
Control measure
Safe system of work: High-voltage electricity
Control measure knowledge
The decision to isolate high-voltage electricity supplies will need to be made in close consultation with the supplier. This will take into consideration the consequences of this action to the community both downstream and upstream of the incident.
Fire and rescue services cannot isolate high-voltage electricity supplies. This can only be achieved by asking the supplier to isolate the supply. However, the request may take a considerable amount of time to achieve.
If there are high-voltage lines, carrying 132 kV, 275 kV and 400 kV (kilovolts), additional safe distances need to be implemented over and above the normal cordoning requirements of an incident.
It should always be assumed that the system is live until relevant power company engineers or other competent engineers confirm otherwise, for example, through a permit-to-work certificate.
Personnel will benefit from having access to risk information about equipment and its location such as:
- Substations
- Transformers
- Switchgear
Columns or jets of water should not be applied to transmission towers and their components, as solid jets of water coming into contact with any electrical equipment creates a risk of electrocution.
When firefighting in the close proximity of transmission towers, branches with spray, fog or mist can be used at ground level, as electricity is less able to conduct through droplets of water.
As high-voltage electricity can arc, a hazard area needs to be established. This should be a minimum of 10m either side of the overhead lines at the widest point of the transmission tower.
Any activity in close proximity of transmission towers should be subject to a risk assessment, taking into account:
- The conditions, such as dense smoke
- Wind direction
- The equipment being used, such as ground monitors or aerial ladder platforms
For more information see National Grid guidance for fire and rescue services.
Performing rescue of a casualty
Although the exclusion zone for working near a source of high voltage electricity is 10m, if a casualty requires immediate rescue it may be necessary to reduce the exclusion zone to 5m, following a risk assessment.
The Energy Networks Association has produced Safety Information for the Fire Service. This contains information on emergency situations involving electricity, along with important contact numbers for electricity companies. It contains a rescue flow chart that may assist with risk assessments.
If it is necessary to rescue a casualty who is within 5m of high-voltage electricity, the following steps should be taken:
- Request permission from the designated competent person to perform the rescue of a casualty, providing information such as:
- The condition of the casualty
- The distance and position of the casualty in relation to the point of contact of the high-voltage electricity
- Whether the casualty is at, above or below ground level
- Weather conditions
- Transmission tower markings and signs
- Record permission when received
- Carry out a risk assessment
- Proceed with caution
Strategic actions
Liaise with local distribution network operators (DNOs) and transmission operators (TOs) to maintain up-to-date emergency contact details in their fire control rooms
Tactical actions
Establish a 10m exclusion zone around high-voltage electricity sources; this can be reduced, following a risk assessment, to a 5m exclusion zone to perform immediate life-saving actions
Follow the rescue flow chart contained in the Energy Networks Association’s Safety Information for the Fire Service
Seek advice from the designated competent person
Request the isolation of electricity if operationally required
Request and record permission from the designated person before commencing fire and rescue service activities near high-voltage equipment
Ensure personnel do not enter any enclosure surrounding electrical apparatus, or climb any steel tower, structure or pole supporting overhead lines, unless permission has been received from the designated competent person
Take precautions when carrying metal ladders or other operational equipment; these should be carried horizontally and as low to the ground as possible
Consider authorisations received from the designated competent person when developing tactical plans
TRAINING SPECIFICATION
Knowledge and understanding
Control measure element | Learning outcome |
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Apply safe systems of work for high-voltage electricity |
Understand:
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Practical application
Control measure element | Learning outcome |
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Apply safe systems of work for electricity |
Demonstrate the ability to:
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- Control measurePersonal Protective Equipment: Electrical gloves
- Control measureContact distribution network operator or transmission operator