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Working near power lines can be extremely dangerous.
If you are planning any work or recreation close to power lines, be sure to
review the following:
 7 Steps To Electrical Safety
Learn them and pass them on!
1.
10
Metres To Safety
Stay back at least 10 metres or 33 feet
from any downed power line, exposed underground cable, or where there is
contact with an overhead power line. Depending on voltage, this distance
may increase up to 32 metres or 105 feet.
2.
Look Up And Live
Workers who operate machinery or equipment that could come in contact with
power lines need to look up and check for overhead power lines before
beginning work.
3.
Know Your Limits
When operating machinery or equipment in close proximity to power lines,
always maintain the limits of approach: from three to seven metres or
10-23 feet depending on the voltage. For proper safe working distances
contact Alberta Workplace Health and Safety at 1-866-415-8690. In keeping
with the Alberta OH&S Code, if equipment COULD come closer than the
minimum distances, you must contact ATCO Electric before beginning work.
4.
Don’t
Hang Around Operating Equipment
Stay at least 10 metres or 33 feet away from equipment operating near
power lines because if it contacts an energized line, the electricity will
go to the ground. The operator should be on the vehicle with everyone
else clear of the vehicle when a boom is in motion. If you must approach,
ensure the equipment is not operating.
5.
Shuffle Or Hop, Don’t Step
If the machinery you are operating contacts an energized line, move it
away from the line to break contact. If this can’t be done, remain on the
machine. If there is an uncontrollable fire, jump off the machine keeping
your feet together. Never contact the machine and the ground at the same
time. Once clear of the machine, shuffle away, never allowing the heel of
one foot to move beyond the toe of the other, or, hop with both feet
together to a minimum distance of 10 metres or 33 feet.
6.
Call
Before You Dig
The Alberta OH&S Code states that whenever digging or drilling is to
occur, you must determine the location of all underground services. Call
Alberta One Call before you dig at 1-800-242-3447. If a cable is
accidentally dug up, call ATCO Electric immediately at 1-800-668-5506.
Move the digger bucket clear of the cable and stay out of the trench. If
the machine can’t be moved, keep workers 10 metres or 33 feet away and
have the operator remain on the vehicle. In the case of fire, follow the
“Shuffle or Hop, Don’t Step” rule.
7.
Don’t
Become A Victim
Always call your local emergency services when someone is injured in an
electrical accident. If they are still in contact with the electrical
source and you touch them, you could be seriously injured or killed. Keep
everyone back, a minimum distance of 10 metres or 33 feet and have someone
call for help immediately.
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