Exposure to overhead or buried power lines can result in serious injuries and death. Prior to working around power lines remember
the following best practices:
Locate and identify overhead lines and those that might be buried. Always call your utility provider at least two full business days before digging or excavating.
Always assume overhead power lines are energized.
Before performing any work near power lines, contact your utility provider to determine the lines voltage and discuss de-energizing, grounding, or shielding the power lines. If deenergizing the lines is not possible, the utility provider may install protective barriers or insulation to reduce the possibility of equipment coming in contact with the lines.
Always maintain at least 10 feet of clearance from overhead lines and more than 10 feet if the voltage is over 50 kilovolts (50,000 volts). The higher the voltage, the greater the distance required between the lines and workers or equipment. Consult the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Table A for minimum clearance distances.
Watch for power lines when erecting scaffolding, painting, pruning, using ladders, moving objects, and using spray rigs or farm equipment. Do not use metal
conductive ladders around electrical hazards.
Stay away from fallen power lines. Downed wires can energize other nearby objects such as fences, water pipes, and trees, as well as building, telephone, CATV, or fiber optic cables.
If mobile equipment contacts a power line, call 911 and the local utility provider. If no one is in danger move the equipment away from the power line. If the equipment is not on fire and cannot be moved away from the power line remain inside the machine or equipment until the power company de-energizes the circuit.
If in danger from fire or power line strikes, jump as far away from the equipment as possible. To avoid
electrocution, do not let the body touch the equipment and the ground at the same time. Do not walk away; shuffle your feet while keeping them both on the ground to prevent the feet landing in the power ripples that radiate from different voltages. Electricity can spread from its source in a circular pattern.
