If your agricultural or oil field equipment has come into contact with an electric line, you’ve driven into an electric pole, or you’ve come across downed lines—assume the lines are energized even if they aren’t buzzing or humming. These are all potentially dangerous situations that require special precautions and knowing what to do could save your life.
Stay Away, Call 911
Here are some other tips for downed lines:
- Never touch an overhead line if it has been brought down by machinery or has fallen. Call 911 for help. When a machine is in contact with an overhead line, do not allow anyone to go near or touch the machine.
- If you should be in a vehicle in contact with an overhead power line, don’t leave the vehicle. Call 911 immediately. As long as you stay inside and avoid touching outside metal, you should avoid an electrical hazard. If you need to exit because of fire—the only way to do so safely is to jump out without touching any wires or the exterior, land by keeping your feet together, and then shuffle away without removing your feet from the ground.
- If an object (scaffolds, cranes, etc.) must be moved near overhead power lines, appoint a worker whose responsibility is to observe the clearance between the power lines and the object, and warn others if the minimum distance is not maintained. If equipment will be within 10 feet of a power line, you are also responsible for contacting the local utility 48 hours in advance to let them know.
- If you are planning a project that requires digging, remember, the law requires you to dial 811 at least 48 hours in advance to have public utility lines marked so you know where NOT to dig.
