Power Lines Safety

Power Lines

Always assume power lines are energized. This includes power lines on utility poles as well as those entering your home or buildings. Always keep yourself, your equipment, and anything you carry at least 10 feet away from power lines. Even though you may not a covering on a line, NEVER assume it is safe to touch

Ladders—Never stand ladders near power lines. When working on or near ladders, keep all tools, the ladder, and anything you carry well away (at least 10 feet) from power lines.

High Reach Equipment—Keep all cranes, scaffolding, and high reach equipment away from power lines. Contact with a power line can cause serious burns or electrocution. Remember to work a safe distance from all power lines. When performing construction activities, keep equipment at least 10 feet from power lines and 34 feet from transmission tower lines.

Fallen Power lines-Keep yourself and others away from any fallen power lines. You never know when they might be energized. Call local utility provider right away and report the location of the downed wires. If a line falls on your car, stay in your car. If you must get out of the car, jump clear, do not touch any part of your car and the ground at the same time and stay clear of the fallen line.

Trees Near Power lines- Do not climb or trim trees near power lines and keep children from doing the same. Hire a qualified contractor to trim trees near power lines. Contact your local electrical utility if you have any questions about removing limbs or trees near power lines.

Digging—You are required by law to call One Call at 811 to locate gas, electric,

and other underground utility lines before you dig. Whether you are planting a tree, building a fence or laying foundation, contacting a line with a shovel or pick can damage power lines and injure or kill you or others.

Working Near Power lines

Contact your local electrical utility ( i.e. PECO) if you are conducting any work or activity that may bring yourself, your equipment, and anything you carry within 10 feet of a power line.

This information has been developed by OSHA and its partners with the intent to assist employers, workers, and others as they strive to improve workplace health and safety. This information must be understood as a tool for addressing workplace hazards, rather than an exhaustive statement of an employer’s legal obligations, which are defined by statute, regulations, and standards.