ELECTRICAL EMERGENCIES GUIDE - WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF ELECTRICAL EMERGENCIES?

Strong winds, ice or unintentional contact with equipment may cause trees or tree limbs to fall into powerlines. This may cause wires to break and fall to the ground. Should this happen, notify the electric utility company immediately.

A fallen wire can create hazards for workers and the general public. Objects touched by a fallen wire - fences, vehicles, buildings or even the surrounding ground - must be considered energized and should not be touched.

It is impossible to tell simply by looking whether a downed wire is energized. Consider all downed wires energized and dangerous until the electric utility personnel notify you otherwise.

Where a power line has fallen across a vehicle, occupants should remain within the vehicle. If they must leave the vehicle because of a life-threatening situation, such as fire or potential explosion, they should jump clear of the vehicle without touching either the vehicle or wire and the ground at the same time.

Once clear of the vehicle, they should shuffle away, taking small steps and keeping both feet in contact with the ground.

Remember, electricity can be transmitted from the victim to you. If a switch is accessible, shut off the power immediately. Otherwise, stand on a dry surface and pull the victim away with a dry board or rope. Do not use your hands or anything metal.

Use a C02 or dry chemical extinguisher to put out an electrical fire. Water should be used only by trained firefighting personnel. In an emergency involving power lines or electrical equipment, call the electric utility company immediately.

Training Workers
Ensure that workers assigned to operate cranes and other boomed vehicles are specifically trained in safe operating procedures. Also ensure that workers are trained (1) to understand the limitations of such devices as boom guards, insulated lines, ground rods, nonconductive links, and proximity warning devices, and (2) to recognize that these devices are not substitutes for de-energizing and grounding lines or maintaining safe clearance.

Workers should also be trained to recognize the hazards and use proper techniques when rescuing coworkers or recovering equipment in contact with electrical energy. CSA guidelines list techniques that can be used when equipment contacts energized power lines [CSA 1982]. All employers and workers should be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).