Yard maintenance jobs like pruning shrubs and trees, trimming hedges or cutting down trees are among the situations most frequently linked to electrical accidents. Most of them are due to poor preparation and, sadly, could have been avoided.
Never less than three metres
No job is risk-free near power lines. Direct contact with a line can be fatal. Even without direct contact, being within three metres of a power line carries serious risks. Electricity can arc or 'jump' through the air and hit you or your tools—even if you're not touching a power line.
If anything—tools, a ladder, a branch or your body—is liable to come within three metres of a power line, stop! Don't attempt to do the work yourself. The only people who can safely work in this danger zone are trained professionals authorized by Hydro‑Québec . This is a legal obligation and a safety measure that might just save your life.
What's an electric arc?
Just like when you rub your feet on a carpet to give someone a shock, electricity can form an arc without direct contact. Arcs on medium‑voltage power lines can be deadly.
Four steps to working safely
Step 1 – Choose the right moment.
Make sure you work only when it's safe to do so. Never underestimate the impact of wind. A mere gust could knock you off balance, throw off your movements or cause a falling branch to change direction.
Water is also frighteningly efficient at conducting electricity. Avoid working during periods of high humidity or after a rainstorm.
Step 2 – Locate the lines.
Wires can run discreetly along buildings or between branches, or blend into the foliage. Before starting any job, begin by carefully observing the work area from the ground. Check every angle to make sure you can maintain a safe distance—at least three metres—from any electrical wires. And never use a tape measure.
Step 3 – Anticipate your actions and their effects.
Before you start pruning, cutting or felling, visualize your movements—taking into account the length of your tools—to make sure you stay at least three metres away from the lines. A hasty movement could cost you your life!
Also consider how the branches will fall:
- Where do you expect your cuttings to land?
- Could they bounce, slide or hit a dangerous power line?
- Could the wind blow them off course?
Step 4 – Use the appropriate tools.
Working safely also involves your choice of tools:
- Never use uninsulated metallic tools.
- Use tools that are dry, short and easy to handle.
- Use ladders made of non‑conductive materials, such as fiberglass or wood, especially when the ground is wet.
- Never climb an unstable structure.
When in doubt, ask.
Even a minor trimming operation near a power line can be risky. One hasty or miscalculated action can have serious consequences. If in any doubt, call a certified tree specialist.
Do you suspect a potential hazard involving vegetation near power lines? Answer these questions to determine your best course of action.
