Hazards of Electrical Transmission Lines and How to

Hazards of Electrical Transmission Lines and How to Mitigate Them When They Fall Colonel Robert Castle Director of Safety, Southwest Region

Hazards of Electrical Transmission Lines • Preventing injury to CAP members during ground operations • Talk about the hazards posed by electrical transmission lines • In the U. S. , an average of 400 people die from electrocution annually and an additional 4400 are injured • Identify the Hazards and risks • Develop Risk controls • Discussion

After the Disaster… • Members will be assigned to Air and Ground Teams • Potentially travel through or to the affected area • Roads may have uncleared storm debris • Power Company crews may not have reached the area

So, you’re driving along… • There are ‘cables’ lying across the road • Never drive over downed power lines • Always consider all electrical equipment, lines and conductors to be energized • Even electric lines that are not sparking or humming can electrocute you if you touch them or the ground nearby • Call 911 to report • Specific location and nature of the hazard

So, you’re driving along… • Remain in your vehicle • Downed wires can energize other nearby objects, such as: • Fences, water pipes, bushes, trees, buildings, and telephone/CATV/fiber optic cables • Manhole castings and reinforcement bars (rebar) in pavement can become energized by downed wires • Wind-blown objects such as canopies, aluminum roofs, siding, and sheds can also be energized

So, you’re driving along… • If contact is made with an energized power line while in a vehicle, remain calm and do not get out unless the vehicle is on fire • If you must exit because of fire or other safety reasons: • Try to jump completely clear, making sure that you do not touch the equipment and the ground at the same time • Land with both feet together and shuffle away in small steps to minimize the path of electric current and avoid electrical shock • Be careful to maintain your balance

When on foot… • Don’t approach downed lines or damaged electrical poles or towers • Always assume the line is “live” - it may not be humming or sparking • Be alert for ‘backfeed’ - a hazardous condition created when temporary sources of electricity (such as a generator) are connected to the damaged permanent system

When on foot… • Use caution if a portable generator is connected to a building • the damaged permanent system may allow electricity to flow inside and outside a structure through connected lines and equipment • If using a ladder, be aware of the location of overhead lines • Avoid using aluminum ladders if possible • When it doubt, steer clear!

Put your unit patch here Summary • Avoid driving over downed cables • Always assume that equipment/lines are energized • Be alert to your surroundings – including overhead • Report all hazards to 911

References • https: //www. osha. gov/Osh. Doc/data_General_Facts/downed_ele ctrical_wires. pdf. Provide links for members who want more information • https: //www. vititoelawgroup. com/2018/07/30/electrocution-acommon-hazard-at-home-or-at-work/