Electrical Safety Tips

Electrical hazards can cause burns, shocks and electrocution (death).

• Assume that all overhead wires are energized at lethal voltage.  Never assume that a wire is safe to touch if it is down or appears to be insulated.
• Never touch a fallen overhead power line.  Call the electrical utility company to report fallen electrical lines.
• Stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from overhead wires during cleanup and other activities.  if working at heights or handeling long objects, survey the area before starting work for the presence of overhead wires.
• If an overhead wire falls arcoss your vehicle while you are driving, stay inside the vehicle and continue to drive away from the line.  It the engine stalls, do not leave your vehicle.  Warn people not to touch the vehicle or the wire.  Call or ask someone to call the local electric utility company and emergency services.
• Never operate electrical equipment while you are standing in water.
• Have a qualified electrician inspect electrical equipment that has gotten wet before energizing it.
• If working in damp locations, inspect electric cords and equipment to ensure that they are in good condition and free of defects, and use ground-fault circuit inertruption (GFCI).
• Always use caution when working near electricity.

For more complete information contact U.S. Department of Labor at 800-321-OSHA or www.osha.gov