Scout's Toolbox Talks

Whether you’re working above ground or digging below, one rule always applies: assume every power line is live until proven otherwise — and even then, stay cautious.

Why It Matters

Contact with energized power lines is one of the leading causes of fatalities in construction. Some lines don’t spark, buzz, or show any visual signs — yet they carry deadly voltage. Mistaking a live line for a dead one is a mistake you don’t get a second chance to fix. Even underground lines can be just inches away from a shovel or bucket and just as lethal.

Key Points:

• Overhead Power Lines: Always maintain a minimum of 10 feet of clearance — that’s for standard voltage. Higher voltages require even greater distances. If you're unsure, call the utility provider and get a clearance assessment.
• Underground Lines: Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they’re safe. Underground electric, gas, and communication lines can run under driveways, lawns, or sidewalks. Use 811 or your local utility marking service before you dig.
• Verification Procedures: Only the utility company can declare a line de-energized — and they must do so in writing or official documentation. Don’t trust word of mouth.
• Insulated Equipment and Tools: When working near any power source, use tools designed for electrical proximity — especially with aerial lifts, excavators, or boom trucks.
• Secondary Hazards: Watch for conductive materials like ladders, pipes, rebar, or wet soil that could carry electricity if a line is struck.

✅ Power doesn’t forgive. When in doubt, stop work and verify.

Ask the Crew:

• Have all overhead and underground lines been identified on this job?
• Who’s responsible for verifying line status and marking boundaries?
• Do we all know what to do if someone contacts a power line?

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