Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) Overhead Wires Operations PDF

STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE TORONTO TRANSIT COMMISSION (TTC) OVERHEAD WIRES - AERIAL, TOWER, PLATFORM AND GROUND LADDER OPERATIONS Date Issued: July 19, 2021 Rescinds: N/A Section: Incident and Emergency Operations File Code: G-TTCO PURPOSE To provide all Toronto Fire Services personnel with a gui...

STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE TORONTO TRANSIT COMMISSION (TTC) OVERHEAD WIRES - AERIAL, TOWER, PLATFORM AND GROUND LADDER OPERATIONS Date Issued: July 19, 2021 Rescinds: N/A Section: Incident and Emergency Operations File Code: G-TTCO PURPOSE To provide all Toronto Fire Services personnel with a guideline for the use of aerials, towers, platform and ground ladders around TTC overhead wires RESPONSIBILITY All assigned personnel are responsible for understanding proper aerial, tower, platform and ground ladder deployment around TTC overhead wires and the associated limitations and dangers. Company Officers are responsible for ensuring proper and safe positioning of aerial, tower, platform and ground ladders around TTC overhead wires and that crew members have been trained in the proper and safe positioning procedure as well. The Incident Commander is responsible for requesting TTC attendance at any incident involving power supply or moving of TTC overhead wires. GUIDELINES 1. General 1.1. The TTC overhead power network – OCS – Overhead Contact System, provides electrical energy of 600 volts direct current (VDC) to electrical wires and equipment of the TTC’s streetcar network. 1.2. The height of the overhead wires is usually eighteen (18) feet but that may decrease depending on weather (high temperature causes sagging). 1.3. Extremely high levels of tension are used to suspend the OCS wires. 1.4. Higher voltage wires may be in proximity to TTC wires. 1.5. Only authorized TTC personnel can shut down and confirm a power shutdown in a requested grid area. 1.6. A minimum Grade 1 TTC overhead electrician must be in the TFS Command Post to relay information from TTC to TFS. 1.7. Ensure all firefighting personnel are wearing full TFS required PPE while working around TTC energized overhead wires and other energized equipment. File Code: G-TTCO Page 1 of 4  STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE 2. Positioning of Aerial, Towers, Platform and Ground Ladders near TTC overhead wires 2.1. Company Officers shall ensure crews position aerials, towers, platforms and ground ladders a minimum of 1m away from TTC overhead wires. 2.2. Personnel positioning aerials, towers, platform and ladders shall be aware of the placement style requested (rescue, attack, self-rescue). 2.3. The proper distance from buildings/obstacles varies and depends on the required height and use of the ladder. 2.4. Personnel should be aware of potential structural collapse when positioning aerials towers, platforms and ground ladders and monitor all communications. 2.5. Position aerials, towers, platforms and ground ladders for the task and location assigned. 2.6. Ensure aerials, towers, platforms and ground ladders are positioned on a solid, level surface where possible. 2.7. Ensure aerials, towers, platforms and ground ladders are not positioned in deep standing water (thereby possibly creating a ground). 2.8. Ensure aerials, towers, platforms and ground ladders are not positioned on catch basins, sewers, temporary supports, etc. 3. Operations 3.1. Firefighters shall be used to deploy and bed the respective ladders requested as per aerial, tower, platform and ground ladder Equipment Notes, Standard Operating Guidelines and Training Notes. 3.2. Aerials, towers, platforms, and ground ladders shall never be positioned such that contact with overhead TTC wires is required for support of the ladders. 3.3. Ensure optimum climbing angles of 70 to 80 degrees where possible. 3.4. Ensure a firefighter's climbing route keeps him/her at least 1m away from overhead TTC wires. 3.5. Ground ladders shall be butted properly at the base, to ensure safe climbing and descending. 3.6. Do not set up ladders over window or door openings where possible. File Code: G-TTCO Page 2 of 4  STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE 3.7. Ensure that the incident is sufficiently cordoned off to protect firefighting personnel and the public. 4. Information on safety while working around the OCS-Overhead Contact System 4.1. TTC may isolate the OCS. However, it may not be possible to de-energize the overhead contact wires, so they are considered live at all times. TFS personnel are required to maintain a 1 metre (3 feet) limited approach boundary when working around the OCS. 4.2. The OCS system can also be affected when contacted by the wires of other poles or equipment. Therefore, be aware of wiring and equipment when working at an incident, such as damaged poles, undermined OCS or other equipment that may compromise safety around the OCS. 4.3. The TTC treats all wires as live at all times. Rubber/plastic protective cover up is to be used by trained and approved TTC workers only. Minimum distances do not change. Keep the recommended distance of 1 metre (3 feet) from all live or isolated wires, lower voltage wires, and equipment (less than 750 VDC - noted from CSA Z462-18 (O. Reg. 213/91. section 188). 4.4. Aerial ladders, towers, platforms and ground ladders are to remain a minimum of 1 metre (3 feet) away from all TTC overhead streetcar wires, cables, support wires and associated attachments, regardless of their electrical status or barriers used. 5. Electrical Shock 5.1. Signs of electrical shock and electrocution include muscle spasms, difficulty or irregular breathing, headache, burns and numbness. 5.2. Electrical shock can also pose long-lasting issues. The long term effects without visible burns include, muscular pain and discomfort, fatigue, headache, problems with peripheral nerve conduction and sensation, inadequate balance and diminished coordination. 5.3. Electrical injury can often lead to problems with neurocognitive function, affecting mental processing speed, attention, concentration and memory. 5.4. Always consult a physician if you have experienced a physical hazard such as shock or electrocution at an incident or at work. 5.5. Electrical shock and burns (600 volts DC) will result from contact with the OCS. 5.6. Electrocution, severe burns and/or death (>750 volts DC) will result from the OCS transformers and vaults and other unrelated high-voltage wires. File Code: G-TTCO Page 3 of 4  STANDARD OPERATING GUIDELINE 6. Electrical hazards 6.1. All wires shall be considered live. 6.2. Clearance of 3 metres (10 feet) for NON-TTC overhead wires shall be maintained. 6.3. Clearance of 1 metre (3.3 feet) for TTC streetcar power lines (OCS- 600 volts DC) shall be maintained. 6.4. All ground personnel avoid contact with an aerial, tower, platform or ground ladder should they contact any overhead wires. Never provide a ground for an electrical circuit. 6.5. All electrical safety guidelines shall be followed when deploying an aerial, tower, platform or ground ladder around any overhead wires. 7. TTC Emergency Contact Number 416-393-3555 ATTACHMENT(S) Overhead_Contact untrainedunapproved worker_Brochure_2020-04-29.pdf RELATED SOGS A-AER(I) – Aerial Apparatus – Inspection, Testing and Maintenance G-POSA – Positioning Apparatus G-ROOF – Roof Operation File Code: G-TTCO Page 4 of 4