Whether you're running heavy equipment or using handheld tools, working outdoors can put you dangerously close to overhead and underground utility lines. A line strike can cause outages, fires, serious injury or death.

Look up: Overhead power line safety

• Survey the job site each day for overhead lines, poles, guy wires and pad-mounted equipment. Check carefully for lines hidden by trees or buildings.
• Assume all overhead lines are energized, including service drops from poles to buildings. Keep clear unless the utility confirms that a line is not energized.
• Set a clear boundary: Keep workers, tools, ladders and equipment at least 10 feet from power lines. When using cranes or derricks, keep at least 20 feet away. Follow OSHA guidelines for clearance at different voltages.
• Use a dedicated spotter to keep you, your crew, and your equipment a safe distance from power lines.

Dig Safely: Underground utitlity lines

• Pre-mark the excavation area with white paint (use black on snow), flags, chalk, lath or whiskers.
• Call 811 or udigny.org before you dig to have lines marked. Every job needs a locate request, even small ones.
• Wait for utilities to mark their lines before digging.
• Expose marked utilities carefully by hand or with soft excavation to verify location and depth.
• Report any utility strike or damage to the facility owner. Never cover up damage.

If equipment contacts a power line:

• Stay on the equipment. Tell others to stay back.
• Call 911 and the electric utility right away.
• Do not exit the cab until utility workers say it's safe.
• If fire or other danger forces you off, jump clear and do not touch the equipment and ground at the same time. Land with your feet together. Shuffle away with both feet on the ground or hop away with both feet together.

Work safely to protect yourself, your crew and the public. Review your crew's emergency plan so that everyone knows what to do if a line is contacted.