Electricity Service Delivery 2

Aim To provide students with information to enable them to deal with the effects of electricity at incidents.

Learning Outcomes At the end of the session the student will be able to: State the roles of the fire service and other agencies at incidents affected by electricity Recognise the hazards and risks at incidents involving electricity and be able to minimize them Understand the capabilities and limitations of resources used to achieve objectives Be aware of how to minimize harm to life, damage to property and the environment.

Transmission and distribution Overhead lines (on pylons) 400kV, 275kV, 132kV, 33kV, 11kV Local substations down to 415V & 240V Identify the pylon/pole by its plate usually towards the road Always assume ‘live’ unless told by an authorized person.

Electricity supply network.

Overhead transmission lines Safe approach distances.

Pylon identification sign Above the climbing guard.

Emergency phone number Tower identification number.

Wooden pole carrying high voltage overhead lines Note: Emergency sign Identification number Barbed wire.

Risk assessment.

Safety Ensure power is off if using water or foam Spray is safer than jet Use rubber electrical gloves or dry insulated object If person has electric shock give resuscitation only when clear of equipment.

Vehicle in contact with trailing cable Do not move driver until electrical hazards have been removed Maintain safe approach distance. If driver is injured and unable to escape;

Vehicle touching overhead lines Stay in vehicle or drive clear Jump clear-do not climb down Do not touch vehicle once on the ground Stay well away-do not return to vehicle.

Firefighting at transformers Oil and PCB,s pose environmental hazards Full protective clothing and breathing apparatus Prevent water/contaminants entering the sewer system and water courses Use foam Disposal down to local authority.

Fire at electrical substation.

Uninterrupted power supplies (UPS) Power back up for computers and essential electrical equipment Will still be ‘live’ even if mains are isolated Ensure advice obtained before switching off.

Motor Vehicles Electrical faults - disconnect the battery High tension leads can carry 10kV or more Deal with fire.

Confirmation Assessments will be based on this lesson and the corresponding study note Learning Outcomes State the roles of the fire service and other agencies at incidents affected by electricity Recognise the hazards and risks at incidents involving electricity and be able to minimize them Understand the capabilities and limitations of resources used to achieve objectives Be aware of how to minimize harm to life, damage to property and the environment.

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