Safety around electricity - should be highest priority

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Especially around electricity

Safety is an important priority at SECO Energy. Our Line Technicians wear protective gear when working around power lines and use equipment designed specifically for working with electricity. However, playing it safe applies everyone, not just utility workers. Power lines carry electricity, a commodity that powers our appliances and tools, heats and cools our homes and work places, and lights our way. Electricity is a powerful tool; however, electric energy can burn, injure -- even kill unless you respect it and exercise caution when working around it.

A few safety tips:

Always be aware of potential hazards wherever you may be working.
Always consider all overhead lines to be live and dangerous no matter how they look.
When you see this sign stay away. Learn to look for potential hazards and do not play near substations or underground transformers.
Keep objects at least 10 feet away from power lines.
Before you buy or install a generator, read this important information!
Survey the job site carefully before work begins and look for potential safety problems.
If you are in an automobile accident and there are electrical wires nearby, wait inside the vehicle for help.
Stay away from any power lines or electrical wires that may have fallen down. Always consider wires to be live and dangerous.
Unplug appliances before cleaning or servicing them.
Repair or replace frayed cords and never run cords under rugs or around sharp corners.
If an appliance smokes, sparks, shocks you or doesn't seem to be operating normally, stop using it immediately. Have it
repaired before attempting to use it again.
Never touch a person that is being shocked by electricity.

Teach children to respect electricity:

Never climb trees around electrical wires.
Never touch outdoor wires with any part of your body, toys, or other objects.
If flying a kite, model airplane or balloons be certain to keep a safe distance from all electrical poles and wires.
Do not enter, or play near substations, or underground transformers.

Wherever you go, or whatever you do -- do it safely:

Following a storm, drive carefully, watch for downed or dangling electric wires, undermined roads and flooded spots.
Wear a helmet when you cycle. It's the law in most Florida counties for children under the age of 16. But it's a safe practice for everyone.
Make sure there's always someone in charge of grills and campfires.

Page last updated: Friday, July 25, 2008