SKIN CARE IN CONSTRUCTION
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Contact with overhead electric lines is a regular cause of death and injury. It is essential that the hazards arising from overhead lines are appreciated and adequate precautions taken.
HAZARDS
- Electrocution from contact with or from current, arcing across from overhead power lines
- Disruption to hospitals and Emergency Services following damage to electricity cables
HEALTH AND SAFETY POINTS
- You do not have to touch an overhead line to get electrocuted. If the line voltage is high enough, current will arc across too metallic objects or persons if they are too close
- Wet weather enables electricity to arc greater distances
- No plant, equipment or materials should be brought closer than – 15 meters of overhead lines suspended from steel towers or 9 meters of lines supported on wooden piles
- In cases where closer approach is required it is necessary to either have the lines made dead or to erect barriers
- Carrying scaffold poles, ladders or roofing sheets can result in electrocution if you are too close to power lines
- Be aware that electricity lines are often suspended from the same poles as telephone lines
- The electricity or railway company will advise on precautions to be taken
- Barriers and ‘goalposts’ are there for your safety – Do not take short cuts around them
- Crane jibs, excavator arms etc will need to be tied or other means used to prevent upward travel while passing below overhead power lines
- If an overhead line is damaged in any way, stay well clear and call the Electricity company immediately
QUSTIONS
- What is the minmum safe distance for plant working in the vicinity of electricity lines suspended from steel pylons?
- What should you consider if working close to railways?
SAFETY REMINDER
Always follow procedures when working close to power lines. Observe barriers and use ‘goal posts’. Remember that carring equipmentn and materials too close to power lines can result in electocution.