ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
- Identify type of electrical hazard and what agency maintains it. Determine if extinguishment is required. If so, use dry chemical or carbon dioxide for extinguishment of electrical equipment.
- Beware of gradient grounding
- Assume all equipment is energized until the proper agency deems safe
Underground vaults
- Explosion hazards - due to accumulation of gases a short circuit or spark is all that is needed for ignition
- Do not park over utility covers
- DO NOT ENTER VAULT
- Determine if extinguishment is necessary. If so, extinguish any fire by discharge of CO2 or dry chemical in vault. If cover is still on vault, do not remove to extinguish until you confirm the cover is not charged.
Ground Transformers
- Cable: Has an electrical feed from the power company with a power disconnect. A high amperage generator for charging batteries in case of a power failure is fueled by natural gas line or two propane bottles.
- Power company: High voltage and high amperage. If any oil is noticed leaking, establish a safe zone away from the transformer; eminent explosion hazards exist if the transformer still has power.
- Be aware of potential for the ground around the transformer being charged.
Pole Transformers
- Be aware of possible polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB’s) or hot insulating oils and any falling wires
- Allow to burn until power company disconnects power
- Apparatus should position a minimum of two poles/spans away
- Identify pole number or closest pole accessible
Commercial high voltage installations
- Identify by HIGH VOLTAGE signs, large disconnects and large meters
- Avoid using water unless directed by power company
Residential and Commercial electrical service
- In dangerous life treating situations the Incident Commander may order the meter pulled
- Secure power to structure via panel/fuse box - note position of breakers before securing. Note: during structure fires pull only the main breaker, leave all subsequent breakers in place for inspection by the Fire Investigator if necessary
- Beware of split buss panels in older homes
- If power needs to be cut at meter base or the drop, contact the power company
- Take note of the condition of the meter: burnt, melted, blackened, etc.
Electrical Short (RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL STRUCTURES)
- Find complainant
- Identify problem
- Isolate power then secure
Tree/Wire Down
- Apparatus positioning to block area
- Establish a staging zone for incoming agencies
- Call police for traffic control
- Apparatus should be positioned a minimum of two poles/spans
- Identify pole number or closest pole accessible
- SEVERE WEATHER RESPONSE: It may be necessary to identify the hazard, notify the proper agency, secure the area, and return to service.
- DO NOT CUT ANY ELECTRICAL LINES
ELEVATOR
- Have dispatcher notify responsible party and maintenance personnel
- Secure the power source
- Consider additional resources (i.e. Technicians for specialized equipment)
- If on fire or when using cutting tools, lay a line from a standpipe if possible
- Do not alter mechanical system to move elevator
ELEVATORS
- Only attempt a rescue if an emergency situation exists or if mechanical problem cannot be immediately resolved
- Identify type of electrical hazard and what agency maintains it. Determine if extinguishment is required. If so, use dry chemical or carbon dioxide for extinguishment of electrical equipment.
- Beware of gradient grounding
- Assume all equipment is energized until the proper agency deems safe
Underground vaults
- Explosion hazards - due to accumulation of gases a short circuit or spark is all that is needed for ignition
- Do not park over utility covers
- DO NOT ENTER VAULT
- Determine if extinguishment is necessary. If so, extinguish any fire by discharge of CO2 or dry chemical in vault. If cover is still on vault, do not remove to extinguish until you confirm the cover is not charged.
Ground Transformers
- Cable: Has an electrical feed from the power company with a power disconnect. A high amperage generator for charging batteries in case of a power failure is fueled by natural gas line or two propane bottles.
- Power company: High voltage and high amperage. If any oil is noticed leaking, establish a safe zone away from the transformer; eminent explosion hazards exist if the transformer still has power.
- Be aware of potential for the ground around the transformer being charged.
Pole Transformers
- Be aware of possible polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB’s) or hot insulating oils and any falling wires
- Allow to burn until power company disconnects power
- Apparatus should position a minimum of two poles/spans away
- Identify pole number or closest pole accessible
Commercial high voltage installations
- Identify by HIGH VOLTAGE signs, large disconnects and large meters
- Avoid using water unless directed by power company
Residential and Commercial electrical service
- In dangerous life treating situations the Incident Commander may order the meter pulled
- Secure power to structure via panel/fuse box - note position of breakers before securing. Note: during structure fires pull only the main breaker, leave all subsequent breakers in place for inspection by the Fire Investigator if necessary
- Beware of split buss panels in older homes
- If power needs to be cut at meter base or the drop, contact the power company
- Take note of the condition of the meter: burnt, melted, blackened, etc.
Electrical Short (RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL STRUCTURES)
- Find complainant
- Identify problem
- Isolate power then secure
Tree/Wire Down
- Apparatus positioning to block area
- Establish a staging zone for incoming agencies
- Call police for traffic control
- Apparatus should be positioned a minimum of two poles/spans
- Identify pole number or closest pole accessible
- SEVERE WEATHER RESPONSE: It may be necessary to identify the hazard, notify the proper agency, secure the area, and return to service.
- DO NOT CUT ANY ELECTRICAL LINES
ELEVATOR
- Have dispatcher notify responsible party and maintenance personnel
- Secure the power source
- Consider additional resources (i.e. Technicians for specialized equipment)
- If on fire or when using cutting tools, lay a line from a standpipe if possible
- Do not alter mechanical system to move elevator
ELEVATORS
- Only attempt a rescue if an emergency situation exists or if mechanical problem cannot be immediately resolved
