Section

2

/ BOONE COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINES

FIELD OPERATIONS

Subject:Investigation – Carbon Monoxide Incident Operations
Number:
Approved:January 1, 2012
Approved By:
Scott Olsen, Fire ChiefDave Griggs, Board Chair

1.0ACCREDITATION REFERENCE

1.1Category:

1.2Criterion:

1.3Performance Indicators:

2.0DEFINITIONS

2.1Carbon Monoxide: a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas produced by incomplete combustion. The vapor density of carbon monoxide is similar to ambient air. When inhaled, it replaces oxygen in the blood. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult to determine if present. Signs and symptoms are similar to the flu. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: headaches, nausea, ringing in the ears, dizziness and fatigue. Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage and death. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have established carbon monoxide exposure limits. They are as follows:

2.1.1Ambient Air Quality: 9 ppm (EPA)This is for an average over 8 hours.

2.1.2European Standard for residential exposure limit: 10 ppmCurrently, there is no residential standard in the USA.

2.1.3Time Weighted Average (TWA): 35 ppm (OSHA)This is the 8-hour day, 40-hour work week limit. If not otherwise stated TWA's are for an 8-hour exposure period.

2.1.4Threshold Limit Value - Ceiling: 200 ppm (OSHA)Exposure at this concentration should not be exceeded for fifteen minutes unless respiratory protection (SCBA) is available.

2.1.5Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH): 1500 ppmThis is the exposure limit that would produce serious impairment or death after 30 minutes of exposure. (OSHA)

2.1.6There are several carbon monoxide detectors available to consumers. All are manufactured according to guidelines established by Underwriter's Laboratories (UL).

3.0PURPOSE

3.1To establish a policy regarding the Fire District’s response to carbon monoxide incidents.

4.0POLICY

4.1Response assignments dispatched as a carbon monoxide investigation or carbon monoxide detector sounding present a wide range of possibilities - from a request to monitor the interior atmosphere of a house because there is a concern about the presence of carbon monoxide to an actual carbon monoxide detector sounding to an event where the occupants of the structure are actually experiencing signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

4.2Safety of personnel operating at the scene is of paramount importance. Your incident priorities are: life safety, incident stabilization, property conservation and customer stabilization.

5.0PROCEDURE

5.1Safety and Risk Assessment

5.1.1Remember our Risk Management Plan: Risk a lot to save a lot, Risk a little to save a little, Risk nothing to save that which is already lost.

5.1.2Establish incident zones (hot, warm, cold) at every incident

5.1.3Make sure the scene is left clean\safe for the general public

5.2Dispatch

5.2.1An Engine is required to respond on any Carbon Monoxide incidents as they carry HazMat monitors. If the first due Engine is out of service, a Tanker from that station (if applicable) will be dispatched and the next due Engine will be automatically dispatched as well.

5.3Response

5.3.1Response Types: Incident responses fall into one of three categories:

5.3.1.1No detector present. Occupants are requesting the Fire District to evaluate the structure for the presence of carbon monoxide for any one of a number of reasons: heating appliance "acting funny", "strange smell in the house", occupant(s) state that they are "not feeling right", etc.

5.3.1.2Detector present and sounding - Occupants with no symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure.

5.3.1.3Detector present and sounding - Occupants with symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure.

5.3.2Response Procedures

5.3.2.1Non-emergency Response: An engine shall be dispatched to reported carbon monoxide incidents were a detector is sounding and the occupants are not exhibiting signs and/or symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure.

5.3.2.2Emergency Response: An engine and ambulance will be dispatched emergency if PSJC determines that occupants of the affected structure are exhibiting signs and/or symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure.

5.3.3After hearing the dispatch start thinking about the following potential issues:

5.3.3.1Are additional resources needed, such as a rescue squad (carries CO-oximeter) or a medic unit?

5.4Arrival

5.4.1Parking, positioning, staging

5.4.1.1All personal vehicles will be positioned at least 150 feet away from the incident scene.

5.4.1.2Fire apparatus shall be positioned at a 45 degree angle off the corner of the structure.

5.4.1.3All vehicles and apparatus shall consider medic unit ingress and egress when making decisions regarding parking and positioning.

5.4.2Establish Command

5.4.2.1The first arriving radio unit shall establish Command over the primary frequency during the Primary Size-up using standard ICS guidelines.

5.4.2.2Incident Commanders shall identify themselves with a green vest and/or a green light (if inside a stationary command post).

