Table of Contents
What happens when you hit an underground cable?
When underground cables are damaged, people can be killed and injured by electric shock, electrical arcs (causing an explosion), and flames. This often results in severe burns to hands, face and body, even if protective clothing is being worn.
What do you do if you hit a utility line?
If you hit a gas line, you should immediately evacuate everyone out of the area. Clear out an area of at least 100 feet, and turn off all power equipment in the same range. That means electrical as well as any gas-powered machines. Battery-powered flash lights or task lights should also be off.
Can underground power line shock you?
Are underground power lines a better, safer alternative to above-ground utility poles? Yes, you won’t have to worry about being at risk of electrocution from a downed power line. There is no risk of electrocution from a dilapidated wooden utility pole falling on you or on your car, putting you in harm’s way.
How do I stop digging wires?
Always use insulated tools. Power tools or machinery should not be used within 0.5m of pipes or cables. Excavating alongside the services and then digging horizontally to expose them is best practice as it greatly reduces the risk of damage through downwards pressure.
How do I check services before digging?
Look out for signs in the surrounding area, such as meter and fuse boxes, electricity pillar boxes, consumer units, utility indicator markers and manhole covers. Consider hand-digging trial holes to expose the services before using any electric or mechanical excavation tool.
Can you get electrocuted if you’re not touching the ground?
You can even receive a shock when you are not in contact with an electrical ground. Contact with both live wires of a 240-volt cable will deliver a shock.
Is it better to have power lines underground?
The short answer is, yes, underground is preferable to overhead, mostly due to the protection feeders get from being buried, but underground service equipment can be much more expensive than similar overhead feeds, and both come with significant safety concerns.
What happens if you hit a utility line while digging?
This work identifies where the utility pipes and lines are around your home. If you do not have this work carried out you run the risk of hitting utility pipes or lines while you are digging. We are going to examine the potential consequences if you do not have utility mapping completed.
What should you do if you hit an underground cable?
In the unfortunate case you do accidentally hit any underground assets, follow below-mentioned advice: The first and foremost thing that you need to do is stop the work and ensure that the crew and everyone on site are safe. For instance, if an electrical cable was hit, the site might become electrically faulty or perhaps someone was electrocuted.
What to do if you hit a gas pipe while digging?
The only way to know for certain where utility lines and pipes are is to have utility mapping work carried out. If you do not have this work carried out then you run the risk of accidently hitting a water pipe, gas pipe or electricity cable. Obviously, hitting any of these can be inconvenient, costly and potentially dangerous.
What happens if you hit an electrical cable?
Damage to electrical wiring from drilling into walls is a surprisingly frequent phenomenon – especially when buildings are being renovated. Not only do the lights go out, but you usually blow a fuse as well. With a bit of luck, you might only have to repair the cable sheath.