As part of enhanced statewide safety efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently urged homeowners and contractors to be aware of potential electrical hazards while at home or at work, while also avoiding the possibility of accidents, injuries, and service disruptions.
Roofers, crane operators, and other construction workers are at the greatest risk of being seriously injured because of accidental contact with utility company power lines, but homeowners working with ladders and poles generate the second-highest number of incidents.
Spring is typically a time of year for increased interest in home improvement projects, but safety needs to be at the forefront of any work someone may be considering so they may help protect themselves and their family and also avoid further strains on the resources of utilities and first responders. In addition, a sharp increase in teleworking and more homebound activities raises additional concerns about home electric safety.
The PUC stressed that the best way to protect oneself, family members, and co-workers against the possibility of death, injury, service interruptions, or costly repairs is to identify hazards and develop proper safety plans before any work begins. Anyone planning work around power lines should check with their local utility for information about making the work area safer.
Additionally, the PUC encouraged homeowners and businesses to postpone nonessential work near power lines. The PUC noted that delaying the start of those projects can help safeguard against accidental damage and prevent unplanned outages during this stressful time, while also allowing utility crews to focus their resources on maintaining essential services.
The PUC also offered safety tips for working around the home. Safety tips include locating all overhead power lines before starting any project; staying at least 10 feet away from all overhead power lines and remaining at least 35 feet away from any downed lines; carrying ladders and equipment horizontally; looking all around before moving ladders or other equipment; avoiding touching any fallen lines or anything in contact with power lines, including sagging trees with broken limbs; never trying to remove trees or limbs from power lines; staying away from objects or puddles in contact with downed power lines; notifying the utility company of any issues; and providing utility crews with ample room to complete restoration and maintenance work on their facilities.
The PUC and Pennsylvania's utilities are committed to safety, and assistance is available to make work areas near electric utilities safe. For the safety of everyone involved - from contractors and homeowners to utility company workers and bystanders - the PUC urges people to review important safety information on the Electric Safety page of the PUC website and contact the local utility company when planning any project. The website is available at http://www.puc.pa.gov.
For residents either teleworking or virtually learning from home, the PUC provides several general electric safety tips. Residents should avoid overloading outlets; regularly inspect electrical cords and extension cords for damage; use extension cords only on a temporary basis; never run cords under rugs/carpets, doors, or windows; make sure cords do not become tripping hazards; never plug a space heater or fan into an extension cord or power strip; make sure their home has working smoke alarms; and unplug appliances when not in use to save energy and minimize the risk of shock or fire.
In a separate but related safety effort, the PUC recently joined the Pennsylvania One Call System (PA One Call) in asking homeowners and businesses contractors not to begin any nonessential excavation projects. The PUC and PA One Call noted that delaying the start of digging projects during the current pandemic can help safeguard against accidental damage to underground lines that could disrupt utility services and strain utility resources.
The PUC also reminds homeowners and contactors of their obligation to contact PA One Call at least three days before starting any excavation. PA One Call alerts all utilities within an intended digging area and prompts them to mark where facilities are located on their property. State residents can dial 811 to connect with the system, while non-Pennsylvania residents can dial 800-242-1776.
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