Re: Call Miss Utility !!!
This is kind of off topic but since were kind of on topic(yea I said it ok) I'll mention it. It may save someones life.
If your ever digging, or working around high voltage for that matter and hit a power line and see sparks STOP and wait.(seems obvious I know but please read on). Normally the breaker at the substation will detect the short and trip. HOWEVER most will automatically reset ONCE or twice before fully tripping.
The purpose of this is so if a branch or something falls across a High Transmission line and creates a short for a second two, the breaker will reset in hopes that the short has either fallen off or burnt off the line, thus contuning service.
This is important because if your on a piece of machinary and a line is struck either above or below ground and starts to spark, when the sparks stop you may assume it's safe and attempt to get off the equipment. If you survived striking the line you weren't grounded and thus safe, chances are when you go to get off the machine your going to grab metal, thus grounding yourself, when the breaker automatically resets you'll be fried.
SO JUST STOP AND WAIT A MINUTE TO ASSES THE SITUATION. If you didn't get zapped, your safe(r) for the time being.
Also did you know if your in the area of a power line coming down (like striking a power pole in a accident) when you leave the immediate area(within say 75 ft.) you should hop like a bunny with your feet together?
Why?
Good question. With the power line on the ground it has closed the circuit to ground. As we know from lightening and school, electricity always takes the path of least resistance to ground. There is a chance if you walk away, the amount of distance in your stride(distance between your feet) could create a difference of resistance that is lower to your foot further away from the power line, to that of the ground of the foot nearest downed line. Basically your body would create a easier path to ground by going up one leg and down the other. Hopping like a bunny virtually eliminates this possability.
What the hell, I've all ready written a novel and sound like a bad safety video you have yo sit through at work, why not one more.
If you get shocked through the chest(up one arm and down the other) GO TO THE HOSPITAL AND GET CHECKED OUT, even if it was only 110volts. The electrical impulse traveling from one arm to the other goes right across your chest and your heart. This can cause a abnormal heart beat, that can easily be masked and symptoms covered by the adrenalin rush. You'll feel fine because the adrenalin is causing your heart to pump harder, as the adrenalin wears off, your heart because it's not pumping correctly with weaken and you'll drop from cardiac arrest. This has been known to happen hours after the injury.
Bottom line, just be careful and when working with electricity turn it off if you can.
Ok I'm done boring you now, but maybe one day this information can save your life.
Bill
