Contractors urged to work safe near power lines

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Newfoundland Power are urging contractors and operators to keep safety around power lines top of mind as this yearÂ’s construction season ramps up.

"At this time of year the level of construction activities throughout the province are increasing, meaning more contractors and operators of heavy equipment machinery working near power lines," says Jim Haynes, HydroÂ’s Vice President of Regulated Operations. "We are deeply concerned by the number of contacts with power lines weÂ’ve seen over the past few years, and we are urging the public to be aware of the dangers associated with electricity and to take the appropriate precautions when working around power lines."

In 2011, Hydro and Newfoundland Power recorded 43 line contacts by the public 12 by Hydro and 31 by Newfoundland Power. So far in 2012, there have been 15 line contacts three by Hydro and 12 by Newfoundland Power.

The majority of these incidents have involved contractors and operators using large equipment such as excavators, dump trucks, booms, cranes, tractors and trailers. Other power line contacts have involved members of the general public engaged in construction projects around the home and trimming or cutting trees for firewood near power lines.

"As utilities, our top priority is to ensure the safety of employees, contractors and the public," emphasized Gary Smith, Vice President Engineering and Operations, Newfoundland Power Inc. "Working with Hydro, our objective is to continue to raise awareness among those who work around power lines, reminding them to take precautions to ensure the safety of themselves and others."

Smith says by taking the time to locate and ensure adequate clearances from overhead and underground power lines before beginning work, electrical contacts can be prevented.

Related News

starting-texas-schools-after-labor-day

Starting Texas Schools After Labor Day: Power Grid and Cost Benefits?

TEXAS - As Texas faces increasing demands on its power grid, a new proposal is gaining traction: starting the school year after Labor Day. This idea, reported by the Dallas News, suggests that delaying the start of the academic year could help alleviate some of the pressure on the state’s electricity grid during the peak summer months, potentially leading to both grid stability and financial savings. Here’s an in-depth look at how this proposed change could impact Texas’s energy landscape and education system.

The Context of Power Grid Strain

Texas's power grid, operated by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), has…

READ MORE
humidity electricity

Scientists generate 'electricity from thin air.' Humidity could be a boundless source of energy.

READ MORE

bangkok electric train

Power bill cut for 22m Thailand houses

READ MORE

large solar panels

U.S. Senate Looks to Modernize Renewable Energy on Public Land

READ MORE

is-ontario-power-cost-effective

Is Ontario's Power Cost-Effective?

READ MORE