
Fire in electrical installation
Applying National Operational Guidance to incident types. Identify the knowledge, control measures and actions needed to combat the hazards you face.
Applying National Operational Guidance to incident types. Identify the knowledge, control measures and actions needed to combat the hazards you face.
Consider using thermal imaging equipment for scanning when carrying out a scene survey
Identify utilities, including renewable energy supplies and locate isolation points
Pass the identification number(s) of any transmission tower or pole to the relevant distribution network operator (DNO) or transmission operator (TO)
Identify security features that may compromise safe access to and egress from the scene of operations
Identify the presence and effectiveness of fixed installations and where appropriate, take control of their operation
Consider the presence of unofficial occupants (e.g. squatters, rough sleepers, drug users, youths)
Consider potential causes of fire e.g. deliberate or accidental ignition and illegal activities
Continually monitor and assess the fire development for signs and symptoms of escalation
Consider requesting aerial or special appliances to reduce risk and demand on resources
Consider requesting specialist resources from own or neighbouring fire and rescue services, or partner agencies
Consider isolating the power supplies, considering the impact on any critical systems
Implement high-voltage safe system of work if a yellow 'danger of death' sign present
Take precautions when carrying metal ladders or other operational equipment; these should be carried horizontally and as low to the ground as possible
Ensure that PPE is worn in accordance with service risk assessment for live utilities
Use the appropriate extinguishing method, media, techniques and equipment
Put in place covering and/or safety jets according to identified risks
Ensure that Firefighting PPE is worn in accordance with service risk assessment, procedures and training
Consider the effects of wind and ventilation on smoke and fire gases when positioning firefighting personnel
Adopt an upwind approach to smoke plumes and fire gases, and to avoid where possible
Consider the impact of smoke plume on downwind life risk, road users and other transport networks
Identify the age, design and condition of the structure
Assess and continuously monitor the structure for signs of collapse
Consider the structural stability of the building before deploying personnel for internal firefighting
Evaluate and monitor the potential footprint of collapse and debris
Consider the effects of the fire’s duration and intensity and firefighting activity on structural elements or structural frames
Consider the effects of the fire’s duration and intensity and firefighting activity on structural materials
Consider the effects of fire or firefighting on mezzanine and raised storage systems
When approaching the incident use visual and other incident indicators to inform situational awareness
Gather incident information from a suitable safe distance based on hazard assessment
Identify the presence of asbestos-containing materials and assess the level of risk (High or Lower Hazard)
Restrict the access of persons to premises or a place if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
See All incident: Powers policies and procedures
Why? | Expectations? | Benefit vs Risk? |
Request and record permission from the designated person before commencing fire and rescue service activities near high-voltage equipment
Carry out any rescues or lifesaving actions
Consider the appropriate speed of intervention to limit fire development
Develop and communicate a firefighting plan and ventilation strategy to all personnel
Consider the appropriate speed of intervention to limit fire development
Select appropriate firefighting media (e.g. water, foam, dry powder, CO2)
Select appropriate firefighting equipment (e.g. extinguisher, hose reel, main jet, cutting extinguisher)
Consider compartment boundary cooling using appropriate and effective fire-fighting media
Consider means of access to concealed areas, including use of hatches and cutting away
Consider the use of on-site vehicles operated by competent people as part of the incident plan
Brief crews to carry out self-protection, door entry and compartment firefighting techniques
Conduct regular communication checks to ensure equipment continues to function
Inform all personnel and other responders which utilities have been isolated and if any remain operative
Ensure all personnel are informed of any intended tactics regarding the fixed installation systems
Inform all personnel of known or likely areas of interest for fire or criminal investigation, so that these can be avoided
Use the most effective methods for communicating with people who are either directly or indirectly involved in the incident
Hand over responsibility for removed items and security of premises to the responsible person or the police