What to Do if You Hit a Power Line While Digging: Safety Protocols and Steps to Follow

Accidents can happen, especially during digging or construction projects. If you accidentally hit a power line while digging, it is crucial to follow specific safety protocols to minimize danger and ensure your well-being and that of others around you. This article outlines the immediate steps to take if such a situation arises.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

When you've hit a power line while digging, the first thing to do is to stay calm. Avoid panicking because this will help you think more clearly. Once you've taken a moment to calm down, assess whether there is any immediate danger in the area.

Avoid Contact with the Power Line

Do not touch the power line or anything that might be in contact with it. Electricity can travel through conductors, and any object you touch could become live. Even the ground itself can become charged if it touches the power line, so stay away from the area to avoid electrical shock.

Move Away from the Area

With the power line assessed and understood, carefully move away from the area. If you or your equipment are in contact with the power line, do so slowly to avoid creating a spark or arc that could distribute electricity. Maintain a safe distance and use a non-conductive object if possible.

Call Emergency Services

Immediately dial emergency services such as 911 in the United States. Make sure to inform them that a power line has been struck and provide a clear description of your location. Providing accurate information can help emergency personnel arrive faster and with the appropriate equipment.

Notify the Utility Company

Notify the local utility company of the damaged line. Utility companies have specialized equipment and trained staff to handle electrical emergencies, and they can help ensure that the danger is contained and that the line is repaired as soon as possible.

Ensure the Area is Evacuated

Make sure that anyone near the area moves to a safe distance. Keep the area clear to avoid any potential hazards, including further electrical discharge. Do not allow unauthorized persons to approach the area until it is safe.

Follow Safety Protocols

If you are part of a construction or excavation team, follow your organization's safety protocols. This may include establishing a safe perimeter around the area, using clear safety cones and markers, and ensuring that all team members follow proper procedures.

Establish Proper Precautions

Before starting any digging project, it is vital to call 811 (or the analogous line in your region) to locate underground utilities. This can prevent accidents and ensure that you are aware of where utility lines are buried. If utility marking services refuse to mark lines on private property, make sure to follow up and ensure they have marked the correct location.

Personal Safety Checks

During any emergency situation, it's important to check your pulse. If it stops, you are not in a position to assess the situation further and should immediately call 911. Make sure you understand the exact location of utility lines before starting any digging work. If a marking service is off by more than 3 feet (1 meter), you can adjust the markers to ensure safety.

In conclusion, hitting a power line while digging can be a serious and potentially dangerous situation. By staying calm, avoiding contact with the power line, moving away from the area, calling emergency services, notifying the utility company, evacuating the area, and following safety protocols, you can help ensure your own and others' safety. Always prioritize caution and safety when working with potentially hazardous equipment and constructions.