Manager’s Message – June 2025
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Look Up for Power Lines
It can be easy to overlook things we see daily—including overhead power lines. Failure to notice overhead lines can be deadly. If you or an object you are touching contacts or gets too close to a power line, you could be seriously injured or killed.
Overhead power lines require 10 feet of clearance in all directions. This distance rule
applies to the power lines draped from pole to pole near roads—these are distribution
lines—and the drop-down lines that service homes or other structures.
If your job requires you to operate equipment near large transmission lines and
towers, these require even more clearance than distribution and drop-down lines. The
Occupational Safety and Health Administration determines that clearance.
Be mindful of overhead power lines when completing any task.
Home Maintenance
Always be aware of the location of power lines, particularly when using long tools such
as ladders, pool skimmers and pruning poles. Lower long tools and equipment before
moving or transporting them. Other safety tips include:
• Carry ladders and other long items horizontally whenever possible.
• Be careful when working on or around your roof.
• Never go on a roof in windy or bad weather.
Yard Work
When trimming trees, do not allow yourself or trimmers to come within 10 feet of
overhead power lines, including service lines to your home or outbuilding. Also:
• Do not trim trees near power lines. Instead, leave this to certified line clearance tree
trimmers.
• Do not use water or blower extensions to clean gutters near electric lines.
Farming
Review power line locations and other potential electrical hazards with all workers at
morning safety meetings. Equipment that could get too close or contact a power pole or line includes sprayer tips, combines, dump trucks, augers and other extensions.
At Work
Follow all OSHA distance requirements when operating dump trucks, cranes, concrete
pump truck extensions and when working on a roof or in a bucket.
Other reminders:
• Do not come within 50 feet of a downed or damaged power line. Warn others to stay
away. Call 911 to report it.
• Never climb trees near power lines. Even if the power lines are not touching the tree,
they could come in contact when weight is added to the branch.
Look up and look out for overhead power lines. Contact can happen in an instant. For
additional electrical safety tips, go to SafeElectricity.org.