Where’s the Line
Look Up And Live
Make a plan before working near overhead power lines
Overhead energy and utility lines pose a risk to anyone working near them. Any activity within 7 metres of an overhead power line puts you, and others working nearby, at risk of serious injury or even death.
Most incidents involving overhead energy and utility lines occur while equipment is being operated or transported. Even if the equipment doesn’t make direct contact, electricity can arc or “jump” from the power line to any conductive object.
Find your location on the Look Up and Live map and make a plan to stay safe near overhead energy and utility lines.
Remember these steps for working safely near power lines
Step 1:
Plan Your Route
Before operating any equipment, evaluate the surrounding area for potential hazards. Use the Look Up and Live map to plan a route that keeps the highest point of your equipment at least 7 metres away from overhead lines.
Learn more about High Risk Activities and how to minimize the risk of contacting overhead power lines.
Step 2:
Don’t Forget Your Spotter
Alberta law requires you to have a spotter on the ground to assist in identifying hazards and safe limits of approach when operating equipment.
Learn more about spotting safely on the worksite.
Step 3:
Contact Your Local Utility
If you have to work within 7 metres of an overhead line, always contact your local utility before any work begins to de-energize the lines and secure the site.
What to do if you contact a live power line
If your vehicle or equipment comes into contact with a power line or transformer, here’s how to safely react to minimize the danger to yourself and others.
Step 1:
Stay in your vehicle or equipment and warn others to stay back at least 10 metres.
Step 2:
If your vehicle or equipment is still running and it’s safe to do so, carefully move it out of contact with the power equipment and at least 10 metres away, then park/shut down.
If your vehicle or equipment is immobilized, remain inside and instruct others to stay back at least 10 metres.
Step 3:
Call emergency services (911) and your local utility company for assistance.
If your vehicle or equipment needs to be abandoned (e.g. catches fire), follow these steps for exiting safely.
WARNING: Only attempt if it is no longer safe to remain in your vehicle or equipment.
Step 1:
Remove any loose clothing and leave your belongings (e.g. purses, bags, etc.) behind.
Step 2:
Open the door and carefully step onto the metal frame of your vehicle or equipment. Prepare to jump by looking for the flattest spot on the ground and crossing your arms across your chest, tucking in your elbows.
The goal is to avoid touching your vehicle or equipment and the ground at the same time as it could bridge a gap for the electricity to flow through you in order to reach the ground.
Step 3:
Jump with your feet together and keep them together when you land, crouching slightly to help you keep your balance. This is more important than how far you jump. If your feet are apart, it could create a bridge for electricity to run through you.
Step 4:
Slowly shuffle (with both feet on the ground at all times) at least 10 metres away from your vehicle or equipment. If you need to quickly reach safety and the ground is flat and level, hop with both feet together.
Step 5:
Call emergency services (911) and your local utility company for assistance.