7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 1/40
and the
Responder For Emergency Medical Services, Public
Safety and Public Works Employees
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 2/40
Safety and the First Responder 2
Did You Know … ?
s
Electricity travels 186,000 miles per second – If you had a lamp on the moon connected to a switch in your
house, it would take just over one second for it to light up
s One lightning strike can generate 100 million to 1 billion
volts of electricity
s A typical lightning bolt is hotter than the surface of the sun
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 3/40
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 4/40
Safety and the First Responder 4
Arch Flash
s
Typical building fire – Temperatures can reach 1,100 to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit over
several minutes
s Primary arch flash reaches
11,000 degrees Fahrenheit
in one-tenth of a second
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 5/40
Safety and the First Responder 5
Electrical Shock
s Electrical shocks occur when a part of your body
completes an electrical circuit by …
– Touching a live wire and an electrical ground, or
– Touching a live wire and another wire at a different voltage
An electrical shock is received when electrical current
passes through the body
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 6/40
Safety and the First Responder 6
Volts vs. Amps
s
Voltage measures the pressure driving the electric current – Humans can withstand thousands of volts
– Stun guns = 50,000 volts, but no amps
s Amperage, or amps, measures the amount of current
– Presents the greatest danger during electrical contact – One-fifth of 1 amp – about what a household night light carries –
can stop the human heart
s More people are killed from 120/240 volts
than any other voltage
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 7/40Safety and the First Responder 7
Electric Shock
Amps, or current (not voltage), causes electric shock
Milliamps(mA)
Affect on Person
0.5 – 3 Tingling sensations
3 – 10 Muscle contractions and pain
10 – 40 “Let-go” threshold
30 – 75 Respiratory paralysis
100 – 200 Ventricular fibrillation
200 – 500 Heart clamps tight
1500 + Tissue and organs start to burn
Note: Reaction will vary with frequency and time of exposure
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 8/40Safety and the First Responder 8
Shock Severity
s
Severity of the shock depends on: – Path of electric current through the body
– Amount of current flowing through the body (amps)
– Duration of the current through the body
s Remember, low voltage does not mean low hazard
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 9/40Safety and the First Responder 9
The Danger of Electric Shock
s
Over 30,000 non-fatal electrical shock accidents occur eachyear in the U.S.
– Over 600 people die from electrocution each year
s Electrocution remains the fourth-highest cause of industrial
fatalities
s Most injuries and deaths could be avoided
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 10/40Safety and the First Responder 10
Things May Not Be As They Appear
s
Don’t assume that when a wire isn’t sparking it isn’tenergized
– A downed power line may still be energized
s Don’t assume that a phone or coaxial cable line isn’t
energized
– It’s possible that a few spans away, an energized power line could
be touching the phone or cable line, energizing it as well
– And there’s always the possibility that what you think is a phone
line is really a power line
– Both cable TV and phone lines can carry 7,200 volts!
s There could be hazards that you can’t see
– A downed line that is hidden by vegetation; an energized, downed
line a few spans away; and other hazards could still be present
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 11/40Safety and the First Responder 11
Single Primary Conductor
Fiber Optics
SecondariesStreet Light
Electric Service wire
Cable wire
Telephone wire
System Neutral
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 12/40Safety and the First Responder 12
Electrical Hazards
s Voltage decreases as the distance from the point of contact
increases
Step Potential
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 13/40
Safety and the First Responder 13
Electrical Hazards
s Always treat all downed wires, including cable TV and
telephone wires, as energized at high voltage until proven
otherwise
Types of Emergencies: Downed Wires
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 14/40
Safety and the First Responder 14
Electrical Hazards
Types of Emergencies: Downed Wires
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 15/40
Safety and the First Responder 15
Pole Identification
s Every pole is identified by a number
s Number is located on the side of the pole that faces the
street, approximately 6 feet above the ground
s If the number is missing, check a nearby pole and use it as a
reference point
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 16/40
Safety and the First Responder 16
Reporting Emergency Locations
s Describe nature of the emergency and whether personal
injury or danger is involved
s Identify community, town or borough
– Building number
– Street names Nearest cross street and direction (north, east, west or
south) from the location
s Identify equipment numbers (pole, pad-mount)
s Note whether emergency is on the street side or rear of
property
s Provide call-back number
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 17/40
Safety and the First Responder 17
Describe the Damage
s Primary: low, down, sparking
s Transformer: down, leaking, sparking
s Secondary: low, down, sparking
s Pole: broken, leaning, down, on fire
s House service: low, down, sparking
If you identify cable TV or
telecommunications equipment that is in
contact with electrical equipment, call the
local utility immediately
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 18/40
Safety and the First Responder 18
How Electricity is Delivered to You
Power Plant
High-Voltage
Transmission Lines
Power Substation
Transformer
Transformer Drum
Power Poles
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 19/40
Safety and the First Responder 19
Transmission Towers
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 20/40
Safety and the First Responder 20
Distribution System Overview
s Distribution Primary Voltage
– 19.9 kV
– 12.5 kV
– 4,800 kV
– 4160 kV
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 21/40
Safety and the First Responder 21
Underground Pad-Mount Transformers
s Stay at least 30 feet away from a pad-mount transformer if it
appears to be damaged, or if it’s making unusual noise
– These are the green metal boxes that contain the above ground
portion of an underground electrical installation
– They transform high-voltage electricity to low-voltage electricity
which is then carried in insulated underground power lines to
homes and businesses
s If you see a pad-mount transformer that looks
damaged, or appears to have been tamperedwith, please notify Mon Power
Pad-mount transformers may be energized!
