SOP 209.02B HAZ-MAT FLAMMABLE LIQUID INCIDENTS

Flammable liquids present particular problems for fire protection and hazard control viewpoint. The frequency of encounters with flammable liquids makes them a particular concern for the Fire Department.

The main operational problems with flammable liquids are extinguishment, ignition prevention and disposal of spills. All three of these may be involved in the same incident.

EXTINGUISHMENT

The principal agent for flammable liquid firefighting is AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam). This agent is available from all engine companies. Initial attack on any flammable liquid fire should be made with AFFF.

The extinguishing action of AFFF is based on its ability to rapidly cover the flammable liquid surface with a film. This film prevents the escape of flammable vapors, but may have difficulty sealing against hot metal surfaces. The application of AFFF should be gentle to avoid breaking the seal and agitating the liquid below.

Some flammable liquids are difficult or impossible to extinguish with AFFF, including alcohols, gasohol, ketones and other polar solvents. It may be possible to extinguish some of these liquids with a higher application rate of AFFF; otherwise polar solvent-type foam concentrate will be needed. A supply of Polar Solvent-type foam concentrate is available from Station 2.

SPILLS

Flammable liquid spills include spills without fire and any remaining fuel after a fire has been extinguished. In both of these cases, the liquid must be protected to prevent ignition until it can be picked up or removed.

All personnel working around spills must wear full protective clothing to afford protection in case of possible ignition.

Cover spills immediately with a hydrocarbon emulsifier or AFFF to seal vapors. The application may need to be repeated regularly, as the seal will break down in 10 to 20 minutes. For polar liquids use alcohol-type concentrate AFFF. Check for escaping vapors with a combustible gas indicator to judge when the seal is breaking down.

Control ignition sources in the area of the spill. Extinguish pilot lights, flares, open flames, etc. Prohibit smoking and position vehicles to prevent contact of vapor with running engines or exhaust.

Do not permit the flammable liquid to run-off into storm drains, sewers or drainage systems. Dam the run-off and cover the spill with AFFF or an approved hydrocarbon emulsifier pending disposal.

DISPOSAL

Large quantity spills should be picked up with a tanker truck whenever possible. This requires a fuel transfer pump or vacuum truck, and personnel familiar with fuel transfer precautions.

Smaller spills, which cannot be picked up with a tanker, must be absorbed or emulsified.

Absorbent materials, in rolls or pads, may be used to absorb small spills.

A “Hydrocarbon Emulsifier” is used to emulsify a hydrocarbon fuel, allowing it to be diluted with water and rendered non-flammable. This method should be used only for small spills that can be flushed into a storm drain or dispersed in a safe open area.

A small spill is one that is too small to be retrieved by tank truck.

SAFETY

All personnel working around a flammable liquid spill must wear full protective clothing. This includes SCBA when working in and around areas where flammable vapors are present.

Unless absolutely necessary, personnel shall not work in a spill area. When this is necessary to perform a rescue or control a leak, the spill must be covered with AFFF and all possible precautions against ignition must be taken.

The area shall be monitored with a combustible gas indicator.

Spraying the emulsifier onto the fuel and agitating with hose streams shall perform mixing of the “hydrocarbon emulsifier” and flammable liquids. Personnel must not stand in the spill to mix the liquids. The run-off must be monitored to be sure; it is adequately mixed with water.

The number of exposed personnel must be kept to a minimum.

FIRE CODE VIOLATIONS

Most flammable liquid incidents involve Fire Code violations. A Fire Prevention inspector or investigator should be requested to investigate this aspect of the incident and take appropriate action.