions for coordinating preplanned drills and response to actual pipeline emergencies with fire, police and other public officials Operators must develop and implement a written continuing education program & Operators must perform Outreach as required under Emergency Plans and Public Education Programs

5 NJ Emergency Response Program New Jersey maintains 576 Fire Stations (paid/volunteer) that serve 566 municipalities. Over the years, NJ has maintained a proactive position by ensuring that Emergency Responders are trained and well prepared to handle all types of emergencies. The NJ Administrative Code (NJAC) requires utilities to offer training and establish liaison with FD s, OEM s and Public Officials for handling gas pipeline emergencies. According to the NJAC, energy providers are expected to conduct an annual drill covering a transmission pipeline emergency.

6 NJ Emergency Response Program Utility Hazard Awareness Program was developed by a statewide team in 2008: NJ Utility Representatives Propane Representative AEGIS Loss Prevention Services State Fire Marshalls Program was designed to provide emergency response officers with utility hazard awareness and safety aspects for integration into SOP s for a coordinated approach to incidents. Fire, Police, EMT & OEM groups

7 NJ Emergency Response Program Program Objective: Provide information about utility hazards and safety considerations for emergency responders. Provide opportunity for different emergency agencies to discuss their emergency response SOP s and coordination prior to an event. Aid in development and enhancement of SOP s. Recommend an approach consistent with National Incident Management System (NIMS) for coordination with utilities and facility owners.

8 Subject Areas Covered Utility First Response Durham Woods Transmission Pipeline Explosion (Edison, NJ) Gas Delivery Infrastructure Metering & Regulating Stations Properties of Natural Gas

9 Subject Areas Covered Natural Gas Explosive Range Gas Detector Calibration Liquid Propane Natural Gas Storage (LNG)* LNG Truck & Trailer Emergency Response* * Added since San Bruno Incident

10 Subject Areas Covered Utility Leak & Emergency Response Process Natural Gas Do s & Don ts Meter Valve Shut-off Diagram Gas Migration Review Weather Related Challenges (Ground Frost, Flooding, Ice, Snow)

11 Subject Areas Covered Carbon Monoxide Review Gas Mandated Programs Pipeline Markouts NJ Gas Damage Summary Gas Industry Websites

12 Supplemental Video Program AEGIS Natural Gas Recognizing and Avoiding the Hazards Video Training Tool for Emergency Responders (Volumes 1 and 2). Provides an effective review of the gas delivery system, properties of natural gas, and safe practices for dealing with emergencies involving natural gas leaks, fires, and carbon monoxide. Available for display or purchase at:

13 AEGIS Video Segments & Actions - Volumes 1 & 2 Properties of NG NG Delivery System Keeping System Safe When Gas Escapes from System Detection of NG NG Fires Outside CNG Vehicle Emergencies Gas Burning Inside Carbon Monoxide NG Emergency Preparedness Static Electricity Industrial Fires Gas Main Leaks & Fires Odorant Emergencies LNG

14 Utility Safety Program Resources FIREFIGHTER S HANDBOOK Addendum NEW JERSEY EDITION by Delmar Leaning (Fire Fighter I training program ) Section D Public Utilities, Propane and Carbon Monoxide Hazards Responding to Utility Emergencies Michael Callan, Red Hat Publishing Company New Jersey One-Call Damage Prevention - FEMA Developing Effective Standard Operating Procedures For Fire and EMS National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, CDC Pipeline Emergencies Gregory G, Noll & Michael S. Hildebraand Chemical Safety Board (CSB) - National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) -

15 Natural Gas Safety Resources Elizabethtown Gas New Jersey Natural Gas Public Service Electric and Gas South Jersey Gas New Jersey One Call Center New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Northeast Gas Association American Gas Association Common Ground Alliance New Jersey Common Ground Alliance PHMSA Pipeline Safety Program Pipeline Emergencies

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18 Development of Emergency Response Plans An AGA Engineering Technical Note, dated 12/15/11, provides guidance to natural gas service companies for developing their emergency response plans. This document includes: Agency Recommendations & Advisories from past Incident Investigations Key Issues for structuring a Utility Communications Plan Comprehensive Emergency Response Checklist Resources for Safety Communications

19 Mutual Aid Plans Include plans to request manpower and equipment resources to assist in gas repair and restoration activities Industry (AGA) Regional (NGA) Local (State) The AGA website provides immediate access to a Mutual Assistance Program and Emergency Planning Resource Center This AGA Mutual Aid Database provides the ability to search for gas utilities and product & service providers. AGA website link: default.aspx

20 Damage Prevention Overall, gas pipeline damages are declining annually. No one area of focus is attributed to this positive trend. We find that pipeline operators need to do many things to promote this continuous improvement.

