| New Jersey communities pay dearly when overhead electric lines are damaged. Damage to overhead utility lines can result in costly delays, environmental damage, liability, personal injury and even loss of life. In addition to interrupting resident’s utility service, these damages can cause traffic disruptions, downed wires and costly property damage. The type of response needed can put a very real drain on a municipality’s emergency resources.
By partnering with PSE&G to raise awareness of damage prevention and the dangers of working near electricity, you can prevent emergencies. Join PSE&G in making electric and gas safety a priority. The cost of inaction is just too great.
These damages can be avoided. Stressing the importance of knowing overhead hazards and keeping at least 10-feet from these lines is critical. Your participation in PSE&G’s partnership for high voltage contact prevention can help. Together, we can teach those who operate cranes, lift trucks, dump trucks, use ladders, build scoffing or work with equipment that can come close to overhead lines -- whether they are homeowners, private contractors or DPW crews -- the importance of looking up and keeping a safe working distance from overhead electric lines.
Minimum Electric Clearance Distances:
We encourage you to read the law and Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) regulations - OSHA Web site. The best approach is to keep at least 50-feet from overhead electric lines.
You can request the materials from OSHA to help promote high voltage line avoidance awareness in your area. The material is free:
Useful Links
Construction Site Electric Emergencies
If equipment contacts or is too close to a power Line:
- Do not touch the equipment or anything in contact with the energized equipment and keep at least 30 feet away. Keep non-emergency personnel at least 300 feet away (two full pole spans away).
- Have the equipment operator stay on the equipment until the electric line is de-energized and the utility advises that it’s safe to get off.
- If the operator can do so safely, have them move the equipment away from the line. Be careful of the electric wire / equipment falling.
- If fire or other danger forces the equipment operator off, have them jump clear without touching the ground and the equipment at the same time. Instruct them to shuffle or hop away, keeping their feet together, for at least 30 feet away from the energized equipment.
- Warn others to stay away. Anyone on the ground who touches or comes too close to the equipment may be injured or killed. If someone has contacted the equipment do not attempt a rescue until the electric has been de-energized.
- Call 911 and PSE&G right away.
If someone contacts a power line. Do not touch the person, their tools, or their equipment. Stay away, warn others to stay away, and call 911 and PSE&G immediately.
If you see a downed line stay away, warn others to stay away, and call PSE&G immediately at 1-800-436-7734. Downed lines can be dangerous even if they do not spark or hum.
If an underground electric line is contacted and a gas line is leaking:
Have the equipment operator leave the equipment, jumping clear and shuffling or hop away (for at least 30 feet), without turning off engines or generators. Leave the area quickly and warn others to stay away. Do not operate any underground gas pipeline valves. Call 911 and PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734.
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