I need to work around some power lines, can anyone
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<table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr valign="top"> <td class="leftWrapper" width="200" align="left"> <div id="accountAccess"> <div class="flyoutMenu"> <ul class="clearfix"> [*] http://www.fpl.com/safety/working_with_power.shtml# <ul class="mma_list"> [*]My Account [*]Account History [*]Pay My Bill [*]<a class="child">Power Outage</a> [*]Report Power Issue [*]Start/Stop Service [*]Home Energy Survey [*]E-mail Preferences [/list] [/list] </div> </div> <div id="leftNavTitle"> <h3>About Energy</h3> </div> <div class="leftDynaMenu"> <h3 class="menuheaderTop expandable">Power for our Future</h3> <ul class="categoryitems"> [*] Turkey Point 5 <ul class="subcategoryitems"> [*]Combined Cycle [*]News [*]FAQs [*]Community Activities [*]Contact Us [/list] [*] Turkey Point 6 & 7 <ul class="subcategoryitems"> [*]Powerful Option for the Future [*]Turkey Point a Potential Site [*]Approval & Construction [*]New Nuclear Technology [*]Existing Nuclear Capacity [*]FAQs [*]News [/list] [*] West County <ul class="subcategoryitems"> [*]News [*]FAQs [*]Combined Cycle [*]Map [*]Contact Us [*]Plant Location Map [/list] [*]Cape Canaveral [*]Riviera Beach [*] Florida EnergySecure Line <ul class="subcategoryitems"> [*]Open House Schedule [/list] [/list] <h3 class="menuheader expandable">Getting Power to You</h3> <ul class="categoryitems"> [*]Bobwhite - Manatee [*]Memphis Loop [*]Hobe-Sanpiper [*]3290152 [*]Venetian [*]Indiantown [*]St. Johns [*]FAQs [/list] <h3 class="menuheader expandable">Report Power Issues</h3> <h3 class="menuheader expandable">Ensuring Reliability</h3> <ul class="categoryitems"> [*]Reliability Improvements [*]Your Neighborhood [*] Trees & Powerlines <ul class="subcategoryitems"> [*]Overview [*]Right Tree [*]Trees Safety [*]FAQs [*]Contractors [/list] [*] Underground Conversion <ul class="subcategoryitems"> [*]For Homes [*]For Communities [/list] [/list] <h3 class="menuheader expandable openheader">Power Disturbances</h3> <ul class="categoryitems"> [*] For Your Home <ul class="subcategoryitems"> [*]Troubleshooting [*]Flickers [*]Disturbances FAQs [*]Avoiding Problems [*]Protect Your Home [/list] [*] For Your Business <ul class="subcategoryitems"> [*]Troubleshooting [*]Flickers [*]Disturbances FAQs [*]Avoiding Problems [*]Protect Your Business [/list] [*]Selecting an Electrician [/list] <h3 class="menuheader expandable">Safety & Electricity</h3> <ul style="display: block;" class="categoryitems"> [*]Homes Safety [*]Around Power Lines [*]Nuclear Safety [/list] <h3 class="menuheader expandable">Alternative Energy</h3> <ul class="categoryitems"> [*]Solar [*]Wind [/list] <h3 class="menuheader expandable">Nuclear Power</h3> </div> </td> <td class="centerContent_PG" width="100%"> <h1>Working Safely around Power Lines</h1> <p align="left"><font size="2">Rule 1: Work a safe distance | Rule 2: Stay calm - stay away | Rule 3: Ladders and power lines don't mix | Rule 4: Call before you dig | Rule 5: Look up and live | Rule 6: Downed lines can be deadly</font></p>
Safe work habits are vital to your well-being.</p>
Safety is not just witty or entertaining slogans. Safety protects your eyes, fingers, arms, legs and...your life.</p>
It's easy to avoid the most common mistakes made around electric power lines. Following are six easy-to-remember rules that you can call the "Safety Six."</p> <h2><a class="anchorGlyph" name="P20_346"></a>Rule 1: Work a safe distance</h2>
The most important rule of the Safety Six is the first : Follow OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations) and work a safe distance from all power lines.
