Ladders are great tools for cleaning gutters,
painting, roof repairs, putting up antennas. But sometimes the work areas
also include electric lines -- usually the drop lines from nearby utility
poles, and sometimes even nearby overhead utility power lines. And these
lines don't mix with ladders.
Here are some tips to keep you safe:
Keep all ladders and other tools in the SAFE ZONE, at
least 10 feet from any power lines.
Never count on a power line to
be insulated, no matter what it looks like. Most utility power lines are not
insulated.
Don't count on a wooden ladder
to protect you. Wood will conduct electricity. So will wet, dirty and defective
ladders of any kind. Fiberglass ladders are best, but even they are no guarantee
of safety.
Before you use a ladder, check
the area carefully for power lines or other electrical equipment. Pick a safe
route to carry the ladder to the work area, then carry it horizontally--never
upright. Put it up only where you have to work. Always make sure that, if
the ladder fell, it would not contact any power lines or other electrical
equipment.
When you're on a ladder, balance
and control aren't at their best. Be careful with pipes, conduits, gutters,
antennas and other long objects. Never hold them in a position where they
could fall onto a power line. Remember that distances are deceiving from the
top of a ladder and make sure you don't lift an antenna or other object up
into an overhead line.
Safety Brochures
A brochure about safety around power lines is available
to the public at no charge. To request brochures, send
us an e-mail with your address and the quantity needed. Brochures
are available in English and Spanish. You also can view or print a PDF
version in English
and Spanish
(large files; allow time for download).
Electrical Safety Campaigns
If you'd like to organize an electrical safety campaign
for your organization, contact the National Electrical Safety Foundation
for more information, or contact
us.
