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Electrical Emergency Procedures

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Electrical Emergency Procedures

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-EMG-007  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Electrical emergencies include electric shock, arc flash burns, cable fires, and equipment explosion.
  • Electric shock can cause cardiac arrest — the casualty may need immediate CPR and defibrillation.
  • The first priority is to disconnect the power source safely before approaching any casualty.
  • For low voltage shock, switch off at the socket or isolator, or remove the plug from the supply.
  • For high voltage shock, do not approach the casualty — call 999 and the HV authorised person.
  • Arc flash events produce explosive energy, extreme heat, and intense light causing severe burns.
  • Electrical fires must be fought with CO2 or dry powder extinguishers — never use water on live equipment.
  • The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require emergency procedures for all electrical work.
  • An automated external defibrillator (AED) should be available on site for cardiac arrest emergencies.
  • All operatives should know the location of the nearest isolation point for their work area.

Why?

Save livesRapid disconnection and CPR within minutes can save a life after electric shock.
Correct responseWrong actions — such as touching a live casualty — create additional casualties.
Fire controlUsing water on electrical fires causes electrocution and spreads the fire.
Legal dutyElectricity at Work Regulations require documented emergency procedures for electrical incidents.
Do Don't
  • Disconnect the power supply before approaching an electric shock casualty.
  • Call 999 immediately for any serious electric shock or arc flash incident.
  • Start CPR immediately if the casualty is not breathing and has no pulse.
  • Use an AED if available — follow the voice prompts without delay.
  • Use CO2 or dry powder extinguishers on electrical fires, not water.
  • Know the location of the nearest isolation point for your work area.
  • Report all electric shocks — even minor ones — to your supervisor immediately.
  • Ensure first aiders on site are trained in electrical emergency response.
  • Preserve the scene after the casualty is safe for the incident investigation.
  • Keep emergency contact numbers for the DNO and HV authorised person displayed.
  • DON'T touch a person who is in contact with a live electrical source.
  • DON'T approach a high voltage casualty — maintain the safe distance and call for help.
  • DON'T use water or foam extinguishers on fires involving live electrical equipment.
  • DON'T assume a minor electric shock needs no medical attention — always report it.
  • DON'T attempt to fight a large electrical fire — evacuate and call the fire service.
  • DON'T delay CPR on an unconscious shock casualty — every second matters.
  • DON'T re-energise the circuit until the cause of the incident is identified.
  • DON'T leave a casualty alone after an electric shock — monitor for delayed symptoms.
  • DON'T move the casualty unless they are in continuing danger from the electrical source.
  • DON'T disturb the scene after the emergency — evidence is needed for investigation.

See also: Electrical Safety Awareness | Emergency Plan Awareness
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