Why Powerlines Are So Dangerous
Powerlines carry extremely high voltages and can cause serious or fatal injuries in a fraction of a second. One of the most dangerous features of electricity is that you do not need to touch a powerline to be harmed.
Electrical Arcing
Electricity can arc through the air, especially at higher voltages. This means it can jump from the powerline to a nearby person, tool, vehicle, or piece of machinery. The distance it can arc depends on the voltage, but even a close approach can be enough for electricity to find a path to the ground through you.
Misleading Appearances
Overhead powerlines may look harmless and even appear insulated. However, many are not insulated, and even those coated in weatherproofing should always be treated as live and extremely dangerous.
Weather conditions, such as humidity and wind, can increase the risk of arcing and make powerlines even more unpredictable.
Serious Consequences
Coming into contact with a powerline—either directly or through arcing—can cause:
- Severe burns
- Heart failure
- Loss of limbs
- Explosions and fires
- Instant fatality
Even if the shock is not fatal, it can lead to long-term injuries and trauma.
Large Equipment at Risk
Large machinery such as cranes, MEWPs, telehandlers, and agricultural equipment are especially vulnerable due to their extended reach and height. Operators must take extreme care when working near overhead lines.
Underground Cables
Buried cables are equally dangerous. Striking a cable during digging or groundwork can result in:
- Explosions
- Severe burns
- Electric shock
These incidents are often caused by failing to check for buried services before starting excavation.
