SOP Manual - Cleveland Fire Department

Cleveland Fire Department
Operations Manual
Operating Controls
Utilities are controlled through power switches and shut-off valves. Firefighters must be familiar with the
various kinds of operating controls. In particular, they should be fully aware of what these controls will do
when activated or deactivated.
During pre-fire planning, Ladder/Truck crews should familiarize themselves with the locations of power
switches and shut-off valves, and determine whether each of these devices controls all or part of its utility
system.
Ladder/Truck Company personnel should have a good idea where these controls will be found, when
needed.
Heating Units and Fuels
1. Gas
A gas supply or outlet threatened by fire should be closed off at the source to prevent ignition or
explosion. Ladder/Truck Company personnel should be familiar with the locations of inside and
outside shut-off valves and street valves.
2. Bottled Gas
It is important that Ladder/Truck Company personnel be familiar with any such installations in
their territory. Truck crews must be able to locate and close off the appropriate valves quickly
when the fire situation requires such action.
Electric Service
When a working fire is encountered, officers must consider shutting down the electric service in the
involved area or in the entire structure. The best way to prevent injury from electric shock is to shut down
the electric service in the fire building.
The electric service in a fire building can be used by firefighters to power portable lights, fans, and
electrically operated tools. When the condition of the building indicates that electric features might
endanger firefighters, the electricity should be shut off in the fire area or, if necessary, in the entire
building.
Main Power Switches
a. Dwellings
The modern electric service to a one or two-story family dwelling can be shut off completely by
pulling (removing) the electric meter using an approved removal tool. Service to particular areas
of the house can be shut off at the fuse box or circuit breaker box. Firefighters should first attempt
to shut off power using the Main breaker in the breaker box before removing the electric meter.
Effective: June 1, 1997 Revised: 5/14/2009 Page | 229
Approved by: Chief Chuck Atchley