Between 2011 and 2023, overhead power lines caused over 42% of all electrical-related workplace fatalities. Many of these unfortunate incidents did not involve employees with electrical safety training. In other words, these employees did not have knowledge of how to handle live electricity and overhead power lines.
In our industry, working around overhead power lines is a common hazard. Many times, projects aren’t close enough to power overhead power lines to be a real threat, and that can cause some complacency when the work is near them.
Serious risks
- High Voltage: Power lines carry immense voltage (often 500,000-plus volts), making any contact instantly dangerous, even if the wire doesn’t seem to be sparking.
- No Insulation: Unlike home wiring, overhead lines lack protective insulation, so they are always live and dangerous.
- Arcing: Electricity can jump (arc) from a wire to a nearby object or person, even without direct touching, especially with high-voltage lines.
- Downed Lines: A fallen line can energize everything it touches (fences, vehicles, trees, water) and the ground around it, creating a wide danger zone.
- Conductive Materials: Items like ladders, tools, lumber, antennas or even damp earth can become conductors, transferring electricity from a line to a person.
Prevention steps
- First, locate all overhead power lines on the job site. Make sure everyone is aware of their location.
- Assume all overhead power lines are live. Even if they appear to be dead, treat them as live anyway.
- Maintain at least 10 feet of clearance. Use a spotter if necessary if you have to work close to overhead power lines.
- Always be aware of overhead power lines. The closer you get to them the more you need to be aware of how close you are. Keep ladders, equipment and other items away from the power lines.
- Handle long tools and ladders safely. Keep these items horizontal if you have to move them.
- Be aware of metal fencing that might run along underneath overhead power lines.
- Never spray water near overhead power lines.
- If a power line has fallen, maintain at least 35 feet away.
But what if the unthinkable happens? You’re operating equipment, and it comes into contact with overhead power lines. This can be a scary situation. Many workers in this situation have panicked and avoidably caused their own unfortunate deaths. Follow the steps listed below should you contact overhead power lines.
- Do not panic. Easier said than done, but maintaining calm and thinking it through can save your life.
- If there isn’t an immediate emergency, such as equipment being on fire, stay in the cab. It is designed to protect you.
- If possible, move the machine away from the overhead power lines.
- If this is not possible, stay in the cab and call 911 and the local electrical power company to come turn the power off.
- If you need to exit the equipment, do not touch the equipment and the ground at the same time.
- Jump as far as you can from the equipment, landing with both feet together.
- Shuffle or “bunny hop” away with your feet together, taking small steps to stay within the “step potential” zone. Large steps can result in you contacting a higher and lower voltage area on the ground at the same time, causing electrocution.
- Slowly move your feet apart; if you feel a tingling, shuffle further away.
- Once you are safe, call 911 and the local electrical power company if they have not already been called.
- Never touch someone who is in contact with equipment that is contacting the power line.
Working around overhead power lines should be safe if you use the correct procedures and always assume the power lines are live. Stay safe and always be alert.