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 22/40
Safety and the First Responder 22
Electrical Fires and Arcing at Substations
Stay away from electrical substations!
s Electrical fires and arcing that may occur at an electrical
substation are highly dangerous
s Do not go near, or enter a substation, under any
circumstances unless accompanied by a utility companyrepresentative
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 23/40
Safety and the First Responder 23
Electrical Hazards
Downed Wires
Types of Emergencies
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 24/40
Safety and the First Responder 24
Electrical Hazards – Types of EmergenciesDowned Wires
Upon arrival
s Establish a safety zone and secure the area
s If possible, the safety zone should extend a minimum of two
full span lengths of wire in each direction beyond the
downed wire
– Poles may break and fall due to stress
– Wires can slip through insulators and sag to the ground
– Wires may be contacting metal fences, guard rails, buildings, etc.
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 25/40
Safety and the First Responder 25
Electrical Hazards – Types of EmergenciesDowned Wires
s Bodies in contact with live wires may be energized.DO NOT TOUCH the individual until the wire is tested and
cleared from the body
s Wires should not be assumed dead until they are tested
dead or certain assurance from local utility personnel isreceived
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 26/40
Safety and the First Responder 26
Electrical Hazards
Vehicle/Pole Accidents
Types of Emergencies
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 27/40
Safety and the First Responder 27
Electrical Hazards – Types of EmergenciesVehicle / Pole Accidents
s All potential hazards should be thoroughly evaluated
s Approach cautiously – establish a safety zone
s If fire is present, use a fog pattern rather than a straight
stream
s Remember: the vehicle and anything attached to it may be
energized
s Do not come within 30 feet of the vehicle
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 28/40
Safety and the First Responder 28
Electrical Hazards – Types of EmergenciesVehicle / Pole Accidents
s Occupants have one overriding thought … to get out of thevehicle
s Gain their confidence and then order them to remain in the
vehicle
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 29/40
Safety and the First Responder 29
Electrical Hazards – Types of EmergenciesVehicle / Pole Accidents
s If it is absolutely necessary to have the occupants exit thevehicle, they should be given explicit instructions and told
not to come in contact with the vehicle and the ground at the
same time
s
Once on the ground, small shuffling steps should be takento move away from the involved vehicle (remember - step
potential)
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 30/40
Safety and the First Responder 30
Electrical Hazards
Ladders and Other Lifts
Types of Emergencies
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 31/40
Safety and the First Responder 31
Ladders and Other Lifts
s Before raising or extending any kind of ladder, metal pole, or
other equipment capable of reaching a power line, check in
all directions for power lines
s Be careful while carrying or positioning any kind of ladder,
tool, equipment, or extension and keep them well away from
energized overhead power lines, especially the weather heador service drop
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 32/40
Safety and the First Responder 32
Electrical Hazards
Summary
Types of Emergencies
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 33/40
Safety and the First Responder 33
Electrical Hazards – Types of EmergenciesSummary
s Treat all wires as dangerous and energized at high voltageuntil tested and proven otherwise
s Exercise extreme caution when approaching the scene,
especially at night
s Establish a safety zone and prevent all unauthorized persons
from approaching the scene
s Secure the scene until relieved by local utility
s
Never tamper with energized wires or equipment
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 34/40
Safety and the First Responder 34
Electrical Safety: Fact or Fiction?
Power lines are insulated so people are protectedfrom contact.
FICTION: Power lines may have acover to protect against weather, but
they are not insulated for contact.
(Birds can perch on power lines unhurt
because they don’t have a path to the
ground – you and your ladder do.)
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 35/40
Safety and the First Responder 35
Electrical Safety: Fact or Fiction?
I should keep myself and any equipment I’m using at
least 30 feet away from power lines.
FACT: Electricity can jump, or arc,from a power line to a person who
gets too close.
To be safe, keep yourself, others, and
any equipment at least 30 feet frompower lines.
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 36/40
Safety and the First Responder 36
Electrical Safety: Fact or Fiction?
A person can be electrocuted by a power line even
when wearing work gloves and rubber boots.
FACT: Work gloves and rubber bootsoffer no protection against contact with
power lines. Only properly trained
workers with personal protective
equipment are allowed to work near
power lines.
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 37/40
Safety and the First Responder 37
Electrical Safety: Fact or Fiction?
Downed power lines don’t carry any electricity.
FICTION: Assume all downed wires are
energized and potentially dangerous.Be sure to stay 30 feet away from power
lines.
Call Mon Power at 1-888-544-4877
immediately to report a downed power line.
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 38/40
Safety and the First Responder 38
Electrical Safety: Fact or Fiction?
It’s unsafe to drive your car near fallen power lines.
FACT: Avoid streets with fallen power lines and take an alternate route. Do not,
under any circumstances, drive over
downed electrical wires.
If your car comes in contact with adowned line, stay in your vehicle, call
911 immediately and wait for help.
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 39/40
Safety and the First Responder 39
Electrical Safety: Fact or Fiction?
If children lose a baseball, model airplane or kiteinside a substation, they never should enter the
substation to retrieve it.
FACT: Substations are places where electricityis stepped down from high voltages used to
move it over long distances to lower voltages
used inside the home.
Educating children on the dangers of electrical
substations is the first line of defense for keeping them out of harms way!
7/31/2019 Mon Power_Safety and the First Responder_Rev May 2012
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/mon-powersafety-and-the-first-responderrev-may-2012 40/40
and the First Responder Emergency Medical Services, Public Safety and Public Works Employees