Emergency Preparedness Emergency Medical Services

Fire Training Academy Emergency Dispatch Services 9-1-1

www.montcopa.org/eoc 610-631-6500

P UBLIC S AFETY N EWS

Radio System Upgrade Project The system is in its last stage of assembly at Motorolas plant in Schaumburg Ill. The County will be out at the plant inspecting and testing the system the week of December 16, 2002. The system will be shipped to the County the week of January 2, 2003. We are going before three township zoning boards this month for final approval to begin construction on tower sites. Other sites will begin upon receipt of the equipment. The delay in the final site acquisition should not affect the completion time of the system. The new UPS and power systems have been received at Eagleville and are awaiting installation. Motorola has come out with some new features and accessories for the new radio products and is working on upgrading their low tier radio for system compatibility. This information will be on the web page around the holidays. The County has, as a part of the new system, purchased the MOSCAD alarm/monitor, which alerts the technical staff as to the systems loading and operation. Service can be performed before system users are affected in most cases. The County system will run on T1 phone lines as it has been doing since the implementation in 1996. We also have a built in system wide backup called Fail soft, which allows each site to pass radio traffic independent of the T1 phone lines. In the past we have successfully tested the Fail soft system when preparing for Y2K. Any questions about the new radio system should be directed to Rick Lohwasser, Technical Services Manager. PECO Energys New Policy There is a new policy from PECO Energy regarding the practice of pulling electric meters. Based on a number of issues, they have decided to no longer condone the pulling of electric meters by emergency responders. Their policy has always involved instruction on the proper technique in pulling of electric meters prior to the arrival of PECO Energy personnel. See attached documentation for additional information. RADIATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Municipal fire marshals from throughout the County have received training and detection equipment so that, in the event of an emergency that could potentially involve a radioactive material, a rapid assessment can be made. An explosion or other similar incident at a "target hazard" will result in the deployment of one or more RAP units to provide the Incident Commander with information as to whether radiation is being emitted and a HazMat Teams is needed. As additional equipment becomes available, fire companies will be offered training. RAPID DECON TEAMS Public Safety will offer fire companies who have an acute care hospital in their first due area will be requested to receive training and equipment in order to deploy to that hospital in the event of an incident that causes contamination to large numbers of citizens. Contact Jim Kelly (610-631-6530) for details. Hazmat Team CallCall-Out (Clarification) The county supports two fire department based hazmat teams. Any public safety official can request an oncall hazmat officer or OEP staff member to respond to assist the IC with assessment and determining if a full team call out is required. Some incidents require a more immediate team response and this can also be requested by the IC. All requests should be made via Dispatch Center.

December 6, 2002

PSN Volume 1 Issue 29

Michelle Jackson, Editor

Post On: January 15, 2002

Remove On: February 15, 2002

PECO ENERGY SAFETY BULLETIN

PE-270 January 15, 2002

GROUND GRADIENT, STEP POTENTIAL, & TOUCH POTENTIAL

This Bulletin is being issued to address a concern that was identified in a recent PECO Energy Learning Network message. The message described a primary cable dig in by a backhoe. The message also stated that all PPE was used and that there were no injuries; however the danger from step and touch potentials was not mentioned. These potentials exist when an energized conductor is on the ground or a piece of equipment contacts an energized conductor, such as a backhoe striking an energized cable or a non-insulated truck boom contacting an energized conductor. They can also exist when a circuit tries back, a cable or wire remains energized, or a fuse does not blow. GROUND GRADIENT Ground Gradient is a term used to describe the electrical field established around the currents point of entry into the ground from SSGS, downed conductor, or other source (for example, backhoe boom or truck outriggers) into the earth. 1. The electrical field created in these situations dissipates as the distance from the point of entry increases. The dissipation creates a difference in potential between any given two points in the electrical field. (See example illustration). 2. The difference in potential decreases rapidly as the distance from the point of entry increases. STEP POTENTIAL Step potential describes the difference in potential that exists between two points in a ground gradient. 1. The difference in potential between a persons feet can cause current to flow through a persons body. 2. Step potential is usually negligible, except for where a downed conductor or severe fault to ground exists. 3. Step potential can be eliminated by keeping the feet together or by keeping only one foot in contact with the earth at a time. TOUCH POTENTIAL A touch potential is caused when a person creates a current path to ground by touching an energized conductor, or ground lead when a fault exists. Touch potentials also exist when equipment is in contact with an energized conductor. 1. Workers on the ground and on a pole encounter touch potential more than step potential. 2. Touch potential is normally more severe than step potential due to the higher difference in potential encountered.

Page 1 of 2

SAFETY RULES The preceding information is being circulated to raise employees awareness of step and touch potentials. To avoid these hazards the following practices SHALL be followed: Personnel SHALL maintain a safe distance, a minimum of 20 feet from downed energized conductors. Only in extreme emergencies should the conductor be cut clear while energized. The conductor SHALL be deenergized from a remote location. When underground cables are struck with backhoes or similar types of equipment, the operator SHALL remain in the machine until the cables are verified as de-energized. Always wear rubber gloves and sleeves and avoid getting on or off a truck when an uninsulated boom is being used within the minimum approach distance. Always maintain a safe distance from any machinery being used to excavate near energized cables, and avoid contact until task is complete and equipment is stowed in de-energized area.

Remember - Always call the Pennsylvania One Call System (1-800-242-1776) three working days before digging. If the situation does not allow for three days notice, the call SHALL be made and an immediate mark out requested.

Any questions or concerns please contact Steve Pinciotti at 802:1908 or any Electric Methods Analyst, Rotational Employee or Safety Professional.

Page 2 of 2

December 6, 2002

Dear Chief PECO Energy would like to inform you of a new policy regarding the practice of pulling electric meters. Based on a number of issues, we have decided to no longer condone the pulling of electric meters by emergency responders. Our policy has always involved instruction on the proper technique in pulling of electric meters prior to the arrival of PECO Energy personnel. From this point forward, we request that you not pull electric meters for your own safety.

Due to a recent increase in the number of electrical flashes occurring during the action of pulling electric meters and to conform to firefighting standards, PECO will no longer instruct students in the technique used for pulling electric meters. PECO can no longer condone the pulling of electric meters by anyone other than a PECO Energy Company trained employee.

PECO Energy remains committed to the education of emergency responders on the safe handling of electric emergencies. We will continue to provide training for your personnel and our Fire Academy staff is available as a resource for your organization.

Accompanying this letter is a safety bulletin outlining some of the concerns for electrical emergencies. We want to highlight the importance of ground gradient, step potential, and touch potential. You will also notice on page two specifics on safe distances for downed conductors. This should be used as a resource for your organization. Please feel free to contact the instructor responsible for your area with any questions. Bucks County Chester County Delaware County Montgomery County Joe Conway 610-832-6461 Mark Hackney 610-832-6463 Keith Thomas 610-832-6460 Brian Focht 610-832-6462

Thank you for our continued assistance and stay safe!

Timothy J. Flanagan

Timothy J. Flanagan Manager