21 Damage Prevention Explosions can occur, regardless of pipe size and pressure. Most damage incidents have been involved with service pipe on customer property.

22 Police Awareness for Markouts We ask Police to report occurrences when they find street construction areas that are not marked out. We make it clear that this action will help the community by preventing damages, which will, in turn, eliminate additional trips by emergency responders.

23 Critical Gas Levels - UEL & LEL Comparison of gas detection readings % gas vs. % LEL Percent gas in air Percent LEL 15% 14% 13% 12% Natural gas will not ignite above the UEL -too rich- Upper Explosive Limit of Natural Gas (UEL) Note: All detection equipment needs to be PROPERLY USED, MAINTAINED, AND CALIBRATED. Natural Gas 15 % Upper Explosive Limit = UEL 11% 10% 9% 8% Flammable range of natural gas. (5%-15%) 5 % Upper Explosive Limit = UEL Lower Explosive Limit = LFL 7% 6% 5% 4% 3% 2% 1% Natural gas will not ignite below the LEL -too lean- 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% % gas % LEL Lower Explosive Limit of Natural Gas (LEL) Note: 1% gas in air is equal to 10,000 PPM Any open air reading above 1% or 20% of the LEL - immediately evacuate the building of all personnel including emergency responders If a gas concentration is above 15%, an imminent danger exists Lower Explosive Limit = LEL when venting. As gas dissipates, it will pass through the Explosive Range before reaching 0%.

24 CGI Calibration for Accuracy Combustible Gas Indicators (CGI) must be calibrated according to manufacturer specifications. The CGI is calibrated using a specific gas. If any gas other than methane is used, CGI sensitivity and response may not directly correspond to the actual natural gas level being measured. CGI readings are only accurate for the type of gas used to calibrate the CGI. Adjustments to readings need to be made for all other gases to obtain the actual flammable level. Some CGI manufacturers provide a table with correction factors used to obtain a more accurate reading if the gas being tested is not the gas used to calibrate the CGI.

25 Gas Leak Detection Equipment During FD training, PSE&G reviews the need to calibrate gas detection equipment periodically. Bascom-Turner Gas Sentry CGI s equipped for CH4 and CO are used by over 750 service technicians (first responders). Instruments at PSE&G are automatically calibrated in a docking station and tracked on a monthly basis.

26 Gas Leak Detection Equipment PSE&G will allow access to automatic calibration equipment for any FD that purchases Bascom- Turner gas detection instruments. For periodic calibrations, PSE&G will allow access to any assigned Gas District locations during normal business hours.

27 Park Upwind of Blowing Gas

28 Gas Leak Migration Gas leak present at house 516 Possible migration at all neighboring houses

29 Gas Migration Considerations Use full personal protective equipment Always assume there are multiple gas leaks you must verify that the area is clear of gas. Check entire area, including across the street, surrounding buildings & subsurface structures. Use properly calibrated gas detection equipment Ground conditions can impact gas migration and leak pattern Always coordinate actions with the utility Follow action levels, communication, & gas readings Once gas is controlled and sources of ignition eliminated, use care in airing out buildings (may bring into explosive range) Some gas service lines have excess flow valves (EFV s) for protection

30 Natural Gas Do s & Don ts Do: Notify the gas company immediately while enroute - utilize the gas company s expertise Treat all gas leaks as potentially hazardous When in doubt, evacuate structures and/or surroundings Look for multiple gas leaks even if the gas is burning Secure affected areas by doing a complete hazard assessment of area Use only properly calibrated leak detection equipment CGI must be turned on in a non-gaseous environment Establish detection equipment action levels (evacuation thresholds) Use only intrinsically safe communication devices and other electrically operated equipment Only shut off above-ground meter valves

31 Natural Gas Do s & Don ts Don t: Park over manhole or valve covers, storm drains or too close to structures Park in front or downwind of emergency locations Use open flames (flares, smoking, other sources) Operate any in-ground or underground valves Operate doorbells, light switches, other electrical devices or ignition sources (pagers, cell phones, radios) Turn off venting relief valves Extinguish gas fires until fuel sources have been secured Turn on gas valves Shut off gas service to industrial facilities without knowledge of its effect - this can cause additional damage

32 Meter Valve Shut-offs Never force an above ground gas meter valve in the wrong direction! Valve in on position Match the wings! Valve in off position

33 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Carbon Monoxide is a product of Incomplete Combustion. CH 4 + 2O 2 === CO 2 + 2H 2 O(v) Consider the chemical formula for Complete Combustion. Carbon Monoxide (CO) is formed when not enough air (O2) is available to create carbon dioxide (CO2). 1 cu.ft. gas + 2 cu.ft. air === 1 cu.ft. carbon dioxid e 2 cu.ft. + water vapor

34 CO Characteristics Colorless Odorless Tasteless Nonirritating Invisible to humans Lighter than air Highly Toxic in Very Small Concentrations Explosive Range 12% to 74% Backdraft experienced by firefighters

35 CO Warning Signs Noticeable Conditions: Aldehydes an alcohol odor may accompany CO in the process Condensation may be visible on walls or windows in affected area Dead Houseplants due to absence of oxygen Lethargic Pets small pets get tired quickly from effects of CO, due to a higher breathing rate.