Whenever work is to be performed near overhead lines, OSHA requires that you and any equipment or tools that you're operating or handling must be kept a safe distance from power lines. OSHA also requires that, if you're working near power lines, you either have the power lines de-energized and grounded, or that you take other protective measures BEFORE WORK IS STARTED. OSHA has prescribed certain distances that you, your tools and equipment must be kept at least 10 feet from power lines of 50,000 volts or less. For higher voltages, see table below. When uncertain of the voltage, stay 18 feet away (the maximum approach distance) or call FPL or your local utility for your area.</p> <table class="tableborderzero" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="tableborderzero" valign="top" width="100%">
If you are an employer, it is your responsibility to make sure that your employees are aware of the location of the power lines, the hazards involved and the protective measures to be taken. You must post warning signs, and make sure that anyone working from an elevated position stays outside of the minimum approach distance.</p> <table width="401" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5"> <tbody> <tr> <th scope="col" bgcolor="#CCCCFF">FPL Power Line Voltages</th> <th scope="col" bgcolor="#CCCCFF">OSHA Minimum
Approach Distance</th> </tr> <tr> <td> <div align="center"> 13,000 - 69,000 volts </div> </td> <td> <div align="center"> 10 feet </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div align="center"> 115,000 - 138,000 volts </div> </td> <td> <div align="center"> 11 feet </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div align="center"> 230,000 volts </div> </td> <td> <div align="center"> 13 feet </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div align="center"> 500,000 volts </div> </td> <td> <div align="center"> 18 feet </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>
</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2><a class="anchorGlyph" name="P33_1409"></a>Rule 2: Stay calm - stay away</h2>
If you're operating a piece of equipment that comes into contact with a power line, identify your situation and follow the appropriate steps.</p> <table width="555" border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="188">
If...</p> </td> <td valign="top" width="353">
Then...</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="188">
You are not in danger from:</p>
You are:</p>
If a fellow worker is in danger</p>
If you are nearby when a fellow worker contacts a power line, follow the steps in the table below.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="58"> <p align="center">Step</p> </td> <td valign="top" width="444"> <p align="center">Action</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="58"> <p align="center">1</p> </td> <td valign="top" width="444">
Stay away.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="58"> <p align="center">2</p> </td> <td valign="top" width="444">
Warn your fellow workers to stay away.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="58"> <p align="center">3</p> </td> <td valign="top" width="444">
Ensure someone calls 911 for the police and fire rescue immediately. You can also call FPL at 1-800-4OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243).</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="tableborderzero" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="tableborderzero" valign="top" width="100%">
Remember, if you touch someone who is part of the path of electrical current, you'll become a part of that path, too - with potentially deadly results.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2><a class="anchorGlyph" name="P83_2719"></a>Rule 3: Ladders and power lines don't mix</h2>
Background
Aluminum ladders may be lightweight, easy to handle and strong, but always remember: Metal conducts electricity.</p>
How you can be injured</p>
If you are standing on or holding a metal ladder (or any other extended object) that contacts an energized power line, you become part of the electricity's path to ground. When that happens, you can be seriously injured or killed.</p>
General warning</p>
Be careful while carrying or positioning any kind of ladder, tool, equipment or extension. Even non-metallic items, such as fiberglass ladders, can conduct electricity if they are dirty or wet. Before raising or extending any kind of ladder, metal pole or other equipment capable of reaching a power line, make sure to check in all directions for power lines - and always remember Rule 1.</p> <h2><a class="anchorGlyph" name="P100_3543"></a>Rule 4: Call before you dig</h2>
Dig safely</p>
Smart digging means knowing where underground facilities are buried before you dig. This helps protect you and your employees from injury and reduces your liability for damaging underground facilities. To avoid costly repairs and construction delays, be sure to call Sunshine State One Call of Florida at 811 or 1-800-432-4770 at least 48 hours in advance of any excavation work (in accordance with the Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act - Florida Statute 556). You can also submit your locate request online at www.callsunshine.com.</p>
After you call</p>
Representatives from FPL and other utilities will:</p>
Locate marks must remain visible during construction. If marks are destroyed, you must stop digging and contact Sunshine State One Call to mark the facilities again.</p>
Always call before you dig so that you and your staff can work safely around underground facilities.</p> <h2><a class="anchorGlyph" name="P118_4042"></a>Rule 5: Look up and live</h2>
General rule - Always remember to look up and around when you work near overhead power lines.
