FDNY Training Tips 2024-81: Gas Main Leak In The Bronx

Another Consideration: ruptures from large diameter (4 inch and up) gas pipes with pressures greater than 40psi are extremely loud. I have responded to a few over the years. During this incident The Bronx CO attempted numerous times to contact Div 7 and Bat 27 without success. Eventually Div 7 aide advised Bronx that they were having a hard time hearing the radios due to the high decibel noise. I get it. I have experience red it as well in the past. Perhaps issuing Motorola headsets for the APX radios to all Division and Battalions might help in the future. They quickly click on the radio in place of the remote shoulder microphone (RSM) so you can pop them on only when you need them. The cost about $350 each. Available with either 1 or two ear muffs. Good for not only high pressure gas leaks, but steam leaks, incidents at large sporting venues, or during noisy civil disturbances, just something for consideration.

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Capttomo said:
Another Consideration: ruptures from large diameter (4 inch and up) gas pipes with pressures greater than 40psi are extremely loud. I have responded to a few over the years. During this incident The Bronx CO attempted numerous times to contact Div 7 and Bat 27 without success. Eventually Div 7 aide advised Bronx that they were having a hard time hearing the radios due to the high decibel noise. I get it. I have experience red it as well in the past. Perhaps issuing Motorola headsets for the APX radios to all Division and Battalions might help in the future. They quickly click on the radio in place of the remote shoulder microphone (RSM) so you can pop them on only when you need them. The cost about $350 each. Available with either 1 or two ear muffs. Good for not only high pressure gas leaks, but steam leaks, incidents at large sporting venues, or during noisy civil disturbances, just something for consideration.

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A headset like this was in use during the West Indian day parade this year by one of the FDNY EMS bosses there. You can see him wearing it at the very beginning of this video from the NY Post:
 
I believe there are "Dave Clark" headsets included in the set-up for sound powered phones. Perhaps they can be adapted for radio use?
 
This incident reminds me a Major Incident in Queens in about 1966 or 67. It resulted in a 13-alarm fire in Jamica Queens when a leak developed in a large High Pressure Gas Main, the 1st units on the scene stalled due to the Gas Concentration being so high the apparatus did not have enough air to run. Most of the 1s Alarms apparatus was destroyed when the gas ignited. Also, a similar situation happen a few years ago in the San Francisco area. The gas mains in many areas are old and have never been replaced. Natural Gas is LIGHTER than air Propane in HEAVER than air., but either way both can find a sources of ignition easily, including due to static electrical charges building up in the escaping gas. This static charge is especially a danger when plastic gas line and pipes are used. Do you know how to handle these situations? In a gas cloud ensure that even your everything, including your radios and headphones, as mentioned above, are "Intrinsically Safe" in a gas environment in the explosive Range.
Captain Bob Rainey FDNY Engine 26 retired.
 
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