Outdoor Electrical Safety

Most people think injuries happen by chance or “accident” a word that implies something that can’t be foreseen or avoided. But electrical injuries typically can be both foreseen and avoided.
 

Working Outside Your Home:

If you are using a ladder or erecting scaffolding, always be aware of overhead power lines. Your ladder should be wooden or fiberglass; metal is a good conductor of electricity.

When installing an antenna, position it at least 1.5 times its total length away from power lines and maintain a safe distance of at least 10 feet. If the antenna starts to fall during installation, let it go and stay away.

Ensure your outside receptacles are protected by ground fault circuit interrupters and test them periodically.

Ensure garden tools and appliances have three prong plugs and electrical cords are not frayed.

If your project requires digging, trenching or tilling and you’re not sure whether you have an underground electrical service, call Newfoundland Power before you start.

Always plant trees away from power lines. A mature tree can grow into power lines and when it’s necessary to prune the tree, it can become a hazard. Click here to learn more about being Tree Smart.

Kids and Electrical Safety:

Fly kites and model planes in open fields away from power lines. If a kite or model aircraft becomes entangled in a power line, never try to retrieve it. Call Newfoundland Power for assistance.

Use only plain string for kite lines. Wire or cords containing metal threads could pose a shock hazard if they accidentally touch power lines.

Parents, be sure to teach children the meaning of danger signs and to never tamper with guy wires, insulators or other electrical equipment.

Tell your children about the dangers of climbing electrical poles or entering substation yards. Fences around electric substations are there for a good reason: to keep people away from possible danger. Attempting to enter a substation yard, climbing a substation fence or damaging the electrical equipment contained within the yard are dangerous activities that can result in serious harm to your child.

Do not try to retrieve a ball, or other toy, from inside a substation fence. Contact Newfoundland Power for assistance.

Do not swim in reservoirs around hydroelectric generating plants. The operation of the plant may cause water conditions in the reservoir to change quickly, creating strong underwater currents that can overpower even the strongest swimmer.

When Enjoying the Great Outdoors:

Keep safety in mind when you use your snowmobile or ATV. Stay away from snow banks near power lines and substations. If traveling over a power line right-of-way, be especially cautious of guy wires, which may not be as noticeable during winter conditions.

Reservoirs around hydroelectric generating plants are not safe for snowmobiling, ice fishing or other recreational activities. The operation of the plant may cause water conditions in the reservoir to change quickly, creating strong underwater currents and unstable ice conditions.

Contact with a power line could be deadly. Cutting a tree that could fall into a power line can be very dangerous. Never attempt to remove a tree that has fallen into a power line. This action could result in serious injury, even death.

Insulators, crossarms or utility poles should never be used for target practice. One thoughtless shot at a power line can cause a power outage to homes, hospitals and businesses. You are also jeopardizing the safety of those who may unknowingly come in contact with downed wires.

Electricity travels at the speed of light, about 186,000 miles per second. At that speed, you don’t get a warning. There is no time to react. Safety is our priority. Make it yours too!