b'PIPELINE EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDELINES EVACUATIONEvacuate the public to a safe distance.As soon as possible, contact the gas operator and coordinate large scale evacuations. mDOT ERG 115 recommends initial isolation distance of at least 100 meters (330 feet)in all directions. mPipeline operators, however, upon assessment at arrival may recommend a greater evacuation distance.EMERGENCY RESPONSEWear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) as well as full structuralfirefighter protective clothing. mStructural firefighters protective clothing will only provide limited thermal protection. Listen for hissing sound, but use CAUTION as no noise may be heard. Monitor the atmosphere, using multiple monitors where possible. mAction Criteria: 0 to 10% of the LELUse Extreme Caution mAction Criteria: 10% of the LEL or greaterDO NOT ENTER THE BUILDING If possible, determine the source of the release without risk to the responders. Multiplelocations are possible due to damage or pullout at joints. Monitor for natural gas traveling away from source toward exposures. Control ignition sources (smoking, open flames, internal combustion engines and motors). Do not operate electric devices such as switches, etc. Sparks can cause ignition. Be cautious of contacting the piping system; a static spark may occur and result in ignition. Whenever possible, adopt a defensive or non-intervention mode and wait for the utilitycompany to arrive. Protect exposures from the radiant heat of the fire. Never extinguish the fire until the leak can be shut off and controlled, unless there isimmediate danger to life. With any leak, always anticipate and expect that ignition will occur.TACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS Natural gas released inside buildings presents one of the greatest flammable hazards to emergency responders. Building full of natural gas should only be approached when needed with extreme caution and with a minimum number of personnel. CGI readings in excess of 10% LEL require evacuation of the building.36 2020 by Pipeline Association for Public AwarenessPERG 2020 Final.indd 36 8/5/20 4:17 PM'