Overhead Power Line Safety

Overhead Power Line Safety

In Alberta, there are thousands of kilometres of power lines, most of which are overhead in rural areas and underground in the larger cities. They are necessary to transmit electricity to hundreds of Alberta communities, farms, businesses and homes. These lines follow the standards set by the Alberta Electrical Utility Code and it is reviewed and updated as needed. 

Regardless of this rigour in Alberta’s electricity industry, there are still hundreds of power line contacts each year, with both underground and overhead power lines. 

Overhead contacts are largely attributed to a few issues:

• Miscalculation of an over-height load
• The height and width of farm equipment, which has doubled in the last 50 years
• The height of certain types of construction equipment, such as trackhoes and cranes and not maintaining a safe distance of 7 metres on a work site
• Loss of control of a motor vehicle, contacting a power pole and bringing down a power line

Every day in Alberta, these power lines contacts have the potential to seriously injure or kill someone. There are other costs as well, to utility’s assets and social costs because of power outages. 

Alberta’s electric utilities all agree that they would rather be contacted directly first if someone is unsure how much clearance to maintain under their lines. Power lines are many different voltages, each with its own safe limit of approach. Environmental factors such as moisture and heat can also affect limits of approach. 

The mantra started by Alberta’s utilities working collaboratively asks, "Where’s the Line?” It is also promoted by the Utility Safety Partners who have expanded the question to include other lines like gas, telecommunication, pipeline, water, etc. 

What it comes down to is that you should stay seven metres safe from overhead power lines. Before starting any job, create a safety plan identifying overhead power lines. Call the respective electric utility who will direct or assist you if you need to get any closer. For more information, visit. UtilitySafety.ca

Utility Safety Partners Education & Awareness Committee