Be aware of the power lines where you live and work. Always assume power lines are live. This applies to power lines on utility poles as well as those entering your home or buildings. Even momentary contact can injure or kill. Always keep yourself, your equipment, and anything you carry at least 10 feet from power lines. If using a crane or derrick in construction, you may be required to maintain 20 feet of clearance or greater. Consult www.osha.gov for requirements. Even though you may notice a covering on a line, NEVER assume it is safe to touch. Stay Away. Stay Alive.
Never stand ladders near power lines. When working on or near ladders, keep all tools, the ladder, and anything you carry well away (at least 10 feet) from power lines.
Keep all cranes, scaffolding and high reach equipment away from power lines. Contact with a power line can cause serious burns or electrocution. Remember to work a safe distance from all power lines. When working in proximity to power lines keep yourself and equipment at least 10 feet from power lines. If using a crane or derrick in construction maintain a clearance of 20 feet from power lines. Consult www.osha.gov for clearances for all voltages.
Keep yourself and others away from any fallen power lines. You never know when they might be live. Call ComEd right away and report the location of the downed wires. If a line falls on your car, stay in your car. If you must get out of the car, jump clear, do not touch any part of your car and the ground at the same time and stay clear of the fallen line.
Do not climb or trim trees near power lines and keep children from doing the same. Hire a qualified contractor to trim trees near power lines. Contact ComEd if you have any questions about removing limbs or trees near power lines.
You are required by law to call 811 to locate gas, electric, and telephone lines before you dig. Whether you are planting a tree, building a fence or laying foundation, contacting a line with a shovel or pick can damage power lines — and injure or kill.
Contact ComEd if you are conducting any work or activity that may bring yourself, your equipment, and anything you carry within ten feet of a power line.
If you plan to do any work near service lines to your home, please consult page 26 of the Residential Electric Service Installation guide (pdf) for the appropriate clearances. This guide provides the minimum clearances listed below. Exercise extreme caution near live wires. Do not attempt to measure exact distances to live wires due to danger of electrocution.
