Safely Working Around Power Lines
Power lines carry thousands of electrical volts. Accidental contact with one of these wires may result in equipment damage, not to mention serious injury or even death. If you find yourself at a job site where existing power service is in the area, please take precautions. Listed below are a few simple rules which could make the difference between a job well done and an avoidable tragic accident.
Overhead (OH) Power Lines
- Survey the job site for OH power lines. Be sure you are aware of the possibility of contact.
- Keep your distance! Never allow your equipment or personnel to get closer than 15 feet of an OH power line. People and/or other conductive objects may conceivably be exposed to a short circuit through the air, even though they are not actually touching the line.
- Consider all power lines to be energized, unless Warren RECC has specifically indicated otherwise.
- Determine if any equipment could potentially touch the OH power lines. Consider the use of long-handled tools and equipment (ladders, cranes, raised dump trucks, track hoes (excavators), etc.) that could come in contact with OH power lines. Do not hesitate to call Warren RECC if there are questions.
- Stay clear of downed power lines. Do not touch anyone or anything in contact with the line.
Underground (UG) Power Lines
- Call Before You Dig! Call 811 (or 1-800-752-6007) to have existing UG utilities located prior to digging. Bear in mind, not all utilities in the Warren RECC service area participate in the 811 program. It is ultimately the contractor's responsibility to ensure all utilities are contacted.
- Treat all UG power lines as energized, unless Warren RECC has specifically indicated otherwise.
- Consider your equipment energized if a power line is contacted during excavation or trenching.
Warren RECC offers electrical safety demonstrations upon request. For more information please contact our Member Services Department at 270-842-5214, Extension 2464, or any Warren RECC Office.