In an effort to help educate first responders so that they can perform their jobs safely and effectively, Liberty Utilities provides valuable information on responding to electrical emergencies.
Most electrical fires can be traced to overheated circuits and overloaded equipment. When abused, insulation may melt or burn, exposing live wires. Learn what to do in the event of a fire and how to avoid having one.
Powerlines, substations, and transformers all contain “live” parts that can be dangerous to contact. Whether uninsulated overhead powerlines or underground powerlines, it’s important to exercise caution around any electrical system.
Purchasing an electric generator as a standby system can help prepare for the possibility of a power outage. However, generators may pose a serious safety hazard if not used and installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure to follow all safety guidelines when using a generator.
Need to dig? Call 811. It’s the law. Utility and communication services can be within a few feet of the ground’s surface. Even a small dent or a scrape can cause damage, resulting in a leak or service-wide disruptions.
Underground electrical service has several benefits. There are less power disruptions due to tree contact, wires are out of site and there are no utility poles to contend with locally. However, it’s important to use caution around associated underground infrastructure.
Our goal is to restore power as quickly as possible, but our priority is always to make sure we are not putting our employees or members of the public at risk while doing so. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and truck manufacturers state that utility workers cannot operate bucket trucks in elevated winds or adverse weather conditions. Poor weather conditions could cause an employee to come into contact with flying debris or lose control of materials or equipment they are handling, posing a risk to themselves and the public.
Prior to utilizing a bucket truck, a proper risk assessment is conducted to determine the hazards and the controls to be used. As soon as our crews are able to do so safely, rest assured we will be out in the field working on getting our customers back up and running.
The workplace is a hotbed for electricity interaction. Learn more about how you can protect yourself from a shock.