Electrical Safety

Large equipment operators need to be aware of maintaining the appropriate safety clearance distance for large equipment. Being aware of and staying safely away from overhead power lines in a work zone can save lives.

Each piece of large equipment has it's own clearance rules. Clearances can range from 10 feet for smaller equipment and up to 30 or more for larger equipment. The equipment’s maximum working radius, 360 degrees around the equipment, must be taken into account. A dedicated spotter is very helpful when working in close proximity to overhead lines to help the operator keep the required minimum clearance.

Large equipment operators should:

• Know the clearance rules for the equipment you are operating.
• Use a spotter when operating large machinery near overhead lines to ensure minimum clearance is maintained.
• Always remember to lower extensions when moving loads.
• Never attempt to move a power line out of the way or raise it for clearance.
• If a power line is sagging or low, call the local utility immediately.

If the machinery you are operating does make contact with a power line, stay on the equipment. Immediately call 911, warn others to stay away, and wait for the utility crew to cut the power.

Only on the rare occasion that the machinery catches fire should you leave the vehicle after contact is made. If this is the case, jump off the equipment with your feet together and without touching the ground and machinery at the same time. Then, still keeping your feet together, hop to safety as you leave the area. Never touch anything that is in contact with a power line.

If you see someone’s equipment in contact with a power line, the best help is given at a safe distance. During one of these situations, make sure to yell out to, signal, or call the equipment operator to make sure he/she remains in the vehicle, and notify the local utility.

• All electrical appliances are used away from the sink, tub, toilet and/or shower.
• All appliance cords are unplugged when not in use.
• All appliances are plugged into GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) -protected outlets, and GFCIs have been tested monthly.
• All unused outlets have safety caps installed, especially when children are in the home.
• All lighting in your shower area is vapor-tight.

• Back of refrigerator has room for air circulation and its coils are free of dirt and buildup.
• All electrical appliances are placed and used away from the sink.
• All appliances are plugged into GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) -protected outlets, and GFCIs have been tested monthly.
• All electrical cords are not cracked, frayed or damaged in any way.
• Appliance cords are not hanging from tables or counters and are unplugged when not in use.

• All smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order, and are placed outside all sleeping areas and on every level of the house.
• All light fixtures throughout the home are using bulbs not exceeding the fixture’s maximum wattage.
• No electrical cords are resting under rugs or furniture.
• Electronic devices such as phone chargers are unplugged when not in use.
• Window unit air conditioners are plugged in on their own dedicated circuit.

• All unused outlets have safety caps installed, especially when children are in the home.
• All light switch and outlet covers are not cracked or broken.
• All electrical equipment (lamps, electronics, etc.) are being used without the use of extension cords.
• All power outlets, power strips and surge protectors are not overloaded.
• All electronics have room for air circulation.

• Circuit breaker box is labeled with the last electrical inspection, correct amperage and which rooms, outlets and circuits they service.
• Standard circuit breakers have been inspected, and you’ve considered talking with your licensed electrician about replacing with Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs).
• Washer and dryer do not wobble excessively while running, have room for air circulation, and dryer lint is removed after each use.
• Furnace has been inspected, cleaned and has proper ventilation outside the house. 
• Temperature on the water heater is set to 120° or less.
• All electrical cords are not cracked, frayed or damaged in any way – and are never used on a permanent basis.
• Appliance cords are unplugged when not in use.
• All appliances are plugged into GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) -protected outlets, and GFCIs have been tested monthly.
• Any garage-stored appliances, like refrigerators and freezers, have dedicated 20 amp appliance circuits.
• All storage boxes are placed away from wiring and plugs.

If used improperly, a back-up generator can make life a lot more dangerous. Every year, people die in incidents related to portable generator use following prolonged power outages. WCEC urges our members to exercise extreme caution when operating portable generators.

• Follow the manufacturer instructions to protect you and your family.

• Never connect a generator to the house wiring unless you have had a qualified electrician hook up a standby electrical system – including the installation of a transfer switch to isolate the generator from the electric utility service. Without the transfer switch, the power from the generator will back feed through the transformer and kill any serviceman trying to restore the power down the line.

• Keep the generator dry, and do not use it in rainy or wet conditions. Make sure your hands are dry before touching the generator.

• Never use a generator in an enclosed or partially enclosed space. Operate it on a dry surface under an open, canopy-like structure. Generators can produce high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) very quickly. CO cannot be smelled or seen, so even if you don’t smell exhaust fumes you could still be exposed to CO.

• If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while operating a generator, get to fresh air right away. CO can cause incapacitation or death quickly. Call 911 and inform the medical staff that you suspect CO poisoning. Before you return to the property, the local fire department should determine whether it is safe to do so.

• Never store the fuel for your generator inside your home. Flammable liquids should be stored outside of living areas in properly labeled, non-glass containers. Do not store them near a fuel-burning appliance such as a natural gas heater. If fuel is spilled or left in a container that is not properly sealed, invisible vapor from the fuel can travel along the ground and be ignited by the appliance’s pilot light or by arcs from electrical switches in the appliance.
• Before refueling a generator, turn it off and let it cool down. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.

One of the greatest dangers following severe weather is downed power lines – they carry extremely high currents and can seriously injure or kill, even if they aren’t sparking or buzzing. Do not assume that just because a line is on the ground it does not still have power running through it. In event of flood: If you see a power line entering the water, do not go near it or the water.

Always avoid downed power lines and remember these safety tips:

• Report downed power lines immediately to 911 or to the local utility.
• Warn others away from downed lines until law enforcement or emergency crews arrive.
• Never try to move a downed power line with a board or stick. High voltage electricity can jump unpredictable distances.
• If someone is in direct or indirect contact with a downed line, don’t touch them. You could become another victim by trying to help. Call 911 immediately.

• Stay away from power lines, meters, transformers, and electrical boxes. Remember to look up when working with tall objects or on rooftops.
• Don’t climb trees near power lines. Never fly kites, remote control airplanes, drones or balloons near power lines. If you get something stuck in a power line, call your local utility.
• Never touch or go near a downed power line. Don’t touch anything that may be touching a downed wire, such as a car.
• Don't step out of the car if a power line falls on it.
• Don't dig without checking for underground power lines. Call Before You Dig.
• Don't put anything in the power outlet that wasn't intended for it.
• Don't touch electric appliances when you are wet or near water.