Stay Safe Stay Clear Around Electricity: Guidance for Emergency Responders

Electricity is an essential part of modern life, but when incidents occur involving electrical infrastructure, it introduces invisible and potentially fatal hazards. Every year, ESB Networks works closely with Ireland's emergency services to ensure the safest possible response to incidents involving overhead lines, substations, underground cables, and other ESB Networks assets.

This article outlines the critical steps and protocols emergency responders should follow when dealing with any incident where electricity is involved.

1. Always Assume Electricity Is Live

Electricity is silent, invisible, and unforgiving. At any incident involving electrical equipment always assume that all ESB Networks infrastructure is live. Treat the area as a live electrical zone until ESB Networks confirms otherwise.

2. Contact ESB Networks Immediately

If emergency services arrive first on scene, please notify ESB Networks without delay:

Provide:

• Your name, contact number and emergency service
• Exact location (GPS coordinates if available)
• Nature of the incident (fire, collision, fallen tree, entrapment, etc.)
• Visible damage to electrical equipment
• Any immediate life risks

3. Establish a Safe Exclusion Zone

Keep a minimum safe distance of 10 metres until ESB Networks personnel confirm that power is OFF and the area is safe. Use emergency vehicles, cones, or tape to establish a clearly visible perimeter. Prevent members of the public from approaching.

4. Vehicle Collisions with Poles or Electricity Overhead Lines

If occupants are inside the vehicle:

• Instruct them to remain inside unless there is life-threatening fire
• Reassure them that staying inside is usually the safest option
• Keep all bystanders away

If fire forces evacuation,

Guide occupants to exit using the jump clear method:

1. Jump from the vehicle with both feet together
2. Do not touch the vehicle and ground at the same time
3. Hop or shuffle away at least 10 metres

Do not approach until ESB Networks confirms the scene is safe.

5. Underground Cables: Hidden Dangers

Underground cables can be damaged by digging, traffic collisions, or collapse of nearby structures.

Signs of cable damage may include:

• Smoke or steam emerging from the ground
• Hissing, buzzing, or vibrations
• Scorch marks or melted surfaces

Do not attempt to move or touch anything suspected to be in contact with a damaged cable. Keep 10 metres away and contact ESB Networks on 1800 372 999.

6. Substations and Enclosed Electrical Areas

• Never attempt to enter an ESB Networks Substation without checking with ESB Networks
• Treat all equipment as live and lethal
• Keep the public back and wait for specialist clearance

ESB Networks crews have training, tools, and the ability to remotely switch out the electrical hazard. Please wait for ESB Networks instruction before entering the area.

7. Working Together: Training and Joint Exercises

ESB Networks is committed to supporting emergency services through:

• Tailored ESB Networks electrical safety briefings
• Site visits to substations and network assets
• Updated guidance for new equipment and technologies

Please contact [email protected] if your station or unit are interested in ESB Networks electrical awareness training.

Electricity is essential—but during an emergency, it can present serious risks. By working together, communicating early, and following these safety principles, we can protect communities and ensure that every responder goes home safely after every call.

Further useful information is available at: ESB Networks Emergency Services Advice