BOSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE NO. 49C

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

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SOP #49C

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

INTRODUCTION

There are many types of electrical hazards that the Boston Fire Department (BFD)
responds to. Agencies with very dangerous electrical equipment include, but are not
limited to, NSTAR, MBTA and AMTRAK. Regardless of the source, all electrical
equipment must be treated with respect and safe operations must be a priority.

49C.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to ensure that all members
are aware that electricity can be fatal and that extreme safety precautions shall be taken at
all incidents.

49C.2 SAFETY

Members shall treat all electrical incidents as potentially lethal.

49C.3 OUTSIDE ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

Outside electrical hazards can originate

in electrical substations, overhead
power wires from NSTAR, the wires

vehicles or the third rail used to power

MBTA trains, (SOP #3).

They also may come from manholes,

vaults, and transformers (Figure 1)
(SOP #49, 49A, 49B)

Figure 1

49C.4 OUTSIDE CABLES (Figure 2)

Telephone wires, Fire Alarm cables and Television cable wires: These
may become energized with higher voltage/amperes due to unidentified
conditions away from the response area
Primary Wires on telephone poles: 13,800 volts
Secondary wires on telephone poles: 120/240 volts
Residential service drops: 120/240 volts
Residential and Commercial wiring: (e.g.; 110, 220, 440 volts)

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Figure 2

49C.5 RESPONDING TO AND WORKING AT DOWNED WIRES

Position the apparatus the distance of at least two light poles away from downed
overhead wires on the opposite side of the street if at all possible due to potential
for unseen damage to other overhead wires
Do not attempt a rescue of a worker in contact with a power line until the utility
company de-energizes the line
Secure area from vehicle and pedestrian traffic with tape or cones
Minimum circle of safety is 30 feet from point of contact for downed power lines
Minimum circle of safety is 100 feet from point of contact for transmission lines
and 300 feet for non-essential personnel
Minimum distances are under the best possible conditions. Wind, water or other
environmental situations may affect safe operating distances. Increase distance
if conditions warrant it.
Aerials, tower ladders and ground ladders must be kept a minimum of ten feet
from overhead electrical wires at all raised aerial incidents, e.g. building fires with
power and communication wires present.

Insulation from vehicle tires or B.F.D. personal protective equipment (gloves, boots ect.)
will not provide protection from electrical shock. These products contain carbon or
carbon black, which conducts electricity. The ground surrounding the point of contact
could be electrically charged.

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Reclosers (Figure 4) are similar to a circuit breaker in that it opens the circuit if
there is a fault but unlike the typical circuit breaker, it recloses automatically after a
predetermined time. It can be made to repeat this cycle several times before it locks
itself open. This is one of many reasons not to touch a downed wire because it is
impossible to tell whether the wire is energized or not.

Figure 4 Typical recloser

The following information should be considered at ALL incidents with downed wires:

Notify NSTAR through the Fire Alarm Office

NEVER assume the power is off

large area. Always keep constant watch on the entire area, especially above you.
Buildings in the area affected may have to be inspected
Remember that your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will NOT prevent you
from being electrocuted
Do not use non-rated equipment such as rakes or ropes etc. to move downed wires
whether or not they are coming from the perceived source
Notify the District Fire Chief, through the Fire Alarm Office (FAO), of any
changes in the situation (i.e. more wires falling at different locations, or if people
are trapped in vehicles that are in contact with wires)
Do not use water streams for pole transformer fires until the power is confirmed
shut down
When protecting exposures near electrical hazards, use dry chemical or a fog
nozzle.
Stand by the scene until arrival of the power company and/or the police to secure
the area
Stay clear of Sub-Station fires. Protect exposures and let equipment burn itself out

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49C.6 VEHICLE ACCIDENTS

Vehicle accidents, heavy equipment and personnel in contact with power lines pose an
unusual problem for first responders. Contact with power lines, downed power lines, in
contact with pad mounted transformers, or any electrically charged equipment (MBTA
LRV 600 volt high voltage storage lockers (SOP 3)) require special attention. (Figure 5)

If there are occupants in the vehicle, they should be directed to remain in the vehicle
unless there is immediate threat to life or safety until the utility company de-energizes the
line.