5.4.2.3The Incident Commander is responsible for maintaining accountability of all personnel operating at the incident by using the BCFPD Command Board.

5.4.3Primary Size-up

5.4.3.1The first arriving radio unit shall transmit a primary size-up which will include (see example in Appendix 7.1):

5.4.3.2Announce arrival of unit.

5.4.3.3The location of the incident if different from the original dispatch.

5.4.3.4A description of the situation.

5.4.3.5Establish Command.

5.4.3.6Have all units stage: level 1 or level 2.

5.4.4Secondary Size-up

5.4.4.1Complete a 360-degree survey of the incident while remaining in the warm zone to assess for risks and life safety.

5.4.4.2Determine strategy for the incident based on critical factors.

5.4.4.3Determine location of the Incident Command Post (ICP).

5.4.4.4Determine need for additional resources.

5.4.4.5Determine tasks for incoming resources.

5.4.4.6Select a tactical radio channel.

5.4.4.7Transmit a secondary radio report including the above information on the primary radio frequency.

5.5Determine PPE/SCBA Requirements

5.5.1All personnel operating in the hot and warm zones shall be in Level C PPE.

5.5.1.1Structural pant (NFPA 1971 compliant).

5.5.1.2Firefighting boots (NFPA 1971 compliant).

5.5.1.3Structural coat (NFPA 1971 compliant).

5.5.1.4Firefighting hood (NFPA 1971 compliant).

5.5.1.5Structural gloves (NFPA 1971 compliant).

5.5.1.6Structural helmet (NFPA 1971 compliant).

5.5.2All personnel entering the hot zone shall have respiratory protection.

5.5.2.1SCBA (NFPA 1981 compliant).

5.6Incident Operations

5.6.1Strategic Considerations

5.6.1.1Review incident priorities

5.6.1.2Develop incident organization

5.6.1.3Maintain span of control

5.6.1.4Develop incident action plan (IAP)

5.6.1.5Establish incident zones

5.6.1.6Manage resources

5.6.2Tactical Considerations

5.6.2.1Establish Incident Zones/Manage the Hazard Zone

5.6.2.1.1Clearly establish hot, warm and cold zones

5.6.2.1.2The hazard zone (hot zones) shall be cleared of residents.

5.6.2.2Communications

5.6.2.2.1Use standard order model (5 step process)

5.6.2.2.2Use CAN (Conditions, Actions, Needs) reports

5.6.2.3Benchmarks

5.6.2.3.1Secondary Size-up Complete

5.6.2.3.2All Clear (life safety)

5.6.2.3.3Incident Under Control

5.6.3Investigation Procedure:

5.6.3.1Gather information from the complainant and/or occupants. Determine if signs and/or symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure are present. These include: headache, nausea, fatigue, etc., which are not related to other flu-like symptoms, such as, runny nose, chest congestion, fever.

5.6.3.2If the occupant(s) exhibit signs and/or symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure:

5.6.3.2.1Evacuate the structure.

5.6.3.2.2Request a medic unit.

5.6.3.2.3Continue the evaluation process.

5.6.3.3If the occupant(s) DO NOT exhibit signs and/or symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure continue with the evaluation process.

5.6.3.4Evaluation process: (LEVELS AT 35 PPM AND ABOVE REQUIRE SCBA)

5.6.3.4.1Evaluate the structure utilizing PPE and a carbon monoxide monitor.

5.6.3.4.2Monitor for carbon monoxide in all rooms and on all floors.

5.6.3.4.3If the house carbon monoxide detector is or has been alarming and you cannot detect any CO levels with the Fire District multi-gas meter, one of the following situations may exist:

5.6.3.4.3.1Building was ventilated prior to arrival (Close building back up and evaluate after 15 minutes).

5.6.3.4.3.2Detector may be installed too close to appliances (most manufacturers recommend minimum of 15 feet), chemicals or solvents, or in an area of high humidity

5.6.3.4.4Report your findings to the occupant(s) and document them on the BCFPD CO Evaluation Report and the Field Incident Report.

5.6.3.5If the CO monitor detects carbon monoxide at or above 9 ppm, perform the following actions:

5.6.3.5.1Evaluate adjoining occupancies.

5.6.3.5.2Ventilate the structure utilizing an electric ventilation fan (positive pressure technique) or natural passive ventilation.

5.6.3.5.3Advise the occupants that they have a carbon monoxide problem within the structure. The Boone County Fire Protection District will not assess mechanical equipment for carbon monoxide production. The owner/occupant(s) will need to contact a reputable service company to evaluate the mechanical systems in the structure.

