Contractor Safety

Before You Begin Work

• Survey the site for overhead power lines

Best Safety Practice

• Never get closer than 10 feet to an overhead power line!
• Consider all overhead power lines as energized until the electric utility indicates the line is not energized and has been grounded
• In construction work, an overhead power line safety component should be part of your employer’s overall safety and health program and safety training
• If overhead lines are present, call the utility company – The utility company may either be able to shut down the lines or install guards over the lines during the time you are working near them

Best Safety Practice

• Be sure equipment is at a safe distance from power lines of 10 feet (touching equipment that is touching a power line can be fatal)
• Have a brief job site meeting to discuss the planned work as it relates to the power lines
• Discuss topics such as the use of long-handled tools, and equipment (raised dump trucks, backhoes, etc.) that could come in contact with the lines
• Consider the need for a designated person to monitor activities around the lines
• Only use nonconductive ladders when working on or near overhead power lines
• Employees shall not be permitted to approach or carry any object closer than 10 feet to a power line
• The only exception is for trained and qualified employees using insulated tools designed for high voltage lines

Avoiding Hazards in Digging/Drilling

• The most dangerous strikes can occur when a drill hits an electric or gas line
• The operator can be electrocuted or cause an explosion
• Step Potential can endanger the tracking person as his feet encounter an energized area where the boring device has encountered an electrical line – Equipment operators may also be injured
• Touch Potential will likely injure or kill the equipment operator as the current travels from the point of contact, through the boring equipment back to the operator’s position
• Plan and map your bore
• With bore plan in hand, the competent person must mark the route and call 811 – After the area has been located, expose the existing utilities following relevant OSHA requirements

If Your Vehicle/Equipment Comes in Contact with a Power Line

• Don’t leave the vehicle, as long as you can stay inside and avoid touching metal on the vehicle
• If you need to get out to summon help or because of fire, jump out without touching any wires or the equipment, keep your feet together and hop to safety
• When equipment is working close to an energized power line, the personnel standing on the ground should not come in contact with this equipment