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| Vault and Manhole Emergencies |
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| Even a small fire in an underground vault or manhole can create an atmosphere that is immediately dangerous to life and health. Consider every vault and manhole incident a confined space emergency involving combustible and toxic gases, hazardous materials and an explosive atmosphere. |
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First and Foremost, Do Not Enter! |
When an underground vault or manhole is emitting smoke or flames, let the fire burn unless instructed otherwise by the incident commander, and DO NOT ENTER! Establish a safe perimeter, reroute traffic and notify Colorado Springs Utilities. Protect exposures while you wait for our personnel to arrive. |
Be alert for risks posed to nearby plastic natural gas pipes or steel mains. Underground fires or releases of high-pressure steam may compromise these pipes. In either case, natural gas may accumulate underground at flammable concentrations. Collaborate with Colorado Springs Utilities emergency representatives to identify areas served by plastic gas pipes and steel mains. |
Test the Atmosphere |
Electric cable insulation and other utility equipment that burns may release highly reactive, toxic and combustible gases, including elevated concentrations of carbon monoxide. Be aware that these gases may travel through ducts to structures and other subsurface vaults some distance away. Monitor the atmosphere around manholes, and take these precautions: |
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If you detect combustible gas at flammable concentrations near a manhole, keep fire personnel and vehicles away, eliminate spark hazards, reroute traffic and evacuate the area. |
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Do not open vaults or remove manhole covers, as this could introduce oxygen and bring a flammable atmosphere into the explosive range. |
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Never park over or near a manhole cover. An explosion in a manhole can propel the cover into the air with great force. |
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If Victims Are Involved |
If you must assist a victim or downed responder who is in danger inside a manhole or vault, do not enter until Colorado Springs Utilities has confirmed that all underground electrical equipment has been de-energized. Wear full PPE and SCBA, and follow your department’s safety procedures for confined space entry and rescue. |
| Would You Like to Know More? |
| Additional utility safety tips, case studies, instructional videos and educational tools can all be found, at no charge to you, on Colorado Springs Utilities’ e-SMARTresponder website. |
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