Business Safety
Do you work near power lines?
Then you should be aware that electrocution is one of the top five causes of workplace deaths in the U.S. If you forget about a safety precaution or don't get the information you need before you begin a project, you or someone you work with could die. It only takes one mistake.
How shock happens
Electricity always seeks the easiest path to the ground. It tries to find a conductor, such as metal, wood, water or your body, which is 70% water. Power lines are not insulated. So if you are grounded and you touch equipment that is in contact with a power line, electricity will instantly pass through you, causing a harmful or fatal shock.
Before you start work: plan ahead
- Survey the job site carefully before work begins and anticipate potential safety problems.
- Consider all overhead lines to be energized power lines, no matter what they look like. Note a hazard zone around power lines and stay outside it. Have lines barricaded or temporarily de-energized, if possible.
- Digging can be dangerous. A Florida law requires that you call the “Sunshine State One Call System of Florida” at 1-800-432-4770 before you dig.
- hrough this system, a representative will come out to mark underground power lines with that can be a hazard when they’re dug into or accidentally broken.
- Report activities that could damage power poles, such as excavations that might reduce pole stability to the local utility. Temporary bracing may be necessary.
- Hold a brief safety meeting each day before work to remind workers what to look out for. Continually warn others about nearby power lines and other electrical hazards.
Keep your distance
OPERATING A BOOM OR CRANE
Don't rely on ground rods, warning devices, or insulating boom guards to protect you from a power line contact. Instead, designate a person whose only responsibility is to direct you away from power lines.
WORKING WITH POLES, LADDERS OR ANTENNAS
Keep them from reaching or falling into lines by making sure they clear lines by a least 10 feet in every direction. Under some circumstances, electricity can arc to equipment that's close to a power line, even if it's not touching the line.
WORKING ON THE GROUND
Stand clear of equipment, guide wires and loads which will instantly conduct electricity if they hit a power line. If you're guiding a load, be aware of the location of the crane boom and power lines.
If you hit a power line
- If you're in the equipment, stay there! You're safe from shock unless you try to get out. Try to move the equipment away from the line. If you can't, stay where you are and wait for rescue workers.
- Have someone call Tampa Electric immediately to shut off the power. Call for medical help if there are injuries.
- Warn everyone away from the load, guide wires, equipment and anything in contact with the equipment, all of which could be conducting a deadly amound of electricity.
- If you must get out of the equipment because of fire or other danger, jump free rather than stepping off. Never touch a grounded surface and equipment that's contacting a power line at the same time. Because the earth in the area of a power line contact may carry dangerous variance in voltage, it's safest to walk away slowly with very small steps.
Understanding power outages
When your power goes out for just a second or for longer, you may be experiencing one of two types of outages – a power outage or a momentary interruption. Both are completely uncontrollable and caused by circumstances including storms and falling trees. What’s the difference between the two?
Electrical emergencies
SHOCK
Never touch a fallen power line, or anything or anyone in contact with a power line. Instead, call Tampa Electric Company to de-energize the line.
ELECTRICAL FIRE
Call the fire department immediately. If necessary, use a CO2 or dry chemical extinguisher. Do not use water!
FIRST AID
Call for medical help immediately. If the individual is free from the power line, check the following:
- Breathing: Use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if needed.
- Shock: Signs include cold or clammy skin, weakness, shallow breathing or rapid pulse. Loosen clothing. Keep victim horizontal and warm until help arrives.
- Burns: Cool minor burns with cold, running water. Don't touch the burn, break blisters or remove burned clothing. Get medical help; electrical burn damage may not be immediately apparent.
