by Andrew Cutler
When it comes to electrical safety, staying informed can save lives. Whether it's steering clear of pad transformers, staying in your vehicle during an accident involving power lines, or giving lineworkers the space they need on the road, taking simple precautions ensures that you, your family, and your community remain safe.
Here are some essential tips to help you stay safe around electricity.
Downed Power Lines
If a power line falls on your car while you’re inside, experts recommend staying put, keeping the ignition on, and calling 911. The ground near a downed power line, along with any nearby standing water, can become energized, and even seemingly safe objects like branches or trees may conduct electricity if they come into contact with a live wire. Downed power lines should be treated with extreme caution — even a seemingly harmless line could still be energized.
Exiting the car should only be considered if the vehicle is on fire. If that happens, push the door open and jump clear of the car without touching the vehicle and the ground simultaneously to avoid electrocution.
When in a vehicle near downed power lines, it’s safer to honk the horn to get attention while warning others to stay back. If a power line is down on the road, do not drive over it; back away if it is safe to do so. Otherwise, remain inside and wait for emergency responders.
People should stay at least 35 feet away from any downed line, roughly the length of 3 cars. It's often impossible to tell the difference between a power line and other utility lines, so it’s safest to assume any fallen line is dangerous and contact local authorities.
Humans are electrical conductors so do not touch someone who is in contact with a downed wire. If you need to move away from a downed wire, shuffle with small steps, keeping both feet on the ground at all times.
Electrical Safety: How To Avoid Workplace Injuries
Contact with electricity remains 1 of the leading causes of workplace fatalities, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation. To reduce the risk of injury or death, workers and employers should take extra precautions around electrical hazards.
Workers are advised to always assume that power lines are live and dangerous. Awareness is crucial: look up for overhead lines and keep both yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet away from them. Do not touch anything in contact with power lines, and carry equipment like ladders horizontally to prevent accidental contact.
The Electrical Safety Foundation advises testing for voltage before beginning any work and assessing the area around the equipment to avoid accidental contact with energized components. Workers should perform a site and risk assessment before starting any job, turn off power when possible, and follow proper lockout/tagout procedures. The foundation also emphasizes the importance of remaining alert as each job presents unique hazards.
Electrical safety extends beyond just electrical workers; 69% of all electrical fatalities involved non-electrical occupations. Workers should remain vigilant about potential hazards, avoid electrical rooms, and ensure that all electrical work is performed by qualified personnel with proper training. Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection should be installed in areas where electricity and water may come into contact.
The Electrical Safety Foundation identifies 5 sources that account for 92% of all electrical fatalities: overhead power lines, unexpected contact with electricity, working on energized parts, ground faults, and damaged wiring. Workers should be aware of these dangers and follow established safety practices to mitigate risks.
Pad Mounted Transformers Are a Hidden Danger
Pad-mounted transformers, those big green utility boxes seen around town, serve the purpose of lowering high voltage to standard household voltage used to power electronics, appliances, and lighting.
These transformers are not protected like overhead lines and substations. Though they may appear safe to use as workbenches and climbing obstacles, electrical equipment can still pose a risk to anyone who may come in contact with it. Members should use caution and keep a safe distance.
Umatilla Electric Cooperative crews also need safe access for repairs and maintenance. Barriers, such as landscaping and fencing, should be kept clear of electrical equipment. While it may be tempting to “camouflage” transformers with landscaping, please remember cooperative crews need at least 10 feet of clearance at the opening of a pad-mounted transformer and 4 feet at the rear and sides of the housing. The distance allows crews to safely use tools required for working with energized equipment. It also ensures crews can move about safely should problems arise.
In many newer subdivisions and residential developments pad-mounted transformers are more common – and in many cases are located on consumer property. These transformers are connected to primary high-voltage lines, and secondary lines can extend from the transformer in several directions underground. Remember this before planting shrubs or trees, setting fence posts, installing sprinkler systems, or digging anywhere near a transformer.
You should always dial 811 before you dig to ensure where lines are located so your project doesn’t disrupt utility service, or cause serious injury or worse.
Move Over for Roadside Crews
Every year, roadside workers are injured or killed when drivers crash into their work zones, even when marked by cones and warning signs. Drivers can help prevent these accidents by following a simple rule: "Slow down or move over." This isn’t just good advice—it’s the law in all 50 states.
Move laws were first introduced 25 years ago to protect emergency responders working on roadsides. In recent years, many states, including Oregon, have expanded these laws to cover electric utility crews, ensuring the safety of lineworkers who are often working in temporary setups.
Although specifics vary slightly by state, the basic requirements are straightforward:
- When approaching a work zone marked by cones, signs, or flashing lights, drivers must change lanes if there is more than one lane on their side of the road, creating a buffer between their vehicle and the workers.
- If changing lanes isn’t possible, drivers must slow down, often by 20 mph below the posted speed limit if it’s 25 mph or more.
- Drivers must obey all posted traffic signs and stay alert to changing conditions.
In Oregon, drivers approaching any stationary vehicle with flashing lights, including utility and tow trucks, must either vacate the closest lane or slow down by at least 5 mph under the speed limit.
The unpredictable nature of utility work, which can begin and end quickly, adds to the danger. Drivers familiar with a road may be surprised by a suddenly established work zone, especially as crews set up or take down equipment.
By staying alert, obeying signs, and following the law, drivers can protect roadside workers and help prevent tragedies. A moment of caution could save a life.