PSE&G Emergency Responder Program Review

Paul P irroManager – Technical Services

PSE&G Gas Delivery

October 2012

PSE&G Background

1.8 Million Customers Gas Delivery maintains

2000+ 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

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

Federal Regulations for Emergency Response

PHMSA (DOT) 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) Sections: 192.605 & 192.615

Operator emergency plans must include provisions for coordinating preplanned drills and response to actual pipeline emergencies with fire, police and other public officials

192.616 Operators must develop and implement a written

continuing education program 192.615 & 192.616

Operators must perform “Outreach” as required under Emergency Plans and Public Education Programs

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.

NJ Emergency Response Program

Utility Hazard Awareness Program was developed by a state-wide 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

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.

Subject Areas Covered

Utility First Response Durham Woods

Transmission Pipeline Explosion (Edison, NJ)

Gas Delivery Infrastructure

Metering & Regulating Stations

Properties of Natural Gas

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

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)

Subject Areas Covered

Carbon Monoxide Review Gas Mandated Programs Pipeline Markouts NJ Gas Damage

Summary Gas Industry Websites

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: www.aegislink.com

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

Utility Safety Program Resources

FIREFIGHTER’S HANDBOOK – Addendum NEW JERSEY EDITION by Delmar Leaning (Fire Fighter I training program - 2006)Section D Public Utilities, Propane and Carbon Monoxide Hazards

Responding to Utility Emergencies – Michael Callan, Red Hat Publishing Companywww.redhatpub.com

New Jersey One-Call – Damage Prevention -http://www.nj1-call.org/whats_new.php

FEMA – Developing Effective Standard Operating Procedures – For Fire and EMSwww.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa-197.pdf

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, CDC -http://www.bt.cdc.gov/planninghttp://www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparednesshttp://www.occupationalhazards.com/safety_zones/33http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.htmlhttp://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2004-144/chap5.html

Pipeline Emergencies – Gregory G, Noll & Michael S. Hildebraandwww.pipelineemergencies.com

Chemical Safety Board (CSB) - http://www.chemsafety.gov

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) - http://www.ntsb.gov

Natural Gas Safety Resources

Elizabethtown Gas www.elizabethtowngas.com New Jersey Natural Gas www.njng.com Public Service Electric and Gas www.pseg.com South Jersey Gas www.sjindustries.com

New Jersey One Call Center www.nj1-call.org New Jersey Board of Public Utilities www.bpu.state.nj.us Northeast Gas Association www.northeastgas.org American Gas Association www.aga.org Common Ground Alliance www.commongroundalliance.com New Jersey Common Ground Alliance www.njcga.org PHMSA Pipeline Safety Program www.phmsa.dot.gov Pipeline Emergencies www.pipeline.mindgrabmedia.co

Development ofEmergency 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

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: http://www.aga.org/Kc/OperationsEngineering/ngmarc/Pages/ default.aspx

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.

Damage Prevention

Explosions can occur, regardless of pipe size and pressure.

Most damage incidents have been involved with service pipe on customer property.

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.

Critical Gas Levels - UEL & LEL

Lower Explosive Limit = LEL

Upper Explosive Limit = UEL

Upper Explosive Limit = UEL

15 %

5 %

Natural Gas

Percent gas in air Percent LEL

1%

2%

3%

4%

5%

20%

100%

80%

60%

40%

Note: 1% gas in air is equal to 10,000 PPM

Note: All detection equipment needs to be

PROPERLY USED, MAINTAINED, AND

CALIBRATED.

Lower Explosive Limit of Natural Gas (LEL)

Upper Explosive Limit of Natural Gas (UEL) 15%

14%

13%

12%

11%

10%

9%

8%

7%

6%

Flammable range of natural gas.

(5%-15%)

Natural gas will not ignite above the UEL

-too rich-

Natural gas will not ignite below the LEL

-too lean-

Comparison of gas detection readings % gas vs. % LEL

Any open air reading above 1% or 20% of the

LEL - immediately evacuate the building of all personnel including emergency responders% gas % LEL

Lower Explosive Limit = LFL

• If a gas concentration is above 15%, an imminent danger exists when venting.

• As gas dissipates, it will pass through the Explosive Range before reaching 0%.

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.

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.

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.

Park Upwind of Blowing Gas

Gas Leak Migration

Gas leak present at house 516

Possible migration at all neighboring houses

• 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

Gas Migration Considerations

Natural Gas Do’s & Don’ts

• 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

Do:

• 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

Natural Gas Do’s & Don’ts

Don’t:

Meter Valve Shut-offs

Valve in on position Valve in off position

Never force an above ground

gas meter valve in the wrong

direction!

Match the wings!

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon Monoxide is a product of “Incomplete Combustion”.

CH4 + 2O2 === CO2 + 2H2O(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.carbondioxide

2 cu.ft.water vapor+

===

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

CO Warning SignsNoticeable 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.

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

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

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

1 HOUR EXPOSURE LIMITS & SYMPTOMS

200 ppm (15%) slight headache

400 ppm (30%) headache drowsiness nausea

600 ppm (45%) coma brain damage

Breathing Fresh Air

High Flow Oxygen –administered on site by emergency responders (EMS)

Hyperbaric Chamber –administered in hospitals

Treatment for CO Poisoning

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

Transmission OperatorOutreach Meetings

To meet NJAC requirements and DOT (PHMSA) Code Rule 192.615, 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.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Paul Pirro Manager - Technical

Services PSE&G Gas Delivery 24 Brown Avenue

Springfield, NJ 07081973-912-3239

paul.pirro@pseg.com