SAFETY TIPS
Electricity has become one of the most helpful servants we know. We all enjoy the comfort, convenience and productivity which electrical energy brings to our homes and businesses. Having harnessed the strength of electricity we sometimes tend to be complacent about how quickly it can change from helpful to harmful. If not treated safely - electricity can become a killer. Below is a list of safety tips and rules of good common sense to use when dealing with electrical power in our everyday lives.
Look up and live.
Know what is above you before doing any work outside. The path of overhead power lines oftentimes gets forgotten. Know where the electrical lines are around your home and share with other family members.
Consider any overhead or underground line dangerous.
Since electricity cannot be seen or smelled, every line must be considered as energized.
Keep objects at least 10 feet away from power lines.
In areas where equipment such as augers and booms will be operating, inspect for possible interference with overhead power lines. Be especially careful of clearance when handling irrigation pipe or antennas.
Do not fly kites in areas near power lines.
Kite string should not be considered as insulation from electrical lines. The string can be dirty, wet or contain conductive materials in it.
Don't attempt to raise or move overhead or underground electric lines.
While people think a variety of materials can be used to insulate themselves from electrocution while moving energized lines, the only safe method is by a trained line-worker using a device that has been tested and approved for such use.
Never touch a downed or exposed line - it may be energized.
This is a rule followed by trained line-workers as well. Any line is considered energized until verified as otherwise and grounded.
Report any situation that appears unsafe.
Situations to watch for are: poles that are broken or leaning, wires sagging too low or broken, trees growing into the line, broken insulators, sparks coming from electrical equipment or construction activity under power lines. If you see anything that appears unsafe to you, please contact the office as soon as possible. We will send a crew out to inspect it immediately.
Underground power lines are not visible and need to be located before any digging is done. This applies even to putting in a new fence or planting trees.
