'There's enough energy in that power line to kill you,' warns BC Hydro

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Yard work is part of the routine for homeowners once the weather gets nice. But BC Hydro has shared some revealing numbers, as you still need to keep yourself safe while getting those chores done.

A new report has found incidents of people making contact with power lines while clearing tree branches and other tasks is up 60 per cent in the last five years, according to Jonny Knowles with BC Hydro.

He says you need to stay at least three metres back from a power line.

“That’s typically the power line that extends from pole to pole. If you get too close to that power line and there’s some form of electrical contact, there’s enough energy in that power line to kill you,” he warns.

“If you imagine that you’re up against a tree — you’ve got a ladder leaning against it — you’ve got to assess three metres from where that branch will fall, not just your person,” he adds.

If that clipped branch falls and touches the power line, the current can still reach you.

Knowles emphasizes it’s important to take just a few extra minutes to be safe.

“Go into the backyard and create a plan. Just look around, see where the vegetation is. If it’s within three metres of power line and you want to trim it — that is your responsibility, but contact BC Hydro and ask for expert advice.”