Contractors reminded of electrical safety rules

June 29, 2010

SALT LAKE CITY — Contractors are busy with outdoor projects this summer and year round, some of which require performing work near power lines or other electrical equipment. Rocky Mountain Power reminds contractors to always be aware and alert around overhead and underground power lines to avoid serious injury or death from accidental electrical contact.

“Many contractors work in areas near power lines every day and we want to provide a reminder of mandatory electrical safety practices,” said Mike Felice, Rocky Mountain Power safety director. “Careless actions around power lines and other electrical equipment can have disastrous consequences.”

Rocky Mountain Power offers the following precautions to keep contractors and others working around electricity safe:

• Look up. Always be aware of the location of nearby overhead power lines while lifting long items, operating crane booms or raising truck beds.
• Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines. Keep all equipment, vehicles, tools and people at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines of 50,000 volts or less. Higher voltages require greater clearance. If you must work closer than 10 feet, contact Rocky Mountain Power well in advance so safety arrangements can be made.
• Point out the location of power lines at daily briefings. Assume all overhead power lines are energized and potentially dangerous.
• Use a safety spotter. No equipment operator working alone can safely judge the distance from the equipment to overhead power lines. A designated spotter on the ground has a much better view. The spotter’s only job should be to keep personnel and equipment a safe distance from overhead power lines and other hazards. Spotters also should be assigned to watch and ensure safety when loading or unloading equipment on vehicles or machinery.
• Call before you dig. Digging into an underground power line is just as dangerous as contacting an overhead line. In addition to the possibility of serious injury or death, contractors can incur costs associated with repairing damaged lines. Call 811 to contact your local utility-locating service at least 48 hours before excavating.

Follow these guidelines if a power line falls onto the vehicle or heavy equipment you are operating:

• If you can do so safely, drive the vehicle or equipment away from the line.
• Stay seated until professional rescue workers say it’s safe to get off.
• Warn others to stay away. Anyone who touches the vehicle or equipment, or even the ground nearby, may be injured or killed.
• Have someone immediately call both 911 and Rocky Mountain Power at 1-888-221-7070.
• If fire or other immediate danger forces you to leave the vehicle or equipment, jump clear, keeping both feet together. Do not touch the ground and the vehicle/equipment at the same time. Shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground, or hop away keeping both feet together.
• Call 911 if someone makes contact with electricity and needs medical attention. Never touch a person or object in contact with electricity, since you could also become part of the electrical current’s path to the ground and be seriously injured or killed.
• If a line has fallen on the ground or on some other object or piece of equipment, always assume it’s energized. Stay clear, keep others away and call 911 and Rocky Mountain Power at 1-888-221-7070.

For safety materials, including Rocky Mountain Power’s Working safely around power lines: A guide for contractors brochure or Look Up safety stickers in English and Spanish – or to schedule a free safety presentation – call Rocky Mountain Power toll free at 800-375-7085 or visit www.rockymountainpower.net/safety. For all other information, including safety assistance around power lines, call toll free at 888-221-7070.

 

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