EMG/General/TBT-EMG-007

Electrical Emergency Procedures

Emergency Preparedness › General › Electrical Emergency Procedures

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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.

Save lives	Rapid disconnection and CPR within minutes can save a life after electric shock.
Correct response	Wrong actions — such as touching a live casualty — create additional casualties.
Fire control	Using water on electrical fires causes electrocution and spreads the fire.
Legal duty	Electricity at Work Regulations require documented emergency procedures for electrical incidents.

Don't

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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