Expanding your home? Steer clear of power lines.

Always stay a minimum of 10 feet away from power lines.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

You’ve had an eye on the perfect spot for your get-away cabin. The view—well, its breathtaking! But if you try to build your dream home too close to a power line, you may not live long enough to enjoy it.

Whether you’re a contractor or a do-it-yourselfer planning to build a home or structure near power lines, call your electric co-op before the construction begins. The professionals at your co-op can help you stay safe.

A line doesn’t have to be touched to spark danger—electricity can jump, or arc, from a power line to a person or equipment that gets too close. Keep yourself and all equipment at least 10 feet from power lines. That includes the lines that run from the road to your roof.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides these general guidelines:

If an object (scaffolds, cranes, etc.) must be placed near overhead power lines, appoint a worker whose sole responsibility is to observe the clearance between the power lines and the object. Warn others if the minimum 10-foot distance is not maintained.
Never touch an overhead line if it has been brought down by machinery or has fallen. Never assume lines are dead.
If a machine contacts an overhead line, DO NOT allow anyone to come near or touch the machine. Stay away from the machine and contact your electric co-op immediately.
If you should be in a vehicle in contact with an overhead power line, DON’T LEAVE THE VEHICLE. As long as you stay inside and avoid touching outside metal, you should avoid an electrical hazard. If you need to exit to summon help or because of fire, jump out without touching any wires or the exterior, keep your feet together, and hop to safety.

Source: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association; U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration; and Electrical Safety Foundation Institute

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Expanding your home? Steer clear of power lines.

Homeward, Inc.

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