36 Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) Carboxyhemoglobin is the poisoning of the blood due to effects from carbon monoxide (CO) In the process, CO is transferred to blood via lungs CO bonds with hemoglobin in blood CO reduces blood s ability to transport O2 throughout the body CO is 200x more attracted to blood hemoglobin than O2 To reverse effects from CO poisoning, need 200 parts O2 to replace one part CO

37 Progressive Flu-Like Symptoms Low/Medium Exposure Symptoms: Headache Dizziness Fatigue Nausea Poor Coordination Confusion High Exposure Symptoms: Severe Headache Shortness of Breath Chest Pains Vomiting Red Eyes Unconsciousness Coma Death

38 Increased Susceptibility to CO Pregnant Mothers fetus experiences effects before the mother Infants due to higher respiration rate Heart Condition Cases the heart is the first major organ to be affected Smokers some CO may already be in blood prior to a significant exposure

39 1 HOUR EXPOSURE LIMITS & SYMPTOMS 200 ppm (15%) slight headache 400 ppm (30%) headache drowsiness nausea 600 ppm (45%) coma brain damage

40 Treatment for CO Poisoning Breathing Fresh Air High Flow Oxygen administered on site by emergency responders (EMS) Hyperbaric Chamber administered in hospitals

41 Emergency Responder Training Implementation PSE&G uses supervisors from operations and support areas who are experienced and received Emergency Response Training. Supervisors from 4 operating areas are designated to provide training to emergency responders in the service territory. PSE&G sends annual training invitations to Fire Chiefs, Mayors, Business Administrators & Offices of Emergency Management. Municipal representatives are invited every 2 years.

42 Emergency Responder Training Implementation PSE&G provides attendees with packages containing presentations slides, damage prevention brochures, What You Need To Know About Safety info and CD s with supporting resources and training materials. PSE&G tracks training participants with a sign-in sheet, and a dated attendance list is prepared for future use. PSE&G hand delivers presentation material packages to FD s and municipalities that were not in attendance.

43 Reference Material Package Utility Hazard Awareness Program Participant Manual & Instructor Guide State Maps Gas & Electric Utility Service Areas Emergency Response Guidebook for Hazardous Materials MSDS for Natural Gas CPSC CO Response Guide Propane - Hazard Info & Small Cylinder Safety Case Studies: NTSB National Transportation Safety Board CSB Chemical Safety Board (Propane) NASFM National Association of State Fire Marshalls BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion)

44 Emergency Responder Training Implementation PSE&G normally provides training to a collection of emergency response groups assembled at a Company facility. If requested, PSE&G will also provide the same training at FD and municipal locations. Attendance is monitored very closely, and every effort is made to achieve full participation from all emergency response groups.

45 Municipal Drills & Meetings Since the San Bruno (CA) incident, Municipalities and Fire Departments have become much more responsive to meeting with gas operators to discuss emergency response. Various municipalities may invite PSE&G to participate in local discussions or tabletop drills to address how utilities would respond to various types of incidents. Recent tabletop drills with the State focused on response to damage caused by potential natural disasters or terrorist activities.

46 NJ Transmission Pipeline Operator Requirements Due to PHMSA (DOT) & NJ Administrative Code requirements, Utilities & Emergency Responders in NJ have been well prepared to handle gas transmission facility incidents. Each public utility operator is required to meet on an annual basis with appropriate fire, police, and other public officials of each municipality through which its transmission pipeline traverses. Operators are required to maintain records of outreach meetings with local officials, including attendance and the basic topics covered.

47 Transmission Operator Outreach Meetings To meet NJAC requirements and DOT (PHMSA) Code Rule , the PSE&G Pipeline Integrity Manager conducts face-to-face meetings with fire, police, and public officials from each municipality having gas transmission pipelines in their jurisdictional area. The group reviews facility maps, recent system changes and critical valve locations for emergency shutdown. PSE&G shares copies of transmission pipeline maps with top emergency response officials. PSE&G ensures that each emergency response group understands the hazards when responding to a gas transmission pipeline incident.

48 FOR MORE INFORMATION Paul Pirro Manager - Technical Services PSE&G Gas Delivery 24 Brown Avenue Springfield, NJ paul.pirro@pseg.com