6-20 Electrical hazards in rescue and fire situations
Background
Firefighters are frequently exposed to electrical hazards when responding to emergencies.
Concerns/hazards
Firefighters may be exposed to the risk of injuries from electrical hazards during the following situations:
- electrical utility equipment that is damaged or has caught fire
- a vehicle collision with an electrical pole
- an electrical transformer explosion
- structural fires where fire has compromised the electrical power supply
Actions for employers
Employers must:
- familiarize firefighters with electrical hazards, to protect their health and safety
- train firefighters on working safely near electrical hazards
Employers should:
- develop procedures for working near electrical hazards
Working near electrical hazards
Consider the following when developing procedures for working near electrical hazards:
- sources of electricity
- how to isolate the electricity
- appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment
Applicable regulations and acts
Read:
- Occupational Health and Safety Act
- clause 25(2)(a) for providing information and instruction to a worker
- clause 25(2)(d) for making workers aware of hazards
- clause 25(2)(h) for taking every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers
Related
Read the Electrical safety handbook for emergency responders – Best practices for coping with electrical hazards in rescue and fire situations, Hydro One Networks Inc., Electrical Safety Authority, Office of the Fire Marshal, and Public Services Health and Safety Association, revised 5th Edition, 2013.
Read firefighter guidance note 6-16 Machinery/electrical lockout during emergency response
Updated: December 19, 2023
Published: February 19, 2019