ST. OUIS – As spring projects get underway, Ameren is reminding customers to take extra precautions when using ladders, scissor lifts or other equipment near overhead power lines. Each year in the United States, ladder related incidents lead to more than 100 fatalities and thousands of injuries – many of them caused by accidental contact with energized electrical equipment.
With more homeowners trimming trees, cleaning gutters, repairing siding or installing outdoor fixtures this time of year, Ameren is encouraging customers to take a moment to assess their surroundings before starting work.
“Even routine tasks can become dangerous if a ladder or lift gets too close to a power line,” said Tommie Bugett, director of safety for Ameren. “A few simple safety checks can prevent life?threatening injuries and help keep the power flowing to you and your neighbors.”
Key Safety Tips for Ladders and Lifts:
Look up to identify all overhead power lines before beginning any project.
Tree branches or building features can hide electrical equipment. Always carry ladders horizontally and position them in a place where they cannot slip or be bumped into a line.
Maintain at least 10 feet of clearance from any overhead power line.
This includes ladders, tools and extended equipment. A simple rule: If a ladder were to fall, would it hit a power line? If yes, reposition it immediately.
Use the correct ladder for the job.
Fiberglass ladders are a safer option around electricity, while aluminum or wooden ladders – especially when wet or damaged – can conduct electricity.
Exercise caution when using a scissor lift or aerial lift.
Lift-related electrical incidents can happen quickly. Use a spotter whenever possible, keep the lift and all tools at least 10 feet from lines, and assume every line is energized.
Contact Ameren before working near your service drop.
If repairs or temporary work bring you close to the line connecting to your meter, Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois can assist with safety steps. These electrical facilities can be relocated, temporarily de-energized, or covered with temporary mechanical barriers (cover-up) to make the area as safe as possible.
Reminder for all spring projects
“Whether you’re trimming trees, putting up outdoor lighting or tackling a ladder job on the side of the house, staying aware of your surroundings is the most important step you can take,” Bugett said. “Keeping a safe distance from overhead power lines protects you, your family and your community.”
About Ameren Corporation
St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.5 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 67,700-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric generation, transmission and distribution services, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated regional electric transmission projects in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn.com/company/Ameren.
