Fire Service Manual, Volume 2, Fire Service Operations, Electricity

Issued Authority: Home Office (Fire and Emergency Planning Directorate)
Document Title: Fire Service Manual, Volume 2, Fire Service Operations, Electricity
Publication Reference: HM Fire Service Inspectorate Publications Section, London: The Stationery Office.

Copyright: © Crown Copyright 1998.
Preface: This document discusses the hazards firefighters face with electricity during emergencies. It emphasizes the need for knowledge on electrical theory, hazards, and safe procedures for firefighting operations.
Replacements: The manual replaces previous guidelines and documents related to electricity and firefighting.

Introduction
Chapter 1: Electricity
- Electrical Units
- Resistance of a Circuit
- Conductors and Insulators
- Short Circuits
- Protective Devices
Chapter 2: Generation, Transmission, and Distribution
- Generation
- Transmission Systems
- Distribution Methods
Chapter 3: Internal Distribution
- Low and High Voltage Systems
- Wiring Systems
- Electric Lighting
Chapter 4: Electrical Hazards and Safeguards
- Static Electricity
- Electric Shock
- Safe Approach Distances
- Use of Rubber Gloves
Chapter 5: Fire-Fighting Procedure
- Fires in Generating Stations
- Fires in Substations
- Fires in Industrial and Private Dwellings
- Fires Involving Batteries and UPS
Appendices
- Case Study: Transformer fire
- Electrical fire statistics
- Useful addresses and telephone numbers.

Risk Assessment: Electricity is a common hazard in firefighting. Assessment must include understanding electric supply and potential dangers.
Fire Class: Electrical fires are not classified as a separate fire class but fall under traditional classifications A, B, C, or D.
Authorized Personnel: An 'Authorized Person' is essential for handling live electrical equipment during an incident, confirming safety before approaches are made.

Privatization Changes: The Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) was broken into multiple companies post-privatization, affecting generation and supply.
Electricity Companies: Twelve major regional supply companies manage distribution networks connected to the National Grid.
Northern Ireland: Three companies manage generation that feeds into Northern Ireland Electricity plc.
Scotland: Similar structure with ScottishPower and Scottish Hydro-Electric managing distribution.

Current: Measured in Amperes (A), indicating electron flow.
Voltage: Measured in Volts (V), the pressure driving the current.
Resistance: Measured in Ohms (Ω), influenced by factors like length, area, temperature, and material.
Ohm's Law: V = I × R (Voltage = Current x Resistance).

Working Conditions: Electrical environments require care; water and foam can conduct electricity. Firefighters should have non-conductive equipment.
Minimum Safe Distances: Safe approach distances vary based on conditions—up to 30 meters from high voltage equipment during firefighting.
Personal Protective Equipment: Use of rubber gloves and protective gear is critical in electrical contexts.

Rescue Operations: Clear established chains of command for rescue operations near electrical hazards; isolate circuits where possible.
Fire Dynamics: Power supply isolation is crucial; use non-conducting extinguishing agents.
Equipment Use: Use caution with personal protective equipment; awareness of voltage is essential before any approach.

Case Studies: Fire incidents showing complexities in handling electricity-related fires, including procedures and responses.
Statistics: Data on electrical fires, origin, outcomes, and preventative measures.
Contact Information: Resources for the electricity sector, essential for coordination during emergencies.