Electrical accidents

The human body conducts electricity. If an electric shock is received, electricity will continue to flow through the body until the source of the electricity is removed. If you witness an electrical accident it is important to respond quickly and with caution.

Electrical accidents at home, near powerlines or involving powerlines and vehicles need to be treated differently.

Report an emergency

• Western Power
  13 13 51 (24 hours)
• Emergency Services
  Dial 000
  (If you have a mobile phone you may need to dial 112 to connect to Emergency Services. Please contact your carrier for details about your service.)
  

Accident at home

If there has been an electrical accident at home:

• DO NOT TOUCH THE VICTIM - you may also receive an electric shock.
• Immediately turn off the main switch. This will either be located in the meter box or inside your home, away from the meter box. The main switch turns off the mains electricity supply to your home. If you have a second supply of electricity this will need to be disabled too.
• Use a wooden broom handle, rolled-up newspaper or similar non-conductive material to knock the appliance or wires away from the victim. This technique should NEVER be used to knock powerlines away from a victim. Do not touch the victim until you are sure that they are no longer in contact with the appliance or wires.
• If the area is safe, check the victim for a response, breathing and pulse. If necessary start resuscitation.
• Phone 000 for an ambulance. If you are unsure about resuscitation techniques, the operator will give you easy to follow instructions over the phone.
• Report the incident to Western Power on 13 13 51.

Do not touch burns, break blisters or remove burned clothing. Always seek medical advice after an electric shock, even if injury is not apparent.

Accidents near powerlines

Never go near or touch powerlines. Electricity from powerlines can jump or 'arc' through the air and travel to earth through your body, resulting in electrocution. In the event of an electrical accident involving powerlines follow these steps:

• Do not go near an injured person if it means going near powerlines.
• If powerlines fall across a vehicle, tell the occupant/s to stay inside.
• Phone 000 for emergency services.
• Phone Western Power on 13 13 51 to disconnect power to the affected powerline.
• Stand back and urge other bystanders to keep a distance of at least six metres (the distance that high voltage electricity can 'arc' or jump).
• Do not approach the scene until the proper authorities have declared the area safe.

Vehicles and powerlines

Where a vehicle is in contact with a powerline:

• If possible remain in the vehicle until the power is switched off.
• Phone emergency services on 000 and Western Power on 13 13 51.

If you need to evacuate your vehicle because of fire or if nobody is aware of your situation the following steps should be taken:

• Don't touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time as this may create a path for the electricity to flow to earth through your body, resulting in electrocution.
• Jump clear of the vehicle.
• Calmly move at least six metres away from the vehicle using short shuffle steps.
• Do not return to the vehicle until after the authorities have declared the area safe.

Bystanders should not approach the vehicle and should remain at least six metres away.

Disclaimer

While care is taken in the preparation of this material, it is not comprehensive. Western Power cannot foresee every issue that may arise or guarantee that every factor arising in your personal circumstances is addressed.