Overhead and buried power lines are especially hazardous because they carry extremely high voltage. Fatal electrocution is the main risk, but burns and falls from elevations are also hazards. Using tools and equipment that can contact power lines increases the risk. Examples of equipment that can contact power lines include:<\/p>\n
To avoid hazards:<\/strong><\/p>\n Normal use of electrical equipment can cause wear and tear that results in insulation breaks, short-circuits, and exposed wires. Without proper protection, a ground fault can occur, resulting in electrical burns, explosions, fire, or death.<\/p>\n To avoid ground fault hazards:<\/strong><\/p>\n Flexible cords are finely stranded for flexibility, so straining a cord can cause the strands of one conductor to loosen from under terminal screws and touch another conductor. Make sure flexible cords are connected to devices and to fittings in ways that prevent tension at joints and terminal screws.<\/p>\n A flexible cord may be damaged by door or window edges, by staples and fastenings, by abrasion from adjacent materials, or simply by aging. If the electrical conductors become exposed, there is a danger of shocks, burns, or fire.<\/p>\n Extension cords must be 3-wire type so they may be grounded and to permit grounding of any tools or equipment connected to them.<\/p>\n When a cord connector is wet, electric current can leak to the equipment grounding conductor and to humans who pick up that connector if they provide a path to ground. Leakage can occur not just on the face of the connector, but at any wetted portion. Limit exposure of connectors and tools to excessive moisture by using watertight or sealable connectors.<\/p>\n What are those green electrical boxes found in yards or back alleys? To the Electric Utility, these boxes are known as Pad Mount Transformers. Pad mount transformers lower the voltage of the electricity from distribution levels to the 120\/240-volt level used in homes. They are located in the Utility-Right-of-Way in underground services areas. If you have one on your property, contact Umatilla Electric Cooperative about landscaping and fencing around transformers. You can reach us at (541) 567-6414<\/a>. While the transformers are safe on the property, follow the safety signs on the transformer and keep curious children away.<\/p>\n The lazy, hazy, hot days of summer provide the right atmosphere for sudden thunder and lightning storms. Lightning is a form of static electricity and like other forms of electricity, lightning looks for a path to the ground. It will use the best conductor available, including water, a tree, a kite string, or a person.<\/p>\n Electricity always tries to get to the ground. It follows the shortest and easiest path it can. Metal materials such as copper and aluminum, things that are wet, and anything with water in it, including people and wood, are good conductors of electricity. Tree sap, with its high water content, is an excellent conductor of electricity.<\/p>\n Listed are some safe practices to ensure your safety during electrical storms:<\/strong><\/p>\n Safe Electricity<\/a><\/p>\n Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange sponsors Safe Electricity, a multi-media public awareness program designed to complement the existing safety-education activities of utilities and educators.<\/p>\n Electric Safety World<\/a><\/p>\n Safe Electricity uses Electrical Safety World to teach people the principles and practices of electrical safety through experiments, games, and activities. The web site is geared towards a range of interests and reading levels and can be used by students in elementary and middle school.<\/p>\n Electric Safety For Kids<\/a><\/p>\n Cartoons, games, and parents\u2019 and teachers\u2019 guides for learning electrical safety from the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI).<\/p>\n Four Seasons of Safety<\/a><\/p>\n Warmer weather during the spring and summer months coaxes many people outside to participate in activities like swimming, boating, and gardening. The cooler temperatures of fall and winter, on the other hand, encourage many people to cozy up indoors. Here are the Four Seasons of Safety from ESFI.<\/p>\n Electrical Safety Self Assessment<\/a><\/p>\n Are you confident that your company\u2019s electrical safety program is up-to-date and comprehensive? The Electrical Safety Self-Assessment guides you through a series of questions that will help you assess the effectiveness of your electrical safety program, and identify areas that may require further examination. Think of it as a checklist for your electrical safety program.<\/p>\n Overhead Power Line Safety Poster<\/a><\/p>\n Contact with overhead power lines is the leading cause of electrical fatalities for agricultural workers. This Overhead Power Line Safety Poster can be purchased for $1 or can be printed on letter paper size, or on larger paper by changing your printer settings. Also note the link to the Spanish version of the poster.<\/p>\n\n
Lack of Ground Fault Protection<\/h3>\n
\n
Strain Relief<\/h3>\n
Cord Damage<\/h3>\n
Grounding<\/h3>\n
Wet Conditions<\/h3>\n
\n
Pad Mount Transformers<\/h3>\n
Safety Tips When You Fly a Kite!<\/h3>\n
\n
Electrical Storms<\/h3>\n
\n
\nEducation Resources<\/h2>\n