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Hazardous scene (power lines) — DIPIMC MCQ

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HardMajor Incident ManagementHazardous scene (power lines)DIPIMCDipIMC

A crashed vehicle is in contact with fallen overhead power cables. The conscious occupant remains inside and there is no fire. What should responders do first?

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Correct answer: C — Establish a cordon and obtain confirmation that power is isolated

The best answer is “Establish a cordon and obtain confirmation that power is isolated”. Fallen conductors and the surrounding ground may remain live, and vehicle contact can create hazardous touch and step potentials. Keep people clear, establish a cordon, contact the network operator through incident command and approach only after competent confirmation of isolation. Improvised insulating objects and water are unsafe. With no immediate fire, the occupant is generally safer remaining in the vehicle.

Reference: Health and Safety Executive, Electrical safety at work: https://www.hse.gov.uk/electricity/index.htm