In recent years, the fire service has recognized the need for engine company carbon monoxide (CO) detection. CO, a by-product of incomplete combustion, has always existed. However, as energy efficiency has become more important, houses and offices have become tighter and the potential for CO build-up has increased. The number of CO calls has outstripped the ability of our Hazardous Materials teams to respond to each call, so fire engine companies have often been tasked with and given the assets to do CO detection. Additionally, the equipment can detect flammable atmospheres, lower explosive limits, oxygen deficient or enriched atmospheres, as well as hydrogen sulfide or sewer gas. All of which can pose serious hazards to first responders.
With the support from Andeavor Refinery’s community service grant, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District can purchase the following equipment to help support the air monitoring program.
- 4 Gas sampling kits: Sampling kits remotely sample toxic and combustible gases in the field using QRAE3 4 gas monitors. Kits include probe, tubing, filters and aspirator options.
- Bump gas with trigger: QRAE 3 4 gas monitors shall be calibrated monthly and bump tested prior to use. The purpose of a bump test is to ensure that the instrument’s sensors respond to gas and all the alarms are enabled and functional.
- ConneXt confined space pack – Rescue 69: The ConneXt Pack is a combination of leading wireless gas monitors combined with an EchoView Host portable controller. It can provide real-time, man down alarms and alert site safety managers, site operators, or confined space attendants to atmospheric contaminants.
- Truck mounted chargers: The truck mounted chargers will be mounted in all apparatus and will mount the QRAE 3 securely inside the cab. This will ensure a fully charged 4 gas air monitor, secured from damage, and securely located in a common place.
The District will not be able to take advantage of this generous funding opportunity to provide each of the District's fire companies with multi-gas detection equipment to identify hazardous conditions.