When there are trees around, remember: Tree branches can obstruct your view of power lines, so take an even closer look around you before beginning work.</p>
If you can't avoid a power line, don't do the work!</p>
Some additional ways to be safe are:</p>
Background - If you see a line down, stay away. Do not touch it or attempt to move it! Call 1-800-4OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243) immediately. The sooner we learn about the problem, the sooner we can fix it.</p>
Use caution</p>
If a fellow worker touches a downed line or is handling equipment that contacts a power line, remember that any rescue attempt also places you in danger of receiving an electrical shock or injury. The farther away you stay from the equipment, the line and the person, the better your chances of not being injured yourself. Instead of attempting a rescue, call 911 for help.</p>
If you have to try to rescue a person in contact with a power line, never use your hands or any conductive material!</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>
Safe work habits are vital to your well-being.</p>
Safety is not just witty or entertaining slogans. Safety protects your eyes, fingers, arms, legs and...your life.</p>
It's easy to avoid the most common mistakes made around electric power lines. Following are six easy-to-remember rules that you can call the "Safety Six."</p> <h2><a class="anchorGlyph" name="P20_346"></a>Rule 1: Work a safe distance</h2>
Whenever work is to be performed near overhead lines, OSHA requires that you and any equipment or tools that you're operating or handling must be kept a safe distance from power lines. OSHA also requires that, if you're working near power lines, you either have the power lines de-energized and grounded, or that you take other protective measures BEFORE WORK IS STARTED. OSHA has prescribed certain distances that you, your tools and equipment must be kept at least 10 feet from power lines of 50,000 volts or less. For higher voltages, see table below. When uncertain of the voltage, stay 18 feet away (the maximum approach distance) or call FPL or your local utility for your area.</p> <table class="tableborderzero" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="tableborderzero" valign="top" width="100%">
If you are an employer, it is your responsibility to make sure that your employees are aware of the location of the power lines, the hazards involved and the protective measures to be taken. You must post warning signs, and make sure that anyone working from an elevated position stays outside of the minimum approach distance.</p> <table width="401" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5"> <tbody> <tr> <th scope="col" bgcolor="#CCCCFF">FPL Power Line Voltages</th> <th scope="col" bgcolor="#CCCCFF">OSHA Minimum
Approach Distance</th> </tr> <tr> <td> <div align="center"> 13,000 - 69,000 volts </div> </td> <td> <div align="center"> 10 feet </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div align="center"> 115,000 - 138,000 volts </div> </td> <td> <div align="center"> 11 feet </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div align="center"> 230,000 volts </div> </td> <td> <div align="center"> 13 feet </div> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <div align="center"> 500,000 volts </div> </td> <td> <div align="center"> 18 feet </div> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>
</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2><a class="anchorGlyph" name="P33_1409"></a>Rule 2: Stay calm - stay away</h2>
If...</p> </td> <td valign="top" width="353">
Then...</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="188">
You are not in danger from:</p>
- A fire or
- From being struck by a power line
- Move the rig away from the power line if you can
- Warn others not to touch you or the rig and to stay far away
- Have someone dial 911 and contact FPL at 1-800-4OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243) or your local utility.
You are:</p>
- In danger and
- Must get off the rig
- Jump as far as you can and land with both feet together
Note: No part of your body should touch the rig and the ground at the same time.
- Hop or shuffle away from the rig with your feet together to avoid becoming a conductor between two areas of the ground that are charged differently, and
- Once clear, don't return to the rig until a power company representative tells you it is safe to do so.
