APS Urges Worker Safety Near Power Lines
Recent Forklift Incidents Tragic Reminder of Electricity’s Danger

September 8, 2009

Forklift, crane and other aerial equipment operators whose work may bring them or their equipment near power lines are urged to exercise extreme caution in light of two recent incidents.

On Aug. 31, a worker was injured at a Phoenix construction site after the forklift he was operating came into contact with an overhead electrical line. According to news reports, the worker was hospitalized with burns to his arms.

Unfortunately, contact with a power line also can be deadly. Last month in Nashville, Tenn., a man was killed when the forklift he was operating came into contact with an overhead line. According to a news report, the man was using a forklift to place a large tarp into a dumpster when it came into contact with the power line. The worker was electrocuted when he left the vehicle while the forklift was still touching the line.

"These are both tragic accidents that didn't have to happen," said Edmund Ramirez, a senior public safety consultant for APS. "Electricity is extremely unforgiving, and severe injury or even death can be the result of a single accidental contact. We implore everyone to take extreme caution near any electrical equipment."

To ensure those working near overhead power lines remain safe, APS issues the following five tips:

1. Look up. Be aware of overhead power lines. Always look up for the location of power lines when carrying or setting up a ladder or maneuvering forklifts, cranes and other equipment. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration requires a 10-foot working clearance on equipment that carry up to 50,000 volts.
   
   
2. Have help when venturing on a ladder or rooftop. Never get yourself, tools, materials and/or equipment closer than 10 feet from any overhead power lines.
   
   
3. Use caution when trimming trees. Before attempting any tree pruning, look for overhead power lines that may be near and/or hidden by the tree foliage. If there are any concerns with overhead power lines and trees on your property, contact APS prior to attempting any tree work.
   
   
4. If a power line contacts your car while you're in it, stay in the vehicle. Try to attract help by blowing the horn and remain calmly in the vehicle until help arrives. Keep others away and call 911. If you must leave, jump and land with both feet together, being careful not to touch the vehicle and ground at the same time.
   
   
5. Treat all electric lines with caution and respect. Even low-voltage electric lines and cords can be hazardous if damaged or improperly handled.

More information on public safety can be found at aps.com. Any questions can be directed to APS at (602) 371-7171 in the Phoenix metro area, or (800) 253-9405 outside metro-Phoenix.

APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves about 1.1 million customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW)

Damon Gross
(602) 250-2269