SOP 514 Electrical Emergency Guidlines

Question 1

What is the minimum distance to keep from downed power lines or wires?

Answer 1

10’ at minimum and as voltage increases, distances should increase.

Question 2

What is a consideration for parking the apparatus?

Answer 2

Consider where the hazard would be if the line, utility post or any component would fail

Question 3

How should small electrical fires be treated?

Answer 3

Treated as Class C fires and use appropriate extinguishing agent. If no immediate threat then turn off electricity and treat as a Class A or B.

Question 4

Why would we wear respiratory protection and avoid pools of oil under electrical transformers?

Answer 4

Because burning electrical components may release polychlorinated biphenyls or other hazardous chemicals.

Question 5

What should we do with solar panels (photo voltaic panels)?

Answer 5

Consider them in the IAP. Shut them down. Some newer systems have a “rapid shut down” on the invertor.

Question 6

How should we fight a fire near or around a solar panel?

Answer 6

Distance of greater than 35’ using a 30 degree fog.

Question 7

How do we treat all downed power lines?

Answer 7

As if they are energized.

Question 8

What do we do for downed power lines and what is the distance for exclusion zone?

Answer 8

Isolate and create an exclusion zone equal to one and a half time the full span between good power poles. Notify the utility company.

Question 9

What do we do if the downed power line starts a fire with no exposures present or threatened?

Answer 9

Allow the fire to burn outside of the exclusion zone (1 1/2x the full span between good power poles) and then begin the fire attack.

Question 10

How do we fight the fire if the downed power line is threatening exposures?

Answer 10

Perform a risk/benefit analysis. If the plan is to protect the exposure, fog nozzle at 30 degrees with minimum 35’ if possible.

Question 11

What do we do if the downed line is contacting a vehicle?

Answer 11

Isolate the area and remian 35’ away. Contact victim and have them stay in their vehicle. Contact utility company and have them deenergize the line. If victim has to escape, have them jump clear of vehicle and shuffle step never putting heel in front of toes.

Question 12

How do we attack pole fires with the fire near the top or transformer?

Answer 12

Defensive, isolate and deny entry. Contact utility company and have them deenergize the line.

Question 13

How do we attack pole fires at the base of the pole or ground around the pole?

Answer 13

30 degree fog nozzle 35’ away. Dont spray up at electical equipment. When in doubt, let it burn until the utility line is secured.

Question 14

What do we do if the fire is at a substation or distribution station?

Answer 14

Isolate and deny entry. Contact utility company. Protect exposures with 30 degree fog atleast 35’ away.

Question 15

What do we do if the fire is in a vault or manhole?

Answer 15

Isolate and deny entry. Contact utility company. Once electricity is confirmed off, treat as confined space fire/

Question 16

What do we do on a Pad Mount Transformer emergency/fire?

Answer 16

Isolate and deny entry. Do not open or gain entry, Contact utility company. In case of fire, protect exposures with dry chem extinguisher. If no dry chem then the normal fog 30 degree at 35’.

Question 17

What do we do on Wildland fires around poles or transmission towers?

Answer 17

Spot fires may be attacked if heavy smoke or flame is not within 100’ of the powerlines. The fire, smoke and steam conversion can act as an electrical conduit. Stay 35’ away from transmission towers.