By FireRescue1 Staff
 Photo courtesy of IAFF Local 60 |
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SCRANTON, Pa. — An investigation into the death of a firefighter electrocuted after coming into contact with an overhead powerline recommends departments develop and enforce appropriate SOGs/SOPs to avoid similar incidents.
A NIOSH report released Wednesday advises that a distance of at least 10 feet is maintained between aerial devices and overhead powerlines, and that a separate incident safety officer, independent from the incident commander, is appointed and utilized when incidents escalate in size and complexity.
Capt. James Robeson, 40, of the Scranton, Pa., Fire department, was killed Jan. 6 last year when electricity from nearby power lines struck the bucket lift of a ladder truck. Three other firefighters were injured by the charge.
To minimize the risk of similar occurrences, NIOSH also said that fire departments should:
- Ensure that firefighters receive periodic safety training specific to all tasks they are expected to perform
- Use proximity warning devices to detect electrical current when working near exposed potentially energized parts (e.g. overhead powerlines) as a secondary/redundant means of protection
- Follow apparatus manufacturer’s safety warnings