Working outdoors — whether you’re a homeowner doing some routine maintenance, a contractor managing a large project or anyone operating equipment near power lines — means safety should always come first. At PPL Electric Utilities, we remind you to “look up and live,” because awareness around overhead power lines can save lives.

Why awareness matters

You don’t have to touch a power line to be in danger. Electricity can jump, or “arc, “through the air. This invisible hazard means that simply getting too close can cause serious injury or even death.

Every year, hundreds of construction workers tragically lose their lives due to contact with electrical lines, according to OSHA. Don’t become a statistic.

Safety tips: Staying safe near overhead lines

Before beginning any outdoor project, large or small, always:

1. Check your surroundings: Look up and around carefully before setting up ladders, scaffolding, cranes or using long tools.
2. Keep a safe distance: We recommend at least a 10-foot minimum clearance for lines up to 50,000 volts. Higher voltage lines require even greater distance.
3. Know your equipment: Understand the height and reach of cranes, ladders and extended tools. Always assume overhead power lines are energized.
4. Use : When operating heavy equipment, have someone on the ground guiding you to avoid overhead hazards.

Special rules for specific equipment

• Cranes and heavy machinery: Follow OSHA’s strict clearance rules. Consider creating visual diagrams showing safe distances to enhance your team’s understanding.
• Ladders and tools: Carry them horizontally, not vertically. Store and use them far away from overhead lines.

What to do if contact occurs

If your equipment contacts a power line:

• Stay inside the vehicle until utility personnel confirm it’s safe to exit. Electricity could still be flowing.
• If you must exit due to fire or another emergency: Jump clear without touching the equipment and ground simultaneously. Land with both feet together and shuffle away, keeping feet close together.

Call before you dig — dial 811

Don’t forget about underground safety, too. Call 811 before starting any excavation project to have underground utilities marked safely.

Questions or concerns? We’re here to help.

Your safety matters most. Before you start working near power lines, contact PPL Electric Utilities at 1-800-342-5775. We’re ready to assist and ensure your project stays safe.

Visit pplelectric.com/safety, OSHA.gov and esfi.org for additional safety tips and resources.

Stay safe and stay aware – look up and live!