5.6.3.5.4Strongly recommend that they not reoccupy the structure until the source has been determined and the problem corrected.

5.6.3.5.5Give the occupant the following brochure: "Checklist: Where To Look For Problem Sources Of Carbon Monoxide in the Home" and the "Boone County Fire District - Carbon Monoxide Evaluation Report".

5.6.3.6If the CO monitor detects carbon monoxide above 1 ppm, but below 9 ppm, perform the following actions:

5.6.3.6.1Evaluate adjoining occupancies.

5.6.3.6.2Determine if the structure was ventilated prior to the arrival of Fire District units. If ventilation occurred prior to the arrival of Fire District units, then carbon monoxide levels will probably be reduced.

5.6.3.6.3Close the house up and monitor again in 15 minutes.

5.6.3.6.4If the CO monitor detects less than 9 ppm after 15 minutes, give the occupant the completed "Boone County Fire District - Carbon Monoxide Evaluation Report".

5.6.3.6.5If the CO monitor detects carbon monoxide at or above 9 ppm after 15 minutes, perform the actions that are outlined in section (a).

5.7Demobilization

5.7.1Ensure property owner has been notified of issue (if not already on scene)

5.7.2Ensure appropriate customer stabilization (ride to alternate location, lodging, etc.)

5.7.3Conduct an Incident Debrief utilizing the guide on the back of the BCFPD Command Board

5.7.4All personnel must check out with Incident Commander.

5.8Standard Outcomes

5.8.1Everyone in appropriate PPE.

5.8.2Accountability of all personnel operating within the incident.

5.8.3Radio discipline maintained throughout incident.

5.8.4Appropriate strategy selected based on critical factors.

5.8.5Adequate command structure and resources for incident.

5.8.6All SOG’s and policies/procedures followed.

5.8.7Scene left with responsible party or left safe for general public.

5.8.8Everyone goes home safe.

6.0APPLICABLE CODES AND STANDARDS

7.0APPENDICES

7.1Carbon Monoxide Evaluation Checklist

7.2Carbon Monoxide Evaluation Report

Boone County Fire Protection District

Carbon Monoxide Evaluation Checklist

Part I. Incident Information

Incident Address: ______

Part II. Questions To Ask The Occupant

[ ]Have you ventilated the home by opening doors or windows since you called? If the answer is yes, the carbon monoxide levels will probably be reduced.

  1. Monitor CO levels and record findings.
  2. Close the house up and monitor again in 15 minutes.

[ ]Do you have a natural gas, propane or fuel oil furnace? If the possible source of the carbon monoxide build up is from the furnace, strongly recommend that their furnace be checked by a qualified service company.

[ ]Have any vehicles been running in the garage of the home or building if a multiple family occupancy?

[ ] Have you been using other heating sources, such as a wood stove or portable kerosene heater?

[ ] Have you been using any ventilation or exhaust fans? This could produce low pressure inside the occupancy causing down drafts to occur in flues.

Part III. Atmospheric Monitoring Results

[ ]The highest reading that was taken in the structure was: ______ppm

[ ]This reading was taken in the following area:

______

Part IV. Completed By:

[ ] Check box to verify that the BCFPD Carbon Monoxide Evaluation Report was given to:

Owner/Occupant: ______

Checklist Completed By: ______Date: ______

Fax this form to Fire District Headquarters so it is included in BCFPD Incident Report.

Boone County Fire Protection District

Carbon Monoxide Evaluation Report

The Boone County Fire Protection District is responding to your request to evaluate a carbon monoxide detector sounding or a concern about the possible presence of carbon monoxide in your residence. There are many potential sources of carbon monoxide production. These include: a running automobile in an enclosed garage, running gasoline-powered equipment (generators, chain saws, etc) inside a structure, natural gas-powered appliances (furnaces, hot water heaters, etc.), a blocked chimney or furnace vent, etc. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have established the following threshold limits for an exposure to carbon monoxide:

  1. Ambient Air Quality: 9 ppm (EPA)This is for an average over 8 hours.
  2. Time Weighted Average (TWA): 35 ppm (OSHA)This is the 8-hour day, 40-hour work week limit. If not otherwise stated TWA's are for an 8-hour exposure period.
  3. Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH): 1500 ppmThis is the exposure limit that would produce serious impairment or death after 30 minutes of exposure. (OSHA)

The highest reading that was taken in your home was: ______ppm

This reading was taken in the following area:

______

______

If levels are above 9 ppm we strongly recommend that the building not be occupied until the source is determined and the problem corrected.

