By K C Pawling, Road Safety and Loss Prevention Specialist
I started this article influenced by all the severe thunderstorms and tornados that have already occurred here in Nebraska this summer. As I was reviewing dates and occurrences of tornados, it dawned on me that this topic is relevant year-round. It can be all too easy to get tunnel vision and focus on the immediate rather than the bigger picture.
I have personally dealt with the effects of damaged powerlines during my time as a highway superintendent. I’ve taken calls from the sheriff’s dispatch center requesting barricades because powerlines are down on any number of roads, due to high winds or ice accumulation. These calls do not seem to ever come at a convenient time, so we rush to get the road closed. Possibly, taking the shortcut past the power lines rather than driving around the section. There were also times when the calls were from the local power company asking for aid in traffic management.
When you are responding to requests involving powerlines, here are seven safety reminders:
- Always treat electrical lines as though they are energized or “live.” If you notice downed wires or damaged electrical equipment, contact the proper utility provider. Electrical lines (sparking or not) can electrocute you if you touch them OR the ground near them.
- Do not assume that a downed powerline is safe simply because it is on the ground, or it is not sparking.
- Keep in mind that downed wires can energize nearby objects like fences, trees, buildings, and even other utility cables. Any objects that are metal can become energized by contacting damaged power lines.
- Electricity can spread outward through the ground in a circular shape from the point the line contacts the ground. Keep a minimum safe distance of one hundred feet.
- Avoid driving over any powerlines lying on the ground.
- If you are in a vehicle that contacts a power line, do not get out of the vehicle unless it is on fire. If possible, call for help while you are in the vehicle.
- If you must exit any equipment because of a fire or another safety reason, try to jump completely clear, making sure you do not touch the ground and vehicle at the same time. Land with both feet together and shuffle or hop away.
I also want you to keep in mind that there is another potential hazard when it comes to downed powerlines, and that is back feed from someone’s improperly connected generator. It is a condition created when a temporary source of electricity, such as a homeowner’s generator, is connected to a damaged system causing electricity to flow through the lines backwards with the generator being the source of power. This would be a source of power that the electrical company may not even be aware of. Any generator used should be a stand-alone source of power unless it has a properly wired bypass or an isolation connection. It should not be connected to a building’s electrical system unless it is completed with a main breaker bypass to prevent electricity from flowing out of the building into downed powerlines.
A great interactive safety meeting idea is electrical safety. Contact your local power company and ask if they would be willing to bring out their demonstration trailer and speak to your department. They are often willing to do so, and it benefits all parties involved.
So, in closing, I want to say step back and look at the bigger picture. When dealing with electricity, there can be many things, unsafe things, going on behind the scenes of which you are not aware. Honestly, we should always take a step back regardless of the situation and task at hand. Take the blinders off, as they say, or lose the tunnel vision. Ask yourself if there is a better and, more importantly, safer way to do things. “We have always done it this way,” is a phrase that just may get you injured or even worse. Let us make sure everyone makes it home tonight.
If you have any questions that any of us here at NIRMA can help you with, do not hesitate to contact us. I am personally available at kcpawling@nirma.info or 402-310-4417.