If a fellow worker is in danger</p>
If you are nearby when a fellow worker contacts a power line, follow the steps in the table below.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="58"> <p align="center">Step</p> </td> <td valign="top" width="444"> <p align="center">Action</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="58"> <p align="center">1</p> </td> <td valign="top" width="444">
Stay away.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="58"> <p align="center">2</p> </td> <td valign="top" width="444">
Warn your fellow workers to stay away.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="58"> <p align="center">3</p> </td> <td valign="top" width="444">
Ensure someone calls 911 for the police and fire rescue immediately. You can also call FPL at 1-800-4OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243).</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="tableborderzero" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="tableborderzero" valign="top" width="100%">
Remember, if you touch someone who is part of the path of electrical current, you'll become a part of that path, too - with potentially deadly results.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <h2><a class="anchorGlyph" name="P83_2719"></a>Rule 3: Ladders and power lines don't mix</h2>
Aluminum ladders may be lightweight, easy to handle and strong, but always remember: Metal conducts electricity.</p>
How you can be injured</p>
If you are standing on or holding a metal ladder (or any other extended object) that contacts an energized power line, you become part of the electricity's path to ground. When that happens, you can be seriously injured or killed.</p>
General warning</p>
Be careful while carrying or positioning any kind of ladder, tool, equipment or extension. Even non-metallic items, such as fiberglass ladders, can conduct electricity if they are dirty or wet. Before raising or extending any kind of ladder, metal pole or other equipment capable of reaching a power line, make sure to check in all directions for power lines - and always remember Rule 1.</p> <h2><a class="anchorGlyph" name="P100_3543"></a>Rule 4: Call before you dig</h2>
Smart digging means knowing where underground facilities are buried before you dig. This helps protect you and your employees from injury and reduces your liability for damaging underground facilities. To avoid costly repairs and construction delays, be sure to call Sunshine State One Call of Florida at 811 or 1-800-432-4770 at least 48 hours in advance of any excavation work (in accordance with the Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act - Florida Statute 556). You can also submit your locate request online at www.callsunshine.com.</p>
After you call</p>
Representatives from FPL and other utilities will:</p>
- Come to your site to locate underground equipment, or
- Call to inform you that no conflict exists with the dig site.
Locate marks must remain visible during construction. If marks are destroyed, you must stop digging and contact Sunshine State One Call to mark the facilities again.</p>
Always call before you dig so that you and your staff can work safely around underground facilities.</p> <h2><a class="anchorGlyph" name="P118_4042"></a>Rule 5: Look up and live</h2>
When there are trees around, remember: Tree branches can obstruct your view of power lines, so take an even closer look around you before beginning work.</p>
If you can't avoid a power line, don't do the work!</p>
Some additional ways to be safe are:</p>
- Make sure to stay a safe distance from power lines, no matter what type of tool you are using. Even non-metallic tools can conduct electricity if they are dirty or wet. So don't assume you're safe just because you're using tools or equipment made of fiberglass or wood.
- Watch for power lines whenever putting up scaffolding, framing a building, using long extension handles such as for bull-floating concrete, painting a building or pruning trees, or anytime you're using any tool or equipment capable of reaching a power line.
- For nursery operations, look up before moving a tree under a power line. Determine the maximum height that the machinery can lift the tree, and consider the height of the tree above the machinery, and keep the OSHA-required safe distance away. (See Safety Six Rule 1.)
- When working on top of buildings, always watch for power lines and stay a safe distance away.
- Before transporting large boats or relocating a house, call FPL to help you develop your proposed route to make your move safely.
Use caution</p>
If a fellow worker touches a downed line or is handling equipment that contacts a power line, remember that any rescue attempt also places you in danger of receiving an electrical shock or injury. The farther away you stay from the equipment, the line and the person, the better your chances of not being injured yourself. Instead of attempting a rescue, call 911 for help.</p>
If you have to try to rescue a person in contact with a power line, never use your hands or any conductive material!</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>
Call your local power provider and do nothing until they have seen your work place and are familiar with your work plan. Then follow their advice to the letter. It could save your life and the life of anyone assisting you. Take nothing for granted.wpnetdawg said: