What To Do in an Emergency

Emergency Response to Powerline Incidents

Incidents involving overhead or underground powerlines can be fatal. Knowing exactly how to respond in an emergency is essential to protect yourself and others. Incorrect actions can turn one casualty into several within seconds.

Do Not Approach the Scene

The first and most important rule is clear: do not approach the incident scene.

Electricity can travel through:

• The ground
• Machinery and vehicles
• Metal objects and wet surfaces

You must stay at least 10 metres away from any damaged or fallen powerline. If the ground is wet, increase this distance further. Keep other people well back and prevent access to the area.

If Machinery Contacts an Overhead Powerline

If a vehicle or piece of machinery comes into contact with an overhead powerline, the safest place for the operator is usually inside the cab. The cab provides insulation from the ground and reduces the risk of electric shock.

The operator should:

• Stay inside the cab
• Call 999 immediately
• Warn others to keep clear
• Wait for the electricity network operator to confirm it is safe

The operator must not attempt to exit the cab unless the cab is on fire or there is an immediate threat to life.

Emergency Escape from a Live Vehicle

If escape is absolutely necessary, it must be done correctly to avoid fatal electric shock.

The operator must:

• Jump clear of the vehicle without touching it and the ground at the same time
• Keep both feet together when landing
• Shuffle or hop away, keeping feet close together

This technique reduces the risk of step potential, where electricity travels through the ground between your feet.

If Someone Is Injured Near a Powerline

If a person is injured or unconscious near a fallen or damaged powerline, do not attempt a rescue until the area has been declared safe.

Touching the casualty or approaching too closely could result in you becoming the next victim. Only emergency services or the electricity network operator can confirm when it is safe to approach.

Responding to Underground Cable Strikes

If an underground cable is struck:

• Stop work immediately
• Evacuate the area
• Keep everyone well clear

There may be fire, smoke, toxic fumes, or risk of explosion. Do not attempt to move machinery, tools, or materials until professionals have attended and confirmed the site is safe.

Emergency Services and Reporting

Always call 999 for any incident involving powerlines, no matter how minor it appears. The fire service and the electricity network operator must attend.

All fallen or damaged powerlines must be treated as live at all times.

After the emergency has been dealt with, the incident must be reported internally, and work must not resume until a full safety review has been completed.