Prevent electrical accidents by following the guidelines outlined here for anyone who works on a construction site.
- Keep scaffolding and ladders away from power lines.
- Always look up when extending a ladder or scaffolding and stay a safe distance away from overhead power lines.
- When climbing to the roof, stay away from the point where electrical service enters the building.
- When handling objects such as siding, gutters, scaffolding, ladders or antennas, always allow extra room for their long reach.
- If you lose control of an object let it fall. Don’t risk accidental contact with power lines.
- Dump truck operators should perform the “circle of safety” procedure before dumping to identify any danger:
- Park at the dump spot
- Exit the cab
- Walk in a full circle around your truck
- Before you raise the dump body, make sure there are no hazards overhead
- If you’re unsure about safe clearances, contact AES Ohio at 937-331-4860
- Have underground lines marked before you dig. Call the Ohio Utility Protection Service at 800-362-2764 at least two full working days, excluding weekends and holidays, before digging. The service will contact the utility companies, which will send representatives to clearly mark the location of their underground facilities at the site.
- Be sure the area is clear of power lines before operating booms, buckets and load lines.
- Be extra cautious when working on or near trees through which power lines run. Even wood can conduct electricity.
- Maintain OSHA-prescribed working clearances.
- If in doubt about the hazards, call AES Ohio at 937-331-4860. We can cover or de-energize the lines to help keep you safe.
If contact is made with equipment:
- Don’t panic; remain inside the equipment (the cab of a truck, for example). Move the equipment away from the wires, if possible. Do not touch anything outside the vehicle.
- Never touch the ground and the equipment in contact with the wire at the same time.
- Don’t touch anything – person, equipment or any other item – that is in contact with the electrical lines.
- Make sure everyone stays clear of the equipment, its load and any power lines that these may be touching. All wires should be treated as energized and dangerous.
- Be prepared to give CPR if necessary as soon as the person is free of electrical contact.