Telescopic pole over head power line safety

Composite Poles wishes to remind all users of our poles about the possible hazards associated with working near overhead power lines (OHPLs).

Increased awareness, caution, and focus are essential when operating telescopic poles, ladders, or scaffolding in the proximity of OHPLs at residential or commercial properties

Assess your surroundings for electrical power lines, Look out Look up

  • Be mindful of the risks associated with working near or beneath overhead power lines (OHPLs). Always assume they are live, as electricity can arc across gaps. Plan your work carefully and identify the locations of OHPLs in advance.
  • Take into account your position on the ground and the reach of your equipment (e.g., telescopic tools), ensuring that when fully extended, it does not encroach on or breach the exclusion zone. As a general rule, maintain a minimum distance of 5 metres to stay safe.
  • If you are uncertain whether the lines are power or telephone (a common error), always treat them as live power lines to err on the side of caution.
  • When working at night or in poor visibility, use spotlights or a torch to thoroughly check for OHPLs before commencing work or operating any equipment that might come into contact with them.
  • Electricity companies typically do not shroud high-voltage lines, and even shrouding on low-voltage lines is not intended to protect against contact with tools or equipment. Therefore, maintaining a safe distance is critical.
  • If in doubt, contact your local electricity network operator for guidance and follow their advice before beginning any work.

In case of an Emergency

If a person or object comes into contact with an overhead line, immediately move to a safe distance, well away from the area of damage. Avoid touching anything that is in contact with or near the electrical equipment, and maintain a minimum distance of 5 metres at all times.

In case of an emergency, call 999 and 105, ensuring you inform them that electricity is involved.

Types of Electrical Injuries and how to prevent them

There are four primary types of injuries that can result from exposure to electricity. Below, we’ll outline each type and offer practical advice on how to prevent them.

Injury type: Electrical Burns

Burns can result from electrical short circuits or direct contact with electrical currents. When an electrical arc occurs, the intense heat produced can cause surface or deep tissue burns, depending on the energy released. Additionally, burns may occur when an electric current passes through the body, heating body tissues and causing both external and internal damage.

To minimise the risk of these injuries, it’s essential to avoid contact with live electricity. Here are some effective tips for prevention:

  • Inspect Power Cords: Ensure all extension leads and power cords are in good condition before use. If you notice any damage, dispose of them immediately and replace them with new ones.
  • Qualified Personnel Only: Electrical equipment should only be handled by qualified electricians, and it must be properly de-energised and made safe before any work begins.
  • Avoid High-Voltage Areas: Stay clear of high-voltage equipment, which should be clearly labelled with “Danger of Death” warning signs to indicate the risk.
  • Keep Water Away: Ensure water is kept far from any electrical conductors to minimise the risk of short circuits or electric shocks.
  • In Case of Electrical Contact: If you suspect someone is in contact with live electrical conductors, do not attempt to touch them. Refer to the guidance provided at the end of this leaflet for the correct emergency procedures.

Injury type: Electric shock

The next type of electrical injury is electric shock which occurs when you come into contact with an electrical energy source. When you get an electric shock, it can burn you and give you anything from a mild jolt to more serious jolts that in some cases can be life-threatening. Electric shocks most commonly occur when working with faulty electrical tools and machinery as well as coming into contact with faulty power cords or exposed conductors on overhead power lines. To avoid electric shocks, it is important to:

  • Inspect Equipment Regularly: Always check that machinery and equipment are in proper working condition before use. Pay particular attention to ensure there are no exposed wires caused by cracked or damaged insulation.
  • Report Damage Immediately: If you come across damaged or faulty electrical equipment, do not approach or attempt to use it. Report the issue to a qualified professional who can repair it safely.
  • Avoid Water: Never operate electrical tools or equipment near water, as this significantly increases the risk of electric shock or equipment failure.

Injury type: Electrocution

Electrocution means death by electric shock. Electrocution occurs when the current flowing through the body passes through the heart and causes it to stop beating properly. This can occur at low levels of current.

  • Maintain a Safe Distance: Always keep a safe distance from overhead power lines, as any contact can result in serious injury or electrocution.
  • Leave Electrical Work to Professionals: Only qualified electricians should handle wiring or perform tasks involving electricity. They must use the appropriate fuses, circuit breakers, and wiring to ensure safety during installations and repairs.
  • Prioritise Safety: If there is even the slightest risk of coming into contact with electricity, stop immediately and seek professional advice before proceeding.

Injury type: Falls

An electrical shock can cause you to lose your balance, leading to a fall and turning a minor incident into a serious workplace injury. To reduce the risk of this happening, ensure that you:

  • Keep a Safe Distance: Always stay well away from electrical equipment when working at height, especially near overhead power lines. Before starting any task, assess the situation and explore safer alternatives to complete the job.
  • Inspect Equipment Thoroughly: Prior to using any equipment while working at height, ensure it is in perfect working order, with no faults or damage that could compromise safety.
  • Choose the Right Support: Use the safest and most appropriate ladder or scaffolding for the job, ensuring it is stable, secure, and suitable for the conditions.

Key points

When using telescopic poles for any work at height

  • “Look Out – Look Up”: Before starting any work, conduct a thorough risk assessment by observing the surrounding area for overhead electrical assets. Look both around your workspace and directly above where you plan to place the pole to identify any nearby lines, wires, or cables.
  • Secure Equipment: Ensure that extension poles are stable and cannot fall onto electrical conductors, even in the event of an accident.
  • Identify Overhead Wires Accurately: Never assume overhead wires are telephone cables. Many power lines on wooden poles may resemble telephone lines, so exercise caution.
  • Inspect for Electrical Cables: Pay close attention to overhead mains electricity cables and wires running from houses to garages, sheds, or other adjacent buildings.
  • Err on the Side of Caution: If there is any uncertainty about working near electrical hazards, avoid proceeding and seek expert advice.
  • Consider Weather Conditions: Wet weather and high winds can increase the risks associated with electricity:
    • Rain, wet hands, or wet feet heighten the chance of conducting electricity.
    • Strong winds can move poles sideways, potentially making contact with adjacent electrical wires.
  • Use Trained Professionals: Only individuals with the appropriate training, certification, and experience should perform work near electrical hazards to ensure safety.