Notify Fire Alarm to have the District Chief to respond to the incident

Figure 5

If the parties involved are in immediate danger due to fire or other life threatening injury,
and are physically able to escape, they should be directed to exit the vehicle with both
feet at the same time and not come in contact with the ground and the vehicle at the
same time. They shall be directed to shuffle away from the vehicle both feet as close
together as possible. This is due to the danger of step potential.

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Step potential (Figure 6) is the ground

being electrically charged by a live wire
that passes current in a circular direction
out from the point of contact. The
voltage diminishes the further away
from the contact point but with different
ground conditions the distance will vary.

Always use the minimum circle

of safety
Increase distance if conditions
warrant

.
Figure 6

BFD members shall not use water on a vehicle fire if the vehicle has downed wires or other
potential electrical hazards, in contact with or in close proximity to the vehicle. Dry chemical
shall be used in these situations and only in a life-threatening situation. If there is no life
hazard, let vehicle burn and protect exposures. Proper distances shall be maintained to protect
members from electrical shock.

Notify the utility or agency responsible to respond through the Fire Alarm Office.

49C.7 CIRCUIT BREAKERS

According to the electrical code, all electrical circuits are required to have circuit breakers.
There are still many types of circuit breakers in use. Older model circuit breakers e.g. the old
Edison Plug Fuse, Type-S Fuse (Figure 7) or Cartridge Fuse may still be found today. Most
cartridge fuse types and some Type S Fuse boxes have either a push handle or a pull down
handle to de-energize the power. Newer style breakers are pushed left or right (Figure 8).
Either type should be marked indicating if it is on or off.

Figure 7 Figure 8

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The following should always be remembered:

Use only one hand around electricity
Breakers do not always trip; they may be defective and not function properly
Do not assume that the power is off

49C.8 COMMON CAUSES OF ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

The Boston Fire Department coordinates with other departments by routinely holding In-
Service Inspections of buildings, Fire Prevention Division Inspections and investigations by
the Fire Investigation Unit. Even though some of the causes of electrical hazards have
decreased due to new codes, regulations and inspections, there are still numerous causes.

The following is a list of some potential hazards:

Improper use of extension cords (especially around the Holiday Season)

Lightning storms
Overloading/overheating of circuits by using breakers or fuses that are of larger
amperage than the wires are designed to carry
Improper grounding and bonding, or none at all
Light bulbs with a higher wattage rating than the fixture is approved for
Use of multiple adaptors for extra plug-ins, not approved by the Underwriters
Laboratories or any electrical devices not UL approved
Unlicensed contractors or electricians
Use of aluminum wire not rated for use with copper rated equipment (i.e. switches,
lights, receptacles, etc.) is a code violation. If used in a large capacity
voltage/amperage, it must meet the requirements set forth by NFPA 70 and the City
Wiring Inspector
Pennies behind fuses, and copper tubing in place of cartridge fuses to bypass the
functions of such fuses, which leads to wires over-heating
Terminal boxes in cellars with no covers, and exposed connections (this is true of ALL
electrical connections), none should be visible, and ALL connections should be in the
proper box with covers on
Back Feed. Power coming from a source other than the main, or normal source.
Emergency Back-up Generators: These can be found in a multitude of locations, from
nursing homes, hospitals, industrial facilities, residential homes, to firehouses, etc.
Once power has been shut off to a building, they will start automatically and will
temporarily restore power to the building, even if only a percentage of it. The Incident
Commander MUST order the generator shut down if that situation creates a more
serious life safety hazard

49C.9 ILLEGAL USE OF POWER (POWER THEFT)

Although not seen frequently, it does exist. There are many methods to it; all of which pose a
threat to the public and public safety members. The most obvious of these is:

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Jumping of Meters: The hazard is two fold jumping haphazardly or sloppy

connections which may prevent securing the service or effectively shutting the power
off. This can be accomplished both inside and outside of the Meter Trough. This
-disk at
the face of the Meter (this could also be just a faulty Meter), and wires strung at the
Meter/Panel Assembly in an unprofessional manner.

If illegal use of power is present or suspected, notify NSTAR and the Inspectional
Services Department (ISD) through the Fire Alarm Office (FAO).

49C.10 ELECTRICAL HAZARDS DURING BUILDING FIRES

Aerials, tower ladders and ground ladders must be kept a minimum of ten feet from all
overhead electrical wires. Wire could drop onto ladders. Arcing from 13.8 kilovolts is
possible across several feet of air gap, especially if humid, damp, or raining.

