objective 12- Emergency Scene Lighting: Types, Power Sources, and Safety Protocols

When is emergency scene lighting required?

At night, in low-light conditions, and inside structures where normal lighting is not available.

Portable lights

Lights used in building interiors or remote areas of an emergency scene.

Telescoping light stands

Allow portable lights to be raised and directed more effectively.

Fixed lights

Lights mounted on a vehicle and wired to a vehicle-mounted generator or apparatus electrical system.

Purpose of fixed lights

Provide overall lighting of the emergency scene.

Fixed light mounting

Usually mounted on telescoping poles that can be raised, lowered, or rotated; some are mounted on hydraulic booms.

What limits the number of fixed lights?

The amount of power the vehicle-mounted generator or apparatus electrical system can produce.

Emergency lighting power sources

Portable electric generators, apparatus-mounted generators, and the apparatus electrical system.

Portable electric generator

A small gasoline- or diesel-powered generator with 110- and/or 220-volt outlets.

Portable generator use

Useful when vehicle-mounted systems are not available.

Vehicle-mounted generator

Produces more power than portable units and may use gasoline, diesel, propane, or hydraulic PTO systems.

Inverter

A device that converts a vehicle's 12- or 24-volt DC power into 110- or 220-volt AC power.

Inverter advantages

Fuel efficiency and minimal noise.

Inverter disadvantages

Constant apparatus exhaust, limited power supply, and limited mobility.

Auxiliary electrical equipment

Electrical cables, extension cords, receptacles, connectors, junction boxes, GFCI devices, and adapters.

Electrical equipment requirements

Should be waterproof, intrinsically safe, and designed for the amount of electrical current it is intended to carry.

Electrical cables and extension cords

Should have adequate insulation and no exposed wires.

Twist-lock receptacles/connectors

Provide secure connections when grounding wires are used and the connections are not immersed in water.

Junction boxes

Provide multiple outlets or connections supplied through one inlet from the power source.

GFCI

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.

NFPA 70E

Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.

Adapters

Allow different types of plugs and receptacles to be connected.

Portable generator carrying

Use two personnel to carry portable generators to their setup position.

Generator placement

Position generators downwind so exhaust fumes do not create an ignition or contamination hazard.

Generator hearing protection

Wear hearing protection when operating portable generators if needed.

Generator noise hazard

Generator noise can make communications difficult.

Light positioning

Adjust lights so they illuminate the scene without shining into the eyes of approaching drivers.

Damaged electrical cords

Remove cords with faulty insulation or exposed wires from service.

Water and electrical equipment

Do not immerse power cords or connections in water.

Power source capacity

Never connect more lights than the power source can support.

Overtaxing a power source

Can result in poor lighting, damage to lights/generator/electrical system, and restriction of other tools using the power source.

Lighting heat hazard

Some lighting units produce extreme heat that can cause burns or melt paint and plastics on apparatus.

Lighting deployment

Select appropriate equipment from the apparatus and carry it to the setup location; if portable, carry the generator to a safe location.