Safety Tips for Dealing With Power Lines on Construction Sites
Overhead power lines are used to carry large electrical currents from one point to the other. The lines are usually made from copper or aluminium, which are good electrical conductors. Overhead power lines are rarely insulated, and therefore pose a huge threat to the safety of people working around them. The people who run the greatest risk of getting injured or even dying from electrical shock from power lines are people working in construction sites and in any other industry that dictates that you work near the lines. Here are a few important safety tips to remember when working close to these lines.
Keeping a Safe Distance
Ten feet is considered the minimum safe distance that you should keep from power lines. It is advisable to stay away from power lines, even if they seem broken, as they could still be energised. Note that when the power lines come into contact with any live object, they tend to ground the current. The moment a current of more than 230 volts is getting grounded through you, electrical shock, which can lead to death and serious injuries, results. You should call 911 if you notice any fallen power lines. It is also crucial to note that getting close to power lines often results in flashovers, which can kill you even when you haven't made any physical contact with the power lines.
Insulation
The general information out there about insulation is that as long as you have rubber shoes, gloves and other protective clothing, you can handle electricity as you like. This is inaccurate because if the protective clothing is dirty or has come into contact with water, you will still get an electric shock when you handle large power currents. You should never rely on rubber gloves or boots to protect you when working near overhead power lines.
Working in Bad Weather
The dangers of working close to power lines increase when it is windy, rainy or stormy. Stormy weather is the time when tree branches are likely to fall off trees and onto the power lines, and the ground is wet, creating an added risk of electrocution. Slip-and-fall accidents are also more likely to occur when the weather is wet, which is why you need to keep off the overhead lines when it is stormy.
These are a few tips to help you stay safe around overhead power lines. If the lines are near a construction site, always look up before raising tall equipment, and if possible, have the power switched off if the construction will directly affect the lines.
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