AUC 266 PCBs

Question 1

PCBs

What are PCBs?

Answer 1

Organic chemicals used to primarily as cooling liquids in electrical transformers and capacitors.

Question 2

PCBs

What is considered a PCB - Contaminated Transformer?

Answer 2

50 - 499 ppm of PCB

Question 3

What would be considered a non-PCB Transformer?

Answer 3

0 - 49 ppm of PCB

Question 4

Note ** The FDNY considers a transformer with ANY amount of PCBs as a PCB transformer.

Answer 4

NOTE

Question 5

PCBs

Combustible materials must not be stored within _____ of a PCB Tr?ansformer whether enclosed or unenclosed

Answer 5

5 METERS ( very rarely do we see "meters" used)
5 meters = 16.4 ft, know on test day assholes

Question 6

PCBs
All PCB transformers must be registered with the FD which would be called upon to respond. If they came to your fiehouse would you take their registration.

Answer 6

No. Tell them to go to Metrotech. It is a nationwide law that has caused some confusion.

Question 7

PCBs

How long can PCBs be stored at a permanent storage site?

Answer 7

Up to 1 year

Question 8

PCBs

How long can PCBs be stored at a temporary storage site?

Answer 8

30 days. PCB liquids that are 500ppm or greater are not allowed to be stored at a temporary site

Question 9

PCBs

What color and size is the EPA marking of PCBs?

Answer 9

Letters and striping are on a white or yellow background. It is 6x6 down to a 2x2 square depending on size of equipment. It is sufficiently durable to equal or exceed the life of the equipment.

Question 10

PCBs

What are carcasses?

Answer 10

PCB transformers taken out of service and awaiting disposal. May or may not been drained. if drained they will contain residual oil and must be treated as a PCB transformer.

Question 11

PCBs

What should first arriving officer do on arrival at scene?

Answer 11

1) seek person in charge to determine location and extent

2) amount and type of hazmat involved

Question 12

PCBs

Can we deactivate transformers?

Answer 12

NO
Con Ed or Plant Engineers
PS plant engineer can not direct someone from FD to shut it down.
The engineer has to do it.

Question 13

PCBs

What are the proper extinguishing methods for PCB fires?

Answer 13

1) Fog or foam for liquids

2) Water for structural members

Question 14

PCBs

T or F. All members and equipment are to be deconned after a PCB incident.

Answer 14

False. Only when members or equipment are exposed to levels of PCBs of 50 ppm or higher.

Question 15

PCBs

If you see a sign “ Askarel Filled Equipment”, where will it be found?

Answer 15

The transformer vault door. These transformers may be found on any floor of a building. These transformers are also equipped with overload relays and safety vents to prevent oil pressure build-up.

Question 16

PCBs ADD 2

Which type of rail cars contain PCBs?

Answer 16

Those that normally receive power from a catenary line and then switch to a rail shoe (Metro North, etc) LIRR, PATH, and SIRT do NOT contain PCBs

Question 17

PCBs ADD 2

Which cars of the Metro North are the only cars that contain PCBs?

Answer 17

The M2 cars of the NEW HAVEN line. These are the only cars that have ORANGE stripes and are approximately 200 in number.

Question 18

PCBs ADD 2

The M2 cars always operate in pairs. How are they identified?

Answer 18

An "A" car and a "B" car. The A car is the even car and the B is the odd car. The A car has a pantograph and the B does not.
ACRO - APE
A - "A" car
P- Pantograph
E- EVEN

Question 19

PCBs ADD 2

What is the best way to identify M2 cars?

Answer 19

The orange stripe on the side of the car and pantograph on the roof.

Question 20

PCBs ADD 2

T or F. Only the “A” car contains a PCB transformer.

Answer 20

False. Both cars contain them.

Question 21

PCBs ADD 3

What is the color and size of the labels on NYC owned PCB containing transformers?

Answer 21

50 - 499 ppm is 6x6 with letters and striping on a YELLOW background
0 - 49ppm is 6x6 w/ letters and striping on BLUE background
( IF over 500ppm will be the same as EPA)