Electric
El-1. Four Steps for Safe Demolition – This tip describes the steps that must be taken to ensure electric services are turned off and meters removed before demolition activities occur.
El-2. Overhead and Underground Safety Practices – This tip is an electric-only adaptation of the combo tip of the same name. It provides four simple practices for working safely near overhead power lines, and three safe digging practices useful for working near buried power lines and other utilities. (Note: SCE reference and phone number will need to be changed for other companies’ use.)
El-3. Trenchless Technology (electric only) – This tip is an electric-only adaptation of the combo tip of the same name. It explains how to work with the 811 call center to get locator marks more closely spaced for directional boring, how to use potholes to safely monitor the drill head, and specific safety tips for boring and back reaming. (Note: This tip references the 2-day notification timeframe in the SCE service area; this will need to be changed for other customers.)
El-4. Safe Digging Laws (Duke-only version; would need to be customized for others.) This tip summarizes the notification timeframes and pre-marking requirements for the six states in Duke Energy’s service area, and includes the online ticket entry URL for each state. It serves as a model that can be adapted to other companies and states.
El-5. Safely Exposing Buried Utilities – This tip explains why it is necessary to verify utility depth before using mechanized digging equipment. It also describes how to use a blunt shovel and lever it to remove and expose buried power lines and other utilities.
El-6. Overhead Safety Basics “BET” Yourself (Duke Energy only) – This tip help readers remember three important steps to take before working near power lines: create safety boundaries around power lines; examine the site; and train your crew.
El-7. If You Make Overhead Contact – This tip gives step-by-step instructions for responding safely to an overhead power line contact, including how to leave the equipment in case of fire or other imminent danger.
El-8. Overhead Power Line Clearances – This tip provides rules of thumb for determining proper clearances from overhead power lines. Includes tips for cranes and derricks in construction per November 2010 OSHA rule.
El-9. Basic Facts About Electricity – This tip explains circuits and conductors, how shock happens, and the effects on the body of contacting low-voltage and high-voltage energized circuits.
El-10. Are Overhead Power Lines Covered with Insulation? NO! – This tip explores the difference between weatherproofing meant to protect a service drop or power line from the elements, and insulation meant to protect people from electrical contact.
El-11. Extension Cord Safety – This tip covers how to use extension cords safely indoors and out, special precautions when using extension cords in wet areas, how to inspect them for damage, and what to do with a worn or damaged cord.
El-12. Power Tool Safety – This tip covers how to inspect power tools and their cords for damage before each use, how to use them safely indoors and out, and what to do with a power tool that shocks, sparks, or smokes.
El-13. Watch Out for Weatherheads! – This tip explains the structure and function of weatherheads and how to work safely around them.
El-14. Solar Power System Safety – This tip explains how to avoid shock from solar power installations and how to prevent damage to PV panels and related equipment. It also includes precautions for digging near the buried electric cables that carry power from ground-level solar arrays.
El-15. Avoid Wet-Weather Electrical Hazards – This tip provides response tips for power lines that come down in storms, including detailed steps for safely exiting a vehicle in contact with a downed wire. It also addresses working safely with power tools and extension cords in wet conditions.
El-16. Safe Hand-Digging Practices – This tip is an electric-only adaptation of the combo tip of the same name. It describes how to use a blunt shovel to expose buried utilities. It also explains why it is necessary to verify utility depth before using power digging equipment.
El-17. Working Safely After Storms – This tip provides guidelines for avoiding electrical hazards when working in stormy conditions or in storm-damaged areas. It covers generator safety, electrical hazards including flooded basements, and downed power lines.
Combo
Cmb-1. Four Steps for Safe Demolition – This tip describes the steps that must be taken to ensure electric and gas services are turned off and meters removed before demolition activities occur.
Cmb-2. Overhead and Underground Safety Practices – This tip provides four simple practices for working safely near overhead power lines, and four safe digging practices useful for working near any type of buried utilities.
Cmb-3. Trenchless Technology – This tip explains how to work with the 811 call center to get locator marks more closely spaced for directional boring, how to use potholes to safely monitor the drill head, and specific safety tips for boring and back reaming.
Cmb-4. Safe Digging Laws – This tip can be adapted for customers with one or more states in their service areas. It summarizes notification timeframes and pre-marking requirements and includes a link to the 811 service for online ticket entry.
Cmb-5. Understanding the Tolerance Zone – This tip explains what the Tolerance Zone is, and how it is calculated. It explains the importance of respecting this zone and hand digging within it to avoid damaging buried utilities.
Cmb-6. Safe Hand-Digging Practices – This tip describes how to use a blunt shovel and lever it to expose buried utilities. It also explains why it is necessary to verify utility depth before using power digging equipment.
Cmb-7. Working Safely After Storms – This tip provides guidelines for avoiding electric and gas utility hazards when working in stormy conditions or in storm-damaged areas. It covers generator safety; gas meter, vent and appliance safety; and electrical hazards including flooded basements and downed power lines.
Natural Gas
NG-1. If You Suspect a Natural Gas Leak – This tip focuses on natural gas leak response do’s and don’t’s specific to contractors and those operating heavy equipment. It includes tips for gas leaks suspected indoors as well as those from gas pipelines.
NG-2. Don’t Rely on Your Nose Alone – This tip explains that the distinctive odor of natural gas can fade in certain situations, and offers several other gas leak warning signs which involve other senses.
NG-3. Exposed Duke Energy Pipelines (Duke Energy only) – Tips for supporting and protecting gas and propane pipelines that are exposed by construction activities. NOTE: This tip is unique to Duke Energy and must be revised for use by other utilities.
NG-4. Natural Gas Pipeline Markers – This tip explains the function of natural gas transmission pipeline markers, how to recognize them, and why they should not be used as a substitute for calling 811. It also describes the hazards of damaging high-pressure gas pipelines, onsite supervision required for excavating near them, and the signs of a pipeline leak.
NG-5. Be Alert for Cross Bores – This tip explains cross bores: underground gas lines that intersect sewer lines. NOTE: This tip was developed for Xcel Energy, so much of the text reflects the specifics of the Xcel “Call Before You Clear” program. Repurposing the tip for other utilities will require significant customization.
NG-6. Safe Hand-Digging Practices – This tip is a gas-only adaptation of the combo tip of the same name. It describes how to use a blunt shovel and lever it to expose buried utilities. It also explains why it is necessary to verify utility depth before using power digging equipment.
NG-7. Working Safely After Storms – This tip provides guidelines for avoiding natural gas utility hazards when working in stormy conditions or in storm-damaged areas. It covers generator safety and gas meter, vent and appliance safety.