Never go near a downed or fallen electric power line. Electricity can spread outward through the ground in a circular shape from the point of contact. As you move away from the center, large differences in voltages can be created. Never drive over downed power lines.
Never drive over a downed line. It could cause poles or other equipment to come crashing down. If you are in a car that has come in contact with a downed power line, stay in your vehicle. Wait until the utility has arrived and de-energized the line.
What if a power line falls on and/or comes into contact with my vehicle while I am still in it? Remain calm and stay in your car, as the ground around your car may be energized. Call 9-1-1 on your cell phone or tell someone to call for you. Tell everyone to stay clear and do not touch the vehicle.
The employer must assume that all power lines are energized unless the utility owner/operator confirms that the power line has been and continues to be deenergized and visibly grounded at the worksite. The equipment must be provided with an electrical ground. If tag lines are used, they must be non-conductive.
If you see a downed power wire, stay clear of it, and call 911 immediately to report an electrical emergency. All downed lines should be treated as dangerous. Never touch a downed power line or go near one.
Your utility company is usually responsible for the wires connecting your home to the pole. Homeowners are responsible for almost all other electrical components.
Power Lines Over Streets and Roadways With Commercial Traffic. For any driveways, alleys, roads, or streets likely to carry vehicles more than 8 feet in height, the guideline is for all power lines to be at least 15.5 feet above the ground measured at their lowest point.
The leading cause of construction accident fatality in the U.S. is falls, which account for over a third of all construction-related deaths. Still, other significant dangers—including being struck by objects, electrocutions, and caught in/between incidents—also pose a serious risk to workers.
Remain at least 8 metres away. Objects in contact with powerlines may also conduct electricity, including trees, fences and equipment.
Downed Power Lines are Hazardous
Step potential is the danger present when two parts of your body (usually your feet) are in two different voltage zones. This difference in voltage causes the current to run through you and shock you, which can be fatal.
The proper way to move away from the power line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This will minimize the potential for a strong electric shock. If you see someone who is in direct or indirect contact with the downed line, do not touch the person.
If you spot a downed power line in your yard or surrounding area, call 9-1-1 immediately. Then, call your local power company to alert them of the power line changes. Downed power lines are a safety and fire hazard, so don't hesitate to act.
Always use caution around any downed lines – energized power lines look identical to non-energized ones. The only way to tell if a line is energized is with detection equipment. Electrical burns are nasty things; you do not want to find out the hard way!
What are the Fatal Four? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration identifies four leading causes of deaths in construction: falls, struck by an object, electrocutions and caught in or caught between. Falls. These account for 36.5% of construction deaths.
Falls Are the Leading Cause of Death in Construction
Fall from a height, off of scaffolding, or from a ladder.
But according to OSHA and NIOSH, nearly 40% of all fall-related deaths happen below 15 feet. That's the average size of a one-story house. Falls are one of the most common causes of workplace deaths and injuries and can be deadly in certain circumstances.
Never go near a downed or fallen electric power line. Electricity can spread outward through the ground in a circular shape from the point of contact. As you move away from the center, large differences in voltages can be created. Never drive over downed power lines.
The amount of sag is the result of how much tension there is in the overhead cable that is strung between utility poles and/or between the utility power and a person's home. As you might expect, the less tension there is, the looser the overhead cable will be and, thus, the greater the “sag” will be.
When this happens, it's the responsibility of the power company to remove the tree and repair any damage to their equipment. If the tree was on your property, the utility usually has the right to access it via what's known as a utility easement.
It depends. In some places (like Dallas, TX) the transmission utility owns the land under transmission lines. In other areas, the utility leases or has an easement for the lines. Distribution lines are usually on public right of way or utility easements.
Fallen Power Lines Are Dangerous And Destructive
Home damage caused by falling trees or power lines themselves is covered by most homeowners insurance policies.