Downed Power Line Make-Safe Response SOP

Standard operating procedure for first responders and utility crews to isolate, guard, and make safe a downed energized conductor before restoration or public hazard mitigation.

Steps

• The dispatcher classifies the report as an electrical hazard
  The dispatcher records the report as an electrical hazard, captures the exact location, and initiates utility notification immediately.
• The first-arriving responder stops at a safe distance
  The first-arriving responder maintains at least 35 feet from the downed conductor and any object in contact with it, remains outside the hazard area, and confirms the scene from a protected position before approaching further.
• The incident commander establishes an exclusion zone
  The incident commander marks and maintains an exclusion zone around the downed conductor using barricade tape or cones and extends the perimeter as needed for weather, terrain, arcing, or unknown line condition.
• The responder controls traffic and pedestrian access
  The responder diverts vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians away from the hazard area and keeps all movement outside the exclusion zone until the scene is controlled.
• The incident commander notifies the utility and requests de-energization
  The incident commander contacts the utility, provides the exact location and observed conditions, and requests de-energization support from qualified personnel.
• The crew identifies and isolates secondary hazards
  The crew checks for arcing, smoke, fire, energized vehicles, damaged poles, fallen trees, flooded areas, and nearby metal structures without entering the exclusion zone, then reports those hazards to the incident commander.
• The responder warns occupants and bystanders to stay clear
  The responder gives clear warning instructions to occupants and bystanders, directing them to remain outside the exclusion zone and away from any vehicle or structure in contact with the conductor.
• The utility crew makes the conductor safe
  The utility crew de-energizes, grounds, and controls the conductor under the applicable permit-to-work and switching procedure before any further access is allowed.
• The competent person verifies the hazard is removed
  The competent person confirms the utility has declared the line safe, checks that residual hazards such as damaged equipment or unstable structures are addressed, and authorizes controlled reopening only after verification.
• The incident commander releases the scene and records the non-conformance
  The incident commander releases the scene, documents the utility handoff, and records any deviation from the standard response, including delayed utility arrival, perimeter breaches, weather impacts, or additional hazards discovered during the event.