Electrical Hazards and Utility Line Safety Flashcards

A co-worker is receiving an electrical shock and remains in contact with an energized source. The correct immediate action is to:

Answer: Do NOT touch the worker; de-energize the source or use a non-conductive object to separate them from the conductor

Touching a worker still in contact with an energized source will also electrocute the rescuer; the source must be de-energized or a dry, non-conductive object used to break contact first.

After a worker receives an electrical shock and reports feeling unharmed, the supervisor should:

Answer: Have the worker evaluated by medical personnel, as delayed cardiac arrhythmia can occur hours after shock

Electrical current can cause delayed cardiac arrhythmias, internal burns, and neurological effects that may not be immediately apparent, making prompt medical evaluation mandatory.

Which condition significantly increases the electrical conductivity of a tree and elevates the hazard when working near energized conductors?

Answer: Moisture from rain, dew, or active sap flow

Moisture dramatically lowers the resistance of wood and bark, making a wet tree a far more efficient conductor of electricity than a dry one.

An 'arc flash' hazard in electrical safety is best described as:

Answer: An explosive release of energy from an electrical arc producing intense heat, light, pressure, and molten metal

Arc flash releases tremendous energy in milliseconds, generating temperatures that can exceed 35,000°F and causing severe burns, blast injuries, and hearing damage.

Rubber insulating PPE (gloves, blankets, sleeves) used near energized conductors must be:

Answer: Inspected before each use and tested at intervals specified by applicable standards

Rubber insulating equipment must be visually inspected before every use for cuts, punctures, or ozone deterioration, and electrically tested at regular intervals per ASTM and OSHA requirements.

When a power line falls to the ground and a worker must move away from it, the correct escape technique is to:

Answer: Shuffle away with small steps, keeping feet as close together as possible to minimize step potential

Shuffling with feet together minimizes the distance between foot contact points, keeping the voltage difference (step potential) between feet as small as possible and reducing shock risk.

A tree crew notices that overhead conductors in their work zone are uninsulated and covered only by a gray plastic coating. The crew should assume these conductors are:

Answer: Energized and potentially at full line voltage — the covering is weather protection, not electrical insulation

The gray plastic jacket on overhead conductors is a weatherproof covering, not true electrical insulation; these lines must be treated as fully energized at line voltage until the utility confirms otherwise.