Streamline™, together with the FWC and ENA, reminds window cleaners across domestic and commercial sites to take extra care around overhead power lines (OHPLs), particularly when using water-fed poles, scaffolding, or ladders.

Staying Aware of Overhead Power Lines

When operating near overhead power lines, it’s essential to remain vigilant, particularly when using telescopic or water-fed poles. Follow these vital safety guidelines to protect yourself:

• Look Up and Stay Alert: Always check the area above you before beginning work. Watch for overhead electrical infrastructure, such as cables or power lines.
• Maintain Safe Clearance: Stay at least 5 metres away from power lines, including when using telescopic tools or equipment.
• Assume Lines Are Live: Treat all overhead lines as live, even if they seem inactive or unused.
• Ensure Visibility in Low Light: Use adequate lighting, such as spotlights, during poor weather conditions or at night to identify OHPLs clearly.
• Consult Local Power Network Operators: If you are uncertain about the presence or safety of overhead lines, seek advice from local electricity network operators.

If a person or object comes into contact with an overhead line, you must immediately move away from the area and maintain a distance of at least 5 metres. Avoid touching anything that is still in contact with, or close to, the electrical equipment to ensure your safety.

In an emergency dial your countries emergency number and notify them that electricity is involved.

Understanding Electrical Injuries: Types, Risks, and Safety Measures

Electricity can cause four primary types of injuries. In this guide, we’ll explain each type and offer practical advice on how to prevent them.

Burns Caused by Electricity

One of the most common injuries caused by electricity is burns. These can result from electrical short circuits, where an electrical arc generates heat, leading to surface or deep tissue burns depending on the energy released. Burns can also occur when electric current passes through the body, heating up tissues and causing both external and internal injuries. To avoid these situations, it’s essential to prevent any contact with live electricity. Here are some key safety tips:

• Inspect power cords: Always check extension leads and power cables for damage before use. If damaged, discard and replace them immediately.
• Qualified professionals only: Electrical work must only be carried out by qualified electricians who ensure equipment is made safe.
• Avoid high-voltage areas: Steer clear of high-voltage equipment, which should be clearly marked with ‘Danger of Death’ warning signs.
• Keep water away: Ensure water is kept well clear of any electrical conductors to prevent accidents.
• Do not touch live conductors: If you suspect someone has come into contact with live electrical conductors, do not attempt to touch them. Refer to the guidance provided at the end of this leaflet.

Electrical Shock

Another common type of electrical injury is electric shock, which happens when a person comes into contact with a source of electrical energy. Electric shocks can range from mild jolts to severe shocks, which in some cases may be life-threatening. These injuries often occur when using faulty electrical tools, damaged machinery, or when coming into contact with exposed power cords or conductors, such as those on overhead power lines. To minimise the risk of electric shock, follow these key precautions:

• Check equipment condition: Always ensure that machinery and tools are in proper working order, with no exposed wires or cracked insulation.
• Report damaged equipment: Never approach or use damaged electrical tools or equipment. Report the issue to a qualified professional for repair.
• Keep water away: Avoid using electrical tools or equipment near water, as this significantly increases the risk of electric shock.

Fatal Electrocution

Electrocution refers to death caused by electric shock. This happens when electrical current passes through the body, disrupting the heart’s rhythm and stopping it from beating properly. Alarmingly, this can occur even at low current levels.

To prevent electrocution, follow these essential safety measures:

• Keep your distance: Stay well away from overhead power lines, as any contact can be fatal.
• Leave electrical work to professionals: Only qualified electricians should handle wiring or electrical tasks. They must ensure the correct fuses, circuit breakers, and wiring are used during installations or repairs.
• Stop and seek advice: If there’s any risk of contact with electricity, stop immediately and get professional advice before proceeding.

Risk of Falls Due to Electricity

An electric shock can cause you to lose balance and fall, turning a minor incident into a serious workplace injury. To minimise this risk, follow these safety precautions:

• Keep your distance: Avoid working near electrical equipment when elevated, especially around overhead power lines. Before starting, assess the job and consider safer alternatives.
• Inspect your equipment: Always check that tools and equipment are in perfect working order before using them at height.
• Choose safe platforms: Use the most secure and appropriate ladder or scaffolding for the task to ensure stability and safety.

While working at height with water-fed or manual extension poles

Before beginning any task, always conduct a risk assessment by looking out for nearby overhead electrical assets and looking up to assess where you will be placing the pole. Carefully inspect the immediate area for any overhead electrical lines, wires, or cables.

To ensure safety:

• Prevent contact: Ensure extension poles are stable and cannot fall onto electrical conductors.
• Don’t assume: Never assume overhead wires are telephone lines; power lines on wooden poles can be mistaken for telecom cables.
• Check thoroughly: Look for mains power cables overhead and any wires running from houses to garages, sheds, or adjacent buildings.
• Avoid uncertainty: If you’re unsure about electrical hazards, stop work and avoid the area entirely.

Consider the Weather:

• Rain: Wet hands, feet, or equipment increase the risk of conducting electricity.
• High winds: Strong winds can destabilise poles, potentially causing them to make contact with nearby overhead electrical wires.

Qualified Personnel Only: Work at height involving electrical hazards must only be carried out by individuals with the necessary training, certification, and experience.

Using Carbon Fibre Poles for Gutter Cleaning

Alongside the general guidance for using water-fed and manual poles, the following precautions should always be observed when carrying out gutter cleaning:

• Use low-voltage or battery power: Opt for 110-volt systems or battery-powered equipment when operating a gutter vacuum (VAC).
• Inspect cords and equipment: Ensure all extension cords and equipment are in good condition and positioned safely out of your work area to avoid hazards.
• Avoid connecting extension leads: Never join multiple extension leads together, as this can increase the risk of electrical failure or accidents.
• Use an RCD (Residual Circuit Device): If using 230-volt power, always use an RCD and test it beforehand by pressing the ‘test’ button – it could save your life.
• Check wiring before use: Examine all electrical wires connected to your equipment for any damage or breakages before starting work.