10 Electrical Safety Tips 

Spring has sprung. That means yard work, pool parties and trips to the local park. While most think of electrical safety as it relates to inside the home, it’s just as important when venturing outdoors.
 
“There are any number of potential electric safety risks outside the home,” said Randy Boles, a public safety consultant with APS. “Accidental electrical contact can mean injury, burns or even death. We ask all of our customers to take absolutely no chances with electricity.”

APS offers 10 tips to help you stay safe around electricity when outdoors this spring:

1. Never use electrical equipment or tools near a pool or other wet areas.

2. 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 using a long-handled pool-cleaning tool.

3. Call before digging. If you are beginning an outdoor project where digging is required, make certain you first determined the location of all underground facilities before you dig. In the Phoenix metropolitan area, call the Blue Stake Center at (602) 263-1100 (1-800-STAKE-IT state-wide) at least two working days before you dig. The service is free.

4. Have help installing antennas. Antennas can be installed safely if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use common sense. However, never get yourself, tools, materials and/or equipment closer than 10 feet from any overhead power lines.

5. Fly kites and model airplanes in open areas well away from trees and power lines. Never use any metallic material in your kite.

6. Inspect power tools and electric lawn mowers for frayed power cords, broken plugs and cracked or broken housings. If the product is damaged, stop using it and have it repaired immediately. All tools should be unplugged when not in use and stored in dry areas.

7. 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.

8. Do not plant vegetation or construct any permanent structures directly in front of underground electrical equipment devices. Not only are there numerous underground facilities located by these devices, APS employees need safe access to work on these devices during unplanned outages and routine maintenance.

9. Never use electric-powered mowers on wet grass. Use an extension cord designed for outdoor use and rated for the power needs of your mower.

10. Treat all electric lines with caution and respect. Even low-voltage electric lines and cords can be hazardous if damaged or improperly handled.