I want to do some yard work, how can I be sure it’s safe with the power lines and underground electrical wires?

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These “Above and below” power line safety tips from Consumers Energy can help save lives, especially in the summer when Michigan residents are doing yard work and participating in outdoor activities

power-line-red-flag

Now that the summer heat has returned to Michigan, Consumers Energy is reminding the public to stay safe while working and playing outside, and to especially consider the power lines “above and below.” This goes for whether people are looking up to perform chores on a ladder, catching wind to fly a kite or hoist a sail, or excavate for a project.

Today our attorneys would like to share some of these important, life-saving safety tips from Consumers Energy. While we often warn our clients and readers about utility companies that aim to mitigate responsibility after an electrocution accident, we’re happy Consumers Energy, one of the largest utility companies in Michigan, is taking some proactive measures aimed at preventing electrocution and electric shock injuries.

In a recent press release, Consumers Energy advises Michigan residents to keep the following simple safety tips in mind:

  1. Always “look up and look out” for overhead electric lines when participating in outdoor activities.
  2. Always assume a power line is energized and therefore dangerous.
  3. Stay away from power lines and teach children to do the same.
  4. Then, look up and look down.

“Look up” power line safety tips

Look up for trees: Never climb trees near overhead power lines or allow children to play near electrical equipment, and always avoid trees that have power lines running through them. If a tree branch breaks and lands on an electric line, do not touch the branch or wire.

Look up when flying toys: Don’t fly kites, model airplanes and radio-controlled devices near power lines, transformers, substations and radio antenna. These items can cause an electrical injury, power outage or fire if they become tangled in power lines. Also, do not try to remove anything from power lines if one of your toys gets stuck.

“Look down” power line safety tips

Many people ask our electrocution lawyers what they can do to stay safe and consider the overhead powerlines, as well as the underground powerlines, before taking on outdoor projects. Before undertaking small digging projects like planting bushes and trees, to large jobs like installing decks and fences, it’s important to “know what’s below” the ground. Here’s how you can find out:

  • Contact MISS DIG 811 by calling 811 or online at MISSDIG811.org at least three working days in advance of digging to have underground utilities marked by flags or paint. This is a free service and will help avoid potentially dangerous dig-in damages to underground utility lines.
  • Confirm all underground facilities have been marked before you dig by checking Positive Response by calling 811 or visiting response.missdig811.org.
  • Once you are sure underground lines have been marked, respect the marks, hand expose to verify their location and dig with care.
  • Teach children to leave the colored staking flags in the ground so safe digging can occur.

Avoid power lines in all situations

In particular, here are some situations where it’s important to be cognizant of power lines, and to avoid them:

  1. When moving a ladder or cleaning gutters.
  2. When working on top of a building.
  3. When installing an antenna or satellite dish.
  4. When trimming trees.
  5. When completing outside painting projects.
  6. When moving a boat or sailboat.
  7. When cleaning a pool with metal handle tools (here’s a blog post I wrote about preventing electrocution in the pool this summer).

Safety standards require that anyone working near power lines stay at least 10 feet away, including any tools or equipment being used. Metal ladders, cranes and other specialized equipment require 20 feet of clearance, according to Consumers Energy. If your project requires you or your equipment to be positioned within the minimum safety distances, contact Consumers Energy so other arrangements can be made to ensure safety (such as de-energizing the power line).

 

Jeffrey feldman

Author 
Jeffrey H. Feldman
Electrocution Lawyer

Jeffrey has tried more electrocution cases than most other injury lawyers in the country. He’s also secured several multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients, many who have lost loved ones in electrocution accidents.

5 stars

He’s an honest lawyer. If he takes on a case, it’s because he truly believes in it.

– L.B.