Where firefighters come to talk training

BioDiesel Labs

We are all well aware of the Meth Labs and I hope that we all have trained on what to look for when we respond to a known or unknown meth lab. We also are all well aware of the High Gas prices, with diesel being $5.00 + a gallon. There are cheaper ways to make Diesel, one being BioDiesel, with the cost around .70 cents a gallon.
A lot more people seem to be starting to make their own Biodiesel, with all this being said. Here are my QUESTIONS!!!!!!

1) Do you feel that Biodiesel labs will be popping up in a way of meth labs ( all over and everywhere)

2) Do you have a concern to responding to a Biodiesel Lab?

3) Have you trained on Biodiesel and if so How?

4) Do you feel that there are more Biodiesel labs than we think at residents?

5) Do you have an SOG regarding Bio Diesel, if so can you share it with us?

I know, I know I have several questions for you to answer. However, I feel that these types of labs are going to be more frequent. Here in Ohio we have yet to see this. Thinking out of the box, I like to train on things before firefighters get hurt not after if I can help it. Jot down some thoughts and let me know what you what you think! Todd McKee

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by A.J. Clemmons on July 11, 2008 at 8:39am

Paul and Todd; after doing much thinking and some research I must reassess my opinion. I do not understand why some of the recipes and processes I noted on websites need to use some of the chemicals they describe. Producing bio-diesel need not be as complicated or as dangerous as some websites describe.

If we add the stupid human element into the equation I would agree that this will be a danger to Firefighters. One element I thought of last night is the possibility of 55gal drums involved in a fire BLEVE.

Thank you Todd and Paul you have me thinking of this issue and I am conducting some research now as to the amount of Bio-diesel labs within my state.

Permalink Reply by Paul Lomske on July 11, 2008 at 1:09pm

A.J.,
Back Home magazine had a BioD article some months back about a safer method of cleaning used oil to make BioD.
A series of drums were plumbed inseries. The fluid was pumped into each drum in series, heated aeriated(bubbled) and I think heated.
I don't have the issue, and it's not available as an on-line read version.
I also may be over-simplifying this process. But, at first read it seemed like a safer route to go.

http://backhomemagazine.com/

http://backhomemagazine.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_...

http://backhomemagazine.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_...

http://backhomemagazine.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_...

Permalink Reply by A.J. Clemmons on July 11, 2008 at 1:31pm

Thanks Paul,

Permalink Reply by A.J. Clemmons on July 11, 2008 at 1:53pm

I suppose as of right now I am undecided if this will increase the dangers firefighters in my state face when responding to rural fires. Farms, in particular outbuildings and barns already contain a wide mix of chemicals, flammable, combustible, toxic the whole lot. I can of course think of many scenarios but this is ‘what if” and unfortunately, I know that until something happens that specifically concerns this issue regulation will not pass.

I am preparing a list of chemicals involved in the production of bio-diesel and researching some proper handling and control measures to send to our regional response teams.

I feel there is a greater risk to non-rural departments (city) and that awareness is needed.

Again thanks for the discussion

Permalink Reply by Todd McKee on July 11, 2008 at 4:28pm

Please also think about how the process could be modified to make this more dangerous and the amount that could be stored to make it cheaper. Brother your very weclome, I am just glad we have a place like this we can train and learn form each other.

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