If fire or water has damaged or in any way impacted electrical wiring and/or hardware,
the power must be shut down to that portion of the structure or to the entire building if
necessary by way of the circuit breaker or fuse panel. (Do not pull the electrical meter)
Notify Inspectional Services and have NSTAR respond through the Fire Alarm Office
if the service drop needs to be cut

All elevators shall be recalled and checked for occupants prior to shutting down the
power

Thermal Imagers shall be used at all electrical hazard incidents

Heating systems by code should be on a separate circuit breaker. Shut down emergency
-o-

NSTAR can open circuits from their dispatch operation center if necessary. This
includes large fires, multiple buildings, commercial complexes as well as smaller
dwellings. This will take out a larger area than the specific property but if required for
firefighting operations it must be ordered. (Closest pole # or address must be given at
the time of order, and this should always be backed up with field testing by utility
personnel) (Figure 9)

Notify Inspectional Services through the Fire Alarm Office

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Telephone Pole Markings Figure 9

49C.11 WATER SPILLS / LEAKS IN A BUILDING

Electrical hazards are often caused by water leaks. These hazards are one of the most over-
looked and under-estimated situations that involve life safety. The size of the leak should
determine the area to be shut down. This depends on how much water has leaked into areas
where electrical fixtures, wiring and appliances may be present. Incidents that may require
shutting off power, related to water leaks include but are not limited to the following:

Water leaks in the building, coming from excess water on the roofs;
Leaks from plumbing from the floors above;
Broken sprinkler piping;
Any large amounts of water in the basement from any source;

Water can flow in many dir

Commander may not have all the necessary information such as how much water has spread
and where it has spread.

If an electrical hazard occurs inside a structure it becomes the responsibility of the Boston
Inspectional Services Division. NSTAR does not have State Licensed Master Electricians.
They no longer maintain an inside electrical division. Their jurisdiction ends at the termination
of their equipment. This is usually at the service drop
socket. If the source of the problem is not immediately known or if there is any question, the
Incident Commander shall notify Fire Alarm to have NSTAR respond to cut the service.

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NSTAR cannot restore the power to any structure once it is cut until ISD has given

a State Licensed Master Electrician to the site to inspect and repair the damage. The electrician
must apply for a permit through ISD before any repair work can be done. The City of Boston
Inspectional Services Department then must re-inspect the building. This applies to all
electrical power shutoffs whether for water, fire or mechanical damage.

Inspectional Services shall be notified through the Fire Alarm Office if an electrical
inspector is needed at any time day or night.

49C.12 THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES FOR INSIDE ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

CAUSED BY WATER LEAKS SHALL BE FOLLOWED:

1. If the extent of water damage is known, then a limited area can be shut down, leaving
the rest of the building with the power on. If unknown or unable to verify the area
affected, shut down additional electrical service to insure all affected electrical outlets
and fixtures are de-energized. (Do not the pull the electrical meter because a blinding
arc may result if under load, causing eye injury and or flash burns to exposed skin )
2. Thermal Imagers shall be used at all electrical hazard incidents
3. All elevators shall be checked for occupants if water has entered the hoist way or
elevator machine room.
4. Members shall not restore electrical service to the building once the power
has been shut down
5. Request through the Fire Alarm Office that an ISD electrical inspector be dispatched to
the scene and request an E.T.A.
6. The Fire Alarm office shall be given an update for ISD with all pertinent information.
7. The Incident Commander shall have the appropriate number of companies remain on
scene to await the arrival of the ISD inspector.
8. The Incident Commander shall notify the Fire Alarm Office that: the problem has been
isolated, the unit(s) are STANDING BY awaiting the arrival of the ISD inspector.
9. If an estimated time of arrival from I.S.D. is not available or a lengthy response time is
given, the incident commander shall notify the District Chief to respond .
10. The District Chief shall be notified if people have to be evacuated due to fire alarm
systems, or sprinkler systems being impaired.
11. The Incident Commander shall notify the Fire Alarm Office upon the arrival of the
I.S.D. electrical inspector. They shall also notify the FAO when they are returning to
quarters and that they have turned control of the incident over to the I.S.D. electrical
inspector.
12. Under emergency conditions, for example: multiple water leaks due to thawing of
broken sprinkler piping, heavy rains and or flash flooding, the Fire Alarm Office,
shall after conferring with the Division Commander in the affected area(s), strike
a Special Signal 10-43 that suspends STANDBY status. The Fire Alarm Office will
announce that STANDBY status as referenced above in section 49C.12.8 is suspended.
When conditions return to normal and after conferring with the Division Commander in
the affected area(s), Fire Alarm shall strike a 10-43 and announce that STANDBY status
is back in effect.

