Hydroexcavation is definitely a safer way of digging compared to traditional forms of excavation, but there is always that element of danger with any job and job site.
On Tuesday morning, a hydroexcavator operator working a job in Vaughan, Ontario, was killed when the truck’s boom made contact with a power line it was working under.
Police say the worker was still alive when emergency crews arrived on scene and was taken to the hospital in critical condition where he later died from his injuries.
Powerstream, a company that provides electrical services in the area, said the worker was doing an excavation when the truck boom made the contact with the lines. The company wasn’t sure if the truck operator was working on behalf of Powerstream or another business in the area.
Powerstream responded to the scene because it involved one of their wires. Once the boom made contact with the wire the power to the line was shut off immediately.
While it is safer to dig for utilities using hydroexcavators, operators should still be aware of all of their surroundings — what’s next to them, what’s above them and the traffic that may be around them.
Here are some simple tips to staying safe around power lines:
- Before you start work, be sure you and your co-workers know where all the power lines are, above and below the ground. Consider them energized and dangerous.
- Where necessary, arrange to have power lines insulated, de-energized or moved.
- Call for a cable-locate before you dig, to avoid contacting underground power lines.
- Keep at least 9 feet (3 meters) away from all power lines (or more, depending on the voltage).
- Have a signaler who can warn you when any part of the equipment nears a powerline. The signaler should stand several feet away form the vehicle in case an electrical contact does occur.
By keeping these tips in mind, you might be able to prevent a serious accident from happening to yourself or your crew members.
