Outdoor Safety: Look Up for Power Lines

Things we see every day become commonplace and can almost fade from view. But failure to notice high voltage power lines can be a deadly oversight. 

Often, when we undertake outdoor activities, we don’t even think about the power lines. Before climbing a ladder or using long-handled tools, take a few moments to look around and identify any overhead power lines nearby. Being aware of your surroundings is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent a serious accident. 

Electricity can travel through ladders, tools, tree branches, and other conductive materials, making even routine projects dangerous if proper precautions aren’t taken. 

Here are some guidelines to follow when working outdoors:

• Look up first. Before beginning any project, take a moment to identify the location of overhead power lines, especially when using long metal tools like ladders, pool skimmers and pruning poles. Lower your long equipment when moving it. Carry these items horizontally. 
• Maintain at least 10 feet of clearance. Never allow yourself, your ladder, tools, or equipment to come within 10 feet of overhead power lines. 
• Choose the right ladder. Use a fiberglass ladder instead of one made from aluminum or other conductive materials whenever possible. 
• Be careful when working on or around your roof. Stay aware of hazards when installing rooftop antennas, satellite dishes, doing roof repairs or cleaning gutters. Never go up on the roof in bad weather. Give utility power lines around your house a wide berth when doing rooftop work. 
• Be especially careful when working near power lines. Never trim trees near power lines. This is something that should be left to the professionals. Never use water or blower extensions to clean rain gutters near electric lines. Contact a professional maintenance contractor instead. 
• Never climb trees near power lines. Even if the lines aren’t touching the tree, they could touch when more weight is added to a branch. 
• Teach children about electrical safety. Remind kids to stay away from utility poles, transformers, and power lines while playing outdoors. 
• Don’t assume a power line is safe to touch. Always treat every overhead line as energized, even if it appears damaged or inactive. 
• If your projects include digging, call 811 for utility location. Never assume the location or depth of underground utility lines. This service is free, prevents the inconvenience of having utility interrupted and can help you avoid serious injury. 
• Know what to do in an emergency. If a ladder, tool, or piece of equipment contacts a power line, stay away and call 911 and OPD5 immediately. Never attempt to remove it yourself. 

Taking just a few extra moments to assess your surroundings before starting an outdoor project can help prevent injuries and save lives. A quick look up and a thoughtful plan can make all the difference. 

At OPD5, we’re committed to helping our community work safely and return home to their families every day.