The Boone County Fire Protection District will not assess mechanical equipment for carbon monoxide production. You need to contact a reputable service company to evaluate the mechanical systems in your home. Following any corrective action by a reputable service company, we will be happy to perform atmospheric monitoring for carbon monoxide in your home. Please call the Fire District Office at 573-447-5000 (Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm) to make an appointment.

Completed by: ______Date: ______

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Problems

Quick Facts...

  • Hundreds of Americans die every year from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
  • Carbon monoxide in the home can come from many sources.
  • If you experience CO poisoning symptoms, get fresh air immediately and go to an emergency room.
  • Prevention is the key to protecting you and your family.
  • Make sure your CO alarm meets the requirements of Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or International Approval Service (IAS).

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

You cannot see or smell carbon monoxide (CO), but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. It is the leading cause of poisoning death, with over 500 victims in the United States each year.

Carbon monoxide is produced whenever a fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned. The amount of CO produced depends mainly on the quality or efficiency of combustion. A properly functioning burner, whether natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), has efficient combustion and produces little CO. However, an out-of-adjustment burner can produce life-threatening amounts of CO without any visible warning signs.

When appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced usually is not hazardous. But if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO can collect in an enclosed space. Hundreds of Americans die accidentally every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances. Many more people are harmed to some degree each year.

Common Sources of CO in Homes

Accumulation of combustion gases can occur when a blocked chimney, rusted heat exchanger or broken chimney connector pipe (flue) prevents combustion gases from being exhausted from the home. CO also can enter the home from an idling car or from a lawnmower or generator engine operating in the garage.

Another source for CO is backdrafting. When ventilation equipment, such as a range-top vent fan, is used in a tightly sealed home, reverse air flow can occur in chimneys and flues. An operating fireplace also can interact with the flue dynamics of other heating appliances. Again, backdrafting may result.

Other common sources of CO include unvented, fuel-burning space heaters (especially if malfunctioning) and indoor use of a charcoal barbeque grill. CO is produced by gas stoves and ranges and can become a problem with prolonged, improper operation -- for example, if these appliances are used to heat the home. Flame color does not necessarily indicate CO production. However, a change in the gas flame's color can indicate a CO problem. If a blue flame becomes yellow, CO often is increased.

While larger combustion appliances are designed to be connected to a flue or chimney to exhaust combustion byproducts, some smaller appliances are designed to be operated indoors without a flue. Appliances designed as supplemental or decorative heaters (including most unvented gas fireplaces) are not designed for continuous use. To avoid excessive exposure to pollutants, never use these appliances for more than four hours at a time.

When operating unvented combustion appliances, such as portable space heaters and stoves, follow safe practices. Besides observing fire safety rules, make sure the burner is properly adjusted and there is good ventilation. Never use these items in a closed room. Keep doors open throughout the house, and open a window for fresh air. Never use outdoor appliances such as barbeque grills or construction heaters indoors. Do not use appliances such as ovens and clothes dryers to heat the house.

Inspect heating equipment. To reduce the chances of backdrafting in furnaces, fireplaces and similar equipment, make sure flues and chimneys are not blocked. Inspect metal flues for rust. In furnaces, check the heat exchanger for rust and cracks. Soot also is a sign of combustion leakage. When using exhaust fans, open a nearby window or door to provide replacement air.

Figure 1: Sources of and clues to a possible carbon monoxide problem.

CO clues you can see:

  1. Rusting or water streaking on vent/chimney.
  2. Loose or missing furnace panel.
  3. Sooting.
  4. Loose or disconnected vent/chimney connections.
  5. Debris or soot falling from chimney, fireplace or appliance.
  6. Loose masonry on chimney.
  7. Moisture inside of windows.

CO clues you cannot see:

  1. Internal appliance damage or malfunctioning components.
  2. Improper burner adjustment.
  3. Hidden blockage or damage in chimney.

Only a trained service technician can detect hidden problems and correct these conditions!

Warnings:

  • Never leave a car running in a garage, even with the garage door open.
  • Never burn charcoal in houses, tents, vehicles or garages.
  • Never install or service combustion appliances without proper knowledge, skills and tools.
  • Never use a gas range, oven or dryer for heating.
  • Never operate unvented gas-burning appliances in a closed room or in a room in which you are sleeping.

Adapted from "The Senseless Killer," U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C.