Atmospheric Monitoring Program – General Order 08-01

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and responsibilities in Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Atmospheric Monitoring Program General Order 08-01.

Atmospheric Monitoring Program

Prince George’s County Fire/EMS initiative that outlines distribution, training, use, and maintenance of gas-detection instruments to protect responders and the public.

Departmental Standard Instrument

The specific detector model supported by the program; currently the RAE Systems QRAE+ PGM2000 three-gas monitor.

RAE Systems QRAE+ PGM2000

Three-gas detector equipped with combustible gas, carbon monoxide, and oxygen sensors; selected as the Departmental Standard Instrument.

Combustible Gas Sensor

Sensor in the standard instrument that detects flammable gases to warn of explosion hazards.

Carbon Monoxide Sensor

Sensor that measures CO levels to help decide when SCBA can be safely removed.

Oxygen Sensor

Component that detects oxygen concentration, identifying hypoxic or oxygen-rich atmospheres.

IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health)

Atmospheric condition requiring SCBA; removal of respiratory protection is prohibited until monitoring proves safety.

SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus)

Respiratory protection mandated by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 in IDLH environments.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134

Federal regulation that governs respiratory protection requirements for hazardous atmospheres.

Hazardous Materials Response Program

Division that supplies, calibrates, exchanges, and documents maintenance for departmental gas monitors.

Maintenance Reserve

Pool of spare instruments kept by HazMat personnel to minimize out-of-service time during calibration or repair.

Option A – Instrument Maintenance Pool

Maintenance choice transferring custody to HazMat Program; unit is exchanged and fully maintained within the departmental pool.

Option B – Individual Maintenance

Maintenance choice where the volunteer corporation retains custody and must deliver the unit to HazMat for service, accepting out-of-service time.

Operational Guide

Document with instructions, action levels, and station-level care procedures for the standard instrument.

Indications for Use

Incidents needing monitoring, e.g., structure-fire overhaul, flammable gas or liquid investigations, CO calls, unknown odors, and certain technical rescues.

Contraindications for Use

Atmospheres containing organic lead, silica compounds, or corrosive vapors that can damage sensors.

Calibration

Monthly procedure performed by HazMat personnel to verify and adjust instrument accuracy.

Station Personnel Responsibilities

Weekly function checks, battery and filter replacement, correct instrument use, damage reporting, and coordination for maintenance.

Alarm Levels

Pre-set gas thresholds on department-approved monitors that guide decision-making about respiratory protection.

Atmospheric Monitoring Program Instrument Maintenance Plan Designation Form

Document used to record whether a purchased unit is placed in Option A or Option B maintenance.