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Electrical Safety... Not!!!
Another member recently posted a blog that brought to attention hidden dangers when it comes to electrical wiring behind walls. But what other clues might you have when evaluating potential electrical safety hazards?
When using elevated lighting or performing truck company operations where the ladder is extended, we always remember to Look Up, Look Down and Look Around. Why? Overhead wiring can ruin your day if you make intimate contact with charged wires.
The most dangerous time to do any overhead work is at night when you cannot see the wires, but you know they may be there. This is why it is important to know your district and pay attention to any overhead wires.
Overhead Powerline Hazards
Most people do not realize that overhead powerlines are usually not insulated. More than half of all electrocutions are caused by direct worker contact with energized powerlines. Powerline workers must be especially aware of the dangers of overhead lines. In the past, 80% of all lineman deaths were caused by contacting a live wire with a bare hand. Due to such incidents, all linemen now wear special rubber gloves that protect them up to 34,500 volts. Today, most electrocutions involving overhead powerlines are caused by failure to maintain proper work distances.
Shocks and electrocutions occur where physical barriers are not in place to prevent contact with the wires. When dump trucks, cranes, work platforms, or other conductive materials (such as pipes and ladders) contact overhead wires, the equipment operator or other workers can be killed. If you do not maintain required clearance distances from powerlines, you can be shocked and killed. (The minimum distance for voltages up to 50kV is 10 feet. For voltages over 50kV, the minimum distance is 10 feet plus 4 inches for every 10 kV over 50kV.) Never store materials and equipment under or near over-head powerlines. You need to recognize that overhead powerlines are a hazard.
Always think Safety!
TCSS, CBz
When using elevated lighting or performing truck company operations where the ladder is extended, we always remember to Look Up, Look Down and Look Around. Why? Overhead wiring can ruin your day if you make intimate contact with charged wires.
The most dangerous time to do any overhead work is at night when you cannot see the wires, but you know they may be there. This is why it is important to know your district and pay attention to any overhead wires.
Overhead Powerline Hazards
Most people do not realize that overhead powerlines are usually not insulated. More than half of all electrocutions are caused by direct worker contact with energized powerlines. Powerline workers must be especially aware of the dangers of overhead lines. In the past, 80% of all lineman deaths were caused by contacting a live wire with a bare hand. Due to such incidents, all linemen now wear special rubber gloves that protect them up to 34,500 volts. Today, most electrocutions involving overhead powerlines are caused by failure to maintain proper work distances.
Shocks and electrocutions occur where physical barriers are not in place to prevent contact with the wires. When dump trucks, cranes, work platforms, or other conductive materials (such as pipes and ladders) contact overhead wires, the equipment operator or other workers can be killed. If you do not maintain required clearance distances from powerlines, you can be shocked and killed. (The minimum distance for voltages up to 50kV is 10 feet. For voltages over 50kV, the minimum distance is 10 feet plus 4 inches for every 10 kV over 50kV.) Never store materials and equipment under or near over-head powerlines. You need to recognize that overhead powerlines are a hazard.
Always think Safety!
TCSS, CBz
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on
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OMG!!! Was anyone hurt? Good God man, this is a very powerful photograph. Jeez... it makes the hair on my back stand up on end...
CBz
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very busy... :D
CBz
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Permalink Reply by WestPhilly on
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"Was anyone hurt?" Yeah, the driver was when he was shanghaied to a station far, far away.
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Permalink Reply by Malcum Salyers Jr. on
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Guys the best piece of advice is ( allways assume the lines are energized ) leave it to the professionals. I know when we do line work we trace the line out and as an old timer taught me I ALLWAYS DROP A LOG CHAIN ACROSS the lines to make sure that if someone else sees the cutout out and throws it back in it will short everything out before it gets to me. Remember the first 10 seconds on any call should be used for your safety, and dont be afraid to wait for a professinal.
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