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If a company is at a location on STANDBY status the Incident Commander

shall take all measures to make the building safe even if the power to the entire building must
be shut down and notify Fire Alarm that they are returning and are available. If this is not
possible or safe to do due to the size, nature or complexity of the situation, the Incident
Commander will notify Fire Alarm of this information and request the District Chief to
respond.

49C.13 SPECIAL FACILITIES

There are facilities or areas at an incident, where shutting all power down could possibly lead
to a larger and more hazardous condition, with a high degree of risk and life safety.

If it is determined that the power should be shut down for any period of time, the Incident
Commander should ask for a representative from the utility to respond to the incident for
technical assistance and also notify ISD. Planning should take place prior to the order to shut
down power if at all possible to minimize the harmful effects that it may cause. The following
are a few areas for concern:

High Rise buildings or other large residential or commercial properties

Hospitals, nursing homes and others, that have patients on life-support systems
Electricity may be needed to pump the system down and to operate ventilation fans
Buildings using ammonia refrigerant systems that must remain operating
Laboratories, whose contents are unknown or questionable
Housing for the elderly or disabled
Areas that contain unknown Hazardous Materials, which may respond negatively to the
loss of power
Incidents where people can be trapped if power is lost (i.e. elevators, trains, etc.)

49C.14 SITUATIONS TO WATCH AND/OR AVOID

Physical contact of any kind. Sweat is a perfect conductor of electricity

Use of aerials or ground ladders; ladder companies should have a spotter when
throwing ladders
Extreme caution must be used when working around overhead wires
Aerials, tower ladders and ground ladders must be kept a minimum of ten feet from all
overhead electrical wires
Working with tools and equipment around potential electrical hazards
All temporary wiring
Use of hose streams near high-voltage wiring and equipment
Metal Ceilings, a short in the wiring can make the entire ceiling live. Circuit breakers
trip with a surge of current, not with a steady increase. Mechanical damage can occur
with a lighting strike, damaging the trip mechanism, but still allowing the circuit
breaker to be turned on. It may be impossible to manually turn it off
Wire-Lath ceilings or walls are the same as full metal ceilings, with the same hazards
Buildings of metal structure or with metal studs
Metal Roofs
Swimming pools
Flickering of lights, appliance interruptions, or anything out of ordinary usage
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Crackling sounds, or unusual odors

Outlets that are hot to the touch
Hanging wires
Dropped ceilings with lift-up panels; a short in a recessed fixture could send electricity
throughout the entire metal framing grid
Buildings under construction or renovations: open splice boxes, unfinished wiring,
breaker/fuse boxes with no covers on them, and ANY bare wires
Stay clear of all electrically-fed motors, even when the power is off, electricity can be
stored in these motors
Avoid ANY contact with electrical components of an elevator, escalator, etc.

49C.15 SUMMARY

Remember the following principles when dealing with all electrical emergencies:

Aerials, tower ladders and ground ladders must be kept a minimum of ten feet from all
overhead electrical wires

Notify the Fire Alarm Office to contact the local authority that owns the source of
power whenever high voltage is involved

Thermal Imagers shall be used at all electrical hazard incidents

If inside a building, shut down the individual circuit breakers(s) or main circuit breaker
to the smallest area possible to mitigate the hazard if it is safe to do so

Do not pull meters or cut service wires

Treat all wire as energized and dangerous. Even low voltage can cause severe injury or
death

In large residential or commercial properties, consult with the local utility

representative for the safest method of controlling the hazard

Exercise extreme caution when approaching electrical emergencies especially at night

Establish a circle of safety depending on the type of electrical hazard present and
prevent unauthorized entry to the area

Substation fires-Do not enter, secure the area outside the fence line and notify the utility

Refer to SOP#6 if Lock out/Tag out procedures may be needed

If the BFD shuts down the power, never turn it back on. ISD must be notified
through the Fire Alarm Office giving the circumstances and extent of the problem.

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