IAFF National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Report of the Month

Aerial Ladder Strikes Power Lines

Brackets [] denote reviewer de-identification

“A fire fighter acting as the driver/operator of a ladder truck had completed the application of lubricant to the aerial ladder. The fire fighter fully extended the aerial over the cab of the vehicle at a relatively low angle, between power lines in front of the station. The turntable of truck [1] was approximately 86 feet from the power lines. The angle of the ladder was approximately 15 degrees. The fire fighter then retracted the ladder about 5 feet when the ladder contacted a 19,900-volt power line. At the same time, a fire fighter was completing his check of the oxygen in a right side compartment. The fire fighter heard a loud boom as “something exploded in the compartment.” Fire fighters who witnessed the event reported seeing an arc from the compartment strike the fire fighter in the chest.”

This “Report of the Month” discusses a near fatal incident involving an aerial ladder and power lines. It occurs in front of a fire station while performing maintenance to the aerial ladder.

The National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System has 73 reports in the system regarding near misses involving power lines. Ten of these reports deal with aerial ladders and power lines: “The ladder contacted a high-voltage power line, energized the apparatus, and caused minor electrical shock to fire fighters within close proximity of the apparatus.”- 06-0000503. “The aerial was 5' to 10' from the line (never touching) the electricity arced and jumped from the line to the ladder.”- 07-0001149. To read the reports, visit www.firefighternearmiss.com, click on search reports, and type power lines in keyword search.

Discussion Questions

1. What are the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding how close an aerial ladder should operate to power lines? Do they correspond with your department’s SOP/SOG?

2. What training procedures are provided to driver operators regarding operating near power lines? Do they correspond with the local power company?

3. Do NFPA and OSHA have standards for ladder placement and operations in the area of power lines? Does your department follow these standards?

4. How do we individually develop good work habits to maintain situational awareness and not become complacent?


Note: The questions posed by the reviewers are designed to generate discussion and thought in the name of promoting fire fighter safety. They are not intended to pass judgment on the actions and performance of individuals in the reports.

Stay safe
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