InfoGram 28-09: July 16, 2009

This InfoGram will be distributed weekly to provide members of the Emergency Services Sector with information concerning the protection of their critical infrastructures. For further information, contact the Emergency Management and Response - Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) at (301) 447-1325 or by email at emr-isac@fema.dhs.gov.

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Hydrogen Cyanide Dangers

During the past few years, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) observed that much attention has been given to the risks of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning associated with fires.  In a FireEngineering.com article, the author asserted that hydrogen cyanide (HCN) dangers are not sufficiently recognized like CO, despite being as much a threat to emergency responders and victims encountering fire smoke.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Occupational Safety and Health Administration sources, HCN is a by-product of the combustion of materials used in merchandise found in everyday life such as insulation, carpets, clothing, and synthetics.  It is actually more toxic than CO and enters the body by absorption, inhalation, or ingestion.  “HCN can incapacitate a victim within a short amount of time.”   

“First responders and victims who inhale HCN within smoke often experience cognitive dysfunctions and drowsiness that can impair the ability to escape or to perform rescue operations.  Exposures to low concentrations may result in stupor, confusion, flushing, anxiety, perspiration, headache, and drowsiness.  Exposures to higher concentrations result in prostration, tremors, cardiac arrhythmia, coma, respiratory depression, respiratory arrest, and cardiovascular collapse.” 

For the consideration of emergency departments and agencies, the EMR-ISAC summarized the following recommendations of the International Association of Fire Fighters (Rhode Island Local 799):

• Develop and institute a training program that focuses on making members aware of the HCN hazards at fires.
• Enforce compliance with mandatory mask regulations.
• Train for difficult operations such as climbing ladders, working on roofs, and communicating while on air with a breathing apparatus.
• Wash and rinse turnout gear after every fire.
• Shower and change uniforms upon return to the station after each conflagration.
• Keep the possibility of HCN poisoning in mind when presented with a smoke inhalation victim.
• Alert the public regarding the dangers of HCN poisoning resulting from the burning of many commonly used manufactured goods.

Battery Storage Systems: Inherent Hazards

The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) reviewed the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fire Protection Training Series document (FP-2009-28; July 14, 2009) pertaining to stationary battery systems installed in buildings, which have become a popular means of providing back-up power in the event of a primary power loss.

• The training document discussed inherent hazards with stationary battery systems.  For example, the
• EMR-ISAC noted the following possibilities that can endanger building occupants as well as their emergency responders:
• During lead-acid battery electrolysis, oxygen and hydrogen gases can be released into the atmosphere forming flammable mixtures. 
• Nickel cadmium and lithium ion batteries can have a thermal runaway resulting in high temperature fires. 
• In addition to containing corrosive materials, these batteries can also be a source of ignition or explosion.  

To address these concerns, the model fire codes provide specific requirements when large quantities of lead acid, nickel cadmium, and lithium ion battery systems are used in buildings.  However, USFA advises that emergency departments and agencies always refer to their legally-adopted fire code for additional details and specific requirements.  More information on these matters can be obtained by referring to International Fire Code Chapter 6, or National Fire Protection Agency 1, Uniform Fire Code Chapter 52.

Indoor Marijuana Hazards

The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) reviewed the report “National Drug Threat Assessment 2009,” released by the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC), to identify the hazards to emergency responders from indoor marijuana cultivation operations.  The NDIC monitors the marijuana fluctuation in consumption level, tracks the drug availability by geographic market, and analyzes the trafficking and distribution patterns of marijuana.

The assessment stated that the number of indoor cannabis growers has increased due to the demand for higher profits from the production of a higher-quality product, and the seemingly reduced risk of law enforcement detection.  Additionally, “indoor cannabis cultivators are able to cultivate year-round with four to six harvests a year, compared with one or two harvests a year typical of outdoor cultivation.”

According to the Hawaiian Drug Market Analysis by the NDIC, indoor grow sites pose considerable safety and health concerns for emergency responders.  “Buildings used for indoor grow sites are fire hazards due to the presence of the chemical fertilizers, high-intensity lighting, electrical equipment, and reconfigured electrical systems.  High levels of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide may also be present at indoor grow sites as a result of damaged exhaust systems.  Moreover, the prolonged high humidity at indoor grow sites often results in the growth of toxic green and black molds.  As a result of the inherent dangers from exposure to these hazardous conditions, some law enforcement officers are now using basic air monitoring equipment, respirators, coveralls, gloves and disposable boot covers when entering these sites.”

The Oregon Drug Market Analysis by the NDIC stated: “Cleanup of indoor grow operations can often be cost-prohibitive for small law enforcement departments.  The cleanup requires specialized equipment such as basic air monitoring equipment, respirators, protective coveralls with attached hoods, and ultraviolet protection with the use of sunglasses, rubber gloves, and disposable boot covers.” 

The EMR-ISAC noted that first responders should always ensure law enforcement has been notified as soon as possible.  Additionally, regular hazardous material response procedures or guidelines should be followed.  Emergency Services Sector personnel can read more on the topic at firehouse.com.

Updated Ethanol Training

The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC)  learned of a new training package for first responders, “Ethanol: Response Considerations,” which is available at the website of the National Hazardous Materials Fusion Center.  As stated in the training materials, developed by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and funded by the U.S. Fire Administration, ethanol incidents can happen over the road, on the rails, at bulk storage facilities, and on navigable waters.  “The addition of ethanol to gasoline presents some unique fire fighting challenges. Traditional methods of fire fighting against hydrocarbon (gasoline) fires have been found to be ineffective against these polar solvent-type (ethanol-blended) fuels.”

The EMR-ISAC ascertained the following regarding the domestic ethanol industry:

• It consists of over 170 bio-refineries, located in 25 different states, with the capacity to produce more than 9 billion gallons of motor fuel. 
• In early 2008, there were approximately 78 bio-refineries under construction.
• The industry projects more than 15 billion gallons of production capacity to be in operation by the end of 2009.

In order to understand the nature of ethanol and ethanol-blended fuels, the IAFC suggests emergency responders need to comprehend the characteristics of polar solvents and hydrocarbons, their differences, and how these types of products interact.  Under some conditions, according to the training package, ethanol-blended fuels will retain certain characteristics as a gasoline-type fuel, and under others it will exhibit polar solvent-type characteristics.  “Appreciation these conditions will help emergency responders mitigate the various incidents according to the conditions found.”

This updated training version now includes a companion training video, which is available on the IAFCTV website.  Upon completion of the training participants should have the knowledge related to ethanol and ethanol-blended fuels, including their use, chemical and physical characteristics, transportation, and transfer.