A PHI Company

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Outdoor Electrical Safety

Overview

Electricity makes our lives easier in many ways, yet electricity can be a powerful and potentially deadly force. That’s why you should take special care when using electricity or working around it. Below are some important guidelines on outdoor electrical safety.

  • Never touch a power line.   Touching a power line with any part of your body or any object such as ladders, tree trimmers, poles, ropes or kites can result in serious injury or death.  Remember that electricity can move through conductive materials, i.e., water, metal, wood, aluminum, string and plastics. If you see a wire down, keep yourself and others away and contact Pepco immediately at 202-872-3432.
  • Don't work or play near power lines. When carrying long or tall items, such as ladders, scaffolding, tree saws and pool cleaning equipment, hold them parallel to the ground to avoid contact with power and other overhead wires. Before you raise them into the air, make sure they’re clear of any power lines.
  • Always wear shoes when using outdoor electrical equipment.
  • Maintain proper clearances. For your protection, certain critical clearances are required by law, and minimum of 10 feet must be maintained when working below or adjacent to power lines.
  • Teach children to be safe.   Children should stay away from electric facilities such as substations, transmission towers, transformers and power lines.
  • Call before you dig. If you are planning to dig in your yard for any reason, call 811 so that underground utility services can be identified to prevent damage and potential injury to you and others.
  • Protect outside outlets. Make sure that your outside outlets have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to protect you from potential shock.
  • Practice safe boating and recreation. For boaters, ensure you have a least 10 feet of clearance between the highest point of your boat and any power lines when hauling, storing, or sailing your boat. Pay particular attention when raising or lowering your mast or spar. Pay attention to low-hanging lines over roadways when towing boats, trailers and RVs.
  • Practice generator safety.  Make sure you take proper precautions when using a generator or installing outdoor holiday lighting.