Lieutenant Landon Harris from Chesterfield County (VA) Truck 14 sent in these pictures of something he saw while visiting Cumberland, MD. As you can see from the photo, the building has transformers mounted directly to the building, just over a loading dock. This particular installation may pose some issues if we were operating in this building. For example, if fire were venting out of the bay door a significant hazard could exist. The proximity of the transformers to the loading dock may eliminate this area as an assess point into the structure. Ground ladders may also not be a viable option if they were needed on this side of the building. Finding this issue ahead of time, noting it on your pre-plans, and coming up with a plan of attack will be the key to a successful operation in this structure.
Great post. Sometimes I bitch about what gets submitted on here, but this is great.
Not that big of a problem, just pull the meter! or slip a rubber glove over the transformers.
Nice catch Lt!!! @ bulldawg, there are alot of of Dept SOG’s that require the utility co. to secure high voltage equipment like that. I’ve been on a career dept for 23yrs and we quit pulling meters in the late 80’s. I don’t know of a single dept surrounding us that does that. (I’m not condoning it either as long as you have the training and equipment to safely do it)
Lt. I wouldn’t pull a meter either…it was an inside joke, look at some other posts on this site…I was just trying to beat Dmann to the punch (or donkey kick)
Hahaha… Bulldawg 1 Dmann 0
Is that a window above the transformer? If so, interior members should be aware so that they don’t try to use that window for an emergency bail, hydraulic vent, overhaul shute, or any other potential operation.