Two accidents near pylons and power cables occurred on Saturday morning on the territory of Quebec while the victims were working at height, situations that, however, could be avoided by implementing various safety measures.
It is not uncommon for unqualified people to have electrical accidents when working on the roof of a house or when trimming hedges. However, there are basic rules to avoid electrocution.
“Basically, it is important to ensure that there is a distance of at least three meters between the person and the electrical installations,” explains Jonathan Côté, spokesman for Hydro-Québec.
However, the latter mentioned that while many people keep the safe distance, they forget to check that all their tools are also keeping this distance.
“The object could then become electrically conductive, posing a risk of electrocution or electrification,” he said.
The Arc Phenomenon
An electric shock is possible even without touching the wire. This is called the arcing phenomenon, the spokesman for Hydro-Quebec also explained.
To understand this phenomenon a little better, Crown Corporation has described it on their website.
“Think of that game where you rub your feet on the carpet to ‘shock’ someone. You don’t have to touch the other person to electrocute them: static electricity flows in an arc between you. The same applies to medium-voltage lines, but with deadly consequences,” we can read.
If in doubt, consult the professionals
Of course, since the safety measures are numerous, it is doubtful when it is time to carry out work at height. Therefore, it is important to contact the right people.
“If you have any doubts, you can always contact Hydro-Québec or hire professionals who will carry out the work in complete safety,” said Mr. Côté, who reminds us that felling a tree should always be done by professionals to avoid it any accident.
To learn more about security measures, simply go to https://www.hydroquebec.com/securite/.
Here are the links for more information on safety around power lines.
• General network security website: https://www.hydroquebec.com/securite/
• Dangerous activities near power lines: https://www.hydroquebec.com/securite/lignes-distribution/situations-dangereuses.html
• What to check BEFORE starting outdoor work to avoid electrical accidents: https://www.hydroquebec.com/securite/lignes-distribution/verifier-avant-travaux.html
• BEFORE you prune or fell any tree, complete this short questionnaire: https://www.hydroquebec.com/securite/lignes-distribution/eviter-accidents-elagage-abattage-arbres.html
• Link to find a professional vegetation master: https://www.siaq.org/l-arboriculture/recherche-de-professionnel/?service=%C3%A9lagage&HydroQuebec=false®ion=0#ancreResultats